Emerging Majors
January 18, 2012
Today, students often hear the following career advice: “follow your passion!” The thought behind this is that if you do what you love, your job won’t feel like “work.” And because you’re passionate about it, you won’t mind putting in all the required hours for possibly low pay.
If you are lucky enough to have discovered your passion during high school, then by all means think about how you can turn that passion into a career. For example, if you love to cook, consider all of the different ways cooking can become a profession: chef, restaurateur, personal chef, caterer, food critic; as you can see, the list goes on and on. Stepping back from your ultimate goal, your next step would be to consider what types of education you will need. For instance, if you want to be the chef/owner of a restaurant, in addition to cooking classes, you will need business and marketing skills as well as general accounting. So, for an undergraduate major, you probably will be interested in business. Although being a business major sounds worlds apart from being a chef, by employing this reasoning, you can see why it would stand you in very good stead.
If, however, you haven’t yet found your “passion,” you may be wondering how to begin selecting a major. You can work backwards, so to speak. Begin by selecting a job in a projected growing field and then choose your major based upon your career goal. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over one-half of the occupations with the fastest growth are in the medical field. This is not to say that you should be a doctor – many different occupations comprise this field, including biomedical engineers, home health aides, personal/home care aides, medical scientists, physician’s assistants, skin care specialists, biochemists and biophysicists, athletic trainers, physical therapist aides, dental hygienists, veterinary technologists and technicians, dental assistants, medical assistants, physical therapist assistants and veterinarians to name a few. Other careers that are projected to be in high demand in the coming years are network systems and data communications analysts, financial examiners, computer software engineers/applications, self-enrichment education teachers and compliance officers (except agriculture, construction, health and safety and transportation). Of course, nurses, auditors/bookkeepers/accountants and teachers always are in demand. For more information about growing industries, go to the Department of Labor’s website.
One word of caution about college majors, however. The most valuable asset that you derive from college is an ability to think, reason and research. These traits will serve you well no matter your chosen profession. In the podcast series “Ear on Careers,” many of the professionals interviewed tell the same story: their success in their career is unrelated to their college major. For example, a hospital president was an engineering major; a magazine publisher was a biology and math major; a lawyer was a psychology major; and a federal agent was a communications major, just to name a few. To listen to this podcast series, go to www.EarOnCareers.com.
5 Tips to Get High School Juniors Ready For College
November 30, 2011
Even though you are not yet through the first half of your junior year in high school, college will be here before you know it! Ask your Senior friends who already have, or are finishing, applying to schools at this very moment. Bet they can’t believe they only have a few months left in high school!
NOW is the time to take stock and start preparing for college. As a Junior, here are 5 tips to help pave the way for your college application process:
(1) Take your SAT, SAT 2’s and/or ACT tests. Plan to have all of these tests completed by the end of this year. Start your prep course (online, in-person, or simply by yourself) this month, or no later than January. This way, you will have ample time to take your first SAT or ACT in the spring, and retake your better test (i.e., the one you scored higher on) in May or June. Your goal is not to have to spend any time in your Senior year taking these tests, as waiting for your results will only slow you down. For more information about the difference between the ACT and SAT, check out our podcast; for even more info about all of the tests, listen to this podcast; and for help comparing your SAT and ACT scores, read this post.
(2) Start working on your college list. In order to develop a college list, you will need to know your GPA, class rank, SAT/ACT scores, your academic interests, the geographic location you want, and so much more. Even if you don’t have all this information at your fingertips right now, you can create a list of colleges that offer majors you are interested in, in locations of interest. Take the time now to start exploring college websites. Write down the colleges that interest you, and make arrangements to visit the campuses (if possible). Many families will high school Juniors will set aside Spring Break to tour the various schools of interest. In this competitive environment, it is more important than ever to take the time to visit campuses, so start planning now. For great info about how to create a college list, listen to our podcast.
(3) Keep your grades up. With college on your mind, now is the time to shine academically in high school. If your grades haven’t been stellar to date, apply yourself now and then write your personal statement about how you realized school is important and you rededicated yourself to your studies! Your goal is to put your best foot forward and show college admissions officers that you have what it takes to do well at their school. Also, all college applications require letters of recommendation, and doing well in a class is a sure way to be noticed by your teachers – who will remember you when they write your stellar recommendation letter!
(4) Make sure you are involved. One thing that college admissions officers love to see are extracurricular activities. Not a lot of them, just a few to which you are deeply committed. They don’t have to be offered by your high school either, as volunteer work or activities outside your school also are viewed very favorably. What isn’t smiled upon as much? Activities that all of a start in your senior year, as they obviously are being joined for application purposes! So, participate now and reap the benefits! For more tips about activities to join, listen to our podcast.
(5) Create an academic resume. In addition to your application, personal statement and other documents required for college admissions, we strongly urge our college counseling students to prepare an academic resume. This is like an employment resume, but lists your achievements in high school (or even prior). Time to toot your own horn! This document also will be handy to provide to your guidance counselor and teachers who will be providing you with letters of recommendation. To learn more about creating an academic resume, listen to our podcast.
What do you think about these tips? Have any others you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!
Top 10 Questions To Ask College Freshmen
November 22, 2011
With Thanksgiving just days away, many college freshmen are returning home for the first time since they started college. As a high school junior or senior, this is your chance to ask the questions that don’t seem to be answered in any college brochure or websites!
Here is a Top 10 List of questions you might want to answer your newly-minted college friends and family:
(10) How is college different from high school?
(9) Do you find your professors to be accessible during and after class?
(8) What surprises you most about college?
(7) Why did you apply to the college you are attending? Do you think that was a good reason?
(6) What is dorm life like?
(5) How is the food?
(4) What do you miss the most about home and/or high school?
(3) Was it difficult making new friends?
(2) What activities are you involved in at college?
And the #1 Question to ask college freshmen: What advice do you have for me as I start creating a college list and applying to colleges?
We hope this list gets you started in a conversation with your college friends and relatives that will enable you to apply to colleges with more confidence!
What the Pre-Halloween Blizzard Taught Us
November 8, 2011
Here in West Orange, New Jersey, we are shocked to see a snowflake fall before Thanksgiving. Any accumulating snow before Christmas is considered highly implausible. After all, this is New Jersey – home of the Jersey Shore – and not Maine or Colorado!
Too bad no one told Mother Nature. On October 29, 2011, the Saturday before Halloween, we were clobbered with at least 8 inches of heavy, wet snow. Mind you, the week before, it was nearly 70 degrees outside, and the trees were just starting to turn. This
Photo courtesy of Robert Allen
“perfect storm” set the stage for an unprecedented Nor’easter in our “neck of the woods” (as Al Roker likes to say).
In West Orange and surrounding communities, thousands were without power for days. Trees and tree limbs lined all of the streets, and even went through some roofs and cars. Schools were closed through Wednesday. Even Trick-or-Treat night was rescheduled!
Thankfully, while people were displaced, discomforted and/or delayed, no one was hurt here (that I’m aware of). Residents relocated to area hotels with generators to keep warm, moved food from their refrigerators to neighbors’ with power, and relied on area Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to the internet.
Now that we are getting back to normal finally, what did we learn about this highly unanticipated and unwelcome snowfall in October? Mind you, this all occurred right before the Early Action/Early Decision deadlines for most colleges! Here is some of what we learned:
- Give yourself some time with the deadlines. Try to be finished at least 1 week ahead – after all, you never know when a freak snowstorm will hit!
- Be organized. In case you need to leave your home in a hurry, or just need to pack up to go to the library, it’s always easier to have all of your materials in one designated place. If you’re preparing for the SAT or ACT, keep your registration ticket, pencils, calculator and study guides in one pile. Creating your college list? Another pile!
- Have back-ups! Your personal essay should be on at least two different computers, or the cloud. If something should happen to your laptop, like your little sister spilling water on it, you don’t want to lose all of your hard work.
- Be flexible. If a natural disaster happens, realize that it’s most important to make sure your family is safe. As soon as you are able, contact the “powers that be” to see if anything can be rescheduled. For example, last spring when New Jersey was suffering with flooding, the ACT was postponed for a couple of weeks. Remember, if Mother Nature has impacted your ability to travel, many others are probably in the same boat and accommodations may be made.
What other tricks have you used to handle bad weather? We’d love to hear from you!
The Rise Of The Wait List (Part II)
October 31, 2011
In our previous post, we reviewed some startling statistics regarding colleges’ increasing use of Wait Lists and offered possible reasons for their increase. In this post, we are going to explore what happens to students who receive a “maybe.” To read Part I in this series, click here.
“Wait lists are becoming the Wild West of the admissions process,” said John Talmage, director of college counseling at St. Paul’s School in Maryland, who recently brought a resolution regarding Wait Lists before the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), as reported in Inside Higher Ed. “There are basically no rules there,” Mr. Talmage is reported as saying.
Exactly what is happening when students are placed on a Wait List? What prompted Mr. Talmage to bring the resolution to the NACAC? Inside Higher Ed reports that he said he was motivated to bring forward the resolution after an incident involving one of the students he counseled. The student was placed on the wait list at his first-choice college, and told in May that the university would no longer accept anyone from the wait list. Consequently, the student accepted an offer from another college – only to get a call from his first choice at 9:30 a.m. one day in June, telling him he had until noon that day to make a decision. Such impossibly short deadlines are not uncommon when a student is accepted off a Wait List.
In other cases, students are admitted off several wait lists in succession, losing enrollment deposits at each successive institution. Sometimes the stories involve institutions pumping up their yield numbers by placing a large number of students on wait lists and then only selecting students they know will enroll. Other times they revolve around need-blind institutions no longer ignoring need once they start accepting from the Wait List.
NACAC’s Assembly voted for a formal study, which will promulgate Best Practices. The results of the study are expected to be delivered in October 2012.
In the meantime, what is an applicant and family to do when a college says “maybe”? Mike Rivera, co-founder and college counselor here at Top-Tier, recommends the following:
- Decide Whether You Want To Remain On The Wait List. You have the option of declining to stay on the Wait List. If the school is not your #1 college, Mike recommends against staying on it. “If the college is not your first choice, take yourself out of the competition to allow a possible slot for a student for whom the college is their dream school,” he says.
- Go Over Your Notes – Or Revisit – The College(s) At Which You Were Accepted. Try to put your wait-listed college out of your mind, and take another look at the universities that said “yes” to you. Revisit the campus, talk with students, review the course offerings. You may be surprised that you no longer are interested in a school that thinks of you as a “maybe.”
- Review Deposit Guidelines. If you choose to stay on the wait list, make a back-up plan. Select a college that accepted you, at which you will be happy to attend, and review their deposit guidelines. If you change your mind and decide not to go there, what is their refund policy? How much tuition will be forfeited after a certain date? After all, college is a financial commitment too. If your family will lose $10,000 after June 15th, then decide that if you don’t hear back from your “maybe” school by that date, that you will remove yourself from the Wait List and end your torture.
- Put Your Best Foot Forward. If you decide to stay on the wait list, you should contact the Admissions Department to find out if and how high you are ranked on it. Also, find out if any conditions are attached, such as reduced financial aid or campus housing. Consider writing a letter to the Admissions Officer explaining why you are a good fit for the school, what courses are of interest to you, and outlining anything that may have occurred post-application (i.e., you received an award). Request an interview, which will give you the opportunity to shine in person.
- There’s Always The Transfer Option. Just because you decide that your “maybe” school isn’t right for you, that doesn’t mean that you cannot reapply after your freshman year in college, if you still want to go there. By declining a Wait List position, you are not closing the door on the college forever. However, be prepared that you may fall in love with your college and not look back!
What are your stories about being Wait Listed? How did you handle it? We’d love to hear from you!
Ear on Careers – Dr. Joshua Lachowicz, Veterinarian
October 17, 2011
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Dr. Joshua Lachowicz, who is a veterinarian who specializes in oncology.
Dr. Joshua Lachowicz, Veterinarian
Dr. Josh received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a major in Biology. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Dr. Josh completed his internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Long Island Veterinary Specialists in Plainview, New York, and his residency at the Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center in Norwalk, CT. Dr. Josh is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (oncology specialty). He currently works with four-legged patients at BluePearl Veterinary Partners LLC, formerly NYC Veterinary Specialists.
Listen as Dr. Josh describes what he does as a Veterinary Oncologist, noting that caring for the human parents’ emotional needs is as important as treating the pet. He offers our listeners a glimpse into a “typical” day as a vet. He also shares his favorite stories, gives insights into what surprises him the most in the field and offers wonderful tips for those listeners who want to become a veterinarian. We hope this podcast gives you a feel of what it is like to work in the very rewarding field of veterinary medicine!
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
SAT and ACT Scores – Comparing Apples to Apples
October 10, 2011
At Top-Tier Tutoring, we always tell our new standardized test prep clients that they should take both the SAT and ACT once, and then retake the one on which they scored better. They study primarily for the SAT, take it, study for the ACT and then take that exam. Then they get their scores for both and ask us to interpret them – how to tell which one they did better on other than their gut feelings about which test they preferred.
At first glance, this seems to be a tricky proposition. The SAT is based on a 2400 point scale, with 800 being the perfect score in each of the 3 sections (math, critical reading, writing). The ACT, on the other hand, gives a composite score based on a 36 point scale, with 36 being the perfect score in each of the 5 sections (English, math, reading, science, writing). So, unless you receive a 2400 or a 36, how do you translate the scores?
The answer is simple: a Concordance Table. OK, “concordance” is an SAT word, meaning “similarity or agreement between two or more things” (thank you, Encarta Dictionary). If you google “concordance table” you will see numerous results. The ACT has a handy one here.
So, for example, assume that Jane (not her real name) took both the SAT and ACT and scored 2080 and 28, respectively. According to the Concordance Table, her ACT composite score is the equivalent of 1860-1910 on the SAT. Therefore, she performed better on the SAT and, if she wants, will retake only that exam.
As another example, Jack (not his real name) also took both the SAT and ACT, scoring 1520 and 24, respectively. The Concordance Table shows that his ACT composite score is equal to approximately 1620-1670 on the SAT. He, clearly, scored higher on the ACT and will retake only that test.
We hope this post helps you to compare “apples to apples” between your SAT and ACT scores (and taught you a new vocab word in the process)!
Private School College Education at Public School Rates
October 5, 2011
Three distinct phases exist in the world of college applications. First, taking the SAT or ACT. Second, filling out college applications. Third, submitting the FAFSA for financial aid. Then comes the hoping, dreaming, anxiety, stress while awaiting the colleges’ decisions. Denials, while bitterly disappointing, are swift. Acceptances, on the other hand, come in two-steps: the actual college acceptance and then the financial aid package. Many decisions about where to enroll hang in the balance of the latter.
In one brilliant move, Seton Hall University has removed a majority of the financial burden aspect of college acceptances for highly qualified applicants. In an unprecedented decision, Seton Hall is offering nearly a two-third discount off its tuition to members of the Class of 2012. The over $21,000 discount makes this private school education comparable in price to the public Rutgers University for New Jersey residents, and much cheaper than Rutgers for non-New Jersey residents.
Recognizing the current tough economic times, Seton Hall’s President, Dr. Gabriel Esteban, states: “This initiative reflects Seton Hall’s commitment to serving our community and putting a high quality, personalized education within reach of more students and their families. In this way we make a first-class, private Catholic college experience as affordable and accessible to students as a public university, with the added benefits of smaller classes, close mentoring faculty relationships and a 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio.”
The fine print? The discounted tuition will be available to applicants who either have a minimum of a 27 ACT composite score or a combined 1200 on the SAT (Critical Reading + Math), with not less than 550 on either SAT section. In addition, the applicant must be in the top 10% of his/her high school class. Applications must be received by Seton Hall by its December 15, 2011 Early Action deadline; however, no special application need be filed – if you meet the qualifications, you’re automatically eligible for the discounted tuition! In addition, still file your FAFSA, as you could qualify for financial aid. This tuition rate will apply for all four years of schooling.
Seton Hall also has some other terms and conditions that must be met in order to qualify for the discounted tuition. For much more information, click here to go to the website.
If you’re looking for help with the college application process, Top-Tier can help you! Just send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
SAT and ACT – What do the 2011 Results Mean?
October 3, 2011
In recent blog posts, we gave information about the scores earned on both the SAT® and ACT® by the Graduating Class of 2011, nationwide and in New Jersey. In this post, we are attempting to assimilate this data and offer instructive advice for students (and parents) who will be taking these tests in the future. To read our post about the SAT scores, click here; for our post about the ACT results, click here.
From the recent results released by both the College Board (who administers the SAT) and the ACT, it is clear that nearly equal number of students are now sitting for both tests: 1.65 million students took the SAT, while 1.62 million took the ACT. No data was reported as to how many students took both tests, which is commonly done. In point of fact, at Top-Tier Tutoring, we recommend that a student take both tests and then retake the test on which s/he performed better.
What it comes down to is how well an individual student scores on the test as s/he wants to put the best foot forward to colleges. Conversion tables easily can be found on Google in order to compare apples to apples. It has been our experience that approximately 75% of our students score higher on the ACT when the conversion table is applied. For example, Student A took the SAT receiving a total 1390 points, and that same Student A took the ACT, and received a composite score of 22 points. According to the Conversion Table, Student A’s ACT score of is equivalent to 1530 points on the SAT. Therefore, when Student A applies to colleges, only the ACT score will be submitted.
Clearly, New Jersey students are not availing themselves of the ACT. According to the ACT report, only 19% of the Class of 2011 took the ACT here, versus 49% nationally. Moreover, New Jersey’s rate of increase in test-takers was only 1.8% from 2010, versus 86.8% nationally. Yet, New Jersey ranked #6 in the nation for its average composite score. Why is the ACT lagging here in New Jersey? Primarily it is because the parents of the students are unaware of the ACT, or believe it is not accepted or weighed equally with the ACT at all colleges. This simply is untrue, and it is this thought process that actually is hindering NJ high schoolers today! As stated above, the SAT and ACT scores are weighed equally by colleges, so it is very important for the student to be exposed to both and then take the one that better suits his or her test-taking abilities. There simply is no room for bias against the ACT in the competitive college application world.
As we have said before, the SAT and ACT are standardized college admissions exams, utilized by colleges as one way to determine whether to accept an applicant. However, the methodology and philosophy behind each exam is markedly different. As a brief overview, the SAT is based upon an IQ Test, and is designed to challenge a student’s thought process. The ACT is an achievement test, and seeks to identify what the student has learned. Traditionally, the SAT was widely recognized on the East and West Coasts, while the ACT was taken by more Midwest students. Nowadays, however, both tests are accepted equally at all colleges and universities. For more information about the differences between the two tests, listen to our podcast.
ACT Results for 2011 Grads
September 27, 2011
In this 2nd part of our series about the results of the ACT® and SAT®, we’re focusing on the ACT results for the Graduating Class of 2011. If you are looking for information about the SAT, click here for our previous post.
Nationally, 1.62 million students – 49% of graduates – took the ACT in 2011, which is an increase from the nearly 1.6 million students who sat for the ACT in 2010 (47% of graduates). The national average composite score for the ACT in 2011 was 21.1 (out of a perfect 36). The ACT has four main sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. The breakdown for each of these sections was 20.6, 21.1, 21.3 and 20.9, respectively, for 2011. These scores represent and overall increase in the ACT scores over the 2010 results, for which the national average was 21; the section averages were English 20.5, Math 21, Reading 21.3 and Science 20.9.
How do New Jersey students compare? Well, only 19% of graduates took the test in 2011 (up from 17% in 2010). But, the results are impressive: the NJ average composite score was 23.2, over 2 points above the national average! NJ students scored better than the national average in every section too: English – 23.1, Math 23.7, Reading 23.3 and Science 22.4. New Jersey ranked #6 in the nation for average composite score, trailing only Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Maine (in that order). These results are that same as the New Jersey 2010 ranking and scores, with the only changes being a 0.1 point increase in each of the Math and Reading section in 2011. Of note, from 2007–2011, the number of ACT test-taking graduates has increased by 86.8% nationally, while the number of graduates taking the ACT in New Jersey has increased by 1.8% only.
The ACT was the first to introduce a “benchmark score” in 2006 (adopted by the SAT this year). According to the ACT, the “benchmark score” is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses, which include the four subjects tested on the ACT: English Composition, Algebra, Social Science and Biology. The ACT states that “[t]he scores were empirically derived based on the actual performance of students in college.” The benchmark scores are 18 for English, 22 for Math, 21 for Reading and 24 for Science. 25% of test-takers nationally meet all 4 subjects benchmark scores; on average, 37% of New Jersey students met the composite benchmark and exceeded the subject benchmark scores for all but Science.
Click here for much more information about the ACT.
SAT Results for 2011 Grads
September 21, 2011
Both the College Board, which sponsors the SAT®, and the ACT® recently released data about the scores for the high school graduating class from 2011. In this 2-part blog series, we will go inside these reports for national results, as well as those for the State of New Jersey.
The first part of this series will focus on the SAT entrance exam. Nationally, nearly 1.65 million students in the high school graduating class of 2011 took the SAT, up from 1.6 million for the class of 2010. The 2011 national average score for the SAT was 497 in Critical Reading, 514 in Math and 489 in Writing, for a total of 1500 points (each section has a maximum score of 800). The national scores dipped six points overall, as the 2010 average scores were 500, 515 and 491, respectively.
Here in New Jersey, the average student scored an aggregate of 1508, eight points higher than the national average. The New Jersey graduating class of 2011 earned an average score of 495 in Critical Reading (the same as last year), 516 in Math (an increase of two points) and 497 in Writing (the same as last year). For 2011 graduates, 78% of New Jersey students (86,515) sat for the SAT, which represents an increase of 800 students over 2010.
This year, the College Board introduced the “SAT College and Career Readiness Benchmark.” The College Board indicates that if a student earned a combined score of 1550, s/he has a 65 percent probability of achieving a B- grade point average or better in the freshman year of college. 43% of test-takers meet this new SAT Benchmark, which was developed in order to help schools, districts, and states evaluate whether more students are graduating from their high schools college-ready from one year to the next. Unfortunately, the average New Jersey high school senior scored 42 points below this SAT Benchmark.
Click here for more information about the New Jersey SAT results. Our next blog post will go over these results for the ACT.
Common Application Essay Limits Word Count
June 5, 2011
The College Board (“the Board”) has determined to reinstate a prior word limit on the Common Application (“Common App”) essay, after several years of experimenting with having no upper limit. Beginning on August 1st of 2011 (the opening of the Common App window), the maximum word count will be changed to 500. The 250 word minimum remains unchanged.
The impetus for this change appears to have arisen as a result of complaints coming from college admissions officers. As a consequence of lengthy, rambling and unfocussed essays that were submitted, Common App member colleges and universities have repeatedly pressed the Board to reconsider capping the length of the Common App essay. Therefore, as if the college application process is not already stressful enough, students must now face the added challenge of having to distinguish themselves from their peers through a more restricted platform with which to express their thoughts.
Undoubtedly, many students will hail this decision as lightening their college application burden. However, such a view is imprudent in that it stems from a dearth of guidance and a regrettably common lack of aptitude in developing composition creatively, coherently and concisely among high school students. High schoolers cheering the limitation are, perhaps, the very ones requiring the most flexibility. Without the cap, those students maintaining written competency would generally be capable of communicating effectively and succinctly, making a maximum word count irrelevant. On the other hand, applicants whose areas of strength reside more within the realms of math, science or the arts, might be hard-pressed to adequately convey a flavor of who they are by using the medium of writing.
This change to the Common App essay is notable, given that our society is moving toward shorter forms of communication. For example, microblogging sites such as Twitter only allow 140 characters per tweet, or approximately 28 words. To put this new requirement in common parlance, college applicants may be able to include the equivalent of 23 tweets in their Common App essay.
Ultimately, this discussion is an academic one, as a decision has been made that appears unopen for debate. All 2011 applicants must prepare to submit thoughtful essays, where every word is carefully weighed and considered, owing to the constraint of brevity that is now being imposed upon them. One cannot help but wonder what outcome may have ensued, had the Board submitted this anticipated adjustment directly to the public (e.g., counselors, teachers, parents, students, etc.), as a proposal for consideration, even a mere 2 or 3 years prior to actually instituting the change. At the risk of sounding naïve, is it too farfetched to believe that an announced, upcoming reduction in word count might possibly have prompted at least some faculties to increase their emphases on writing skills preemptively? Alas, we’ll never know.
Working closely with a college applicant on his or her Common App essay, college counselors must ensure that it pithily provides a snapshot of the student’s individuality to admissions officers. This blog post comprises 500 words.
Ear on Careers – Ashley Bryan, Children’s Book Author and Illustrator
December 1, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ashley Bryan, Children's Book Author and Illustrator
In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are extremely pleased to welcome Ashley Bryan, an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. He is a “lion” of the New York Public Library, a multiple winner of the Coretta Scott King award and a recipient of the Laura Ingalls Wilder medal. Click here
Ashley is a child of the Great Depression who was born in Harlem to Antiguan immigrant parents and grew up in the Bronx. He attended The Cooper Union Art School until he was drafted into World War II. After the War, he completed his studies at The Cooper Union and went on to study philosophy at Columbia University. Named a Fulbright Scholar, and thanks to the GI Bill, he was able to study art in France and Germany. Ashley then taught at Queens College in New York and served as the Chair of the Art Department at Dartmouth College, until he retired as a professor emeritus of art and visual studies. Ashley’s intellect and talent allowed him to excel in a time when the color barrier was nearly insurmountable; as he discusses in the podcast, he “never stopped, even though he was colored.” A modern-day renaissance man, his “post-retirement” career as a children’s book author and illustrator, mainly of African-American stories, also encompasses windows made from sea glass, spoken-word poetry, painting and speaking at conferences, conventions and to children the world over.
Listen as Ashley describes a “typical day” for him, or rather his own philosophy of the way he lives: traveling to conferences all over the world, painting, working in his book projects and walking on the beach near his home looking for new ways to use what has been discarded. He shares the ways in which college opened up the world of possibilities of adventure and exploration, and allowed him to touch lives of those around the globe. In addition, Ashley offers tips for those listeners who want to become a children’s book author and illustrator. In his own distinctive voice, Ashley will lift your spirits and give you the gift of sharing in his passion of storytelling, as well as encourage you to follow your heart and love what you do.
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Standardized Test Guarantees
August 11, 2010
Recently, the Princeton Review backed away from its claim that by taking its “Ultimate Classroom” course, students can boost their SAT scores by 255 points. This change came as a result of a challenge brought to the guarantee by Kaplan Inc.
While this seems to be more of a political or business decision, the issue of a guarantee of increase in scores is very touchy. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, on average, SAT test courses improve about 30 points after taking a test preparation course. While this increase may seem low, a 30-point improvement can make a significant difference if your scores are just on the “cusp.” Or, that increase could mean that you now qualify for a scholarship.
At Top-Tier Tutoring, our students receive one-on-one instruction with the same tutor for the entire tutoring package. Our tutors tailor their instruction to your specific needs. As a result, your individualized attention results in much more accountability for your doing your homework and understanding the material. (For more information about the benefits of one-on-one tutoring, check out our podcast on this topic.)
We have had students who have studied with us improve their SAT scores 50 points, 70 points, and much, much higher. Our students’ scores improve because they are comfortable with the tests, understand the scoring system and have a solid knowledge base.
However, we have never guaranteed a specific point increase. When prospective clients call and ask that question, we answer that their improvement depends upon their dedication to working with the tutor and putting in the hard effort required. We guarantee that for students who take a package of 10 hours or more, if the student attends every session, completes all assignments, and takes all practice exams without improving, we will offer 8 additional hours of tutoring at no extra cost. We believe this guarantee is appropriate and not misleading – and provides peace of mind that your investment of time and money is well-worth the results.
We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Strategies for Student Success
August 4, 2010
Mike and Rhonda Rivera, co-founders of Top-Tier Tutoring, are featured in “Navigating College Admissions” – a guide put together by StudentAdvisor.com. The article (which is on pages 20-21) offers 10 strategies for high school students to apply with an eye toward college admissions. Tips include start early, volunteer, take challenging courses and don’t shortchange the essays. Click here to go to this online guide.
Ear on Careers – Dr. Christopher Duddy, Dentist
July 7, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Dr. Christopher Duddy, a dentist with his own private practice in his hometown of Towaco, New Jersey. Working in a town with so many familiar faces, Dr. Duddy often finds himself donating his services to local people who are in need. In 2010, he was distinguished with the Award for Top Dentist in America by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.
Dr. Christopher Duddy, Dentist
Ironically, Dr. Duddy was scared of the dentist as a child. Perhaps as a way to overcome that fear, he decided while in high school that he wanted to become a dentist. Dr. Duddy graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. He went on to graduate from the prestigious dental program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Duddy takes great pride in his ability to make people smile better, and without pain.
Listen as Dr. Duddy describes a “typical day” for him practicing general dentistry, meaning that every day brings the unexpected. He shares a Valentine’s Day war story that involves a friend, wisdom teeth, his wife and a Broadway show! In addition, Dr. Duddy offers tips for those listeners who want to go into the field of dentistry. We hope this podcast gives you information that you can sink your teeth into about becoming a dentist!
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Common Application Goes Online August 1, 2010
July 1, 2010
The Common Application (commonly called the “Common App”) is going to be available to students applying to colleges starting on August 1, 2010. This is one full month later than usual so that secondary schools that close in June can use the Online School Forms System to submit their Final Reports through mid-July, according to the Common App’s website.
We highly recommend that students go to the Common App website and use the “preview” tool to review all that the Common App entails. Starting this year, the Common App has (1) a combined Activities and Work section, (2) a new Academics section with revised self-reporting testing instructions, and (3) online submission of NACAC fee waiver for students with limited financial resources and who also meet the National Association for College Admissions Counseling’s requirements for application waivers.
The Common Application membership association provides common, standardized first-year and transfer application forms for use at any member institution. Today, nearly 400 institutions are members in the association, which represents the full range of higher education institutions in the United States, including public and private institutions of every size and selectivity. With the press of a single button, you can submit your application to many colleges and universities. To see a list of all the member institutions, click here.
Many of our clients use a combination of the Common App and individual schools’ applications when applying to college. In addition, specific schools may have their own supplements that are required to be submitted in order for your application to be complete. You must pay special attention to all of the application requirements for each of your schools.
We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
The Benefits of Private Tutoring
June 16, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, tutor and college counselor with Top-Tier Tutoring, discusses the benefits that can be achieved in one-on-one tutoring.
During the podcast, Mike gives a historical overview of private tutoring as mainly for the affluent members of society. In today’s world, many students are taking advantage of private tutoring as a way to either help understand topics taught in class, or to stimulate academic challenges, or to help achieving students score even higher on standardized tests ranging from the SAT to the ACT to AP exams. Having a tutor is seen as a cool, status symbol.
Listen as Mike offers insightful questions that you should ask any prospective tutor before making a hiring decision. One of the most important questions to ask is the teaching methodology of the tutor, or the tutoring center, you are considering. Specifically, you will want to know if the private tutoring is curriculum-based or is constructed around your child’s exact needs. Simply because tutoring is going to be one-on-one does not necessarily mean that the sessions will be tailored to the student’s needs.
Mike provides you with great information when you are starting to search for a tutor. The benefits of private, non-curriculum based tutoring, such as offered at Top-Tier Tutoring, are well documented and, in many cases, dramatic. Of course, the tutor cannot do the student’s homework, but working together as a team, superior results can be achieved.
As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
What Is College Counseling?
June 2, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this podcast, Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, discusses what is, exactly, college counseling – and what it is not.
Mike Rivera, college counselor, with student
You probably have heard the term “college counseling” bandied about in several different contexts. During this podcast, Mike discusses what is encompassed by this term – guiding high school students through the college application process, understanding the student’s interests, goals and ambitions, recommending classes, extracurricular activities and volunteer work, crafting a college list, counseling about the required essays, obtaining recommendations, coordinating college visits, preparing for the college interview – the list goes on and on! College counseling also includes managing expectations and setting reasonable goals, both for the student and the parents. The best part of college counseling, Mike admits, is celebrating acceptances.
During the podcast, Mike does offer a word of caution. No college counselor can offer a guarantee of admission to a particular college or university. Please keep this fact in mind when looking for a qualified college counselor!
Where Do I Go From Here?
April 21, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this podcast, the very enormous task of creating a college list is tackled by Mike Rivera, co-founder, college counselor and tutor at Top-Tier Tutoring.
When faced 
with answering the question about where they are going to apply to college, many high school sophomores and juniors feel at a loss. The process of creating a comprehensive and appropriate list can be daunting. Crafting a list based upon name recognition or where friends are attending will not yield the best results for the individual student. The podcast takes aim at this topic and offers concrete guidelines to help you on your quest.
Mike first asks you to look inward. What are your general areas of interest? Do you want to be close to home? Are you interested in a city or a rural setting? How important are job placement and internships to you? Mike identifies many more factors in the podcast. Mike’s advice: take a self-assessment before jumping into books, the web and college fairs!
Once you have a master list, so to speak, now it’s time to refine it. In order to narrow your list down to the 8 to 12 colleges to which you will actually apply, you should look for reach, match and safety schools, with the highest number being in the “match” category. Then, time and budget permitting, try to visit each of these campuses and take great notes – you may need them to help you decide among your acceptances!
As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Free Seminar Gives You The Complete College Planning Edge!
April 18, 2010
On May 4, 2010, Mike and Rhonda Rivera of Top-Tier Tutoring and A1 College Funding will present a free seminar, “Get the Complete College Planning Edge” at West Orange High School.
Parents and students in high school are welcome to come and learn insider tips and strategies to being accepted into the college of their dreams - and how to pay for it!
The workshop will take place at West Orange High School, 51 Conforti Avenue in West Orange, NJ, starting at 7 pm. While the workshop is free, registration is a must – call 973.243.1212 to reserve your seat today!
Ear on Careers – Amy Gideon, Internet Professional
April 14, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this episode of “Ear on Careers, we are pleased to welcome Amy Gideon, co-owner of Tag Online, Inc., based in Clifton, New Jersey.
Amy Gideon, Internet Professional.
Amy discusses how she didn’t really apply herself in high school and, as a result, attended Hofstra University for one year before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business. Knowing that she wanted to transfer, she worked diligently at Hofstra, achieving a 4.0 GPA. At the University of Pennsylvania, Amy double majored in Decision Science (now called Information Science) and Finance. It was at the University of Pennsylvania that she met her future husband and business partner at Tag Online, Andrew. Both she and Andrew earned their Masters Degrees in Computer Science from New York University.
In the podcast, Amy discusses how she was involved with the internet well before it was available for mass consumption. She also outlines her progression from programmer to sales and marketing at TAG Online. In her current role, she also manages client and staff. Listen as Amy shares her surprises in her industry as well as some potentially horrifying war stories. Amy offers advice for those thinking about a career as an internet professional: do what you love and learn it inside and out.
We hope this podcast provides you with food for thought if you are interested in a career as an internet professional – a truly dynamic and evolving field!
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere career day podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
A Reply To Recent Article About College Prep Advisors
April 7, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Mike Rivera recording this podcast
In this podcast, Mike Rivera – co-founder, tutor and college counselor with Top-Tier Tutoring – responds to a recent article published on SmartMoney.com, which has been picked up and disseminated on the web in various forms. The article, entitled “10 Things College-Prep Advisors Won’t Tell You” identifies ten allegedly deceptive practices of the college counseling industry. To read the full article, click here.
In his rebuttal, Mike debunks each of the ten topics brought up in the article. For example, in responding to the “your high school guidance counselor can do this for free” argument, he references the study by Dr. Patricia McDonough that determined a high school student will spend approximately 38 minutes per year with his or her guidance counselor for college advising. Click here to read Dr. McDonough’s comprehensive study. He also points to the recent Public Agenda report, “Can I Get A Little Advice Here?” This report finds that six in ten young adults who had gone on to further education gave their high school counseling poor grades for college advice. To go to the Public Agenda report, click here. Clearly, you get what you pay for.
This podcast is not a rant, but rather a thoughtful reply to a superficial article. Mike points out when the article is correct, but wants our listeners to understand the limitations of the guidance department – and those of independent counselors as well.
As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
About Rolling Admissions
March 10, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses the topic of “Rolling Admissions.” This term means that the college imposes no strict deadline for application submission; applicants will be accepted so long as space is available within the freshman class. While a minority of colleges follow Rolling Admissions, colleges that do offer Rolling Admissions generally will make a decision regarding a candidate within a couple of weeks after receiving the application.
Mike’s advice for students contemplating applying to a Rolling Admissions college? Don’t wait! Given these economic times and the fact that more people than ever are applying to colleges, all universities are more selective than ever. The earlier you apply, the better your chances will be for being accepted. In addition, scholarship opportunities, financial aid offers and housing are more readily available the earlier you apply and are accepted. Read more
Guidance Counselor Realities
February 24, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Is 38 Minutes Enough?
In this podcast, Mike Rivera poses the question: “Is 38 minutes enough?” This question derives from a study by Dr. Patricia McDonough that found that an average student will spend only 38 minutes per year with his or her high school guidance counselor discussing college counseling and/or career counseling.
Now, this fact is through no fault of the high school guidance counselors themselves. It is based upon the realities of numbers. While the American School Counselor Association recommends 1 guidance counselor per 100 students, the national average is 1:315 (or much more) in public high schools and 1:241 in private schools.
During the podcast, Mike offers questions for parents to ask the high school office regarding this issue. He also recommends seeking external college counseling to best position the high school student for success in college and beyond.
Source: Sanders, B. (2008, January 18). Parents – Guidance at School May Not be Enough. Retrieved January 18, 2010, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Parents---Guidance-at-School-May-Not-be-Enough&id=935539
As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Meet Meghan McGeehan, Spanish Tutor
February 9, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Meghan, Spanish Tutor, with Mike recording this podcast
In this podcast, Mike Rivera introduces our listeners to Meghan McGeehan. Meghan is a Spanish language arts tutor with Top-Tier Tutoring, who has developed an affinity for Spain and its culture, and imparts her enthusiasm for all things Spanish on to her students.
Meghan holds a B.S. in Spanish and Criminal Justice from Penn State University. She has her Master’s Degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Middlebury College. Her studies have taken her to Sevilla and Madrid, and she has taught in Madrid for two years. Meghan also is a Spanish teacher at Morristown-Beard High School in Morristown, NJ.
March 30 – Free Workshop Offers the Complete College Planning Edge!
January 30, 2010
On March 30, 2010, Mike and Rhonda Rivera of Top-Tier Tutoring and A1 College Funding will present a free workshop, “Get the Complete College Planning Edge” at Verona High School.
Parents and students in high school are welcome to come and learn insider tips and strategies to being accepted into the college of their dreams - and how to pay for it!
The workshop will take place at Verona High School, 151 Fairview Avenue in Verona, NJ, starting at 7 pm. While the workshop is free, registration is a must – call 973.243.1212 to reserve your seat today!
Is the PSAT really the best indicator of SAT scores?
January 30, 2010
The Preliminary SAT (“PSAT”), was created to serve as a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test. Many argue that performance on the PSAT is, generally, a good indicator of how students will achieve on the SAT. As indicators go, it is certainly satisfactory. However, in our experience, college applicants, and their parents, are looking for something more than merely “satisfactory.” They seek a solid indication of what the student is likely to achieve on the actual SAT exam. Be forewarned: adding a “0” to the PSAT scores and assuming that your SAT scores automatically will be at those levels, without study or preparation, is a dangerous assumption.
Ear on Careers – T. Jens Feeley, Ph.D., NASA
January 11, 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome T. Jens Feeley, Ph.D., who works at the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA). Dr. Feeley is a Senior Policy Analyst in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD), http://nasascience.nasa.gov/, where he is responsible for SMD’s advisory committees and history activities. In addition, he is the SMD Lead Policy Analyst for Planetary Science.
T. Jens Feeley, Ph.D., NASA
At the tender age of 6, Jens witnessed Neil Armstrong’s landing on the moon, and his fate was sealed. Politics were always hotly debated in the Feeley household growing up. So, space exploration, politics and political science are truly in Jens’s blood.
Jens earned his B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University in New Jersey, followed by an M.A. in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Jens was awarded his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Washington. His publications span a broad range of topics, including space policy, earthquake policy, the history of science policy, and science communications. He is also the author of a congressional study on Foreign-Trade Zones. His dissertation research explored partisan politics in the modern Congress, and documented the limitations on partisan ambition that result from the governing responsibilities of the majority. In addition, Jens worked as an intern in the Pentagon’s Office of International Security Affairs and was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow (Class of 1987). He has received numerous merit awards, including the NASA Exceptional Performance Award.
Jens has spent 16 of the past 23 years of his life working at NASA. In his current position as a Senior Policy Analyst, Jens prepares senior managers and scientists at NASA on how to best handle issues, testimony and presentations. Jens truly enjoys blending his writing skills with science, making even the most complex scientific hypotheses and discoveries accessible to everyone.
What has surprised Jens the most about working at NASA? His ability to interact with literally the smartest people in the world, who can break down extremely intricate concepts so that he is able to communicate them effectively to Congress and other interested parties. He enjoys learning about science and technology, two things that change on practically a daily basis at NASA. In addition, Jens derives satisfaction from the culture of interaction between people and ideas at NASA.
If you are considering a career at NASA, Jens recommends “preparing to be the best.” Such preparation should include internships that are available at such websites as http://university.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs/ (for NASA internships (paid & unpaid)) and http://www.studentjobs.gov/ (for summer jobs/student jobs – Government wide).
We hope that Jens’s story will inspire you to consider a career at NASA, even if you do not want to be a rocket scientist!
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Guest Blogger – Allison from Verona
January 7, 2010
In this post, we’ve asked Allison, a client here at Top-Tier Tutoring, to answer a few questions that many people ask us. A big thank you goes out to Allison for agreeing to be our “guest blogger.” We hope you find this information helpful!
How did Top-Tier Tutoring help you to prepare for the SAT and ACT? ALLISON: Top-Tier provided great practice to get me used to, and ready for, the SAT and ACT. I received practice specific to my needs to strengthen my test-taking abilities.
What surprised you the most about the tutoring you received at Top-Tier Tutoring? ALLISON: It was a relaxed atmosphere where I wasn’t pressured, and wasn’t afraid to make mistakes. I felt comfortable, so I was more receptive to new techniques.
What advice would you give to students getting ready to take the SAT and/or ACT? ALLISON: RELAX! It’s only one test, and it’s not the end of the world! It can be mastered, and is nothing to be afraid of.
Allison’s SAT math score improved 50 points with the help of Top-Tier Tutoring. She has been accepted into the University of Pittsburgh and Rutgers University, and is awaiting further acceptances before making her decision as to which college she will attend.
Year in Review: 2009
December 30, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this podcast, Mike and Rhonda Rivera discuss the successes and challenges they faced at Top-Tier Tutoring over the past year, its first in operation. From starting a business from scratch, getting known in the community, to wonderful success stories, the co-founders of Top-Tier Tutoring share their ups and downs with their listeners. Listen to the podcast to see how far the company has come in one year, and what the new year has in store!
As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Ear on Careers – James Nachbaur, Federal Agent
November 24, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome James Nachbaur, a federal agent with the Department of Homeland Security, www.dhs.gov. Due to the nature of James’s position, this podcast focuses more on federal law enforcement in general, rather than James’s specific job duties.
James Nachbaur, Federal Agent
James was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and graduated from Passaic County Community College (“PCCC”) and William Paterson University. After graduating with a degree in Communications in 1995, James entered the financial industry, where he worked until after the attacks of September 11th. He, like many, decided that he wanted to make a difference in the world and – after a brief time as the owner of an Applegate Farms franchise – was accepted into the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) in 2006. James was drawn to the DHS because of its opportunities to transfer within the department and thereby gain experience with a variety of different agencies.
James notes that PCCC was a great experience because the value was extremely high, he had great professors, and it allowed him to gain the maturity needed to continue for a four-year degree. At PCCC he majored in Criminal Justice but does not recommend that major for anyone considering a career in law enforcement because the Academy will teach you everything you need to know.
Ear on Careers – Cindy Salvo, Attorney
October 30, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Cindy Salvo, Attorney
In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Cindy Salvo, a civil litigation attorney and founder of The Salvo Law Firm in Fairfield, New Jersey, www.salvolawfirm.com.
Cindy’s path to becoming an attorney was anything but straight. After several detours, she obtained both an undergraduate and graduate degree in psychology, and founded the Miss American Petite Pageant. While running the Pageant, she had a lawyer on retainer to assist her with various legal issues. Seeing the value of the attorney’s skill, Cindy went to law school in order to better run her Pageant business. However, after spending her summer between her second and third years at law school with a large New York City law firm, she decided that the legal profession was right for her, and closed down the Pageant shortly thereafter.
Cindy does not regret her previous educational and life experiences, as they have shaped the type of lawyer that she is. Her psychology degree taught her compassion, while her experience as a businesswoman brought her understanding for clients. Her advice to aspiring lawyers is to study really hard and make sure your first year law school grades are very good. She finds being an attorney to be very rewarding and she very much enjoys the field, especially when she obtains a good result for her clients.
We hope that Cindy’s story will inspire you to consider a career in the law. If you like to write, argue and think on your feet, the law may be a perfect fit for you!
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Guest Blogger Erica from West Orange
October 25, 2009
In this post, we’ve asked a client of Top-Tier Tutoring, Erica, to answer a few questions that many people ask us. A big thank you goes out to Erica for agreeing to be our “guest blogger.” We hope you find this information helpful!
T3: How would you describe the differences between the SAT and ACT?
ERICA: I felt the ACT test was a more straight-forward test, even though there are more questions and less time given for the actual test versus the SAT. The ACT test is based on what you have learned in the past 3 yrs. etc. of high school and the SAT is a more complex type of test which I felt very intimidated when taking the SAT.
T3: How did Top-Tier Tutoring help you to prepare for these standardized tests?
ERICA: Top-Tier Tutoring (Mike) helped me gain much more confidence and improve my skills for test taking. Also a lot of direction and practice was given to me in each area math, English etc., with concentration on each area separately. Mike tackled each area one at-a-time with me. Along with the review sessions all which helped me improve my scores.
T3: What recommendations would you give students who are going to take the SAT or ACT?
ERICA: I recommend that you keep reviewing and take the practice section tests along with timing yourself so it’s not a real surprise when you actually take the real test.
Erica’s ACT scores improved 4 points with the assistance of Top-Tier Tutoring. She currently is applying to colleges and looking forward to the next phase of her education.
Ear on Careers – Sarah Ober, Accountant
October 15, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Sarah Ober, Accountant
In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Sarah Ober, an accountant with Tobia & Hillyer in Fairfield, New Jersey, www.tobiahillyer.com.
Sarah’s path to becoming an accountant is not at all what you would imagine. She never even took one accounting class in college! She graduated from Seton Hall with a degree in International Relations and a minor in business, and planned to work at the World Bank. A requirement before applying there, however, was having experience in the working world. It so happened that Sarah was hired by the accounting firm of Tobia & Hillyer as an Office Manager, and simply fell in love with tax returns!
Sarah has now worked at Tobia & Hillyer for seven years, and has earned two Master’s Degrees in Tax. In her position, she reviews bookkeeping and tax returns for small companies and individuals and says that there is no typical day. In fact, during tax season, Sarah logs 12 hour days, 7 days a week, and loves every minute of it. Sarah is very proud of her recent IRS win in tax court, as she is an enrolled agent with the IRS and was able to secure a sizeable victory for her client who had lost all receipts in a fire. She credits her win to her knowledge of tax law and her people skills, obviously an unstoppable combination.
Sarah offers the following advice for aspiring accountants – take advantage of any internships offered at your college. She also suggests taking accounting classes and learning how to multitask. We hope that Sarah’s story will inspire you to consider a career in accounting, a complex field that challenges you to provide answers to clients in all types of situations.
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s first “career day” podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Tips on Writing an Effective College Application Essay
October 7, 2009
So, you’re sitting down before a blank computer screen, trying to figure out what to write for your college application essay. You’ve already written what seems to be hundreds of essays for your high school teachers, but this one is different. You’re not summarizing a book, or commenting on a news event – you’re trying to write the most persuasive essay about yourself possible; one that will make you stand out, get noticed and hopefully accepted by the college of your choice!
In an effort to try to help you write an effective college application essay, we’ve compiled the following tips: Read more
The Ins and Outs of Early Decision versus Early Action
September 26, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this podcast, Mike Rivera discusses the somewhat complicated early college application processes. Mike first discusses who should consider applying to colleges early – mainly, those students who are confident that they know where they want to spend the next four years gaining higher education. He then outlines the benefits, such as 25%-50% of acceptances come from this pool, as well as the early November deadlines imposed. He cautions from the outset that each school maintains their own peculiar process and requirements, so be sure to check the college’s application for college-specific details. Read more
Ear on Careers – Marlene Waldock, Communications Specialist
September 11, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Marlene Waldock, Communications Specialist
In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Marlene Waldock, a communications specialist based out of Verona, New Jersey, www.becausewearewomen.com. Among other things, Marlene is the founder of 1st Impression Communications and of Because We Are Women, a teen counselor at the Rothman Institute and the immediate past president of the North Essex Chamber of Commerce.
Marlene received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Adolescent Psychology, with the goal of helping teens transition to young adults. However, early in her working life, she went into sales and eventually became a Regional Training Consultant. In the mid-1990’s, Marlene turned to communications and public speaking Throughout her career, Marlene has constantly doing public speaking in front of groups, either while training or as a television host on NJ Channel 12. In-between, she obtained a management degree from Georgia State.
Ear on Careers – Bernard O’Rourke, College Professor
August 26, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Bernard O'Rourke, College Professor
In this episode of “Ear on Careers”, we are pleased to welcome Bernard O’Rourke, an associate College Professor in International Business at Caldwell College in Caldwell, New Jersey. Caldwell College can be found on the web at www.caldwell.edu.
Bernie hails from Ireland, where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees. After college, Bernie was sent by the Irish Government Development Office to the United States to promote inward investment to Ireland. While here, he met his wife, got his M.B.A. at Fordham University and held positions within various corporations.
In this podcast, Bernie discusses the different types of professorships. He shares his love of college campus life with our listeners, finding his role as Professor never tedious. Bernie genuinely enjoys teaching (and learning from) his students, and is extremely fulfilled in his chosen occupation.
His tip for aspiring college professors? Secure the best credentials by way of degrees. Experience counts, but credentials are key. We hope that Bernie’s story will inspire you to consider a career in academia!
We are very excited to bring to you another episode in the series we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more. Consider this your podcast “career day”!
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
ACT versus SAT – What’s Best For You?
August 23, 2009
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this podcast, Mike Rivera takes you on a tour of the two major standardized tests looked at by college admissions officers: the ACT and the SAT. He traces the origins of both exams, and the varying skills they are meant to test.
The SAT is designed to test a student’s test taking skills and innate ability, as it was designed based upon the IQ test. It runs three hours and forty-five minutes, has 140 questions and tests critical readying, writing and math. The perfect score is 2400; 1/4 point is deducted for each incorrect answer.
On the other hand, the ACT tests scholastic achievement, and it was designed based upon the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The ACT is three hours and twenty-five minutes long, has 215 questions and tests math, English, reading, science and writing. The perfect score is a 36. No points are deducted for a wrong answer.
Both the SAT and the ACT are accepted at virtually every college. Starting with the class of 2010, the SAT joins the ACT in allowing you to select which scores (entire test) to send to the colleges. The bottom line: take practice exams for both exams to determine with which test you’re most comfortable. Then, study for that one, and get the best score possible!
We welcome your feedback. Send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Ways to Stand Out in a (College Admissions) Crowd
July 21, 2009
College Admissions. These two words strike fear in many students’ hearts, as they only think about grade point average and
standardized test scores. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on these components, as they do play a very significant role in the college application process. However, colleges are much more expansive in their review of an applicant’s submission, as they seek students who demonstrate more than simply classroom success. Admittedly, a student’s academic grades and mix of courses will be the most important factors admissions officers will consider; nevertheless, it’s also very important that students endeavor to excel in areas outside of the classroom.
What types of activities catch an admissions officer’s eye? A whole range of things! Students should become involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, volunteer organizations and part-time jobs. In addition, strive to take on leadership roles within your chosen activities. Don’t feel stymied by a seeming lack of opportunities, either. For instance, if a club that interests you doesn’t currently exist at your school (e.g., fencing), take the initiative and start the club yourself. Being the founder of a particular club really enhances your academic resume by demonstrating your leadership and initiative. Read more
College Applicants on Social Networking Sites Beware, They “Know What You Did Last Summer.”
May 21, 2009
Students should proceed with caution on social networking sites.
High-school students have enough on their minds with regard to course selection, GPA and exam scores, to name a few. Now another concern adds a challenging dimension to the college application process. Facebook, MySpace and other social networking sites can potentially derail a student’s aspirations about getting into the college of their choice.
A recent survey found that approximately 10% of admissions officers routinely review the social-networking pages of their student applicants. More than a third of those that used the online information indicated that what they saw “negatively affected” their views of the applicant – a significantly higher percentage than those that indicated their views were improved, according to the survey by education company Kaplan, a unit of Washington Post Co. With the explosion of social networking sites, it is reasonable to assume that more and more admissions officers will add their review to the entrance checklist. Read more
