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SAT/ACT Test Prep

ACT vs SAT: Which Test is Right for You?

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Your scores on the ACT or SAT are important.  But first you must figure out which test is best for you.

Many hours of hard work, sweat and tears, anxiety and anticipation. This is what preparation for the standardized tests involves. A lot of grit, time and energy. 

Your scores on the ACT or SAT are important. 

I would not say they are the single, deciding factor in your admission (or rejection) from the school of your dreams — and in fact, there is a growing list of test optional schools out there if you’re not a strong test taker and standardized testing is just not for you. I have gotten students into American University, GW, UChicago, Brown whose ACT or SAT scores were not as stellar as their grades. The ACT and SAT tests serve as a baseline indicator.  In the vast field of criteria for college admission, these tests are one, often important, means of comparison.

Does it matter whether you take the ACT or SAT?

Most schools accept both and treat both scores equally.  Though the value placed on them is equal, the tests are not the same.  In most cases, students score higher on one test rather than the other.  It is a matter of personal preference in the end.  But how do you figure out which test suits you best?

While the ACT and SAT share similarities, their differences are significant.  Extremely strong test takers can succeed on both.  But who would want to prepare for two grueling tests if only one score is needed? I don’t recommend it!  I would, instead, figure out which test is best and stick with it. 

I would also start preparing early (end of sophomore year) and get excellent, pointed, one on one help in doing so. 

80% of all the students I get into the school of their dreams also came to me for ACT and SAT preparation help.  My reputation for getting SAT scores up 150-300 points is well known.  I’m not just a college essay writing guru!  I’m also a master at pinpointing exactly what each individual student needs to radically improve their scores. 

I am also well known for getting high scores higher!  Many students come to me with scores of 680-710 on their SAT’s or 29-31 on their ACT’s and need to bump these scores up to get into the school of their dreams. 

ACT and SAT preparation takes a special kind of help. 

It takes someone (like yours truly) who can identify exactly where the gaps in knowledge lie, or where the test-taking strategies fail.  It takes someone who can tailor a completely individualized plan of action for targeting the areas of weakness and getting those scores up to the highest they can be. 

I once had a student come to me with SAT scores of 720/740.  She asked if I could help her get her scores up.  “Of course,” I said.  And I did!  In eight weeks of dedicated preparation, she ended up with scores of 780/800 and got into Stanford!  Later I told this story at a conference for college admissions nerds like myself.  An esteemed colleague told me the chances of getting those kind of high scores higher were about 3%!  All I can say is, look at the bumblebee!  How do those skimpy, transparent little wings get that fat, furry body off the ground?  It defies the laws of aerodynamics!  And yet, it happens.  Over and over again.

Click here for more information on how I can help you get those ACT or SAT scores higher.

Before you spend energy preparing, you need to know which test to focus on. 

Not all students learn the same way and have the same strengths.  It’s important to figure out which test plays to your strengths, which is easier for you, and on which test can you best succeed.

It should also be noted that certain states require that you take the SAT in school as a matter of course, and some require that you take the ACT.  This does not necessarily mean you will be better at the test your state requires.  It may, in fact, be the opposite.  But you will have a baseline score to use as a means of comparison.  And theoretically, at least, you will have been prepared in school for the test they require.

These states use the ACT as a means of assessment within their school curriculum:

  • Alabama
  • Hawaii
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota (students must take ACT or WorkKeys)
  • South Carolina
  • Utah
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

While these states use the SAT:

  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • New Hampshire

You can go to this website for more information about statewide standardized testing.

 

Let’s begin by comparing the ACT with the SAT:

The SAT contains three sections:

  • Reading
  • Writing and Language
  • Math

The ACT contains four sections:

  • English
  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science

Both tests also have an (optional) essay which many colleges require.  The essay requirements for the SAT and ACT are quite different.  That is a much more involved subject which we will cover later on.

As you can see, the SAT does not have a Science section at all!

It should be noted, however, that the ACT Science is more like a specialized reading comprehension section. My strongest readers, even those who are not super strong in science, do well on this section.  If you’re someone who reads well, you will probably find the ACT Science section not that difficult.  Really the only difference between the reading passages and the science passages is that there are more detailed, science-oriented charts and graphs which you need to interpret in the Science section. The Science section is the hardest one to prepare for.  Each passage introduces a new and unique topic, and while you don’t necessarily need an interest or background in science to answer these questions, it sure does help.

Here are some other key differences between the ACT and SAT:

The ACT gives much less time per question. Here is a chart showing the time per question on both tests, for reference:

Test

Section

Total Time

# of Questions

Time per Question

ACT

English

45 minutes

75

36 seconds

Math

60 minutes

60

60 seconds

Reading

35 minutes

40

53 seconds

Science

35 minutes

40

53 seconds

SAT

Reading

65 minutes

52

75 seconds

Writing

35 minutes

44

48 seconds

Math

No Calculator: 25 minutes

Calculator: 55 minutes

No Calculator: 20

Calculator: 38

No Calculator: 75 seconds

Calculator: 86 seconds

 

Now let’s get down to some specific differences between the actual questions and styles of each test.

Are you Stronger in Geometry and Trigonometry or Algebra?

Both the ACT and the SAT will test your skills in Algebra, but the ACT will also test you on logarithms, graphs of trig functions, and matrices, which don’t appear at all on the SAT’s.

Also, the SAT provides MATH FORMULAS.  If you’re not good at memorizing them, these can come in handy.

However, on the SAT No Calculator section, you will not be able to use a calculator.  This can be difficult for students who cannot do mental math.

Here is what you should ask yourself:

  • Am I good at memorizing formulas?
  • Can I do multiplication, division, addition and subtraction in my head?
  • Am I stronger in Geometry or Algebra?
  • Can I answer questions about matrices and logarithms?

Now let’s talk about reading.

Can You Remember the Location of Details in Reading Passages?

Do you find it easy to remember where you saw a certain detail in the reading passages?

The SAT reading section provides more information and “clues” than the ACT reading section.  In fact, the SAT test offers exact line locations of the evidence to support your answers.

If you find it difficult to remember where you read a certain detail, you will find the ACT more difficult.

Finding where the evidence resides can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when under time pressure.

How about the differences in the Writing Sections?

Both the SAT and the ACT Writing/English sections have passage-based questions, but the ACT has more questions involving errors in grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. This section also includes questions about main idea and order of ideas.

On the other hand, the SAT focuses more on questions about writing style. The SAT also asks you to answer questions about vocabulary in context, tone and voice, and logical reasoning.

The two Writing sections are very similar.  There really is no remarkable difference between the two other than what I have indicated above.

What are Your Next Steps?

To get help figuring out which test is best for you or if you are ready to raise your SAT scores 180-300 points or your ACT score 4-5 points, you’ve come to the right place!

I am an expert in helping kids get high scores higher and figuring out how to determine and ace the test for them.  Get started now!

 

New Vision Learning Timeline for College Admissions

Spring into Action: Timeline for College Admissions

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The secret to success is staring early. Spring is the time to spring into action.

Enrolling Students Now for the 2019-2020 Academic Year

So, you are a parent of a sophomore or junior, or even a freshman who will soon be rounding the corner to the next grade.

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you know you need to get on the right path to college — you know there are things you need to do — but you\’re just not sure what that path is or where to begin.

The Time to Begin the College Process is Now

Often parents come to me confused.  They have a sense extracurricular activities are important, but how do you gauge which ones will count?  And what about summer activities?  Is it too late to apply for summer programs? What should you do about that?

When I meet with a family for the first time, I lay out all the important steps along the way.  I take a good look at where the student is at the moment — grades, course selection, extracurricular activities, test scores — and figure out where to go from here.

Without a Timeline and a Road Map, You Will Be Lost

Here is a guide of What to Do When in the College Process:

At New Vision Learning, we help students every step of the way. And we keep the timeline in the front of our minds so that students and parents know exactly what to do when. Here is a list of the services we provide:

  • Course selection

  • Transcript review

  • Homework & Time Management

  • Review of extracurricular activities

  • Summer and Enrichment opportunities, Internships

  • Athletic Recruitment Preparation Packages (where applicable)

  • Preliminary College List in View of Academic Goals and Interests

  • Timeline and Registration for Tests

  • SAT/ACT Diagnostic Assessment including, where necessary

  • Accommodations

  • SAT/ACT and SAT Subject Test Preparation

Seniors and Rising Seniors

This is where the pedal meets the metal, as they say! Good preparation involves starting early, but there is still much to do in senior year. And the summer before senior year is key. Come fall, the deadlines for college applications are looming. Here is a list of the services we provide our seniors and rising seniors.

  • Timetable

  • Finalizing the college list

  • Review of Admission Requirements and Deadlines for UC’s and all other college and universities

  • Review of Transcripts

  • Continued Preparation for SAT/ACT

  • Recommendations, Who and How to Ask for Them

  • Early Decision? Early Action? How do you Decide?

  • College Essay Consolidation

  • Topic Brainstorming

  • Helping Students Write Winning Essays

  • Preparing for Interviews

  • Difficult Choices? We can help you make the right one for you.

  • Waitlisted? Now what? Follow up.

Let\’s face it, the college application process has gotten very complicated.

Even a simple decision such as whether to take the SAT\’s or ACT\’s is very important.  Stay tuned for an information-filled post on this very subject.

But how do you know which test to take?

The SAT\’s at least have a precursor — the PSATs!  These \”practice\” SAT\’s will give you an idea of how you might score on the real test.

But what about the ACT\’s?  Most schools don\’t give practice ACT\’s and yet for about 40% of my students, the ACT is the test of choice.

What\’s a parent to do?

Right now at New Vision Learning, we are completing mock interviews, and believe it or not, starting work on the College Essays!  For a sample of some of the best college essays out there, you can click here.

February is the time to get revved up for spring break interviews (if you\’re lucky enough to be able to schedule them when you visit schools during spring break). 

March is the time to begin college essays.

Most of my students apply to many schools with Early Action Deadlines.  These deadlines can be as early as October 15.  October 15 may seem like a long way away, but remember, there are finals up ahead and essays cannot be written in one day.

In fact, the best essays — like a good wine — take a lot of marinating to come to full fruition.

So don\’t fall behind.  I would be happy to help you figure out where you are now and what you need to do to get on the right path.

Spring ahead and start now on the path to your dreams!

 

What Makes My Vision Unique

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I’d love to tell you about my method outlined in The Art of The College Essay that has made me so successful and has gotten my students into the schools of their dreams. 

What Makes My Method Unique      

Sitting on the other side of the table in college admissions, I read tens of thousands of boring essays!  In fact, it was the most boring job I ever had!

Once in a blue moon, an essay would wake me from my stupor.  I would be so captivated by the essay, I would have to wake the admissions officer next to me, and say “Get a load of this!”

Let me tell you, unless this student had glaring red flags, it was almost impossible to say no.

Why are almost all college admissions essays boring?

Because students are using principles they learned in writing 5-paragraph essays to write their college essays.

But remember, the college essay(s) is a narrative personal statement, not a 5-paragraph analytical essay!

The problem lies in one particular element:  Teachers often confuse (and conflate) product and process.

Product is what you want to end up with.  Process is how you get there.

Since you want to end up with an intro, body and conclusion, it makes sense to start with an intro, right?  After all, the intro comes at the beginning.  Why not just start from the beginning?

That’s the surest recipe for that which shall not be named! (Writer’s block)

Personally, I could never introduce a topic until I know what I want to say about it. 

I start in the middle – en medias res – and write the intro last.  Instead of starting with an intro, I write write write on the topic and then read what I’ve written to figure out what I’m trying to say.

I call this experience of write write write Free Writing – and it is at the very core of my method.

You need to get lost in order to get found.

This is what I’m known for and what distinguishes my method from all the others out there!

My goal is to FREE students from the chains that bind them.  I get them to write their hearts out in the anxiety-free zone of the FREE WRITE where they don’t need to worry about grammar, punctuation, or even order of ideas.

This method takes the stress out of the process and adds in the success.

It’s much easier to go back and excavate – cut and paste – than it is to generate ideas in the first place, so the idea is to generate ideas in the worry-free zone and then engage the more “critical” part of the brain to order them, edit and proofread them.

If you try to edit while you’re writing, or even try to figure out what you’re trying to say while you’re saying it, you’re sure to run into . . .  that which shall not be named! And that’s a nightmare, as we all know.

I outline this method in my book The Art of the College Essay in a way that’s lighthearted, clear and easy to use.

I had a blast writing this book and it has helped tens of thousands of students write the best (and most important) essays they have ever written in their lives.

I used the method I describe in the book to write the book!  I know it works. 

And I’m always so excited when I can pass it on to others – to students writing their college essays, and to the teachers, counselors and parents who help them along the way!

 

New Vision Learning Friends

It’s January. Summer is on the Way!

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Now is the time to be looking into programs for the summer.  In fact, some of these deadlines have already passed!

The Time to Prepare for Summer is Now

Just as the trees look dormant, as though nothing is happening to them, so too with the winter application season.  But don\’t be deceived!  Now is the time to be looking into programs for the summer.  In fact, some of these deadlines have already passed!  I recently helped students with applications to Stanford Summer Institute and to a very exciting program at RPI.

Opportunities are Abundant

I always think of summers as divided in two.  Even if the two sides are uneven, it\’s a good way to think about how to divide your time.  Two weeks in Mexico with your family.  Four weeks studying astrophysics at NASA.

And realistically, there are at least six opportunities for fun, enrichment, service, travel, study, immersion, exploration, initiative in the summers between freshman and sophomore year, sophomore and junior year and then between junior and senior year.

Summer is a time when you can do what you don\’t have time for during the year. 

It\’s a time to spread out, loaf and invite your soul, and also a time to squeeze in an important activity that is exciting to you and would show demonstrated interest in a potential field of study.

You can always do research on your own.  Google \”pre-college programs\” in Creative Writing, Chemistry, Materials Science, BioTech and you will get a whole wealth of information.  Look at the location.  See what the program has to offer.  Does it match your goals and interests?  How long is it?  Where is it?  What activities or courses of study does it offer?  Is it \”for credit\” or not?  Is it at a school to which you might want to apply?

Here is a list that shows the variety of programs available — everything from Peace Corps and Habitat for Humanity for Teens to Study Abroad and Pre-College Programs.  These are just a few sample ideas. There are literally hundreds of programs that are enriching, exciting, and educational for teens.  I am not endorsing any of these programs, per se.  I just want to give you an idea of  just how much is out there.

UCLA Teen Summer Program

Global Leadership Adventures — This is the Peace Corps for Teens

Summer Discovery: A program connected to many prestigious colleges and universities such as:

Summer Discovery offers a wide variety of summer programs for high school students to fit your specific interests and summer goals. We offer over 300 different courses, including: Business, Medicine, Law, Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Theater, Art, Sports Broadcasting, STEM, Political Science, and many more!

Rather than simply rent space from universities like many programs do, Summer Discovery actually partners with them so you can be an active part of their individual communities. You’ll be able to get an accurate picture of student life across 14 campuses:

  • UCLA
  • UC Santa Barbara
  • University of Colorado, Boulder
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Miami
  • Georgetown University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Pace University NYC
  • Emerson College, Boston
  • Cambridge University, England
  • City University, London
  • YALE-NUS College Singapore

Bank of America Student Leaders

Boston University – Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

Canada/USA Mathcamp

Carnegie Mellon – Summer Academy for Math + Science (SAMS)

Cronkite Institute for High School Journalism: Summer Journalism Institute

Foundation for Teaching Economics – Economics for Leaders (EFL)

Garcia Scholars – Stony Brook University

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Camp

Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSIM)

Indiana University – Young Women’s Institute

Jackson Laboratory – Summer Student Program

JCamp – For Journalism students

LaunchX

Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Minority Introduction to Science and Engineering (MITES)

MathILy – Bryn Mawr College

MDI Biological Laboratory Summer Research Fellowship

Michigan Math and Science Scholars

Michigan State University – High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program (HSHSP)

MIT Research Science Institute

Monell Center Science Apprenticeship Program

National Institutes of Health – Summer Internship in Biomedical Research (SIP)

Ohio State University – Ross Mathematics Program

Princeton University – Summer Journalism Program

Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

Simons Summer Research Program

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)

Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP)

Texas Tech University – Clark Scholars

University of Iowa – Secondary Student Training Program (SSTP)

University of Notre Dame – Leadership Seminars

University of Pennsylvania – Leadership in the Business World

U.S. Air Force Academy – Summer Seminar

U.S. Coast Guard Academy – Academy Introduction Mission (AIM)

U.S. Military Academy – Summer Leaders Experience

U.S. Naval Academy – Summer Seminar

Yale Young Global Scholars

Summer Programs Have Applications. Applications Have Essays. Essays are the Golden Key.

For information on writing those all-important essays, feel free to contact me to see how I can help.

The next step, of course, is to take a look at the application.

Often recommendations are needed.  And almost always you must write application essays.  That\’s one of my specialties!  In fact, I have very near 100% acceptance into summer programs.

This is an exciting journey in and of itself.

And that\’s only one of the many ways in which you can spend the dog days of summer.  You can also create an app, go to all the museums in your city, start a dog walking business and begin to explore your interests more deeply and more fully without the burden of homework and tests.

Summer is a wonderland.  Start taking steps now to make it great!

Gabrielle Glancy of New Vision Learning

Enrolling Students Now for the 2019-2020 Academic Year

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Most people come to me with a nagging sense that there are things they need to do to help their kids get into college.  They just don’t quite know what those things are.  

Start Early to Get Ahead

The fact is, the college process has gotten very complicated. It’s not like it was when we applied to college! Now there are three types of applications — the Common App, the Coalition App, the Universal App! Would it be better to take the SAT or the ACT? What about SAT 2s? Summer programs? Internships? Extracurriculars? And the college essays, of which there can be up to 25! What’s a parent to do?

That’s where New Vision Learning comes in.

It’s important to get a roadmap for this journey — to find out what needs to be done when. And to start early!

So often I end up saying to juniors: “I wish I’d met you two years ago!”

Enrolling Students Now
 

I’m already almost booked for January and February is beginning to fill up fast.

The First Step is Always a Conversation.

Don’t wait to book an INITIAL Consultation. By the end of this session, you will have a very clear idea of everything you need to know between now and the finish line.  You will know exactly what to do when to optimize the chances your son or daughter will get into the college of his or her dreams.  When you leave this session, you will have a roadmap to help you navigate what has become a very complicated college process.

And don’t forget: The first official SAT test date in 2019 is March 9.  The ACT will be given on February 9.  That’s only days away!  If you haven’t already started preparing, start now.

A New Vision of SAT Prep for the New Year

A New Vision of SAT Prep for the New Year

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Juniors, the time is now!  I wouldn’t wait another minute.  The first official SAT test date in 2019 is March 9.  The ACT will be given on February 9.  That’s only days away!  If you haven’t already started preparing, start now.

SAT Test Dates 2018-2019

It’s never too early to start preparing for the SAT & ACT. 

Don’t let anyone tell you to wait!  Except for the first round of PSAT’s that you take in the 10th grade, it’s not a good idea to take these tests cold.  And actually, even when you take the PSAT’s for the first time, you should take at least one practice PSAT test first.  That way you will be familiar with each section of the test, with the way the questions are asked, with filling out the Scantron, with how much time you can spend on each question. You can find a lot of useful information on the PSAT on the College Board website. You won’t have to waste a second with logistics.  You’ll be able to get right down to business! 

Good preparation is invaluable.

The SAT and ACT tests are standardized.  Everyone at all levels takes the same test.  But that doesn’t mean they are straightforward.  These tests contain tricks.  You need to be prepared in advance for the kinds of questions you will find in them.  And its best to have an arsenal of strategies, tips and techniques at your fingertips when you walk in the door.

I have been doing SAT and ACT test prep for upwards of twenty-five years.  I have raised student’s scores as much as 300 (total) points on the SAT and 4-6 points on the ACT.  That’s nothing short of a miracle.  How do I do it?

Targeted, one-on-one, expert help.

New Vision Learning SAT Scores

Although many opt for the big guys — Princeton Review, Elite, Study Smarter, Kaplan, Score, Ivy West, Revolution, The People’s Test Prep, Achieve — I have found that students who take these courses burn out before they get to the level they need.  These test prep services are like puppy mills — a corporate approach to an intimate and unique experience.  By the time students come to me after taking one of these courses, they can hardly stand the sight of a word problem or a reading passage.  They’ve been asked to take a test a week for sometimes two months with 5-50 other students.  There’s not enough time to go over every problem each week, let alone zoom in on each student’s strengths and weaknesses.  And so what happens?  The student repeats the same mistake over and over.  That’s frustrating, fruitless and costly!

It’s important to match the strategy to the student. 

Not every student learns the same way.  And not every student takes tests the same way.  That’s why one-on-one help is so important.  One thing they got right, however.  MOTIVATION DOES COME FROM CONNECTION.  You have to find the right fit.  I only take on about 20 students a year — and they ALL succeed.  That’s a pretty good track record if you ask me.  And you should ask me.  I’ve got the best gig in town 😉 The added bonus is that I can take you across the finish line.  Once we’ve got SAT prep under out belts, we can start on the College Essays.  Can I help you with that too?  I sure can.  I’ve written the book on it — The Art of the College Essay.

Just to note, for sophomores, it’s also important to do a diagnostic ACT because this test is not routinely given in schools. 

For some students, the ACT is a better test.  I find that my stronger readers who may struggle with math sometimes do better on the ACT.

I would suggest you get the Barron’s ACT prep book and the Barron’s SAT prep book.  Take the diagnostic tests in both and call me with the results.  A higher ACT composite does not necessarily mean the ACT is the right test.  This will depend on improvement rate and that can only be gleaned by an expert.  I will help you decide which test is best for you and map out a strategy for success in test preparation.

Start now.  The clock is ticking!

Book a Time to Figure Out Which Test is Right for You
UC Personal Insight Questions- You Can Do This!

UC Personal Insight Questions: You Can Do This!

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Your story is worth it! That is the message of the video provided by The University of California giving you tips on how to write responses to their Personal Insight Questions.

Although the video does not provide an in-depth set of instructions for how to answer The University of California prompts, it does lead you in the right direction. 

The tips for the UC’s boil down to these seven steps.

1. Read all the prompts first.

2.  Jot down first thoughts or impressions.  The University of California must have read my book The Art of the College Essay, which lays out exactly the same sequence of steps!

3.  Pick a topic that will show meaningful information about what makes you tick, what you have accomplished, how you deal with adversity, what makes you you.

4. FREE WRITE on the topic.  Write everything that comes to mind without thinking about grammar, punctuation, spelling or even sequence of ideas.

5. Draft the essay from your Free Write.

6. Get someone to give you feedback.

7.  Proofread your essay and get help proofreading it just to be sure it is free of errors.

As I mentioned, I not only agree with this advice, it’s exactly what I outline in my book.

New Vision Learning University of California

I have a few other KEY TIPS to add to what has already been said.

I would make sure to choose four prompts that show the broadest range of qualities and aspects of yourself, your academics and your extracurricular activities.  If I asked you for 4 adjectives to describe yourself, you wouldn’t want to answer: “Nice, sweet, kind and gentle.” (Even if you are!)

Sparkly, Driven, Deep and Fun-Loving!

You would want to give me four adjectives that reveal unique facets of yourself and that give the most complete and complex vision of you possible.  Personally, I would answer: “Sparkly, Driven, Deep and Fun-Loving!”  What would you say about yourself?

So there’s that.

Remember these are “personal insight questions!”  This means that you need to have insight into your own person, or personal insight.  That’s why it’s important to get in touch with what’s important to you, how you feel, what qualities describe you.

Also, while it is good practice to SHOW as much as you can in the Common App essay, I have heard it said over and over again that The University of California wants a more straightforward and direct style.  In fact, to quote the video itself: “Write like you are talking to a friend.”

New-Vision-Learning-Understanding-the-New-Personal-Insight

I have a few other KEY TIPS to add to what has already been said.

I would make sure to choose four prompts that show the broadest range of qualities and aspects of yourself, your academics and your extracurricular activities.  If I asked you for 4 adjectives to describe yourself, you wouldn’t want to answer: “Nice, sweet, kind and gentle.” (Even if you are!)

You would want to give me four adjectives that reveal unique facets of yourself and that give the most complete and complex vision of you possible.  Personally, I would answer: “Sparkly, Driven, Deep and Fun-Loving!”  What would you say about yourself?

So there’s that.

Write Like You Are Talking to a Friend

Also, while it is good practice to SHOW as much as you can in the Common App essay, I have heard it said over and over again that The University of California wants a more straightforward and direct style.  In fact, to quote the video itself: “Write like you are talking to a friend.”

My experience has been that most students can use a cut-down version of their Common App Essay for Question #5, which asks you to describe a significant challenge.

I advise students to do either #3 or #8 because these are free-form questions in which you can highlight aspects of yourself that haven’t been discussed anywhere else.

So that leaves two remaining prompts.  Think about aspects of yourself you really want to highlight.  This will be unique for each person.  Some students will want to talk about leadership (#1), some about their favorite AP Bio class (#6), some about how their penchant for doodling reflects their ability for creative problem solving (#3).

The video is right.  You can do this!  Your story is worth it!

Here’s is a list of the UC Personal Insight Questions:

Freshman: Personal insight questions

What do you want UC to know about you? Here’s your chance to tell us in your own words.

Directions

  • You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the 8 questions.

  • Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.

  • Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you: But you should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that best reflect your individual circumstances.

Keep in mind

  • All questions are equal: All are given equal consideration in the application review process, which means there is no advantage or disadvantage to choosing certain questions over others.

  • There is no right or wrong way to answer these questions: It’s about getting to know your personality, background, interests and achievements in your own unique voice.  

Questions & guidance

Remember, the personal questions are just that — personal. Which means you should use our guidance for each question just as a suggestion in case you need help. The important thing is expressing who you are, what matters to you and what you want to share with UC. 

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.  

Things to consider: A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? 

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family?

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.  

Things to consider: What does creativity mean to you? Do you have a creative skill that is important to you? What have you been able to do with that skill? If you used creativity to solve a problem, what was your solution? What are the steps you took to solve the problem?

How does your creativity influence your decisions inside or outside the classroom? Does your creativity relate to your major or a future career?

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?  

Things to consider: If there’s a talent or skill that you’re proud of, this is the time to share it. You don’t necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about it, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule?

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

Things to consider: An educational opportunity can be anything that has added value to your educational experience and better prepared you for college. For example, participation in an honors or academic enrichment program, or enrollment in an academy that’s geared toward an occupation or a major, or taking advanced courses that interest you — just to name a few. 

If you choose to write about educational barriers you’ve faced, how did you overcome or strive to overcome them? What personal characteristics or skills did you call on to overcome this challenge? How did overcoming this barrier help shape who are you today?

Use the Prompts to Prompt Your Imagination.

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from the experience. Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

If you’re currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “How has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends or with my family?”

6.  Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. 

Things to consider:  Many students have a passion for one specific academic subject area, something that they just can’t get enough of. If that applies to you, what have you done to further that interest? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had inside and outside the classroom — such as volunteer work, internships, employment, summer programs, participation in student organizations and/or clubs — and what you have gained from your involvement.

Has your interest in the subject influenced you in choosing a major and/or future career? Have you been able to pursue coursework at a higher level in this subject (honors, AP, IB, college or university work)? Are you inspired to pursue this subject further at UC, and how might you do that?


7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?  

Things to consider: Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place — like your high school, hometown or home. You can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community?

Why were you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? How did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community?

8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Things to consider:  If there’s anything you want us to know about you, but didn’t find a question or place in the application to tell us, now’s your chance. What have you not shared with us that will highlight a skill, talent, challenge or opportunity that you think will help us know you better? The process of answering these question will give you personal insight you might not have otherwise had.  In fact, I often have students do the UC Personal Insight Questions as a way to locate a juicy topic for the Common App.

From your point of view, what do you feel makes you an excellent choice for UC? Don’t be afraid to brag a little.

Need more help? I am an absolute expert on helping students find exactly the right topics and finding ways to express themselves clearly and effectively with style!

You’re not alone.  Reach out now to get personal, expert, stress-free help!


Download the worksheet for freshman applicants [PDF]
See our writing tips & techniques

Best College Essays 2018

Best College Essays 2018 Available NOW!

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You can get your very own copy of Best College Essays 2018 on Kindle now.  The paperback of this amazing book will be out by Friday, November 9.

Writing my essay was like searching for an obscure jewel that was buried deep inside me.  I wanted the essay to show readers the essence of my creative self-expression.  To help me \”find\” the essay, my college guidance counselor held the flashlight while I did the digging!  Finally, I struck the roots of my very own family tree, most notable, my grandmother Gwennie, the first woman in our family to go to college and one of the rare African American women in her small upstate New York town to become a college graduate.  The essay I wrote is my personal statement and is also a tribute to my grandmother\’s bold style and courage that became the inspiration of my essay and has also served to inspire me as a young black woman.

                                                                       — Chloe Pinkney, Attending Skidmore, Best College Essays 2014

My thinking spot is atop my horse because my horses are my thing and the barn is my place.  On my horse, Khedar, my mind wanders; I let it float around, branch out, pursue different avenues, and perhaps most important, I allow it to backtrack.  During this stage, I dictate the piece in my head:  I match the cadence of the my sentences to the rhythm of his canter, punctuate them with his transitions, and become fully consumed by ideas, language and the gentle movement beneath me.  And then I write.

                                                                                                        –Charlotte Knopp, Best College Essays 2016

Best College Essays 2020 is now accepting submissions. 
$1000 First Prize.  Two Second Prizes of $500 each.

Best College Essays 2020

Best College Essays 2020 Call for Submissions: $1000 First Prize

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As Series Editor of Best College Essays 2020, I am proud to announce that the submission period is now open.

You Already Wrote It! Why Not Submit It?

Best College Essays 2020 is now accepting submissions from high school students applying to college in the 2019 academic year.  If you\’re a senior, that\’s you!  

Probably the single most important essay a student will ever write in their lives, the college essay gets sent to admissions offices never to be seen again.

The mission of Best College Essays it to preserve these diamonds in the rough, destined to be discarded as soon as the process is over, and expose them to the light of day in an effort to mark, showcase and honor this often overlooked rite of passage.

$1000 First Prize. 

Two Second Prizes of $500 each.

A byproduct of this worthy goal is that this book provides a plethora of high-quality examples of what a college essay can be or do for generations of college-bound students to come.

Best College Essays 2018 is now on Kindle.  The paperback will be available by November 9, 2018.

You already wrote it! Why not submit it?
First Prize $1000
Two Second Prizes: $500/each

Oh The Places You'll Go

Oh, The Places you Can Go!

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Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal; bad poets deface what they take, and good poets make it into something better, or at least something different. — T.S. Eliot, The Sacred Wood

The irony of the college essay is that students are asked to write the best essay of their lives in a form they have never learned.

Through others we become ourselves. — Lev S. Vigotsky

It would be naïve to think that one learns to write in a vacuum.

One doesn\’t learn to speak in a vacuum. In fact, one needs to imitate in order to learn. Imitation is the highest form of praise — and one of the greatest and most under-utilized tools for learning.

As a young New York City Poet-in-the Schools, I remember being taught by the great poet Kenneth Koch how to teach students who had never written poetry to write poems.

Koch was well-known for using the beginning of famous poems as starting points for young writers. He would read a poem aloud, say, \”The Red Wheelbarrow\” by William Carlos Williams:

so much depends 
upon 
a red wheel 
barrow 
glazed with rain 
water 
beside the white 
chickens

…and then direct an entire class to start the poem with the words \”so much depends upon.\”

Using these exact words, the students wrote their own poems – and they were all completely unique. True, they all started out the same, but where they went was completely different. Here\’s an example using a different prompt. Look how beautiful this poem turned out. In fact, Koch even titled his book after a line written by one of his students:

Dog where did you get that bark?

Dragon where did you get that fire?

Kitten where did you get that meow.

Rose, where did you get that Red?

Bird, where did you get those wings?

What Koch also taught, using \”The Red Wheelbarrow\” specifically, is that in writing, as in life, really so much depends on so little.

The words we use everyday (mostly) were already there when we got here. No one has cornered the market on language.

The irony of the college essay is that students are asked to write the best essay of their lives in a form they have never learned.

Maybe a student has read a few personal essays in their high school career. Maybe Annie Dillard or Richard Rodriquez.

Perhaps they have been asked to write a \”reflection\” on something they have read in class.

But I would put money on the fact that no one has really taught them to write a personal essay. (Actually, although they have been schooled in Five-Paragraph Analytical Essays, they have never really been taught HOW to write those either. No one teaches anyone HOW to do it. They just tell them WHAT their essay is supposed to contain.)

But a Personal essay? Most students have never even seen one, let alone been taught how to write one. To be honest, if students were being taught how to do this, I would be out of a job!

Experience has taught me that most students don\’t even really know what a personal essay is.

So it\’s good to show them.

I have a few favorites that I use to demonstrate the breadth and scope of what\’s possible – both in terms of subject matter and of style.

I am always amazed by my student\’s responses to the model essays I read to them.

\”Wow,\” they often say. \”I didn\’t know you could write about that!\”

Or, \”That\’s pretty wild! Did so and so get in?\”

I like to show them that the field is not only large but infinite so they can play in it and find a path that is truly their own.

The truth is college essays can be about almost anything. A lot can be learned by seeing what others do. Google Best College Essays and you\’ll get a sampling. From there, it\’s amazing the places you can go!

Here\’s a sample sample 😉 Thank you, dear Miranda Dickerman!  

Here\’s her Common App.  Got her in ED to a great school!

PROMPT:  Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

“Why do kids come here? There’s nothing to do,” was what a representative from an organization of Jewish camps said visiting Camp Tawonga, where I feel strong and beautiful and whole. It’s in the advertisements, on the website, on my counselors’ lips —  kids come to Camp Tawonga because there you are your best self. Although I am always missing the breeze in the redwoods and the traditions that I love, I don’t feel the hole in my heart that I used to when I was away from camp.

It’s sunny June in San Francisco and I’m gardening with seven-year-olds in a vibrant, organic oasis amongst industrial warehouses.  I’m at the Southwest Community Center chasing three year old Bismarck who is running and dancing to pop music and yanking me across the cement, eyes fixed on the Caltrain tracks, unwaveringly hopeful for a “choo-choo” to pass by. Behind the glass doors, his mother hugs Judge Kelly because she helped her regain custody now that she is sober and ready to give Bismark the love he deserves.  I see the hope in their eyes and my chest warms.

I’m holding my brother’s hand on the bus, I\’m composing a song for my violin. I’m running in the forest, I’m prepping for a debate, I’m laughing with my best friend, puzzled over setting up our tent.

I have learned that being my best self is not dependent on location. I don’t need to be at camp to be my best self because I am my best self when I am open, learning, and I can see the love within other people and feel it in myself. I’m my best self when I feel helpful, grateful, and in the present. I find joy and love in places I never knew I would ever find myself. My best self is ready to fight against the incomprehensible injustices that I see in the world and stand up for what I believe in.

“Oh my gosh!” my dear friend Frances says, her red nails picking away at the netting covering the bush. “There\’s blueberries,” her eyes shining. We pull the light and chalky berries off the bush.I have  never seen something so perfect. I’m taken aback that nature has created this. I think of the canyons and forests I have explored and of those that I still haven\’t. The sun is shining onto the bricks of the garden  and we talk about “how lucky we are” to have each other and to be girls who are as thrilled as anything to eat one delicious blueberry on a glorious June day.

I close my eyes and envision myself and my friends. We’re living out our childhood fantasy of owning a farm and raising families together. We run a library. A pre-school. A home for refugees. But maybe we\’re cities or worlds apart and only talk over Skype. I’m doing research on genetic diseases or studying upside down catfish and saving habitats. I’m a social worker. A senator. An entrepreneur.  There’s an unfathomable number of paths that I may follow, and I am excited rather than scared. I am learning to be a woman who follows her heart and seeks help when she needs it. No matter what path I take, I will find joy in helping others, and I will remember how to find happiness and pride. I will surround myself with people who make me feel lucky.

I can think of at least one moment from any given day that I wish I could fit into this essay. There’s a baby on the corner, and the bus driver smiled today, and we are alive. It is always worth the extra moment it takes to remember that you’re surrounded by beauty. I am infinitely lucky to have a life that has given me the time and space to embark on this journey of self discovery.

Writer, Independent College Counselor and Former Admissions Director, Gabrielle Glancy is a Writing Guru who has taken thousands of students successfully and relatively painlessly through the process of writing the single most important essay of their lives. Gabrielle Glancy is Founder and Director of New Vision Learning, Series Editor of Best College Essays, an avid Blogger and author of a forthcoming book on the subject. To learn more about how to write that all-important College Essay or how to navigate the process, visit her blog at http://www.newvisionlearning.org and join the conversation.

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