Jeff B., Author at LA Tutors 123

Jun 12

Woman and young girl at a desk in front of a laptop

The importance of Vocabulary on the HSPT

By Jeff B. High School, HSPT, Middle School, Practice Tests, Test Prep

While vocabulary is a key component of most high school admissions exams (such as the ISEE, SSAT, and HSPT), for a variety of reasons vocabulary is even more crucial on the HSPT exam. Some of you are no doubt aware that the HSPT has five sections: Verbal Skills Quantitative Skills Reading Comprehension Mathematics Language What…

Mar 11

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Young adult student playing the piano with a tutor watching

How Music Can Help with Academic Development

By Jeff B. Elementary School, High School, Middle School, Music, Study Skills

In 1998 the governor of Georgia, convinced it would boost the academic achievement of children in his state, attempted to fund a program giving every child in the state a Mozart tape, in order to take advantage of the so-called “Mozart effect” where listening to Mozart increases intelligence. Unfortunately, this effect has been fairly thoroughly…

Feb 28

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Three students sitting at a table with two laptops studying

Dartmouth Reinstates the SAT/ACT Requirement

By Jeff B. ACT, College Admissions, High School, SAT, Test Prep

The NY Times recently published an article on how yet another college, Dartmouth, is eliminating a test-optional policy and reverting to requiring the SAT or ACT. During the pandemic Dartmouth, like most schools, dropped their test requirement. However, after some unintended consequences of the policy and an internal review, Dartmouth found compelling evidence that their…

Feb 10

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A male and female student studying together from a textbook

Different Ways to Stay Productive/Stay on Top of your Classes during Spring Break

By Jeff B. ACT, AP Exams, College Admissions, Elementary School, High School, Middle School, PSAT, SAT, Study Skills, Test Prep, Uncategorized

With spring break around the corner, many students may be wondering how best to use their time most productively. While students will of course want to relax and enjoy their well-earned rest, but spring break also provides ample time for students to catch up on missing work, prepare for tests or college admissions, or just…

Jan 22

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Two students writing on a worksheet in a courtyard

Unraveling the Controversy Surrounding Standardized Testing in College Admissions

By Jeff B. ACT, College Admissions, High School, SAT, Test Prep

The NY Times recently published an article about the growing pushback to the move away from the SAT among colleges. A combination of pandemic-induced logistical issues and research finding widespread income and race-based disparities in test scores has caused many schools to move away from standardized test scores as a major factor in admissions. However,…