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Jan 04

Man and Woman Studying while Writing on a Notebook

New Year, New Tools: Digital SAT and Bluebook Update

By Katherine Friedman High School, Practice Tests, PSAT, SAT, Test Prep

If you took the PSAT this past fall or you’re preparing for the new Digital SAT, you’ve probably spent some time on the College Board’s Bluebook app. Recently, there were some changes to the app and its scoring, along with the addition of a question bank that will be very helpful for those preparing for…

Nov 17

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Students inside a Classroom Studying Together

What are the CAASPP and ERB tests?

By Katherine Friedman Elementary School, Test Prep

If you attend primary or middle school in California, you will likely take a standardized test at least once per year. Public school students take the CAASPP, which stands for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress. The most common form of this test is the “Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy and…

Nov 01

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Three students in a room doing their classwork together

CHSPE changing to the CPP

By Jeff B. CHSPE, High School, Test Prep

What was the CHSPE? For years, students who wanted to qualify to leave high school early in California took the California High School Proficiency Exam (or CHSPE). A passing score on the CHSPE allowed students to leave high school to pursue their professional or educational goals. Many students used their passing CHSPE grade to enter…

Jun 13

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Four young high school kids staring in the distance while sitting on school steps

Transitioning to High School: Tips for Navigating the Change Smoothly

By Wendy I. High School, Middle School, Study Skills

Congratulations to your 8th grade graduate! With the transition to high school comes new opportunities, experiences, and challenges. Here are a handful of things that you and your student can expect, along with tips for each of you to make the transition as smooth as possible. Academics More flexibility with class electives High school students…

Jun 06

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Young girl leaning over a desk staring at a laptop screen

Learning to Love the Personal Statement: How to Rethink Your Relationship to the College Essay

By Gina Hackett College Admissions, High School

Let me start by saying: dread is a reasonable feeling when it comes to approaching the personal statement. Say you’ve navigated the last three years with nothing but energy and persistence. Say you’ve gotten up at 6am every weekday for lacrosse practice, or for the AP Music Theory class that was only available at a…