Registering for the SAT
Please do this on your laptop – it’s easier. Read more
The Options for English Language Requirements
The Essay is no longer being offered by the College Board.
AUB’s Readiness for University Study in English (RUSE) is met with a minimum score of 530 on the SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing. LAU requires a minimum score of 23 on the Writing Section. Balamand University requires a score of 22 – 25 on the Writing Section. AUST requires SAT Test with a minimum total score of 870 for admission to freshman arts and 950 for admission to freshman science. ESA requests an SAT score. NDU requires more than 31 on the Writing and Language section to enter sophomore level English.
TOEFL Changes
Good news for English-Language test candidates! Starting from August 1, 2019, all TOEFL iBT test takers will benefit from changes to the test format and score reporting, as well as easier registration. In brief, these changes are as follows:
- Superscoring has been introduced!
As ETS explains: “The new MyBest™ scores feature will combine test takers’ best scores for each section from all valid TOEFL iBT scores from the previous two years. MyBest scores allow test takers to show their best overall test performance to institutions making important admissions decisions. All TOEFL iBT score reports sent after August 1, 2019, regardless of the test administration date, will automatically include MyBest scores along with the traditional scores from the test taker’s selected test date.”
2. The test has been shortened by 30 minutes — to three hours — with no changes to the overall test format or question types. There are simply fewer questions in the Reading, Listening and Speaking sections now.
Our test experience with students seems to be showing it is now easier to gain a high score on the TOEFL iBT, although it is still early days to draw definitive conclusions.
Back to School
So you’ve packed away your beach bag, dusted down your school bag and you’re waiting outside on the street for the school bus to pick you up. It’s back to school time …
A few thoughts though – work very hard in class, keep up your school average, find time for SAT practice, read Scientific American (regularly!), do sports … and, most importantly, be happy.
Wishing you all a successful academic year 2019/20.
Undergraduate applications: The Common App and AUB
AUB has announced you can apply for admission on the Common App. What does this mean for you?
- If you’re applying to mainland USA universities, but think there is a possibility you might go to AUB, use the common app.
- If you’re sure you’re going to AUB, you can apply directly with the AUB online link. It’s quicker.
Good luck with either path and remember if you need Common App support we’re here to help.
The SAT and Your Mind-set
You all know by now that the SAT is a stressful test – you’re under pressure to complete questions within the time allowed and without making any mistakes.
The single most important thing during the test is to stay positive – don’t allow yourself to become tired or fed up. Stop thinking you want to go home, to the bathroom, or anywhere that isn’t that desk where you are coloring in bubbles. Negative thoughts will affect your score.
The test is designed to check how you perform under pressure – so one way of remaining positive is to become comfortable with the demands of the test. Complete to time as many tests as you can find. Let your mind become accustomed to the rhythm of the test – know you will hit high points and low points in the course of the test, and ride through the low moments. If you’re losing focus, lift your eyes towards the end of the room, take six deep breaths … and return to the questions.
And remember – this too will pass 🙂
Don’t Waste Your Time: SAT words
We’re here to make your life easier…
If you want to make the best use of travel time in the car, refresh your memory with words that will help you on the SAT. For example, do you know what these words mean?
Obsolescence; Convey; Curtail; Dismal; Widespread; Entrench; Burrow; Gloomy; Facetious; Feign.
They’re all words that have appeared on past tests. So how best to increase your vocabulary? Read, read, read. Find some articles in scientific/economics magazines that interest you and learn the new vocabulary you come across – and slowly you will build up a new bank of words that you’ll use in your everyday life. One word at a time, that’s all it takes.
Our Summer SAT Courses
We’re very proud to share our exciting news!
Hampshire Academy will be giving SAT courses in the following schools over the summer: Brummana High School, College Notre Dame de Jamhour, College Notre Dame de Nazareth Beirut, St. Joseph School Cornet Chahwan, and Wellspring Learning Community.
We believe this is recognition of the strength and integrity of our courses.
You too can profit from our expertise in our centers in Horsh Tabet, Kaslik and Deir Al Kalaa Country Club. Call us on 71 793757 for further details.