Carrie Zhou on Sing Tao TV

Carrie Zhou, Assistant Director at Elite of San Francisco, was interviewed on Sing Tao TV in the Bay Area. Check it out! (It's better if you speak Mandarin, but still pretty good if you don't!)

UC Admissions Update

 

Admission Notification Dates

The campuses of the University of California will start announcing their admission decisions for the fall 2013 term in from February through late March 2013. The specific notification schedule for the UC campuses is set out below:

• UC Berkeley: 3/28
• UC Davis: 3/15
• UC Irvine: 1st week of Feb. (rolling)
• UC Los Angeles: 3/22
• UC Merced: 2/15 (rolling)
• UC Riverside: 2/1 (rolling)
• UC San Diego: 3/16
• UC Santa Barbara: 3/19
• UC Santa Cruz: 3/15

Statement of Intend to Register (Deadline: May 1)

You have to accept the offer of admission to the campus you want to attend by submitting the Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and nonrefundable $100 deposit by May 1, 2013. You can accept an offer of admission to one campus only.

 

Waitlist (Deadline to Opt In: April 15)

All campuses, except UC Merced and possibly Berkeley, will use waitlists for their freshman admission pools. You may receive an offer to be placed on a waitlist from more than one campus. If you wish to be placed on one or more waitlists, you must affirmatively opt in by the April 15 deadline. Even if you accept an offer to be placed on a waitlist, you should still commit to one of the campuses to which you have actually been accepted for admission by the May 1 deadline to submit the SIR and $100 enrollment deposit. If you later accept an offer of admission from a campus from the waitlist, you will simply forfeit this enrollment deposit.

 

Appeals (Deadline: April 15 in general; March 29 for UC Santa Cruz)

If you are not offered admission to a particular UC campus, you may submit an appeal if you feel that there are good grounds to do so by the April 15 deadline to submit appeals (the deadline for UC Santa Cruz is March 29). Keep in mind that the purpose of the appeal is to present compelling new information or to correct a possible oversight in the initial review. Furthermore, different campuses have different processes to submit appeals--for example, some campuses require that an appeal be submitted online while others may require a student to submit a formal appeal letter along with supporting documents--and it is important to follow the given instructions. Lastly, students cannot submit an appeal for a spot on the waitlist.

Five Awesome Study Apps

inClass

inClass is a free app that provides students with tools to keep up with homework, assignments, and changing schedules. Using inClass, you can record audio, take text or video notes, and create images of slides and handouts. You can also use the app to share materials with friends through Facebook and iTunes. For iPhone and iPad.

F.lux

Your computer's display was designed to be visible in direct sunlight, but what about after dark when you don't need that glaring blue light in your face? F.lux automatically adapts your computer's lighting to the time of day, keeping it bright and visible during daylight, and giving it nice, warm glow after dark. It may even help you sleep better. Perfect for those late night research sessions. For Windows, Linux, Mac, iPad/iPhone.

The Chemical Touch

A super cool touch-sensitive periodic table and chemical information companion, The Chemical Touch provides a wealth of information right at your fingertips. Recolor the periodic table by selecting properties other than Atomic Mass to visually investigate periodic trends. If you need info beyond what's built into the program, the internet button opens the Wikipedia page for the selected element, amino acid, or nucleobase. For iPhone/iPad.

Evernote

Evernote is an easy-to-use, free app that helps you remember everything across all of the devices you use. Stay organized, save your ideas and improve productivity. Evernote lets you take notes, capture photos, create to-do lists, record voice reminders--and makes these notes completely searchable, whether you are at home, at school, or on the go. For Windows/Android and Mac/iPhone/iPad.

Think

There are probably a handful of applications open on your computer screen right now, all competing for your attention. Think lets you black out (or dim) every open program but the one you're using, so you'll be less distracted by Facebook or iTunes when you're supposed to be writing that paper. For Mac. 

Possible Changes to the SAT

The College Board recently announced that it will be revising the SAT Reasoning Test. As of now, the College Board has not announced any details, including a date for the planned change or the nature of the changes. Rest assured, though, that Elite will be on top of the latest news.

Over the past twenty-four years, Elite has acquired a wealth of expert knowledge and experience in creating the most effective curriculum to prepare college-bound students to succeed on the SAT. We successfully met the challenge of developing a system of lessons and practice tests to reflect the changes in the SAT in 1994 and more recently in 2005. We are confident that we will be able once again to swiftly adapt our curriculum to reflect the new changes to the SAT.

When more details emerge, students and parents may have to decide which test (the current SAT, the new SAT, or the ACT) to take. Elite’s trained directors and counselors will be ready to guide students through every step with the most up-to-date information available and to offer courses specifically tailored to the exam that best fits their plans. 

Register for Summer Session Classes Today!

The best time to prepare for the SAT is summer, when students are free from the obligations of homework, school clubs, and teams. Elite has a variety of programs, schedules, and locations to give you the flexibilty to select the program that best meets your needs. Summer is just around the corner – contact your local branch today to schedule a free diagnostic test and consultation to find out which program is right for you.

Sign up by Saturday, March 30 to receive our Early Registration Discount – 5% off the regular program price!

Elite Summer Session programs include:

SAT Boot Camp
Elite's well-known and highly-regarded SAT Boot Camp is a demanding program designed for high school students who want to commit a significant portion of their summer to raise their SAT scores. Students take a 3.5 hour practice test every Monday and attend class and test review Tuesday through Friday.* Classes focus on developing critical reading, grammar, vocabulary, writing, and math skills--everything necessary to master the SAT. Our expert instructors will give you the knowledge and techniques you need to perform your best on test day.

SAT Essentials
Our SAT Essentials weekday and weekend programs feature our proven curriculum, while offering a more streamlined approach to SAT prep and a less intensive schedule.

PSAT Boot Camp / PSAT Essentials

The Elite PSAT Program is designed for students in 9th and 10th grade who want to get a head start on preparing for the PSAT and SAT. PSAT Boot Camp offers a set of three interlocking classes (Critical Reading, Writing and a Math class previewing Algebra II) taught at a pace more suited to younger students.

ReadiPrep™ English and Math

Aimed at students in grades 5-9, ReadiPrep™ English focuses on developing studies’ critical reading and thinking skills through an interconnected course of study involving reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar studies, persuasive writing, and test skill development. ReadiPrep™ Math provides students with a preview of the math coursework they can expect to study during the school year.  With this head start in English and Math, students will have to opportunity to build upon a strong foundation once they enter their fall semesters.

*Classes and schedules vary by branch. Check your branch's summer session schedule for details.

Common App Releases New Essay Prompts

The Common Application — the application service used by 488 member colleges and institutions worldwide — has released its new 2013-14 essay prompts!

Perhaps the most notable change is that the "topic of your choice" essay prompt, popular with many students in years past, is no longer an option. Additionally, the essay word limit has been increased from 500 to 650 words, though the Common App is careful to discourage wordiness, noting that "650 words is your limit, not your goal."

Additional changes to the application will be rolled out over the next few months before the new "next generation Common Application Online" is fully launched on August 1, 2013.

Here are the five new essay prompts and their accompanying instructions:

Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

• Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. 

To download the official announcement from the Common Application, click here.

Boost Your AP and SAT Subject Test Scores This Spring!

Yeah, AP Exams and SAT Subject Tests are notoriously challenging.

But we've got you covered.

Elite's world-class instructors are the best in the business. We'll take you through the tests step-by-step and help you understand the material inside and out. This spring, get the edge you need to make your college application stand out.

Classes start in February. Contact your local Elite branch for schedules and tuition information.

About SAT Subject Tests

The College Board offers 20 SAT Subject Tests in 5 general subject areas: literature, math, science, history, and languages. Each test is an hour long. Many colleges use Subject Test results when making admissions decisions and when determining which courses to place students in. Submitting your SAT Subject Test scores is a great way to supplement your applications and show colleges the subject areas in which you excel. 

At the most selective schools, SAT Subject Tests can be just as important as the SAT or ACT. Each college has its own guidelines regarding Subject Tests. For example, Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, MIT, and Princeton all require at least two Subject Tests. Other schools (and particular programs within those schools) recommend or strongly recommend certain SAT Subject Tests. Many schools don't require or explicitly recommend them, but will consider Subject Test results when making their admissions decisions. Each UC campus has different recommendations, so be sure to carefully check the admissions requirements and recommendations for every school you're considering.

Generally speaking, you should take two or three SAT Subject Tests in the areas that will showcase your abilities the most. Remember, you may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on the same day, but you may not take Subject Tests on the same day you take the SAT Reasoning Test.

The optimal time to take SAT Subject Tests is usually during May or June of your junior year. It's likely that you'll be the most prepared at the end of the school year when the material will be fresh in your mind. You can find a list of SAT Subject Test dates here.

About Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Like the SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams are administered by the College Board. However, AP Exams are offered only in May after completing an AP course offered at your high school. You can sign up for AP courses through your school's AP Coordinator. (If your school doesn't have an AP Coordinator, you can contact AP Services before March 1 and arrange to take the exams at a participating school.)

As their name implies, Advanced Placement (AP) Exams offer students the opportunity to take higher level courses when they get to college. In fact, many colleges and universities (but not all) even offer college credit for students who score well on their AP Exams. This can be helpful for students who would like to make time to take a wider variety of classes or study abroad while in college.

The College Board currently offers 34 different AP courses. For a list of AP courses and exam dates, click here.

Twenty-Four Elite Students Earn Perfect Scores on the October SAT

The results are in . . .

This October, Elite students earned not one, not two, but TWENTY-FOUR perfect 2400 scores on the SAT!

New members of the Elite 2400 Club include:

Aaron Chi
Mission San Jose High School
Elite of Fremont

Adrija Darsha
American High School
Elite of Fremont

Bobbie Chen
Walnut High
Elite of Rowland Heights

Brandon Hsia
University High School
Elite of Irvine

Brian Ng
Beckman High School
Elite of Irvine-Northwood

Christine X.
Amador Valley High School
Elite of Fremont

Christine Zhang
Dougherty Valley High School
Elite of Fremont

 

James Gui
University High School
Elite of Irvine

Jamie Suk
Foothill High School
Elite of Fremont

Janel Lee
Amador Valley High School
Elite of Fremont

Jennifer Franke
Foothill High School
Elite of Irvine

Jenny Li
Mount Carmel High School
Elite of Rancho Bernardo

Jonathan Fu
Northwood High School
Elite of Irvine-Northwood

Julia Ni
Webb School
Elite of San Francisco

 

Justin Su
Capistrano Valley High School
Elite of Irvine-Northwood

Kevin Kyumin Lee
University High School
Elite of Irvine

Maya Srinivasan
Saratoga High School
Elite of Cupertino

Shreyas Behave
Monte Vista High School
Elite of San Ramon

Tandy Yuan
Amador Valley High School
Elite of Fremont

Trina Sarka
University High School
Elite of Irvine-Northwood

And that's not all! Dozens of our students scored over 2100 and hundreds improved their SAT scores significantly. Congratulations to all on your hard work and success!

Since 1987, Elite has been using an exceptional curriculum, expert instructors, and personalized counseling to help students acheive their academic goals. Our students' results speak for themselves.

Contact your local branch today to learn more about test prep and tutoring at Elite.

Is a Liberal Arts Degree a Practical Choice?

Students and parents alike seem to be increasingly concerned about whether a degree from a liberal arts institution will actually be "usable" in the "real world." Can an English B.A. be a practical degree? Will taking all those core course requirements be a waste of time?

Columbia Spectator columnist Caitlin Brown explains why a liberal arts education is actually the best preprofessional preparation around: 

...it seems quite reasonable to assume that the critical skills formed in this otherwise idealistic pursuit of the intellectual are intended to play some role in making us smarter humans—or at least ones who would be able to adapt to the curveballs of job training for which little classroom experience can be of direct use. This is a basic idea behind an education in the liberal arts. It may seem like the opposite of preprofessionalism, but it is, in the strictest sense, a “preprofessional” endeavor, a sort of intellectual training that prepares us in a comprehensive way for the rigors of adapting to adult life and work.  

Read the whole article at ColumbiaSpectator.com.

Winter Boot Camp Registration is Open!

Are you planning to take the SAT in January or March 2013? If so, Elite's famous Winter Boot Camp is the perfect way to kick start your SAT prep over the holiday break!

Our instructors will help you understand the test inside and out with eight days of challening practice tests and comprehensive instruction in Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. Course options are available for students seeking an intensive or moderate class schedule. Sign up for Winter Boot Camp and take the SAT with confidence!

Contact your local Elite branch today for schedules and pricing information or to schedule a free diagnostic test.

Director Profile: Jennifer Oh | Elite of San Diego

Hi, Jennifer! Tell us a little about yourself...
I'm the Branch Director at Elite of San Diego in Carmel Valley. That means I'm responsible for addressing local students' test prep and tutoring needs, keeping our programs up to date, and maintaining a fun, respectful, and harmonious work environment that my students and teachers enjoy being a part of. I meet with students and parents on a daily basis to tailor programs that match their specific needs and goals for a college career. Not every student gets the same generic advice. I also teach SAT writing classes, college application workshops, ACT reading and writing, and all other writing quads and tutoring we offer!

What's with the photo?
This one was taken on Costume Day during Summer Boot Camp! It was so fun. Everyone dressed up, but a couple of the students and I just had to show off Diane's amazing mermaid tail, which her mom made! (I'm on the right, holding the mermaid's shoulders.) 

Where are you from?
Michigan, mostly. My father's quest for knowledge, internships, and various jobs across the country moved our immigrant family around for most of my formative years. I went to five elementary schools, two middle schools, and then one high school, so I'm easily adaptable! I also attended Calvin College, where I majored in Biology/Pre-Med with post-bacculaureates in Comparative Literature and Linguistics.

Michigan was great. The people are so genuine and caring, and they're all die-hard Detroit sports fans. The autumns are the loveliest. I still have a big place in my heart for Michigan, but the winters drove me out!

Why Elite?
Elite's been around for 25 years and has an outstanding curriculum that we have carefully developed using data that we've collected over those years. Our students take our courses because the curriculum builds skills necessary for the exams, the tests are challenging so that students remain focused and motivated, and the test results can very accurately show what a student will score on exam day. Equally as important are our teachers and staff who make it a priority to motivate their students. In a time when public schools are overcrowded and not enough attention is paid to students, some of whom might need that extra help more than others, Elite makes sure that each of our student's needs are met.

Technological gadget of choice?
iPhone. (But I secretly want a Galaxy Note.) 

Favorite Word?
Somnambulist. It has a supercalifragilistic-ness to it.

Three fun facts about you?
Well, in addition to being an Elite Branch Director, I'm also a certified yoga instructor, and I teach vigorous vinyasa yoga classes – around my work schedule, of course. I enjoy spending as much time as possible upside down. I had a brief singing and radio career in Korea from 2003 to 2005. And I'm excited to be a first-time mom to a baby girl this December!

Elite Vision Expo Success!

In August, more than 3,500 Elite students, parents and friends gathered in Fullerton, California for the second annual Elite Vision Expo, an event dedicated to inspiring young people and equipping them with a plan of action for the future.

Participants met representatives from dozens of colleges and attended panel discussions led by accomplished professionals representing a wide variety of careers. "It's been wild here today," said Elite Instructor and Northwestern University alumna Mattie Hawkinson, "Students and parents are enthusiastic about the process ahead and are getting the specific information they need in order to feel prepared going into the college admissions process."

Event highlights included a keynote address by Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, a presentation on new trends in college admissions by Stephen Lee, and a talk about the pros and cons of following your bliss by Elite Instructor Ethan Sawyer.

We would love to see you at next year's Vision Expo, scheduled for summer 2013! We'll keep you updated online and in our monthly newsletter, so subscribe for event details and registration information.

Check out some photos from this year's Vision Expo – click here to view the complete gallery

Early Action & Early Decision

About Early Admission Programs

Many colleges offer early admission programs that let students apply earlier in the year than usual (usually in November or December) and get a decision from the college earlier as well (usually sometime in late December).

Early admission is beneficial for colleges because it gives them an earlier idea of what kind of students are applying. With that information, the colleges can admit and actively recruit the students they really want.

Early admission can be good for students because it allows them to express their sincere interest in a school. Colleges like it when they’re your first choice because then they don’t have to worry about you choosing another school later in the year and leaving them with an empty dorm room.

There are two types of Early Admission programs: Early Action and Early Decision.

What is EARLY ACTION?

• Early Action is nonbinding. This means that you can (in most cases) apply Early Action to more than one college and receive an early admission decision, but you do not have to accept an offer of admission any earlier than usual (May 1, in most cases).


• Here’s why Early Action is helpful for students: If you don’t get into your Early Action schools, you can broaden your list of colleges to apply to via Regular Decision; if you do get in to your Early Action schools, you can narrow your choices down.


• Really, the only potential negative aspect of applying Early Action is that the schools will have to judge you based on your grades and activities to date. If you’re working to improve your grades or beef up your list of extracurricular activities, you may want to give yourself the extra few weeks and apply Regular Decision.

What is EARLY DECISION?

• Early Decision is binding, which means that you’re making a commitment to enroll at the college if you’re admitted. Once you are admitted after applying Early Decision, you must withdraw your other college applications or stop applying anywhere else.


• So what happens if you decide not to go to a school you were accepted to via Early Decision? Well, you probably won’t be sued by the college or hauled there by the authorities against your will. However, the other schools you applied to may be contacted by the Early Decision school, and it’s possible that those schools will rescind their offers of admission. In short, it's a serious matter and you should not apply Early Decision unless you're very serious about attending a particular school.


• Generally speaking, applying Early Decision is a good idea for the students who have researched colleges very thoroughly and have found the perfect school for them.

Will applying early help my chances for admission? 

• Applying early (especially Early Decision) can improve your chances of being accepted into a particular school since the college will know you’re a “sure thing.”


• Don’t apply Early Decision unless you’re totally sure about making a commitment to that school. If you’re accepted Early Decision, you must enroll.


• Each school has different policies regarding Early Action and Early Admission. Be sure to read them very carefully before submitting your application.

College Application Essay Workshops are Here

College admissions are more competitive than ever, and a well-crafted essay can be the part of your application that distinguishes you from the crowd. In Elite's College Application Workshops, students learn how to share their stories and write unique, memorable, and powerful application essays.

Teachers meet with students one-on-one to brainstorm, craft, critique, and revise multiple drafts, helping students create polished and compelling personal statements. In addition, teachers can provide step-by-step guidance in listing and describing extra-curricular activities and completing college application forms.

College application deadlines are approaching, so call or email your local Elite branch to inquire about College Application Workshops today!

Registration is Open for Fall Session Classes!

It's that time of year again! The school year is starting back up, and Elite's Fall Session classes are here! Give your students the academic edge they need with one of our many autumn offerings. Contact your local Elite branch today to schedule a free diagnostic test and consultation to find which programs are right for you.*

Fall Session classes include:

SAT Prep
Elite’s SAT Reasoning Test Prep Program consists of a weekly practice test and three lecture classes covering Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. In the lecture classes, students  review the practice test with experienced instructors and continue their learning through a series of lessons containing exercises designed to develop their reading, math, grammar, and writing skills.

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AP Tutoring
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses offer students an opportunity to earn college credit and strengthen their college applications. Elite’s instructors are the best around, and many are AP high school teachers or college instructors who are experts in their fields.

AP Prep courses include: BIOLOGY E/M • CALCULUS • CHEMISTRY • COMPUTER SCIENCE • ENGLISH LANGUAGE • ENGLISH LITERATURE • EUROPEAN HISTORY • MATHEMATICS • PHYSICS • U.S. HISTORY • WORLD HISTORY*

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PSAT Prep
The Elite PSAT Program is designed for students in 9th and 10th grade who want to get a head start on preparing for the PSAT and SAT. PSAT Boot Camp offers a set of three interlocking classes (Critical Reading, Writing and a Math class previewing Algebra II) taught at a pace more suited to younger students.

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SAT Subject Test Prep
Elite provides comprehensive preparation for many of the SAT Subject Tests consisting of weekly practice test sessions and review classes with instructors who not only are knowledgeable about their subjects but also understand how to help students prepare effectively for the SAT Subject Tests. Click here to learn more about SAT Subject Tests.

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ReadiPrep™ English
Aimed at students in grades 5-9, ReadiPrep™ English focuses on developing studies’ critical reading and thinking skills through an interconnected course of study involving reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar studies, persuasive writing, and test skill development.

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College Application Workshop
College admissions are more competitive than ever, and a finely-crafted essay can be the part of your application that distingushes you from the crowd. In Elite's College Application Workshop, students learn how to write unique, memorable, and powerful application essays. Teachers meet with students individually to proofread, critique, and revise multiple drafts, helping students create polished and compelling personal statements. In addition, teachers can provide step-by-step guidance in listing extra-curricular activities and completing college application forms.

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*Classes and schedules vary by branch. Check your branch's fall schedule for details.

To view class schedules and to register, contact your local Elite branch today! »