The Compass Academics Blog
Resources Designed for Academic Growth
Big SAT News
The College Board made a big announcement this week. They will be eliminating their Subject tests and optional Essay test. Even though we prepare high school students for college admissions tests, that does not mean we endorse the practice of increased hoop-jumping...
Will the College you Choose be Closing?
COVID isn’t the only factor that has wreaked havoc on college enrollment. Recent and forecasted demographic shifts are causing colleges to eliminate programs, reduce class offerings, and, in some cases, close campuses. In a recent Money magazine article, “Before...
Extracurriculars During Quarantine?
If you are a high school student already anxious about the college admissions process in the age of COVID, there is no doubt that you are struggling with the idea of how to engage in extracurricular activities during quarantine. Having a well-rounded college...
The College Costs of COVID
Lines of cars, piles of boxes, weepy parents, anxious students, packed quads, and an atmosphere of anticipation are all common sights on college campuses this time of year. Since the arrival of COVID-19, conversations about which roommate will bring the refrigerator...
ACT 2020
The ACT will implement significant changes starting in Fall 2020 and current high school students should take note. Starting with the September 2020 administration, students will have more options to improve their scores. Here are the highlights: Section...
The ACT Superscore
Starting in September 2020, high school students will be able to retake only sections (reading, math, science, English, and the optional writing section) of the ACT when they seek to improve their scores rather than sitting through the three-hour test for the second,...
Campus Safety Tips
College is a time of unprecedented freedom and independence. Parents won’t enforce a curfew, and a student’s social life explodes exponentially. As the saying goes, “With freedom comes responsibility.” Here are some tips for being responsible for yourself and others:...
Survival Tips for Freshman Year
After receiving much-anticipated offers of admission, high school seniors turn their attention to preparing for their college experience. Whether it is joining campus message boards, connecting with incoming freshmen on social media, or shopping for dorm swag,...
Freshman Dorm Room Must-Haves
As college students prepare for their Freshman year and move into their dorms, here is a list of must-haves and tips for a successful transition: Whenever possible, order textbooks online (often cheaper than the bookstore) and don’t buy the book until you attend the...
How Important is Volunteer Work?
With so many variables at play in the college admissions process, it is tempting to look for ways to gain an edge. For many students who feel trapped by average GPAs and test scores, and even for students with stellar scores looking at elite programs, finding ways to...
Get Paid to Wait: Virginia Tech’s Plan to Pay Students Not to Enroll
In much the same way as farmers are often paid not to farm in order to forestall and/or correct economic imbalances, it seems that Virginia Tech is taking a similar approach to mitigate the potential strain its 7,000 incoming freshmen might place on the university and...
No Take Backs: When Colleges Rescind Admission
Many message boards and community forums dedicated to college admissions are filling up with student concerns about having an admission offer rescinded. These "reverse chance me" posts are indicative of the general anxiety high school seniors feel when they haven't...
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