Aug

Comparing SAT & ACT Scores: SAT/ACT Conversion Table

ACT	Table A:College Board Study	Table C:Admissions Data	Table B:Percentile Match[1]
36	1600	1600	1600
35	1580	1580	1570
34	1520	1550	1540
33	1470	1510	1510
32	1420	1470	1480
31	1380	1420	1460
30	1340	1380	1430
29	1300	1340	1375
28	1260	1300	1330
27	1220	1250	1290
26	1180	1210	1250
25	1140	1170	1210
24	1110	1130	1170
23	1070	1090	1125
22	1030	1040	1090
21	990	1000	1050
20	950	960	1005
19	910	920	960
18	870	880	925
17	830	830	880
16	780	790	835
15	740	750	785
14	680	710	730
13	620	660	685
12	560	620	605
11	500	580	580
Table A taken from collegeboard.comAll data compares ACT Composite Score with SAT Reading and Math only.

A-List Education, the education experts who brought you Vocab Videos, put together this SAT/ACT conversion chart to help you figure out how the two test scores correlate. Converting an ACT score to an SAT score isn’t like converting miles to kilometers. There’s no “right answer,” no exact value of what an ACT score is worth in SAT points. There are a lot of factors at work here, and several different ways to look at the data.

As any simple web search will show you, there are many SAT-ACT conversion tables out there. Many of these tables are taken from score comparison data available on the College Board website (see Table A). This chart is based on a study of test scores from 1994 to 1996. It’s a comparison based on skill: if you get score X on the SAT, you’ll get score Y on the ACT. It’s probably the most reliable chart out there in that it’s the product of a rigorous scientific study commissioned by people who know about this sort of thing. However, it uses data from the old SAT. The College Board will tell you that the scores should be comparable, but let’s see if there’s any fresher data available.

Fresher data is readily available in the form of percentiles. Both the SAT and ACT publish tables of the percentiles of test-takers who achieved a particular score. So A-List took data from 2005 to 2007 and matched up the scores on the two tests that correspond to the same percentile (see Table B). This chart shows significantly higher SAT scores for corresponding ACT scores than the College Board table does. The problem is that this is an unscientific study, so there could be other factors contributing to the score distribution.

Both these charts seek to equate scores based on the ability of students: a student who gets score X on one test is likely to get score Y on the other. But this overlooks why these scores matter at all: college admissions. These charts don’t tell us the value of the scores with respect to actual admissions decisions. Perhaps colleges treat the tests differently. Perhaps a college will accept a student in the 80th percentile of the SAT but require the 85th percentile of the ACT, or vice versa.

So A-List took a look at the college admissions data in the 2008 U.S. News and World Report guide and matched the SAT and ACT scores of incoming students at each college. They found those numbers were somewhat in between the previous two charts. This chart has the same concern about scientific validity as Table B, but it’s the best way to directly gauge how much a score is actually worth to colleges. Read More…

Posted in Next Stop: College, Tests other than the SAT, The Dreaded...SAT | Comments Off

Jul

SAT Vocabulary List: Learn 500 Key SAT & ACT Vocabulary Words!

Learn your SAT vocabulary by studying the Vocab Videos’ SAT vocabulary list! This free SAT and ACT vocabulary list features 500 frequently-tested SAT vocabulary words. Prepare for your college entrance exams by studying these key SAT vocabulary words, and then by watching the hilarious Vocab Video that accompanies each vocab word on the list! Remember: research has shown that people remember more effectively when they have visual and auditory cues. Just watch:

Knowing your SAT vocabulary can earn you 150+ points on the big test, so be sure to take advantage of Vocab Videos’ SAT vocabulary word list, and get started with the Vocab Videos study program!

Vocab Videos SAT Vocabulary List (scroll down for link to printable PDF):

ABHOR	to hate
ABSTINENCE	deliberate self-restraint
ABSTRUSE	difficult to understand
ACCLAIM	to praise
ACCORD	agreement
ACERBIC	bitter
ACRIMONY	hostility
ACUITY	sharp perception or vision
ADEPT	very skilled
ADMONISH	to gently criticize or warn
ADORN	to decorate
ADROIT	very skilled
ADULATION	excessive flattery
ADVERSITY	great hardship
ADVOCATE	to speak in favor of, promote
AESTHETIC	concerning beauty
AFFABLE	friendly
AFFLUENT	wealthy
ALACRITY	eagerness, enthusiasm
ALIENATE	to make unfriendly or hostile
ALLEVIATE	to make more bearable
ALTRUISTIC	unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others
AMALGAM	a combination of diverse elements
AMBIGUOUS	unclear
AMBIVALENT	having opposing feelings; uncertain
AMELIORATE	to improve
AMENABLE	open to advice or suggestion
AMIABLE	friendly
AMICABLE	friendly
AMORPHOUS	lacking definite form
ANACHRONISTIC	in the wrong time period
ANECDOTE	a short account of an interesting or humorous incident
ANIMOSITY	bitter hostility
ANTAGONISTIC	hostile
APATHETIC	lacking interest, concern, or emotion
APPEASE	to bring peace, quiet, or calm to; to relieve
APPREHENSIVE	fearful
ARBITRARY	determined by impulse or chance, without reason
ARCHAIC	outdated; really old
ARDOR	energy, intensity, enthusiasm
ARID	dry
ARTICULATE	characterized by clear and expressive language
ASCERTAIN	to discover
ASPIRE	to have a great ambition
ASSESS	to make a judgment about
ASSIDUOUS	hard working
ASTUTE	having sharp judgment
ATROPHY	to waste away
AUDACITY	disrespectful boldness
AUGMENT	to make greater in size or quantity
AUSPICIOUS	favorable; successful
AUSTERE	strict or severe in discipline
AUTONOMY	independence
AVARICE	greed
AVERSE	reluctant
AWE	a mixed emotion of respect, wonder, and dread
BANAL	ordinary and commonplace
BANE	a cause of death or ruin
BELIE	to represent falsely
BELITTLE	to speak of in an insulting way
BELLIGERENT	eager to fight
BEMUSE	to confuse, stun, or stump
BENEVOLENT	inclined to perform kind acts
BENIGN	kind; beneficial
BERATE	to criticize severely or angrily
BOISTEROUS	noisy; disorderly
BOLSTER	to support; to reinforce
BOMBASTIC	using arrogant or pretentious speech
BRAZEN	rudely bold
BRUSQUE	rudely brief
BUOYANT	cheerful
BURGEON	to grow
BUTTRESS	to support or strengthen
CACOPHONY	jarring, disagreeable sound
CAJOLE	to persuade by flattery
CALLOUS	emotionally hardened or unfeeling
CAMARADERIE	goodwill among friends
CANDID	honest and straightforward
CANTANKEROUS	ill-tempered
CAPRICIOUS	impulsive, unpredictable
CARNIVOROUS	meat-eating
CATHARTIC	emotionally cleansing or relieving
CAUSTIC	harsh, stinging; sarcastic
CENSURE	to criticize severely
CEREBRAL	intellectual
CHRONIC	continuing or lingering
CIRCUITOUS	being or taking a roundabout course
CIRCUMSPECT	cautious and wise
CIRCUMVENT	to avoid or get around
CLAIRVOYANCE	the power to see things that cannot be perceived by the senses
CLANDESTINE	kept or done in secret
COGENT	forcefully convincing
COGNIZANT	aware
COHERENT	logically connected; making sense
COHESIVE	sticking or holding together
COLLABORATE	to work together
COMMEND	to praise
COMPEL	to exert a strong, irresistible force on
COMPETENT	having adequate ability
COMPLACENT	self-satisfied to the point of inactivity; unconcerned
COMPLICITY	participation in a bad act or a crime
COMPOSED	calm
COMPROMISE	to expose to danger or suspicion
CONCEDE	to acknowledge, often reluctantly, as being true
CONCILIATE	to bring peace, quiet, or calm to; to relieve
CONCISE	expressing much in few words
CONCORD	agreement
CONCUR	to agree
CONDESCEND	to deal with people in a superior manner
CONDONE	to excuse or overlook
CONFORM	to be similar; to adapt
CONFOUND	to confuse
CONJECTURE	guesswork
CONSCIENTIOUS	thorough and careful
CONSENSUS	general agreement
CONSOLIDATE	to combine
CONSTITUENT	a component
CONSTRAIN	to hold back; to restrict
CONSTRUE	to interpret
CONTEMPT	a lack of respect and intense dislike
CONTEND	to compete; to argue
CONTRITE	feeling or expressing remorse
CONTRIVED	obviously planned or made up
CONVIVIAL	sociable
CONVOLUTED	complicated
COPIOUS	plentiful, abundant
CORDIAL	friendly, warm, polite
CORROBORATE	to strengthen or support with evidence
CREDIBLE	believable
CUNNING	clever, sneaky
CURSORY	performed with haste and little attention to detail
CURTAIL	to cut short
CYNICAL	believing that people are motivated by selfishness; pessimistic
DAUNT	to intimidate or lessen one’s courage
DEARTH	a scarce supply
DEBILITATE	to weaken
DEBUNK	to disprove or expose the falseness of
DECORUM	correct or appropriate behavior
DECRY	to condemn openly
DEFER	to submit or yield to another’s wish or opinion
DELETERIOUS	harmful
DELINEATE	to depict or describe
DEMEAN	to lower in status or worth
DENIGRATE	to attack the reputation of
DENOUNCE	to condemn openly
DEPRECATE	to mildly insult or belittle
DERIDE	to speak of or treat with cruelty
DESPAIR	a complete loss of hope
DESPONDENT	depressed, having no hope
DETER	to prevent or discourage from acting
DIFFIDENCE	a lack of self-confidence, shyness
DIGRESS	to stray from the main subject
DILATORY	tending to delay; late or slow
DILIGENT	hard working
DIMINUTIVE	tiny
DISCERN	to detect or perceive
DISCORD	lack of agreement, quarreling
DISCREDIT	to bring shame or dishonor on
DISCREET	careful in one’s conduct or speech
DISCREPANCY	an unexpected difference
DISCRETE	separate; distinct
DISDAIN	intense dislike
DISGRUNTLED	unhappy
DISMISS	to reject
DISPARAGE	to speak of in an insulting way
DISPARITY	the state of being different
DISPASSIONATE	not influenced by emotion or bias
DISPEL	to rid of
DISPOSITION	one’s usual mood
DISSEMBLE	to conceal behind a false appearance
DISSEMINATE	to spread out
DISSENT	disagreement
DISSIPATE	to disappear
DIVERGENT	drawing apart from a common point; differing from another
DIVISIVE	creating disagreement or dissent
DIVULGE	to make known, reveal
DOCILE	easily managed or taught
DOGGED	stubbornly persevering
DOGMATIC	stubbornly and arrogantly opinionated
DOUR	gloomy
DUBIOUS	doubtful, questionable
DUPLICITY	deception, deceit
EARNEST	showing deep sincerity or seriousness
EBULLIENT	enthusiastic, lively
ECCENTRIC	strange; unconventional
ECLECTIC	having elements from a variety of sources
ECSTASY	intense joy or delight
EFFACE	to erase
EFFICACIOUS	effective
EFFUSIVE	overflowing (usually referring to emotions)
ELATED	filled with delight
ELITE	superior in status
ELOQUENT	well spoken
ELUCIDATE	to make clear
ELUSIVE	tending to escape
EMBELLISH	to add fictitious details to
EMINENT	outstanding; distinguished
EMPIRICAL	based on observation or experiment
EMULATE	to equal through imitation
ENCOMPASS	to enclose; to include
ENCROACH	to advance beyond limits
ENERVATE	to weaken or drain of energy
ENHANCE	to make greater or better
ENIGMATIC	puzzling
ENMITY	hatred
ENTHRALL	to hold spellbound, captivate
ENTICE	to lure
ENTRENCH	to fix firmly or securely
ENUMERATE	to specify individually; to count
ENUNCIATE	to pronounce with clarity
EPHEMERAL	lasting for a brief time
EQUANIMITY	calmness
EQUIVOCAL	uncertain, vague, misleading
ERADICATE	to eliminate
ERRATIC	irregular
ERUDITE	scholarly, well educated
ESOTERIC	understood by only a few
ESPOUSE	to give one’s support to
ESTEEM	to value highly, to respect
ESTRANGE	to cause to become unfriendly or hostile
EULOGY	a written or spoken tribute (usually for someone who has died)
EUPHEMISM	the substitution of inoffensive term for one considered offensive
EUPHORIA	a feeling of great happiness
EVANESCENT	fading away
EVASIVE	tending to escape
EVOKE	to summon or call forth
EXACERBATE	to make more severe
EXACTING	requiring great care or effort
EXALT	to elevate, glorify, or praise
EXASPERATE	to anger or irritate
EXEMPLARY	worthy of imitation
EXONERATE	to free from blame or responsibility
EXORBITANT	excessive
EXPEDITE	to speed the progress of
EXPLOIT	to utilize fully or advantageously (often selfishly or unethically)
EXTOL	to praise
EXTRAVAGANT	excessive
EXUBERANT	lively
FACILE	simple; easy
FACILITATE	to make easier
FATUOUS	foolish, ridiculously stupid
FEASIBLE	possible, workable, practical
FELICITY	great happiness
FERVENT	greatly emotional or enthusiastic
FLAGRANT	obviously bad or offensive
FLAMBOYANT	highly elaborate; showy
FLORID	elaborately or excessively ornamented; flowery
FLOURISH	to grow well
FORTHRIGHT	honest, direct, straightforward
FOSTER	to promote the development of
FRENETIC	wildly excited; frenzied; frantic
FRIVOLOUS	unworthy of serious attention
FRUGAL	careful with money, stingy
FUTILE	having no useful result
GALVANIZE	to stimulate
GARISH	flashy, tastelessly loud and brightly colored
GARRULOUS	talkative
GENIAL	friendly, cheerful
GRANDIOSE	falsely exaggerating one’s worth
GRATE	to irritate

GRATUITOUS	unnecessary
GREGARIOUS	sociable
GUILE	skillful deceit
HACKNEYED	overused
HAIL	to salute or greet
HAMPER	to prevent the movement or action of
HARANGUE	a long, angry speech
HAUGHTY	snobbish; overly proud
HEED	to pay close attention to
HERETICAL	characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
HINDER	to be or get in the way of
HOMOGENEOUS	all of the same or similar kind
IDIOSYNCRATIC	peculiar to an individual
ILLICIT	not permitted by custom or law
ILLUSORY	based on or producing illusion; deceptive
IMPARTIAL	not biased
IMPASSIONED	filled with passion
IMPASSIVE	having or showing little emotion
IMPECCABLE	perfect
IMPEDE	to be or get in the way of
IMPERIOUS	arrogantly authoritative or overbearing
IMPETUOUS	impulsive, unthinking
IMPUGN	to attack as false or wrong, to challenge or question
INACCESSIBLE	not easily approached, entered, or obtained
INCISIVE	penetrating, clear and sharp
INCONGRUOUS	inappropriate; inconsistent
INCONSEQUENTIAL	lacking importance
INCONTROVERTIBLE	impossible to dispute
INCORRIGIBLE	incapable of being corrected or reformed
INCREDULOUS	disbelieving
INDICT	to accuse of wrongdoing
INDIFFERENT	having no preference
INDIGENOUS	native
INDIGNATION	anger (over something unjust)
INDUCE	to bring about the occurrence of;
INDULGE	to please or satisfy
INFLAMMATORY	arousing strong emotion, esp. anger
INGENUOUS	innocent; honest and straightforward
INHERENT	naturally occurring; essential
INHIBIT	to hold back; to restrain
INNATE	inborn
INNOCUOUS	harmless
INNOVATIVE	new and creative
INQUISITIVE	showing curiosity
INSINUATE	to suggest subtly; to hint
INSIPID	lacking flavor or zest; dull
INSOLENT	disrespectfully arrogant
INSTIGATE	to stir up
INSULAR	isolated; narrow-minded
INTELLIGIBLE	capable of being understood
INTRANSIGENT	uncompromising
INUNDATE	to overwhelm with, to flood
INVIGORATE	to give life or energy to
INVOKE	to enforce or put into operation
IRATE	enraged
JADED	weary, worn out
JUDICIOUS	having good judgment, prudent
JUXTAPOSE	to place side by side
KEEN	sharp, perceptive
LACONIC	using few words (often rudely or mysteriously)
LAMENT	to regret; to show grief for
LANGUID	lacking energy or spirit
LATENT	existing in hidden or dormant form
LAUD	to praise
LAVISH	excessive; plentiful
LUCID	clear
LUXURIOUS	rich and superior in quality
MAGNANIMOUS	noble and generous in spirit
MANDATE	an authoritative command
MANIFEST	to make evident or certain by displaying or demonstrating
MEAGER	small, inadequate, or insufficient
MEDIOCRE	ordinary; so-so
MELANCHOLY	sad; gloomy
MERCENARY	motivated solely by a desire for monetary or material gain
MERCURIAL	changeable, erratic
METICULOUS	extremely careful
MIRTH	gladness, amusement, laughter
MITIGATE	to lessen in force or intensity
MOLLIFY	to soften, to ease the anger of
MOROSE	gloomy
MUNDANE	ordinary, commonplace
MUTABLE	subject to change
NEBULOUS	hazy, vague, or confused; lacking defined form
NEGLIGENT	guilty of neglect
NEGLIGIBLE	insignificant; really small
NONCHALANT	casually unconcerned (sometimes falsely)
NOSTALGIA	a bittersweet longing for the past
NOTORIOUS	known widely and unfavorably; famous for something bad
NOVEL	strikingly new or different
NURTURE	to help develop, to nourish
OBDURATE	stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
OBLIVIOUS	forgetful; unaware
OBSOLETE	no longer in use or current
OBSTINATE	stubborn
OBSTREPEROUS	noisily and stubbornly defiant
OBTRUSIVE	sticking out, noticeable; brash, meddling
OBTUSE	lacking intellect
OFFICIOUS	overly eager in offering unwanted help
OMINOUS	menacing; threatening
OPAQUE	not clearly understood, dense
OPPORTUNE	suitable, occurring at an appropriate time
OPULENT	rich or superior in quality
ORNATE	excessively decorated
ORTHODOX	commonly accepted; traditional
PARADOX	a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
PARTISAN	devoted to or biased in support of a group
PATRONIZE	to treat condescendingly
PENITENT	feeling or expressing remorse
PERNICIOUS	deadly or destructive
PERPETUAL	continuing forever or indefinitely
PERSEVERE	to be persistent, refuse to stop
PERSPICACITY	a high level of perception or understanding
PERTINENT	exactly relevant
PERVASIVE	spread throughout
PLACID	calm, quiet
PLAUSIBLE	believable
PLIABLE	easily bent or shaped
POIGNANT	touching
POLARIZE	to set at opposite ends or extremes
POMPOUS	exaggeratedly self-important
PRAGMATIC	practical
PRECARIOUS	dangerously unstable or insecure
PRECIPITOUS	extremely steep
PREDILECTION	a preference; a tendency toward favoring
PRETENTIOUS	claiming unjust standing
PREVALENT	widely occurring
PRISTINE	unspoiled, completely pure
PRODIGIOUS	enormous; extraordinary
PROFOUND	deep; far-reaching
PROLIFERATE	to increase or spread at a rapid rate
PROLIFIC	producing abundant works or results
PROPAGATE	to transmit or cause to broaden or spread
PROPENSITY	tendency
PROPRIETY	the quality of being proper
PROSAIC	lacking in imagination; dull
PROSPERITY	success; being well-off
PROVINCIAL	narrow-minded
PROVOCATIVE	tending to stir to anger or action
PRUDENT	wise; careful
PUGNACIOUS	eager to fight
QUELL	to put down forcibly
RANCOR	hostility
RAVENOUS	violently hungry or greedy
REBUKE	to criticize or find fault with
RECIPROCATE	to show or give in return
RECLUSIVE	seeking or preferring isolation
RECONCILE	to reestablish a close relationship between
REFUGE	protection or shelter
REFUTE	to prove to be false
REITERATE	to repeat
RELINQUISH	to give up; to release
REMINISCE	to recollect and tell of the past
RENOUNCE	to reject, disown, or formally give up
REPREHENSIBLE	deserving of criticism or disapproval
REPROACH	to criticize or express disappointment
REPUDIATE	to reject the validity of
RESENT	to feel angry and bitter about
RESIGNATION	acceptance of something as inescapable; submission
RESILIENT	able to recover promptly
RESOLUTE	firm or determined
RESOLVE	to make a firm decision about
RETICENT	restrained or reserved
REVERE	to respect, honor or admire
REVOKE	to void by recalling, reversing, or withdrawing
RUDIMENTARY	being or involving basic facts or principles
SAGACIOUS	insightful and wise
SANCTION	to give official authorization or approval to
SANGUINE	cheerful
SCATHING	harshly critical
SCOFF	to express or treat with disrespectful disregard
SCORN	intense hatred or disrespect
SCRUPULOUS	thorough and careful
SCRUTINIZE	to examine carefully
SERENE	calm
SHREWD	smart in a sneaky or tricky manner
SKEPTICAL	doubting, questioning, not believing
SMUG	self-satisfied (especially in a mocking way)
SOLEMN	serious and sober
SOLICITOUS	anxious or concerned
SOMBER	gloomy
SPECIOUS	seemingly true but actually logically false
SPORADIC	occurring at irregular intervals
SPURIOUS	not genuine; false
SPURN	to reject with disrespect
SQUANDER	to waste
STAGNANT	not moving, flowing, or developing
STEADFAST	firm and dependable
STOIC	seemingly unaffected by pleasure or pain
SUBDUE	to bring under control
SUBSTANTIATE	to support with proof
SUBVERT	to ruin; to overthrow
SUCCINCT	precise expression using few words
SUPERFLUOUS	extra, unnecessary
SUPPLANT	to take the place of
SUPPRESS	to put down; to hold back
SURREPTITIOUS	done or made by secret or stealthy means
TACT	sensitivity in dealing with others
TEDIOUS	tiresomely long or boring
TEMPER	to soften or moderate
TENACITY	persistence, determination
TERSE	expressing much in few words
THERAPEUTIC	having healing powers
THWART	to stop or prevent
TORPOR	inactivity
TRACTABLE	easily managed, led, or taught
TRANQUIL	calm
TRANSIENT	existing only briefly
TRANSITORY	existing only briefly
TREACHERY	deliberate betrayal of trust
TRITE	uninteresting because of overuse
TRIVIAL	insignificant, unimportant
TUMULTUOUS	disorderly or noisy
UNASSUMING	not showy or arrogant; modest; plain
UNDERMINE	to weaken
UNDERSCORE	to emphasize
UNIFORM	always the same
URBANE	polite, suave, and cultivated in manner
USURP	to seize and take control without authority and possibly with force
UTILITARIAN	having only a useful function; practical
VACILLATE	to be undecided, to hesitate
VAPID	lacking liveliness or interest; dull
VEILED	concealed or disguised
VENERATE	to respect
VERBOSE	using more words than necessary
VERSATILE	capable of doing many things competently
VICARIOUS	felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another
VIGILANT	alert; watchful
VILIFY	to say bad things about, to make into a villain
VINDICATE	to clear of blame or suspicion
VINDICTIVE	seeking revenge
VIVACIOUS	lively
VOLATILE	explosive, tending to change
VOLUBLE	characterized by ready and rapid speech
VOLUMINOUS	big; having large volume
VULNERABLE	not protected against harm; easily injured
WARRANT	to justify
WARY	on guard, cautious, watchful
WAVER	to be unsure or weak
WHIMSICAL	impulsive, fanciful
ZEALOUS	filled with or motivated by enthusiastic devotion

To DOWNLOAD & PRINT an SAT vocabulary list, please click here: Vocab Videos SAT Vocabulary Word List

Tags: ACT vocabulary list, FREE, SAT vocabulary list
Posted in ALL ABOUT VOCAB, ATTN: Teachers!, Events & Info, SPECIAL OFFERS | Comments Off

Jul

SAT Vocabulary Challenge: See it on Vocab Videos!

In an epic battle of vocabulary, people of New York and Los Angeles competed in a war of words. So who has the better vocabulary–the East Coast or theWest Coast? YOU DECIDE!

SAT Vocabulary Challenge: New York

SAT Vocabulary Challenge: Los Angeles

And the winner is…..

YOU DECIDE!!! Click here to vote!

Tags: ACT vocabulary, SAT vocabulary, Vocab Videos
Posted in ALL ABOUT VOCAB, Fun Stuff | Comments Off

Jul

College Admissions Tips: Should You Know What Your Major Will Be Entering College?

going to major in...

Apart from choosing which college to attend, choosing what field of study to major in could very well be your next biggest decision involving your college education. Some students enter college having clear career ambitions and knowing exactly what it is they want to study. Certain colleges have separate “schools” or programs with a particular academic focus—sometimes even with different admissions standards—that may require that students declare a major as a freshman. But if you’re neither entering one of these specifically-focused schools nor certain about what you would like to study, and it’s time to accept your choice college’s admissions offer—don’t stress out.

Many students begin college with little or no idea of what they will ultimately choose as a major, so if you’re checking off the “undecided” box, you’re not alone. There is no rush for you to jump to a decision about your major as soon as you step foot on campus. Most colleges won’t even require you to declare a major until at some point into your sophomore year, or even at the start of your junior year. Using your time in the college classroom wisely can, without a doubt, help ensure that you go into the right field of study. After all, part of what is wonderful about college on an academic level, is that your required core classes will help you to get a feel for what you enjoy learning about; you may even discover a previously unrealized passion for a subject that you didn’t have the opportunity to study in high school. And hopefully this penchant or passion for a particular academic subject can help you to decide what career path or continued educational trajectory you would like to pursue. Because a college major should be chosen based on your interests and career goals.

So when deciding on a major, here are a few questions to keep in mind:

What are my interests (academic and otherwise)? What about my talents and natural abilities? You’re going to be taking lots of classes in your major, so you’re far better off choosing a program that interests you! If you choose a major you don’t enjoy, it’s going to be a LONG four years!
What kind of career am I interested in? If you’re not sure—look into it a bit. Check out your campus career center, they can offer you some guidance when it comes to career planning and then help direct you toward an appropriate major.
What kinds of majors are available and are strong programs at your particular college? There are probably majors available at your college that you didn’t know were options or you know very little about. Familiarize yourself with all the possibilities of what you have the opportunity to study!
Are there resources available to offer some guidance? In addition to the career center, take advantage of what’s around you. Talk to professors, academic advisors and other students; consult your school’s course catalog or a college major guide (there’s probably one in the academic advising office)

Put some serious consideration into what you decide to study during what are bound to be the most important years of your education. Not only will choosing the right major make your academic experience in college worthwhile, it could allow for valuable internship opportunities and ultimately open doors when it comes to your career and your future.

Tags: college admissions, college major, undecided major
Posted in Advice & Tips, Events & Info, Next Stop: College | Comments Off

Jul

College Essay Tips: Make the Most of Your Summer!

Sure this doesn't look so fun...BUT it will pay off!

The summer provides a good opportunity for students to get a head start on their college applications and essays. Some colleges have already begun posting applications for the 2010-2011 application season, and many more will do so as the summer goes on. Our friends at College Essay Organizer (CEO) are constantly updating their extensive database of college essay requirements, so that students can get started with their essays as soon as possible. Here’s why starting applications over the summer is the way to go:

The college essay is generally thought to be the most time-consuming and overwhelming aspect of college applications. Get it over with!
Writing an essay is a multi-step process—a really good essay is typically brainstormed, outlined, drafted, edited, proofread, and finalized. Working on it gradually over the summer gives you time to really work through all these stages.
When school, homework, and after-school activities start up again, and it comes time to apply to your colleges, you’ll be WAY more carefree having already completed the most dreaded part of applications.

Getting started on essays and applications early will make the college application season far less overwhelming.

More importantly, the essay is a significant component of any application, giving admissions officers an opportunity to look beyond the numbers and allowing students to put a personal stamp on applications. But writing an impeccable college essay is a process that requires a lot of time, preparation, and effort. The Vocab Videos team encourages you to get ahead of the game by working on applications and essays over the summer before the hectic school season starts up again.

Tags: college admissions, college application, College Essay Organizer, College Essay Tips
Posted in Advice & Tips, College Essay Tips, Next Stop: College | Comments Off

Jun

SAT Scores: Top National Universities’ Average SAT & ACT Scores

Have you ever wondered to what colleges your SAT scores will earn you acceptance to? Using US News & World Report’s 2010 ranking of national universities and data from the College Board, the Vocab Videos team has compiled a list of the average SAT scores of first-year students at some of the country’s top universities. Take a look below to see if your SAT scores are on target to gain you admission to your top-choice college. And don’t forget learning your SAT vocabulary can help raise your SAT scores 150+ points, so don’t forget to give Vocab Videos–our FUN & EFFECTIVE vocabulary learning system–a try!

From CollegeBoard.com: Average SAT Scores by College (Middle 50% of First-Year Students)
America’s Top National Universities 2010 (US News & World Report)	SAT Critical Reading	SAT Math	SAT Writing	ACT Composite
Harvard University	690 – 780	690 – 790	690 – 780	31 – 34
Princeton University	690 – 790	700 – 790	700 – 780	31 – 35
Yale University	700 – 800	700 – 780	700 – 790	30 – 34
California Institute of Technology	690 – 770	770 – 800	680 – 770	33 – 35
Massachusetts Insititute of Technology	650 – 760	720 – 800	660 – 760	32 – 35
Stanford University	660 – 760	680 – 780	670 – 760	30 – 34
University of Pennsylvania	660 – 750	690 – 780	670 – 760	30 – 34
Columbia University	680 – 770	690 – 780	680 – 770	31 – 34
University of Chicago	690 – 780	680 – 780	670 – 760	28 – 32
Duke University	660 – 750	680 – 780	660 – 760	30 – 34
Dartmouth College	660 – 770	680 – 780	670 – 780	30 – 34
Northwestern University	670 – 750	690 – 780	670 – 750	30 – 33
Washington University in St. Louis	680 – 750	710 – 780	-	32 – 34
Johns Hopkins Univeristy	630 – 730	670 – 770	650 – 730	29 – 33
Cornell University	630 – 730	660 – 770	-	29 – 33
Brown University	650 – 760	670 – 780	660 – 770	28 – 33
Emory University	640 – 730	660 – 750	650 – 740	29 – 33
Rice University	640 – 750	680 – 780	650 – 740	30 – 34
Vanderbilt University	660 – 750	690 – 770	660 – 750	30 – 34
University of Notre Dame	650 – 750	680 – 760	640 – 730	31 – 34
University of California–Berkeley	590 – 710	640 – 760	610 – 720	-
Carnegie Mellon University	620 – 720	670 – 780	620 – 720	28 – 34
Georgetown University	650 – 750	650 – 750	-	27 – 33
University of California–Los Angeles	570 – 680	600 – 730	580 – 700	24 – 31
University of Virginia	600 – 710	630 – 730	610 – 710	27 – 32
University of Southern California	620 – 710	650 – 740	640 – 730	29 – 32
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor	590 – 690	640 – 740	600 – 700	27 – 31
Tufts University	680 – 750	680 – 750	680 – 760	30 – 33
University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill	590 – 700	620 – 710	580 – 680	26 – 31
Wake Forest University	580 – 690	600 – 700	-	27 – 31
Brandeis University	620 – 730	640 – 730	620 – 720	27 – 31
New York University	610 – 710	600 – 720	620 – 710	27 – 31
College of William and Mary	620 – 730	620 – 720	610 – 710	27 – 32
Boston College	610 – 700	640 – 730	630 – 720	29 – 32
Georgia Institute of Technology	580 – 680	650 – 750	580 – 670	27 – 31
Lehigh University	590 – 630	630 – 710	-	-
University of California-San Diego	540 – 660	600 – 710	560 – 670	24 – 30
University of Rochester	590 – 690	640 – 720	590 – 690	28 – 33
University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign	540 – 660	660 – 770	-
University of Wisconsin–Madison	550 – 670	620 – 720	570 – 670	26 – 30
Case Western Reserve University	590 – 700	650 – 740	590 – 690	28 – 32
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	610 – 700	660 – 750	580 – 680	25 – 30
University of California–Davis	520 – 640	560 – 680	520 – 650	24 – 30
University of California–Santa Barbara	540 – 660	550 – 670	540 – 660	24 – 30
University of Washington	530 – 650	570 – 680	530 – 640	24 – 30
University of California–Irvine	520 – 640	570 – 680	530 – 640	-
Penn State–University Park	530 – 630	560 – 670	540 – 640	-
University of Florida	570 – 680	590 – 700	-	25 – 30
University of Texas–Austin	530 – 660	570 – 700	530 – 660	24 – 30
Tulane University	630 – 700	620 – 700	630 – 710	29 – 32
University of Miami	570 – 680	600 – 700	570 – 670	27 – 31
Yeshiva University	550 – 690	550 – 680	-	22 – 28
George Washington University	600 – 690	600 – 690	600 – 690	27 – 30
Ohio State University–Columbus	540 – 650	580 – 690	540 – 640	25 – 30
University of Maryland–College Park	580 – 680	620 – 710	-	-
Boston University	570 – 660	600 – 690	590 – 680	26 – 30
University of Pittsburgh	570 – 680	590 – 680	560 – 660	25 – 30
Pepperdine University	560 – 660	560 – 680	560 – 660	24 – 30
Syracuse University	510 – 620	540 – 650	520 – 630	23 – 28
University of Georgia	560 – 660	570 – 670	570 – 660	25 – 29
Clemson University	550 – 640	590 – 680	-	25 – 30
Fordham University	570 – 670	570 – 670	570 – 670	26 – 30
Purdue University–West Lafayette	500 – 610	540 – 670	490 – 600	23 – 29
Texas A&M University–College Station	530 – 640	570 – 670	500 – 620	24 – 30
University of Minnesota–Twin Cities	520 – 670	600 – 710	530 – 650	24 – 29
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey–New Brunswick	530 – 630	560 – 680	540 – 640	-
University of Connecticut	550 – 640	570 – 670	550 – 650	24 – 29
Southern Methodist University	560 – 660	580 – 680	560 – 660	25 – 30
University of Delaware	520 – 630	540 – 650	520 – 640	24 – 28
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	560 – 660	630 – 720	560 – 660	26 – 31
Brigham Young University–Provo	560 – 670	570 – 680	-	25 – 30
Indiana University–Bloomington	520 – 630	540 – 660	-	24 – 29
Michigan State University	470 – 610	540 – 660	480 – 610	23 – 27
University of California–Santa Cruz	510 – 630	520 – 640	520 – 630	22 – 28
University of Iowa	500 – 640	560 – 690	-	23 – 28
Virginia Tech	540 – 640	570 – 670	540 – 630	-
Colorado School of Mines	550 – 650	620 – 700	-	26 – 30
Miami University–Oxford	530 – 630	560 – 660	-	24 – 29
University of Colorado–Boulder	520 – 630	550 – 650	-	24 – 28
Baylor University	530 – 640	550 – 650	510 – 620	23 – 29
Northeastern University	580 – 670	620 – 700	580 – 670	27 – 31
SUNY–Binghamton	580 – 670	620 – 710	-	27 – 30
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry	520 – 610	540 – 630	-	22 – 27
American University	590 – 700	580 – 670	580 – 690	25 – 30
Marquette University	540 – 640	540 – 660	530 – 640	24 – 29
Stevens Institute of Technology	550 – 650	620 – 710	540 – 650	24 – 29
University of Denver	540 – 640	550 – 650	520 – 620	24 – 29
Auburn University	520 – 640	540 – 660	510 – 620	23 – 29
Clark University	550 – 650	530 – 640	550 – 650	24 – 29
Drexel University	540 – 630	570 – 670	520 – 630	23 – 28
Iowa State University	490 – 640	540 – 690	-	22 – 28
North Carolina State University–Raleigh	520 – 620	560 – 660	510 – 610	23 – 28
St. Louis University	540 – 650	540 – 670	-	24 – 30
University of Tulsa	570 – 700	560 – 690	-	25 – 32
University of Vermont	540 – 640	550 – 640	540 – 640	24 – 28
Howard University	460 – 660	440 – 660	430 – 660	19 – 29
SUNY–Stony Brook	520 – 620	580 – 670	520 – 620	24 – 28
University of Alabama	500 – 600	500 – 620	-	21 – 28
University of California–Riverside	450 – 570	480 – 620	460 – 570	19 – 25
University of Kansas	-	-	-	22 – 27
University of Nebraska–Lincoln	510 – 670	530 – 680	-	22 – 29
Florida State University	550 – 640	560 – 650	540 – 630	24 – 28
University of Arizona	460 – 600	490 – 620	-	21 – 27
University of Missouri	530 – 650	530 – 650	-	23 – 28
University of Oklahoma	510 – 640	530 – 660	-	23 – 29
Illinois Institute of Technology	540 – 670	630 – 720	530 – 640	530 – 640
University of Massachusetts–Amherst	520 – 630	540 – 650	-	23 – 28
University of Tennessee	510 – 640	530 – 650	-	24 – 29
Washington State University	480 – 590	490 – 610	460 – 570	21 – 26
Texas Christian University	520 – 630	530 – 650	520 – 630	23 – 28
University of Dayton	510 – 610	520 – 640	-	23 – 28
University of New Hampshire	510 – 610	520 – 630	-	-
University of San Diego	550 – 640	570 – 660	550 – 650	25 – 29
University of South Carolina–Columbia	530 – 640	560 – 650	-	24 – 29

Tags: ACT, average SAT scores, SAT vocabulary
Posted in ATTN: Teachers!, Advice & Tips, Events & Info, Next Stop: College, Tests other than the SAT, The Dreaded...SAT | Comments Off

Jun

SAT Test Preparation: Jon Stewart on the SAT

GOOD LUCK to those of you taking the SAT this weekend! Watch this segment about the SAT from Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show for a laugh.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c

Martin – The SAT

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

Posted in Fun Stuff, The Dreaded...SAT | Comments Off

Jun

College Admissions Counseling: Make the Most of Your Summer

If you’re a high school sophomore, junior or soon-to-be senior, consider optimizing your time off from school. Make the most of your vacation with one of our summer opportunity suggestions:

: Even if it’s not on your reading list, read a good book this summer

Summer job: For many of you, a summer job is a typical part of your summer experience. If it’s not, we’d recommend you start looking around and applying. Not only will a summer job put some cash in your pocket, it’s a good learning experience. Did we mention it’s also something to tag onto your college activities resume?
*If you’re getting a bit too late of a start, and summer jobs are scarce, don’t be too discouraged—read on for other ways to have a productive summer!

Internship: Internships can provide a world of opportunity. They are a terrific way to get a glimpse into a particular occupation or industry, and thus, to discover if the career path that you’re contemplating is right (or wrong) for you. And while it may be looking a bit down the road, internships can also turn into job offers. Whether it’s a paid or unpaid internship, the experience is generally profitable in the end.
Volunteer: If you’re having a hard time finding a summer job or internship opportunity, we’d urge you to consider volunteer work. After all, it’s unlikely a volunteer organization will turn down a helping hand. Sure, giving back and giving your time will look good when you’re applying to colleges, but there are many more reasons to volunteer your time. Volunteering can give you the chance to take on a leadership role, meet new people, get involved in your community, or learn and develop a new skill. Overall, it can be quite a personally rewarding experience.
Get Smart: Even though you’re not in school, try not to use summer as an excuse to turn off your brain. You may not like the sound of this, but if you’re going into your sophomore or junior year, summer is a great time to start preparing for your SAT. Read a few good books and the newspaper to improve your reading comprehension, try Vocab Videos for a fun way to learn your SAT vocabulary, or slowly work your way through an SAT study guide while lounging around. If you’ve already taken the SAT, read regardless to keep that brain active! Use summer as a time to get ahead of the game.

Tags: college activities resume, college admissions, SAT, SAT vocabulary
Posted in Advice & Tips, Next Stop: College, The Dreaded...SAT | Comments Off

May

College Admissions: Where Did Your Favorite Celebrity Go to College?

Hey Vocab Videos fans,

Going to college is cool. You know this. Isn’t that why you’re here after all, trying to raise your SAT scores with Vocab Videos and get into your top-choice schools? Well, keep up the good work. With some genuine effort and commitment, you’d be amazed what you can achieve.

We’re not quite sure what the obsession with celebrity is these days, but we’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Take a look at our list of celebrities below to see where they chose to pursue their higher education. Who knows, maybe you’ll get your college education and meet the next Brad Pitt. Enjoy!