09
Sep

SAT Vocabulary: Introducing New Digital Quizzes!

 

We’re making some major upgrades to the Vocab Videos site, the first of which we’re delighted to announce to all of our Vocab Videos subscribers and fans: THE ADDITION OF DIGITAL QUIZZES!

Now, immediately after watching a Vocab Videos episode, you’re able to take an interactive quiz to review all of the SAT vocabulary content you’ve just watched! At the end of each quiz, you’ll see a detailed overview of how you performed–the questions you answered correctly, those you answered incorrectly, and what SAT vocabulary words you need to study further.

 

 

Downloadable score reports are available for printing if students want to keep a record of their progress or if teachers want to keep track of their students’ quiz performance. If your quiz score shows that you didn’t fully grasp the episode’s vocabulary content, go back and watch the video again, and then re-take the quiz!

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Posted in ALL ABOUT VOCAB, ATTN: Teachers!, Events & Info, Tests other than the SAT, The Dreaded...SAT | Comments Off

20
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…

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28
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

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27
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!

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16
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.

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02
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.

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15
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
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04
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
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02
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.
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20
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!

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