Discover Your Path in Biological Sciences

Discovering your path in biological sciences? Whether you’re applying to private colleges or hoping to attend a high-quality public university, it’s important to put some thought into planning your path forward in biology so you can get accepted to your dream school.

Hello, my name is Miguel Barranco-Original. I am currently in the midst of applying to medical school and hope to stay here in California to study/practice medicine. My end goal is to become a trauma surgeon and physician that advocates for underserved communities, whether it be via programs, outreach, or education. 

Biological Science Classes in High School

My interest in biology/medicine initially stemmed from my Anatomy and Physiology course in high school. I vividly remember the smell of formaldehyde during our two-week cat dissection. While many of my classmates became nauseous due to the stench, I actually enjoyed it! To me, formaldehyde smelled like bravery as I boldly cut into a cat cadaver and eagerly learned everything I could about its organs, inspiring me to major in Molecular Biology at UC Berkeley. 

What should a High School Student Interested in Biology do?

So the big question is: “What should a high school student interested in biology do?” Simply put, there is no single answer, as everyone’s journey will be different. The best place to start is by taking coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. As you discover which area of science you most enjoy, start taking AP courses within that topic. Then, pursue additional courses like Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, and Environmental Sciences.

Taking AP Biology Courses

The more you immerse yourself in STEM classes, the more you expose yourself to different disciplines of biology. With time, you’ll likely hit upon a certain topic, field, or question that especially intrigues you and makes you want to learn more.

Some students may ask, “What if I have other commitments like work, sports, and clubs that do not allow me to take all these AP courses?”

If you do not have the time to take several AP courses, take at least one. Enrolling in more rigorous coursework shows that you took the initiative to further explore your interest. Even the best acceptance rate colleges expect to see some demonstrated interest in your field. Remember that your goal is to get into a four-year college and study biology. You’ve got time to pursue, explore, and discover your niche, so prioritize earning A’s over stretching yourself too thin in hopes of discovering your area of expertise just yet.

My Biological Science Major

I was fortunate enough to know that I wanted to major in Molecular Biology entering UC Berkeley. But you do not need to know your major going in.  During the first year of college, you’ll be taking a lot of general courses like English, math, etc.

This means that you can and should explore your school to look for services that will help you navigate your undergrad career.  These resources are especially useful for biological sciences majors, as they will help you understand the system and take advantage of how to pair courses for the best grades and the best learning. Get to know a university counselor who will help you navigate your options.

For example, it would not be recommended to take general biology, organic chemistry, and physics all at once. Stacking too many hard courses in the same semester runs the risk of burning out or performing poorly in these critical courses.

Keep in mind that coursework isn’t the only avenue to learning. Choose a school that offers practical, hands-on opportunities so you can also learn by doing in the field. It was during my time at UC Berkeley that I got most of my clinical experience. I have worked as an EMT for the past four years. I was also lucky enough to spend two summers at Johns Hopkins as an advanced medicine academic advisor for Envision. While doing all of this, I still continued to pursue my high school interests in new forms by coaching high school wrestling and teaching salsa dancing. 

Obtaining My Biological Sciences Degree

Handling the stress and difficulty of college taught me a lot about myself, and how much I can truly handle. There were times when I had to juggle multiple commitments and responsibilities. While meeting deadlines and achieving good grades was important, I also learned the value of taking a moment to breathe and remind myself why I am doing this.  I always think of the bigger picture to remind myself what I am striving for and encourage myself that I will indeed get there.

Discovering Your Path in Biological Sciences Conclusion

No one’s journey in medicine is the same, and what worked for me may not work for you. However, you can definitely learn from my experiences as you choose your own path forward. I hope that this small part of my story can help you navigate the world of biological sciences.

As you search for colleges, keep your eyes on your end goal and don’t stress too much. The future is calling, and with a little targeted guidance from our experienced admissions counseling, you’ll end up exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Miguel Barranco

What Are the Best Business Schools for Undergrad? 

A lot of parents are asking about the best business schools for undergrad students. As a business major, business ex-Googler, business owner, and business school counselor, I’ve worked alongside many people who studied business in undergrad. But as I learned during college and the hiring process, not all business degrees are created equal. Some grant special access to specific employers, like Google and Morgan Stanley, while others provide a degree with little networking. Furthermore, some college’s rankings are purely inaccurate, ranking some universities high in business when in fact there isn’t even a business program there for undergrads!

When it comes to finding the top colleges for business undergrads, it all comes down to a few things:

1. Strength of business curriculum
2. Opportunities outside of class
3. Location near job opportunities

Read more about Getting Ready for College Admissions.

How to Determine What Are the Best Business Schools for Me?

First of all, the strength of the business curriculum means, are you going to learn about business? Many prominent universities come from an economics background, and as a result, their version of “business” – titled majors such as Management Economics or Business Economics – is more about applied economics or econometrics rather than business. Remember: business is completely different from economics! Some hugely popular undergraduate destinations like UCLA and the University of Chicago don’t even offer business for undergraduates.

What Opportunities Exist Outside of Class for Business Undergrads?

The strength of a business program comes largely from experiential learning and networking. When I attended UC Berkeley Haas, for example, I participated in numerous case competitions, during which I competed with teammates against other teams, many of whom represented business fraternities. These case competitions gave us an edge, since we gained unparalleled knowledge and experience about how business works in the real world.

Business fraternities are excellent ways of building a network for future job prospects. They provide insider knowledge on hiring and introduce you to alumni of the same fraternity who are now hiring managers of popular companies.

Best Business Schools for Undergrad: Location Matters

Location matters – a lot. If you go to a college that’s nowhere near business jobs, it doesn’t matter how high of a ranking that business program is. In today’s job market, if you don’t have experience, you’re not getting hired – period. A critical part of undergraduate years is developing work experience on your resume, so choosing a college that’s reputable for employing their business students nearby is a massive point to consider.

Here are my top seven business schools for undergrad, taking into account the above three criteria:

UC Berkeley Haas School of Business

The first UC to have a “pure” business program, UC Berkeley is not only one of the most well-known colleges in Northern California but also one of the nation’s top destinations for studying business as either an undergrad or an MBA. The Berkeley Haas curriculum is taught by some of the industry’s best, professors who worked as professionals in their field for years. They often teach both MBA and undergraduate students, which means your teachers are often teaching Fortune 500 CEOs.

Opportunities outside of class are plentiful, ranging from case competitions to the largest business fraternities in the nation. Job opportunities are abundant; located in Silicon Valley, Berkeley is a hotbed for startup activity. Employment opportunities abound for anyone with a resume and the right skill set.

New York University – Stern School of Business

The Stern School of Business requires no introduction. To begin with, NYU is arguable the best private university in New York. Located in the heart of NYC, Stern offers a unique undergraduate experience due to its campus-less campus. You can walk by NYU without even noticing. Hence, if you’re a social urbanite who’s looking for learning without boundaries, NYU Stern is the best business school for undergrad for you.

Its curriculum is extensive and rigorous, its extracurricular opportunities plentiful, and its location impeccable for anyone serious about business. Furthermore, NYU’s study abroad options and emphasis on multidisciplinary study make it one of the most versatile destinations anywhere in the world.

University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School of Business

A Wharton undergrad combines Penn’s liberal arts freedom with a top business program. The result is a well-rounded educational experience that builds depth and breadth of understanding. Highlights of the business curriculum include case studies and learning lab simulations that emulate real-world experiences.

Outside of class, there are student conferences, study abroad options, and venture experiences. Top it all off with an excellent location in Philadelphia, and you have an amazing undergraduate business program.

Northeastern University – D’Amore-McKim School of Business

When it comes to real-world experience, few colleges match Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. Its co-op program requires students to get work experience before graduating. Needless to say, there are abundant job opportunities around, since the college is strategically located in the heart of Boston.

Northeastern offers specialized concentrations, ranging from accounting and finance to corporate innovation and entrepreneurial startups, in addition to combined majors that provide multidisciplinary pathways. Lastly, Northeastern offers a wide array of activities outside of class, including research centers and initiatives, special events, and study abroad options.

University of Texas, Austin – McCombs School of Business

They say Austin is the San Francisco of Texas. Beyond its liberal culture, the city’s university is now also a prime destination for high schoolers from all over the country. The Texas McCombs BBA program has consistently ranked top 10 on anyone’s list for undergraduate business programs.

A part of what makes it unique is its 10 different major options (compared to only one major option offered at Haas). Majors like International Business and Management Information Systems provide a ton of flexibility to explore the vast arena that is business. Furthermore, UT-Austin bodes over 35 student organizations and a 2-year leadership program. Austin is a bustling and quickly evolving city that is now home to many major tech companies, providing a great job outlook for the driven.

UC Irvine – Paul Merage School of Business

Irvine, and Orange County in general, is arguably the best-kept secret for business majors. Both startup activity and corporate presence have thrived for over a decade, and housing prices have only recently caught up. UC Irvine’s Merage School of Business is emblematic of this vibrant market, providing a stellar business program for students who missed the cut for UCLA or Berkeley, while arguably providing a better balance of life.

Its curriculum is focused and flexible, offering both Business Administration and Business Information Management, and many ways to personalize electives to fit niche interests. Diversity is also a strength at UC Irvine, with 30% of students coming from underrepresented backgrounds.

University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business

Known for its emphasis on international exposure and multidisciplinary study, USC is also home to the Marshall School of Business and is one of the best colleges in Los Angeles, California. USC Marshall’s curriculum is in some ways a reflection of those areas of emphasis, with unique options like the World Bachelor of Business (WBB) program and the Business and Cinematic Arts program. Hence, the curriculum is innovative and flexible.

Likewise, activities outside of class are varied to fit anyone’s interest, sure to keep even the most multi-talented minds busy at work and in collaboration. Lastly, USC’s location in the heart of LA provides a vast expanse of job opportunities in almost every industry.

To get the most out of your college application, take advantage of our college counseling services and connect with an educational consultant or admissions officer who can help you boost your profile. Sign up for your Free Consultation now!

When Is It Time to Eliminate Colleges from Your List? 

When to Eliminate Colleges from Your List:

1. Recheck each college to be sure they have your major interests and any additional programs you are interested in.
2. Recheck each college to make sure the campus offers interesting things to do and extracurricular activities you want to participate in.
3. Recheck the size of the college. Do you prefer the anonymity of a large university or the friendlier atmosphere of a small college? If you like small colleges, you could still apply to large universities with stellar Honors Colleges. Students who qualify for honors programs enjoy the best of both worlds: a huge campus with lots of activities and opportunities, plus an intimate community where they’re known.
4. The atmosphere of the school. A school’s environment affects how you feel on campus, from whether you fit in socially to how classes are taught. You can depend on the Fiske Guide to Colleges to guide you here. Is the culture too competitive, too religious, too open, or too structured? Each college’s atmosphere is unique. Look for the atmosphere you want.
5. Have you visited the college? Colleges look very different on paper than they do in person. If you cannot visit, check a YouTube video of the university and see what you think.
6. Rethink location. Rural? Suburban? Small town? Large city? Keep in mind that most of your post-grad opportunities will be near the school you attended. Think in terms of which region you’d be okay with ending up in long term, as well as whether there are many good job opportunities within your field there.
7. Expense. Think about your ability to pay. At the same time, remember that there are merit scholarships and scholarships available, as well as financial aid.

Building Your Ideal College List

Give yourself permission to eliminate colleges that you aren’t crazy about or that you’d be disappointed to attend. That way, you can focus more of your time on writing high-quality essays for US university applications to increase your chances of getting into the schools you’re most interested in.

Whether you’re focusing on colleges in Los Angeles, colleges in San Diego, NYC colleges, or even Ivy League schools, it’s important to prioritize where you’d actually be happiest attending over which schools are the most prestigious. It’s your life, not anyone else’s, so it doesn’t matter what others think about your college choice. Focus on the schools that offer the majors and programs you’re looking for, and everything else will fall into place.

These are a few factors to consider when you need to cut down your college list. I know it can be challenging! Good luck!

Book a meeting for a Free Consultation here!

Your Pathway to Medicine

No one’s pathway to medicine is ever the same. You might be just starting your search for colleges, or maybe you know you want to focus on private colleges in California, or even colleges in New York City. I hope you can learn something from my story, but keep in mind that yours will look unique, and that’s okay!

My name is Pranshul, and I am currently in my third year of medical school. I have recently started doing my clinical rotations, which means going to the hospital and practicing medicine in a highly supervised environment.

I knew I wanted to go into medicine from a young age and stuck with that dream from grade school through my undergraduate. Since medicine is a constantly evolving field, I never stopped learning. Here’s a little bit about my background, the process for getting into medical school, and what to expect for your own future in medicine.

Before I Started My Path to Medicine

In high school, I was an average student in terms of grades, as I focused more on extracurricular activities including band, Boy Scouts, and rugby. The classes I enjoyed the most were biology, psychology, and music, which inspired me to major in biological psychology. Thinking I would thrive in a four-year college, I started at Ohio State University.

However, I soon realized that classes with 1,500 students were not a great learning environment for me. I preferred a more intimate classroom environment where I could receive more direct instruction and feedback from my instructors. After just one semester at Ohio State, I transferred to community colleges in California. I spent 1 ½ years in community colleges, bouncing between three different schools to finish my pre-requisite classes in time. I then transferred to UC Davis and majored in psychology with an emphasis in biology. 

During my time in college, I decided to explore different jobs before I began medical school. Working while in school helped me both earn money for my degree and gave me the opportunity to explore various career paths. I did everything from landscaping for a golf course and delivering pizza to spending five years working as a music instructor at the high school I’d attended. Your life does not need to revolve around school or medicine. Go and explore your interests, do what you love, and have fun!

My Advice on Your Pathway to Medicine

Historically, there have been two main routes to medical school: the traditional and the non-traditional route. The traditional route consists of doing four years of undergraduate, beginning medical school applications during the beginning of your senior year, and starting medical school right after graduating. Recently, more students have begun taking the non-traditional route. This usually consists of taking a gap year after finishing a four-year college degree, which allows them to accomplish other life goals before starting the long journey of medical school.

I took the non-traditional path into medicine, taking one year after college to study for the MCAT (the med school equivalent of the SAT/ACT), apply to med schools, work, and save money. In fact, of the 94 students in my medical school, only five of them followed the traditional pathway! I am not advocating that one or the other is better. It is worth pointing out, however, that many students who don’t take a break before diving into med school end up burning out.

What Do I Need to Do in High School and Undergrad to Get into Medical School?

So if you’re still asking yourself, “What do I need to do in high school and undergrad to get into medical school?”, here are a few tips to make your pathway to medicine easier. There is no one right answer. Still, I would recommend the following for everyone:

1. Finish high school, get into whichever college you want to go to, and major in whichever major you want. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to major in a science-related field to be accepted into med school.
2. Do well in college. If you weren’t a star student in high school, don’t worry. Medical school will not even look at your high school grades. But do your best in your classes at college. Having a GPA of >3.5 in undergrad will increase your chances of getting into a medical school.
3. Regardless of what you major in, take your medical school’s prerequisite courses. For medical school, you must take the following classes during college:
   1. One year of general biology
   2. One year of physics
   3. One year of general chemistry
   4. One year of biochemistry
   5. One year of organic chemistry
   6. At least one year of math (including one semester each of calculus and statistics)
   7. One year of writing

As you can see, there are a lot of science related courses. If you major in a biology or science related field, these courses will most likely be incorporated into your normal work load.

Most importantly, work on the required courses and build a profile towards your MD program.

What If I Major in Something Else on My Pathway to Medicine?

If you major in anything else (such as music or English), you will most likely need to take these courses on top of your normal classes. This might mean taking an extra year to graduate or taking a full course load every semester. A few additional tips, regardless of your major:

• Do extracurricular activities, such as research, hobbies, shadowing, volunteering, community service, etc.! Medical schools look for well-rounded students who are both academically inclined and have interests outside of school. 
• Do well on your MCAT, which many school use as a screening tool for applications.

Most importantly, don’t be discouraged! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by application portals. Don’t let this discourage you; think of your end goal. College applications is just a small hurdle to climb before becoming a doctor!

Whether you’re wanting to attend tier 1 universities in USA or you’re hoping to find colleges with the highest acceptance rate, you can build a unique pathway to medicine that fits your needs.

Do Colleges Look at Volunteer Hours? Less Is More – Depth over Breadth in Volunteering.

Do colleges look at volunteer hours? One of the most common questions we get from parents and students is, “How many volunteer hours should I have?” Some say 20 hours is good; others swear you need 200. So which is it?

The short answer: it’s closer to 20.

The long answer: you’re not even asking the right question. Read on to see what we mean. 

Do Colleges Look at Volunteer Hours? It’s Service, Not Service “Hours”

Less Is More

One of the most misunderstood admissions criteria is volunteering. Some call it “service hours,” but it really just comes down to service—authentic service. Helping others for the sake of helping.

The “less is more” principle can be interpreted in two ways to improve one’s volunteer work towards college admissions. 

High Impact Work Is How Colleges Care About Volunteer Hours

How do colleges look at volunteer hours? The first one is that it’s better to do fewer hours of high-impact work than more hours of low-impact work. What makes service meaningful is the impact of your work, not the number of hours you worked. After all, when applying for college, students must write essays explaining why they served rather than how many hours they served. Similarly, it’s not about the title of a volunteer experience; one could have had more impact as a general volunteer working directly with people on the front lines, while being named the officer of a club doesn’t mean the student actually made a meaningful contribution. 

Remember, impact occurs in two ways: impact on others and impact on self. Impact on others can be measured by answering the following question: “How much will my contribution last beyond the day of my contribution?” For example, serving food to the homeless is certainly an act of service; however, its impact will likely not last beyond the day of service, making it relatively low-impact. 

Impact on self can be measured by answering the following question: “How much will/has this experience changed the way I live and perceive the world?” Impactful service experiences are often incredibly transformative for both those who serve and those who are being served.

Have Fewer Engagements

In order to have the time to do high-impact work, you should lower the number of volunteer service engagements you’re involved in. Making a positive, lasting impact on another’s life requires extensive time and attention, so don’t waste your time on frenzied activities that won’t add up to much.

How do colleges look at volunteer work? Too often, students serve in a different organization each year. That’s okay if the organization didn’t provide impactful work, but if it did, you should absolutely continue that work. On the other hand, stop serving if the work is not impactful. If the work you’re engaging in is generic and low-impact, it’s time to move on to a better service experience.

Continuity within a service organization past the first year often leads to potential leadership roles. Inquire about leadership opportunities before committing to a service opportunity so that you can compare and contrast different opportunities.

Serving in the Summer

Too many parents emphasize summer educational programs without emphasizing the need to serve, when in fact, summer is one of the best times to serve. Serving allows you to gain exposure to different communities and facets of the world, making it critical learning for college admissions.

Boost Your College Profile

We hope that this provides some valuable insight into how to release some of the stress you may have while making your college application profile even stronger.

At ReadyEdgeGo, we specialize in admission consulting services that will help you get into the best colleges in California and other good universities with high acceptance rates. Whether you’re applying to private colleges in California or aiming for Ivy League schools, schedule a free consultation for help with boosting your college profile and navigating the college admissions process. Our mentors would love to offer customized, one-on-one support to help you reach—and even exceed—your dreams.

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Thinking Bigger – What Do Colleges Look for in Students and College Admissions

What do colleges look for in students? Our goal at ReadyEdgeGo is to help students destress from the pressures of high school. The leading cause of this stress is misinformation. We have encountered countless students and parents who have misconceptions about the “steps” they need to take in order to gain admission into a certain college or groups of colleges. This misinformation is the real cause of the stress and pressure. 

Whichever university admissions rate you’re looking at, there’s no one set path for getting in. In this post, we’ll tackle some of the misinformation out there to help you make wise decisions that will set you up for success.

What Do Colleges Look for in Students for 99% of Universities

What Really Sets a Student Apart?

It’s not the numbers, that’s for sure, despite SAT requirements for colleges starting to come back. Stanford rejects around 69% of perfect SAT scorers every year, and we’ve seen the same trend apply to all the top universities in the United States. So, what gives? Why is it that so many students spend so much time and money on numbers, yet don’t always see the results?

Intellectual Depth Outside of Class

The first thing that comes to many people’s mind when they think about intellectual depth is “weighted classes” and AP tests. Students should absolutely take weighted courses in your areas of interest. However, what sets you apart is how far you went into studying it outside of class.

The type of extracurricular study you invests in matters. Sure, summer programs are nice, but they are also extremely common and expensive. Instead, we suggest reading more and asking meaningful questions about what you read. While everyone is spending $5,000+ on the same summer programs, you can spend $5 on a book and get the same value, if not better. That’s how you truly set yourself apart, since no one reads anymore.

Meaningful Leadership

Leadership is defined by convincing others to do something that they otherwise wouldn’t have done. Thus, starting an AI club for your friends who are already interested in technology doesn’t really count. The same thing goes for becoming a class president who merely does what the advisor tells you to do. 

So what do colleges look for in students when it comes to leadership? The key is whether you influenced others to achieve something they otherwise would not have accomplished.

To truly stand out, you have to encounter challenges and map out your own path. Don’t aim to follow the path that you’ve seen or heard numerous other students follow. In our 15 years of mentoring students, we haven’t encountered a single leadership experience that wasn’t challenging. By nature, leadership experiences require a challenge – it’s the only way we lead ourselves, and others, to something greater.

Service and Genuine Care for Others

This isn’t about completing your service requirement. It is also not about how many hours you accumulate or earning the Gold Award, the Presidential Service Award, Eagle Scout, etc. You may ask, “What makes me stand out from other applicants?” Students who serve only for the sake of benefiting their community because they genuinely care about others shine with the kind of nobility that simply can’t be faked. Yes, admissions officers truly can tell when you’re simply going through the motions, so start by building genuine connections with others that make you care deeply about their well-being—and then ask yourself, Given my interests, skills, knowledge, and experience, what can I do that will help these people most?

Another myth is that colleges are looking for as many volunteer experiences as possible. Continuity is important, but having numerous experiences isn’t. It’s better to serve deeply in one experience rather than lightly in three. 

What Do Colleges Look for in Students in the Top 1% of Universities

Intellectual Range Outside of Class

Okay, we get that you want to become a doctor, but that doesn’t mean all you should study is Biology. Yet that’s what we see again and again and again in the students (and their families) who want to “stand out.” Meanwhile, the top of the top pre-med and Biology ranked schools are virtually all liberal arts universities— which place a heavy emphasis on versatility and intellectual range, particularly in reading, writing, and critical thinking.

If you want to stand out, start studying other things beyond just your major. Be curious and well rounded!

Innovative Leadership

This term started in UC Berkeley Admissions several years ago. The top 1% of universities aren’t just looking for captains of sports teams or presidents of clubs. The top 1% are looking for something slightly different. How did you lead in a way that was innovative?

Class officers don’t typically do this. They usually just perform tasks that every other class officer did before them. Similarly, sports captains usually don’t do anything out of the ordinary. So how will you contribute differently and in a positive way? This often doesn’t involve a club, sport, or fancy title of “leadership.” It’s simply about solving a problem that involves other people, just in a unique way. 

Impactful Service

Time for some real talk. Stop counting the number of hours you’ve served. Stop signing up for countless volunteer opportunities. Find the one or two service options that allow you to make a meaningful and lasting impact on people directly. Consider whether your work is changing someone’s life for the better, and for how long. For example, serving food to the homeless is a good deed, but does it transform a homeless person’s situation in a meaningful or lasting way beyond that day? Probably not.

Furthermore, those who serve the homeless in this way often don’t get to know the individuals they serve, making it difficult to discern whether you really made a meaningful impact. Fundraising often doesn’t impress much, either, since your work is often distant from the people you will ultimately help. Your service shouldn’t necessarily have anything to do with your major. In fact, it’s usually best to serve in a way that’s completely different from what you plan on studying, simply because it demonstrates a more well-rounded life experience.

Stay Ahead of High Education Trends

We specialize in youth mentorship and college counseling. From 8th grade to 12th, we have you covered for any stage in your high school career. Schedule a free consultation with us here.

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How Do I Study for Standardized Tests?

We get it: you’re not exactly excited about taking the SAT or ACT. When it comes to test taking, putting together your college application, and preparing for the best public universities in the US, the pressure is insane. But did you know you can access customized standardized test prep that targets exactly what you need to work on, reducing your study time to a fraction of what it would have otherwise been?

No matter what major you’re interested in, your test score matters. Thankfully, you can boost your score a lot more than you may think by following these strategic tips for getting more out of your time whenever you sit down to study.

Research-Based Methods for Standardized Test Prep

There are many ways to prepare for the SAT, including:

Self-Study for the SAT

For a highly self-motivated individual, self-studying may be the best option. Platforms like Khan Academy and Magoosh can help, and they don’t cost much. But… self-study takes great discipline. To succeed on your own, you’ll need to set SMART goals, or goals that are:

• Specific. (Do I know exactly which topics I need to review?)
• Measurable. (How many points should my score increase in order to have achieved my goal? 50? 100?)
• Achievable. (Can I realistically achieve this score, or am I setting myself up for failure and disappointment?)
• Relevant. (Are the topics I’m studying directly connected to problems I got wrong on a practice test?)
• Time-based. (How long do I have until I take the test, and how many study sessions and topics can I fit into that timeframe? Therefore, how many days should I set aside per week to study? How many minutes per session? How many topics can I cover per week at that rate?)

Therefore, take practice tests in a simulated test environment, and study frequently. However, most high schoolers are not this self-motivated. 🙂

Furthermore, it’s often hard for students to pinpoint exactly which content you need to prioritize. You don’t want to waste your time reading an overwhelmingly large study book, only to get very little out of it.

Tutors for the SAT

Next, you have tutored teaching. Tutors can keep you motivated and hold you accountable. Another major perk of using a tutor is that they provide individualized explanations for your errors. However, not all tutors are equipped with SAT specific knowledge (even though they claim to help here), so the quality is hit or miss.

Classes for Standardized Tests

SAT classes are seemingly everywhere nowadays. These classes are popular because they follow a very traditional style of learning. You go in, take a test, review the answers, and repeat. While some students may benefit minimally from this one-size-fits-all approach, such boot camps can be long and arduous, and not always effective.

In fact, national research shows that the average point gain from such classes is only 40 points. For that kind of money and an entire summer’s worth of time, you would expect more.

Learn Your Own Test Taking Strengths and Weaknesses

Based on our research and 12+ years of experience working with students, we think the best way to study for the SAT is to study your mistakes. Too many students spend time reviewing the individual problems they missed without reviewing the underlying concepts behind those problems. Since you’ll never see the same problem ever again, the only way to prevent future errors is to gain a better foundation of knowledge, be it understanding how mathematical proportions work or even how to use commas effectively.

But how can you identify the principle behind the problem? That’s where we come in.

How We Help with Customized Standardized Test Prep at ReadyEdgeGo

Our qualified educational consultants at ReadyEdgeGo will review your practice test results before giving you a personalized outline showing you exactly what and how to study, then stick alongside you as you achieve every one of your goals. We’ll keep you from wasting any time while boosting your underlying knowledge so that no matter what question comes you’re way, you’re more than ready to quickly select the right answer and move on.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we efficiently train students to ace standardized tests, sign up for a free consultation. We’d love to save you time and money so that you can spend your summer actually doing the activities you love, confident that you’re on your way to a better SAT score.

Also read: How Important is the SAT or ACT?

What Is a Good SAT Score? Is My SAT Score Bad, Average, Good or Great?

You may have wondered what is a good SAT Score? Or better yet, what is a good SAT Score for me? As you prepare for the SAT, you may wonder, “What does my score mean? Is it even a good, average, or a great score?” There are a lot of variables to consider as you prepare for the SAT.

Most desirable universities, including UC, CSU, privates, and out-of-states, want students to earn at least a 1300 in order to be seriously considered as a qualified candidate. However, this figure varies greatly depending on your major, the competitiveness of the applicant pool that year, and other factors taken into account in the admissions process.

For a precise breakdown of what percentage of college students get each score, check out this score levels chart.

The Answer to “What Is a Good SAT Score for Me?”

It depends. For some students, their maximum scores may be 1300-1400. Others can achieve 1500-1600. Many factors can affect your SAT score:

• Upbringing
• Background
• Resource constraints
• Educational restraints
• Family circumstances

No matter where you come from, you can choose your own destiny. That’s why your score also depends on:

• YOUR existing capabilities
• YOUR passion to succeed
• YOUR goals
• How much time YOU invest in studying and preparing

While it is impossible to determine each student’s exact numerical potential, we encourage students to consider the following ways to determine your score, or what we call a “target score.”

What is a Target SAT score?

A student’s “target score” is a range that can be calculated in one of two ways. Try the following methods, using a calculator and writing utensil.

Option 1. The SAT Baseline Score Method

The first way is to use what we call a “baseline score.” This method helps you set an achievable goal, taking into account how much time you realistically have to work with. A student’s baseline score is simply calculated based on the score you received from your first at taking the SAT with little or no prior preparation. We use the following steps to determine a SAT baseline score.

• Take the SAT practice test with little or no preparation.
• Once you have determined this score, add 100 – 200 points.
• This new score is your “target score,” or the score you need to shoot for with studying and proper preparation.
• For example, if a student’s baseline score is 1200, they should aim for 1300-1400.

Option 2. The Unweighted GPA Method

The second way is the unweighted GPA formula.

• Take your overall unweighted GPA as shown on your most recent official transcript.
• Divide the GPA by the maximum GPA (usually 4.0)
• Multiply this ratio by 1600 to find the proportional test score value. (Round it to the nearest tens place).
• Finally, add and subtract 50 points from that value to determine a student’s “target score” range.
• For example, if a student’s unweighted GPA is a 3.5:
  • 3.5/4.0 = 0.875
  • 0.875 * 1600 = 1400
  • Add and subtract 50
  • Results: the student’s target score is between 1350-1450

Implementing a score range allows us to account for variability in test difficulty and score curving by the College Board. It also gives a student a higher probability of successfully achieving their goal, as earning something within a 100 point range is more probable (and less stressful) than fixating on one singular score and beating yourself up if you don’t achieve it.

SAT Test Requirements: Looking Ahead

With the pandemic long past, the class of 2024 is seeing the beginning of the return of SAT requirements. With Ivy League schools and other top colleges zeroing in on test scores, it’s possible that the trend will extend to other universities as well in the next few years, with additional school requiring test scores.

Wondering if taking the SAT is right for you, or hoping to get some targeted SAT test prep? Our expert admissions counseling services at ReadyEdgeGo include customized SAT test prep to help you maximize your score without wasting your time reviewing concepts you already know well. Get in touch today to start boosting your SAT potential!