Academic Transformations

1-1 with a literacy and math specialist catching you up to grade level is FUN!

And actually nurturing the bad feelings of school being too hard, and not keeping up with your peers.

An investment in acadrmic remediation takes a commitment, but then you fit with the class and don’t need extra help!

This is our philosophy, and we have many success stories to share- of all grade levels and ages! ❤️👨🏼‍🎓
ps- yes, we include puppy support rewards. 🐾❤️

Allow your child’s imagination to solve “boredom”!
Beautiful results follow…

Cons of Applying to College Test-Optional
or No SAT or ACT


Colleges May Still Consider Test Scores


Just because you’re not required to submit standardized test scores at a school, doesn’t mean that a college doesn’t consider them. In other words, a college may not penalize you for not submitting test scores; however, students who submit scores—especially those with scores within the school’s range—may appear more competitive.



If you’ve performed well on your standardized tests and your score is within the middle 50% range of the school you’re applying to, it’s a smart strategy to include your test scores. Test scores are just one more factor for admissions committees to weigh, and their absence may lead the committees to wonder why you chose not to include them.



More Subjective Evaluation


Considerations in college admissions like standardized test scores, GPA, and class rank are more objective metrics than extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. The increased value test-optional admissions places on subjective elements of your application can leave a lot in the hands of someone who may be having a bad day, having trouble focusing, or simply not view things in the same light as you—for example, what you think is an awesome extracurricular, they may find just “meh.”



Once again, if your test scores fall within a school’s middle 50% range, submit them. Let your objective metrics demonstrate your college preparedness and let the subjective aspects of your application complement them.



Increased Competition


Test-optional admissions attract more applicants, which means increased competition for coveted spots at schools. For example, when three of Cornell’s colleges adopted test-blind policies in 2020, the number of applications they received jumped from roughly 50,000 to 71,000. Also, because only applicants who’ve scored well on standardized tests generally tend to share their scores, the average test scores at test-optional schools rise.



Submitting a test score—especially one within the middle 50% range of accepted applicants—is an easy way to stand out from a crowded field of applicants, many of whom didn’t include their test scores with their application. This can be a great way to improve your admission odds.



It May Cost You Merit Aid


While many colleges have reduced the value standardized tests have on college admissions, they still play a prominent role in how many colleges award merit aid. By not submitting test scores, you may disqualify yourself from receiving merit aid or limit your opportunity to win a scholarship.



Consider that National Merit Finalists—top scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT—are awarded $2,500 scholarships. Even more interesting are the colleges that provide full-ride and full-tuition scholarships to National Merit Finalists. In a similar way, SAT scores are often used by colleges to determine how merit scholarships will be distributed.



If you’re seeking scholarships and are hopeful of winning financial aid, you’ll want to seriously think about sending in your test scores.



Should I Apply Test-Optional Or Not?


Every student is different, but as a general rule, it’s better to submit test scores than not. This is especially true at highly selective colleges. The more information you provide a school with about you, the better a school can see the complete picture of you as an applicant—from who you are academically to who you are outside of the classroom.



Also, providing test scores eliminates any questions an admissions officer may have—such as why you didn’t submit your test scores—which can only help your chances in the end.



According to CollegeVine’s data on applying test-optional, students who submit scores at or above the 25th percentile are accepted at roughly two times the rate of students who don’t submit scores. Even students below the 25th percentile are more likely to be accepted if they submit their scores. They’re accepted at approximately 1.25 times the rate of students who apply without test scores.



The above data are from the pandemic and may change over time as test-optional admissions continue to become more commonplace, but at the moment students should still think hard about including their test scores with their college application.

Pros of Applying to College Application Test-Optional
or NO SAT or ACT score


Holistic Evaluation


Without test scores, colleges must make a more comprehensive evaluation of you as a candidate. Test-optional admissions compels admissions offices to more closely examine other aspects of your application, including areas like grades, course rigor, essays, extracurricular activities, personal achievements, and recommendation letters.



Ultimately, colleges consider you as a whole person (including your potential, interests, strengths, and weaknesses), rather than merely a collection of numbers (your GPA, class rank, and test scores).



A more holistic evaluation is particularly beneficial if you have a strong application, but mediocre or poor test scores. In these cases, a poor test score can detract from your accomplishments and achievements. It can also lead admissions committees to question your ability to succeed in college, even if you’ve excelled in numerous areas outside of standardized tests.



Spotlight a Specific Area


The more holistic admissions process resulting from test-optional policies is beneficial if you’re particularly strong in a specific area but noticeably weak in other areas. More holistic admissions allow you to better emphasize your unique talent and skills—bolstering your odds of college admission.



For example, if you’re an exceptionally talented writer but struggle with math, test-optional policies allow you to spotlight your talent with attention-grabbing essays, examples of published work, and a great recommendation from your English teacher, while shifting the focus from a standardized test score dragged down by a poor performance on the math section.



Focus on Other Aspects of the Application


From preparation to the tests themselves, standardized exams are time-consuming. Test-optional admissions policies allow you to devote your time to other areas of your college application, like earning higher grades, taking more challenging courses, and pursuing interests outside of the classroom—in other words, all the things colleges are looking for in applicants other than test scores.



If your time has been consumed by projects you’re excited about—like playing in the state band or getting your nonprofit off the ground—test-optional admissions allow you to apply your energy to your passions and interests, rather than merely earning a good exam score.



More Affordable


From buying study guides to purchasing online courses to hiring a tutor, you can spend a small fortune prepping for standardized tests. According to Forbes, more than $1 billion was spent on test prep in 2019. Because of this, test-optional policies can lead to more equitable admissions, as students from families that can afford extensive test prep have an advantage over those who cannot.



Similarly, you may think spending a substantial amount of money to score well on a single test is a poor use of resources. Perhaps you think that money is better spent on something else that will influence college admissions officials—for example, studying abroad, funding a volunteer project, or enrolling in a pre-college summer program.

To take the SAT/ACT or not?

A Complete List of Colleges Requiring SAT/ACT 2023-2024
by CollegeVine 12/17/23
What’s Covered:
Which Colleges Are Still Requiring Standardized Tests?
How Will My SAT/ACT Score Affect My Chances of Acceptance?


Over the past three years, test-optional policies have become more prevalent in college admissions, a trend that has been further exacerbated by the pandemic. While many institutions, including some of the best colleges, have extended or even made these policies permanent, prominent public universities and tech schools, particularly in the South, are taking a different stance and are returning to mandating standardized examinations. This hybrid strategy draws attention to the ongoing discussion over the usefulness of standardized tests in assessing student potential and emphasizes the need for students to remain aware of these changing admissions tactics.

How Will My SAT/ACT Score Affect My Chances of Acceptance?


Many colleges still place a high value on your SAT or ACT score in the competitive college admissions landscape of today.
So, if you’re wondering if a school on your list is still requiring standardized tests, keep reading to find out.

Which Colleges Are Still Requiring Standardized Tests?


School

Location

Allegheny Wesleyan College

Salem, OH

Allen College

Waterloo, IA

AmeriTech College-Draper

Draper, UT

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL

Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Canton, OH

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria, FL

Baptist Health Sciences University

Memphis, TN

Becker College

Worcester, MA

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

Laie, HI

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Rexburg, ID

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

Concord, NC

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY

Carolinas College of Health Sciences

Charlotte, NC

Centra College

Lynchburg, VA

Chicago School of Professional Psychology – College of Nursing

Richardson, TX

City College-Gainesville

Gainesville, FL

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC

Cleveland University-Kansas City

Overland Park, KS

College of Saint Mary

Omaha, NE

College of the Ozarks

Point Lookout, MO

Concorde Career College-Kansas City

Kansas City, MO

Concordia College

Bronxville, NY

Concordia University-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

DeVry College of New York

New York, NY

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Portales, NM

Edward Waters College

Jacksonville, FL

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus

Madison, NJ

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida College

Temple Terrace, FL

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL

Florida International University

Miami, FL

Florida Polytechnic University

Lakeland, FL

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Francis Marion University

Florence, SC

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science

Cincinnati, OH

HCI College

West Palm Beach, FL

Kettering College

Kettering, OH

Kuyper College

Grand Rapids, MI

LaGrange College

Lagrange, GA

Le Moyne-Owen College

Memphis, TN

Lee University

Cleveland, TN

Livingstone College

Salisbury, NC

Louisiana College

Pineville, LA

Louisiana State University-Alexandria

Alexandria, LA

Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Shreveport, LA

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA

Maine College of Health Professions

Lewiston, ME

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Rochester, MN

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA

Methodist College

Peoria, IL

Mills College

Oakland, CA

Missouri Valley College

Marshall, MO

Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Columbus, OH

New College of Florida

Sarasota, FL

North Greenville University

Tigerville, SC

Northwestern College

Bridgeview, IL

NUC University – Florida Technical College

Tampa, FL

Ohio Valley University

Vienna, WV

Pacific College

Costa Mesa, CA

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, FL

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Lancaster, PA

Piedmont University

Demorest, GA

Randall University

Moore, OK

Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Rockford, IL

Shorter University

Rome, GA

Sierra Nevada University

Incline Village, NV

Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Cape Girardeau, MO

Southeastern University

Lakeland, FL

Southwest University of Visual Arts-Tucson

Tucson, AZ

Southwestern College

Winfield, KS

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton

Fenton, MO

St Luke’s College

Sioux City, IA

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, TN

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN

The University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL

Touro College

New York, NY

Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses

Fort Wayne, IN

Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Rock Island, IL

Trinity International University-Illinois

Deerfield, IL

Truett McConnell University

Cleveland, GA

Union College

Barbourville, KY

United States Air Force Academy

USAF Academy, CO

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Kings Point, NY

United States Military Academy

West Point, NY

United States Naval Academy

Annapolis, MD

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University of Georgia

Athens, GA

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL

University of South Carolina Aiken

Aiken, SC

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL

University of Tennessee Southern

Pulaski, TN

University of the Sciences

Philadelphia, PA

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL

Wesley College

Dover, DE

West Virginia State University

Institute, WV

William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS

William Jessup University

Rocklin, CA

William Penn University

Oskaloosa, IA

Williams Baptist University

Walnut Ridge, AR

York College of Pennsylvania

York, PA

Note: Please make sure to check the official website of the school you’re applying to. Some schools may recommend taking standardized tests, but it’s not required.

This young man could not write a proper sentence in 9th grade when we met. After a year of supplemental weekly instruction, i encouraged him to switch into Honors English instead of regular English 10 for his college goals…

He worked hard and this is my update today! (mic drop- BOOM)

That’s what’s possible!👍

Thank you to our families for the trust - it’s an honor to see your students achieve what they once thought impossible.

We are in the business of bright futures, and so grateful for the opportunity with each student.

Neuroscience, data, and a strategic -yet compassionate -approach to academic coaching~
Academic Transformations

media4.giphy.com

How are you doing with teaching empathy to your kids? It’s crucial!

Parenting advice from experts:

In line with Dr. Baxley’s emphasis on empathy in parenting, “The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, available on Amazon, is an excellent resource. This book offers innovative strategies to foster healthy brain development, leading to emotionally intelligent children.
According to her, children begin to develop empathy and compassion around the age of three, based on research. Furthermore, during her work as a parenting coach, she explains that she has noticed a few parenting mistakes that can lead to children growing into selfish and entitled adults.
1. Saying yes to practically everything.
When children are overindulged, they are far more likely to become entitled and far less likely to exhibit empathy. In turn, they may also believe rules don’t apply to them, and that they are entitled to whatever they want. Instead, she encourages giving and following through with consequences, and setting healthy boundaries and limits.
2. Missing out on good teaching opportunities.
Oftentimes, parents may miss out on teaching opportunities which would truly benefit their children. She explains that even at a young age, it’s important to get them to see things from the vantage point of others. She makes an example about her son wanting a turkey sandwich and assuming his brother wants one too. She corrects him by saying that while that may be his favorite sandwich, it isn’t his brothers, and to consider what his brother wants, too.
3. Not explaining what is going on in the world.
By the age of 8, she explains that children understand how people’s feelings can be affected by their life circumstances. She encourages parents to make sure that when their child brings up concerns about the news, social media, or something they have heard about at school, to “use these moments to model how to show genuine or support.” In turn, they will likely have a broader sense of compassion and empathy.
To further explore effective parenting techniques, consider “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, available on Amazon. This book provides insightful guidance on communicating with children to build strong relationships based on mutual respect.
4. Giving them everything, without encouraging gratitude.
She encourages parents to provide an allowance given based on chores, so they have a greater understanding of teamwork. Additionally, she explains that when children are given everything they want, they are less likely to have gratitude for what they do want. She explains that it’s good for children to want things, and it’s important to make them say thank you and express gratitude for what they do get.
5. Not encouraging them to do volunteer work.
Another thing Baxley encourages is for parents to introduce their kids to volunteer work. In turn, they will understand a greater level of compassion, which will teach them to have empathy for people in situations that have not endured.
For parents seeking to instill gratitude and responsibility in their children, “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life’s Biggest Yes” by Kristen Welch, available on Amazon, can be a valuable guide. It offers practical advice on teaching children the value of gratitude and hard work.

Love this graphic!
Yep, music is good for brains of all ages!

Never too late to enjoy learning!

Bravo girls!
Cheering for you loud and proud!

Congratulations🎉

Posting to inspire 🌺

Teenagers solve 'impossible' 2000-year-old mathematical problem Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson have made history by proving a 2,000-year-old math theory using trigonometry without circular logic.

Measuring is a challenge for WAY too many middle and high school kids these days!

Food is brain food!!!
American food all too commonly includes preservatives, food dyes, chemical additives, and pesticides which are degrading to brain health and the ability to think and learn!

Fuel learning with nutrician❤️

Parenting tip- your relationship with your child is multifaceted. Don’t get stuck in one mode- switch it up and grow a relationship with your child that lasts a lifetime and supports great life habits and attitudes.❤️

A fun idea for kids at home too!

Sail away this summer while reading in this fun book boat!
📚⛴️

If your child had a stressful school year, I recommend some nature, relaxation and remediation from an expert. Positive ions in nature are healing and bring one into balance.
The Japanese prescribe “Forest Bathing” for this very reason. 🌲🌲🌲

https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/wellnessevidence/forest-bathing/

Call us if next school year needs to be different. Summer is an opportunity….

Book easily by completing this form on our web page:

https://academictransformations.com/contact/

All initial consults are FREE.

Most important lessons for success in school-
Effort = Success

Need more success?
Then add more effort! 👍

Great idea to incentivize family time- could be done at home with fun creative rewards!

Sunshine, juice and a gummy bear to make learning how to read FUN!

Word games involve choices, puzzle thinking and a challenge possible to win.

Reading specialists know all the tricks☀️

It is a parents job to teach respect.❤️🙏

Social media has played a significant role in many of my teenage clients depression or anxiety.

Parents - i completely agree with JG’s advice.

Thank you to childhood friend for posting! ❤️ u Lezlie!🌹

Jennifer Garner's three children are going to have to break out the charts, graphs and PowerPoint presentations if they want her approval to be on social media.

The star spoke with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb on TODAY about how she has kept her children off social media without her teenagers resenting her.

"I just said to my kids, ‘Show me the articles that prove that social media is good for teenagers, and then we’ll have the conversation,'" Garner said. "Find scientific evidence that matches what I have that says that it’s not good for teenagers, then we’ll chat."

Garner, 50, shares daughters Violet, 17, and Seraphina, 13, and son Samuel, 11, with ex-husband Ben Affleck.

Numerous studies have found links between negative mental health effects in teens and an increase in social media use, including depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Garner said her daughter Violet has appreciated being away from social media. Seraphina and Samuel, meanwhile, are entering the prime age of when many kids start asking parents if they can create their own accounts.

"My eldest is grateful," Garner said. "It’s a long haul. I have a couple more to go, so just knock on wood. We’ll see if I really hang in there."

Yes, Jennifer! You've got this!

Parents,

✅Delay smartphones until at least 8th grade with the Wait Until 8th pledge. Need to get in touch before, check out some basic phones on our website.

✅Delay social media until at least 16+!

✅ Talk to your kids about why you have concerns about social media.

✅ When you do permit social media, start slowly! Set time restrictions. Monitor their social media. Check in. Talk.

✅ Keep phones out of the bedroom especially at night. No excuses!

You've got this parents!

Libraries can be magical!🌹

This library in Munich left us speechless! 😱🤯💙

All behavior is a message…. listen to your kids through their behavior.
Actions DO speak louder than words.🌹

When my son's emotions are too much for him to handle, when life feels overwhelming, when he has a hard day...he plays. And plays and plays.
⠀⠀⠀
It feels like therapy for him. Because play is where children feel safe. Play is the birthplace of personhood. Play isn't a luxury or a maybe-if-we-have-time. Play isn't meant to fringe our children's days, it's meant to fill them.

Play isn't wasting or filling in time. Play is necessary for healthy human development. Just as a bird flies or a fish swims, the human child plays.

Yet, somehow we've forgotten that. We've prioritised the wrong things. We value what we can measure and assess. What we can put a gold star on or show off to our friends about.

But that's not what our kids need. Kids need unrestricted access to free play, whether they've had an easy day and especially when they've had a hard day.

Play is the language of childhood and the more we learn to speak our kids' language the easier parenting becomes. For me the more I play as an adult, the more I learn that play is a universal language and we need it so much as parents too.

So, next time your child is overwhelmed, when life is getting too much for them, I hope this may help. Get down and play. Make time. Slow things down. Skip school. Take a day or a week off. Go into your child’s world and you’ll be amazed at how they know just how to heal themselves if only we let them. 💚