Let’s Talk to Jean Burke about “No More SAT Tests!”

Podcast #18

What’s this? No More SAT Tests? Did you hear this right? I ask Jean Burke, the author and founder of College Prep Genius if she believes the SAT is a test of the past. Come listen to what she has to say.

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Show Notes – No More SAT Tests

1. Out of approximately 45,000+ colleges a small portion do not require a SAT or ACT test score.
2. 95% of Colleges require standardized entrance scores – college board or their own.
3. Colleges collect data and scholarships and entrance is based on scores as likely to do well.
4. There are exceptions to every rule.
5. What is the test optional score
6. Fine Print
7. Logic
8. Is testing discriminating to lower socioeconomic classes?
9. Free waivers to take the test are available
10. Pick up test booklets with sample tests – look for the patterns

More Shows – 

Transcripts Your Key To Free – Here

Transcripts Your Key To Free – Part Two Here

Photo Credit: Copyright 2015 DepositPhoto.com – kikkerdirk

College Grants #68

What are college grants? And is college worth it if you are saddled in debt? You may go to college for only four years and yet have to pay for twenty! College can be for anyone and in this episode, we look at grants as a way to help pay for college tuition. Hold on to your seat and listen as Jean Burk shares her knowledge with you!

College GRANTS

College grants consist of the money you don’t have to pay back. Gov. grant FAFSA – mistakes and how to sign up for it.

Some colleges offer endowments – such as the Moody Bible Institute through federal and institutional grants. The education part is paid through grants. Keep in mind a big name or high pricetag school often offers more opportunity. Test scores help but income bracket also helps – Standford by definition says 144K is low income.

For example, law schools are ranked in the top six, top ten, top sixteen. You don’t want to rule out a college because of money. Or it appears to be out of your reach, you never know.

Are you a resident of a certain state? You may be surprised at what grants are offered some in the form of entitlements.

Federal Pell Grant – not eligible until you fill out the FAFSA

Federal supplemental (FFEOG)

Academic Competitiveness Grant ACG

National Smart Grant SMG

College Grants — TEACH Grant

      Cost-Containment Programs

      Tuition Equalization Grant  –Private school in-state tuition. College for all Texans, for example. If you meet the college costs and how much your family can pay. 2.5 GPA — if tuition cost is more than the private school you can qualify for a tuition grant.

      Reciprocity —

1. Some states will provide reciprocity for other states. In-state tuition to a governing state. MSEP – Midwest Student Exchange Program. Non, resident (listen to the podcast for more information) go to a neighbor or nearby state can reduce the cost of tuition.
2. Western undergrad exchange — Arizona, Alaska ca Idaho, Hawaii – reduces instate tuition.
3. Look at the New England reciprocity program.

One of the best websites is the Sallie Mae website.

FAFSA – stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Maximize chances for getting the student aids. October 1 is the first day – and do it as early as possible or the money is gone! You must have this filled out first. LISTEN

Federal Pell Grant – FPG – not eligible until you fill out the FAFSA – the most financial money. The undergrad who has not earned a professional degree yet. Start with FAFSA – every year must be filled out. Depends on the school year, student, max. award around 6K – Cost of attendance, whether the child is working in the school or not.

Federal Pell Grant – Iraq or Afganansstan Service Grant – parent died under the military, eligible for additional money under the age of 24 and enrolled in college.

Federal supplemental (FFEOG) federal supplemental opportunity grant — low-income undergrad students who need a lot of help – 4K per year just depending on your personal situation. Most colleges participate in these grants. No additional funds are available once you get these funds. Check the college website or financial aid dept of your college for more information.

Academic Competitiveness Grant — ACG  and the National Smart Grant SMG-Two programs that fall under improved math and science instruction. Take on more challenging courses in high school and helps your child become more successful in these areas. High demand in the global economy – technology or engineering. Available to students.

TEACH Grant – Teacher education assistance for college and higher education. Take specific classes to get the grants themselves and do a certain type of job or it will turn into a loan. The sooner you apply the more money you can get.

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Best of College Prep Genius – Must Know College Checklist with Jean Burke

When you are ready to visit a college do you know what to look for?  Here is the must know college checklist of important information to find the very best college for your child.

Celebrate with us! Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!

Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius 

Podcast #54 Replay

Must Know College Checklist Show Notes

• Visit top two schools,
• Ask yourself questions; Am I comfortable walking around? Can I be friends with these people?
• Make a checklist to compare colleges
• Apply to 5-6 schools, safe schools, reach schools, and dream schools

Links we discussed:

• Data Base of Accredited Colleges:
• utexas.edu/world/univ
• clas.usl.edu/CLAS/american-univeristy.html

• Remember there is no perfect college

1. Check the school website for visit dates
2. Contact the admissions counselor for a personal date
3. Go on a weekday to get a feel for the campus
4. Try to schedule an interview while you are there
5. Ask if the school offers reimbursement for travel fees
6. Make travel arrangements as soon as you can
7. Arrange for an excused absence to take college visits
8. Try to talk to the dean or professors
9. Sit in on one or more classes
10. Take a tour of the campus
11. Visit the bookstore student center or library
12. Spend the night in a dorm to get a feel for the housing
13. Eat in the cafeteria to see if you like it
14. Meet with the admissions counselor face-to-face
15. Wander around the campus by yourself
16. Talk to students at the college and ask about their experience
17. Visit around the school to get a feel of the area

Questions to Ask Academic Advisor 

1. What is the average class size for a freshman
2. How many of those students returned the following year
3. What makes this college program special
4. How easy is it to switch majors
5. How does the school help the student adjust to college life
6. Is there Greek life or social groups at this school
7. Is the Greek System important to this school
8. What organizations is the school partnered with
9. What does the tuition cover
10. Are there hidden fees
11. Work-study jobs
12. How safe is the campus
13. What does the housing scene look life
14. Are freshmen allowed to live off-campus
15. Are freshman allowed to have their own car
16. Campus parking situation
17. Does the school offer campus-wide tutoring
18. How big is the average class size

Things to ask the students at the college

1. The thing they like most about the college
2. The worst thing about this college
3. Why did they pick this college
4. Would you pick this school again if you had the chance
5. If I need help how acceptable are the professors here
6. Are the professors down to earth
7. What do you like about your department
8. Do you like the professors
9. Are the professors teaching the classes themselves or is it done by a TA
10. How diverse is the student body
11. How is the cafeteria
12. What do you do for fun here
13. How close are the shopping center
14. How are the dorms
15. Which dorm is best
16. Are the dorms nice
17. What is the one thing you wish you knew ahead of time

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FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk

Episode 62

Here are the FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets. Did you know that 80-90% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money? This information is timely before October 1 – so please listen and share this show with your friends with college-bound students.

Visit our sponsor – College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.

Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets

Did you know that many times students do not complete the FAFSA application completely? You must complete the FAFSA all the way through. It is an application for low-interest student loans and grants. If you don’t complete it, you can lose out on thousands of dollars.

You can do this beforehand to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA application. Pre-work – download the PDF from the website. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov

FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets:

1. Scams: Be aware of scam copies – A company purchased this website àcom they will charge you for the FAFSA – it is a FREE application. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov
2. ID: Get your FAFSA ID ahead of time. You get a username and a password. If you are considered a dependent student, you need your separate ID. It can take a few weeks to get your ID. There can be a backlog at the last minute. Do not share your ID with others. This information you are putting on your FAFSA is sensitive information. Store it in Lastpass.com (you can get a free account) or a paid account is $20 per year, and it keeps your ID safe.
3. Date October 1 in your senior year. Many states will run out of money early. You can put in ten colleges when you are filling out your FAFSA. You use your prior-prior taxes or two years before you apply for the loan. You need to pull that out and bring out the information. If you have had a decrease in income from 2015 to now – that can also be adjusted – an addendum must be filled out with each college.
4. Deadlines: To maximize your scholarship opportunities, fill it out by October 1 – Each school and state will set their deadlines. October 1 is the FIRST day you can apply – deadlines are months later, but why wait?
5. Which ID? Do not use your ID (parents) when you start your FAFSA – they will give you the option to enter the student information. USE the student ID – it will automatically add your personal information.
6. Knowing the lingo on the FAFSA helps – certain questions that you automatically know, but you may make mistakes –
   1. Legal guardianship – Students will answer yes here. You are not considered a legal guardian of yourself! So the answer is NO.
7. NUMBER: The number of family household members – specific definition. Many students put the wrong number down. It has no bearing on who claims the parents in a divorce situation. How many are in your household – that is in your entire family. Siblings. Read instructions carefully.
   1. The number of family members who are in college and private school. If you are thinking about just your siblings. Don’t forget to include yourself. You are also going to college.
8. Common Mistakes:
   • If it says You or YOUR – it means the student.
   • Put in your full name as it appears on your social security card – no nicknames. It will bring you delays if you are not accurate.
   • Double-check your social security number.’
9. Income Information: 
   • How much income tax – not your AGI (adjusted gross income) – IRS data retrieval tool that will tell you how to fill it out.
   • Be sure to see if they ask for your income vs. your parent’s income. Do not get them confused.
10. The parent section is color coded – you can fill out the parent information. (Even if you live on your own. It still can help you.)
11. Add More Colleges: Students may only consider one or two colleges. You have up to ten schools you can list. Take advantage of this tool; the other colleges cannot see the schools you are sending this to. You can always remove and add more schools.
12. Sign It! Don’t forget to sign your FAFSA; this will cause an incomplete FAFSA. You sign it with your ID number. You can mail a signature page if you want. It is not necessary. You can check the status of your application at any time.

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Let’s Talk About the SAT and Athletic Scholarships

with Jean Burk

Episode 13

Raise Your Hand …if you are interested in your athlete getting a scholarship!

Really? SAT and Athletic Scholarships going hand-in-hand?

So, your child is interested in playing sports on the college level. What’s a parent to do? Full scholarships are available but does your child have the grades, and more importantly the SAT scores to be admitted to the college of their dreams? Or…does the college or university of their dreams have the major they desire? There are so many questions that pertain to SAT and athletic scholarships and in this broadcast, Jean Burk of College Prep Genius will help you with some steps to obtain an athletic scholarship.

Jean is writing an eBook – 10 Steps to Finding an Athletic Scholarship 

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Show Notes:

SAT and Athletic Scholarships – Just in Time!

1. Search for colleges in your chosen sport

2. Contact the athletic school official in your chosen sport.

3. Make a list of schools of interest that have both your sport and targeted major

4. Contact head coaches – via email or letters

5. Send athletic and academic resume

6. Do’s and Don’ts for getting an athletic scholarship

SAT Changes ~ Episode 90

What are the SAT changes? Is the SAT going away? In this podcast Jean Burk shares her expertise with all of you, and here is the inside scoop! College prep is important.

Visit Jean’s website and online classes at CollegePrepGenius.com

Many changes are coming and this podcast will help you get prepared. Tests typically change every ten years or so, and upcoming this is happening again. There are so many rumors that are not true, and one of them is that the SAT is no longer necessary or any test. This is not true. The SAT, ACT, and CLT are here to stay. Why? Test scores are tied into college ranking so they will be needed and if not these standardized tests, colleges will prepare their own. Students need something more than a transcript to get into college.

The CLT was prepared to be online way before it was needed! They were in place when the pandemic hit and colleges all over the USA took the CLT instead of the ACT and SAT (since they were not testing at that time.)

New SAT changes will come before 2024 and one big change is the length of the test. It will be around two hours long. It will also be available to take online with a secure server and back up. Students, parents, and educators have been assured that the test information will be secure as well as protected. Another change is that the length of time will be longer to answer each test question. Calculators will be allowed when in the past they were banned.

College Prep Genius will be prepared with updates once the new tests are released. There is a caution to believe any test-taking class that claims to have the tests in advance as this is not true.

The PSAT new format will be released in 2023 which is one year earlier than the new SAT changes. This will affect current (2022) high school freshmen. The PSAT is taken when the high school student is in their junior year. This test is one of the main ones used for scholarships.

A small percentage (UC schools in California) have waived the SAT and ACT tests yet are still requiring their own in-house test and charging students to take this test. This is a small number of colleges in the grand total, yet the tests they require are also standardized the only way to level the playing field.

Two types of tests are: School test: based on what was taught and knowledge. Logic Test: based on no particular subject and based on critical thinking.

College Prep Genius claims to help students: beat the test, help in pointing out patterns and rules that the student can learn inside and out to become experts in this area of test-taking with the time to study and prepare. The key is to start practicing early and to trust the system. The test planners have to follow the same patterns and ways to write the tests. The student can learn these patterns.

Keys to Test Taking:

1. Practice
2. Start early
3. Understand the patterns
4. Prepare
5. See the right answer
6. Know why the wrong answer is wrong
7. Accuracy is more important than speed
8. Know the test is beatable
9. Tests are not going away
10. Tests will be shorter than currently

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7th and 8th Grade College Checklist ~ Episode 89

Is your 7th and 8th grader thinking about college, do you need a college checklist? There is no time like present and there are ways to prepare early, only if you are interested in those scholarship opportunities!

Visit Jean Burk at CollegePrepGenius.com  Jean offers online classes, in-person and live online sessions as well.

Listen to past episodes here on College Checklists:

Ultimate College Checklists Grades 9-10 here.

College Checklists 11-12th grade here.

Creating good study habits is a good way to prepare for college. Does your child have what it takes? Studying takes time and practices like anything else your child does. Study habits and taking good notes is important as well. Setting up your child for success the earlier the better. One of the keys is studying a foreign language, some colleges look for at least four years of study.

College Checklist:

What can you do to prepare (listen to the podcast for details, here is a thumbnail sketch).

1. Start to think about future careers. (Visit College Ed) a free website.
2. Read great books. For a list of the top of 100 books, your child should read before college. (GreatSchools.org) Parents be aware some of these books may not be appropriate – so check into them before you assign them to your child.
3. Work on core subjects, math, reading, and writing. Very important.
4. Study strong subjects, electives are fine, but be strong on subjects.
5. Foreign language study.
6. Take practice tests, ACT, and SAT. Sign up for the website (minimum age is 13 for SAT, younger for ACT).
7. Sign up for CLT test online – code on the podcast for a deep discount.
8. Before 9th grade read good books.
9. Talent searches – some colleges look for young students to give scholarships.
10. Leadership types of goals.

Starting test prep in middle school takes off the pressure when the children are older. If your child takes their time younger to get ready to study, they will be able to work smarter and not harder.

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Secret College Funding Formula ~ Episode 88

What is the secret college funding formula? Can you qualify to earn free college or get a full or partial scholarship? Jean Burk shares great information about what colleges look for regarding need vs merit.

Visit College Prep Genius for more information for online classes, in-person boot camps, online boot camps, and upcoming membership classes (more information coming soon.)

[Disclaimer: Jean Burk is not a financial advisor or planner so contact your personal consultant for more details] However, this podcast will help you in becoming educated to seek additional help or information.

There is formula colleges use – COA-EFC = Need 

What do these acronyms stand for? COA is Cost of Attendance. EFC is for Estimated Family Contribution

The EFC is income-driven. There are ways to defer income if needed especially when applying for college.

The reality of paying for college is different for each person. The higher your income the higher your EFC is going to be. There are two types – the FSSTA -or the Institutional EFC where each college determines its own formula.

FAFSA: This must be filled out every year and October 1 is the deadline. They have a first come first serve basis on their pool of money. Even if you do not think you qualify, you should do it anyway. There are different types of aid you may be able to qualify for, and under 200,000 annual incomes still can qualify.

Test prep is important and higher SAT, ACT, and CLT scores will help your child in rankings and merit-based scholarships. You need a baseline score for this. You can go on your college board website or ACT tests and get a starting point and this is free online. Remember: every child can beat this test and that is where College Prep Genius can help!

What is your starting point? The EFC and once you find out what that point is and you have a place to start.

What do colleges consider?

1. Parental income has to do with age as well as income. (Exceptions below).
2. Parent assets – holding assets instead
3. Student income / assets – assessed at a rate of 20 percent or 50 percent over 7,000.
4. How many kids in college

Exceptions that don’t count in income are the retirement fund, equity in homes, etc. If your child has earned income or taxable wages it can be counted as a higher rate than the parent. Money that is saved they can use it up for a computer or car. The beginning of your student’s sophomore year of high school – or two years before going to college. There are things to do to spend your student assets or put it in a fund (college fund) that parents hold in their name.

The College Board website has an EFC calculator.

There are many ways to counter income (which a financial planner can help you with).

You want to have a high COA and a low EFC. There is the need-based aid and the merit-based aid. The need-based is on your income and your family’s ability to contribute. This comes from the government. Merit-based aid is only given from funding from the college regardless of your income level. Merit: SAT, ACT and CLT scores, sports, the arts, etc.

State colleges have a very small pool for merit-based scholarships. Private schools have more assets to contribute. The only private schools (Standford, Princeton, Harvard) that don’t need to use scholarships to recruit. They tend to be generous with need-based aid. If you can qualify to get into Harvard 100K-120K – it could be 12K to go to Harvard, if you can get in you may only need to pay a percentage.

Middle-income levels have the hardest time qualifying for need-based. Your student needs to be above the 75% percentile. There is a common data set you can search online for stats on schools that your student may qualify for.  [Much more on the podcast!]

The financial aid officer has databases of scholarships in house that may be available for more scholarships to apply for, while in school.

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Myth No More SAT or ACT Tests ~ Episode 87

There is a myth of no more SAT and ACT tests. Is this true? Is it a reality? Listen to this podcast from the authority of all things college prep, and a reliable source, Jean Burk!

Visit Jean’s website at CollegePrepGenius.com There are many wonderful results of students who have taken the online eCourses, virtual boot camps, live classes, and in-person classes. In 2022 Jean has clocked in 17 years of success.

There is a rumor going around that the tests will be abolished especially in regard to no more SAT and ACT tests. At one point the tests were canceled due to the pandemic, however, the CLT was online and many students flocked to this testing option.

These tests are not going away, and here is why. Colleges need a fair way to compare all students. A 4.0 in one high school is not the same as another school. All schools calculate their schools differently. The only way a college can compare a student equally is with a standardized test like the SAT, ACT, or CLT. What is taught at one school is not taught at another.

The questions on these tests are logic tests and the tests are misleading on purpose. The tests are critical thinking skills because these tests are based on logic. Even very smart kids bomb the test. The test does not test what curriculum your student has taken it takes an objective question with one answer. Tests at school are about the subject you learned. But not the standardized test.

The questions used on the tests are drawn from all over the place and can not be crammed for, or studied for at the last minute.  Anyone can do well with practice. Some kids see patterns naturally and are good test-takers. Even if your child is not a good test taker, you can still train your brain to learn logically. SAT reveals that all kids are not the same.

This is not a fair test? No – it is an equal test that people can beat and study for, look for the patterns and figure out the way to do better. The test score can validate your transcript. Critical thinking is an example of college readiness.

No More SAT and ACT Tests?

How can this be true that there are no more SAT and ACT tests? Well, it is not and it is a total myth! If you see a college temporarily put off acceptance based on these tests, you will find there is another roadblock to admittance. (Listen to the podcast for details)

Some colleges in California (the UC – a small part of of the colleges – this currently encompasses 10 colleges). There are over 200 thousand each year that apply. These colleges decided to create their own entrance test. (Do the math – 200,000 x $60 (approx.) brings in a minimum 12 million dollars!

15% percent of schools that were “test-optional” still required an entrance test or a standardized test.

Tests must show a way that you are college-ready – and compare you to another applicant.

Colleges are based on the ranking based on test scores. Right now Princeton is number one, and Harvard is number two – these two schools sometimes trade on the first place. But you must have the highest scores to get into these schools. Rankings help colleges charge more money and take in applicants that will pay full amounts. This offsets other students (possibly sports scholarships) that have lower scores.

There has to be criteria for colleges in order to admit students.

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