ACT Reading Tips

ACT Reading Tips

The Reading section on the ACT can certainly seem daunting – there are long passages to comprehend, as well as complex questions to answer. Often, the selections will be about a subject or topic you are unfamiliar with, which can be frustrating. However, the ACT does not test your knowledge of content, but instead your skills in identifying point of view, the meaning of specific words, and the main ideas of the passage, among other things. You may want to take a few ACT practice tests to help you prepare and also check out this great information on how the ACT is scored. Here are several tips for increasing your score on t ... Read More About ACT Reading Tips

How is the MCAT Scored?

How is the MCAT Scored?

An MCAT score report consists of three portions: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Verbal Reasoning. These sections are marked on a scale of 1-15, for a total of 45. In 2013, the average applicant scored a 28.4 overall, while the average matriculant (accepted student) earned a 31.3. An explanation of what each result means in regard to percentiles can be found here. It is important to note that the examination is not curved against others who sit for the same assessment. The AAMC utilizes a formula, which is not public, to project the percentage of test-takers who will answer a question correctly. They then assign numerical ranges t ... Read More About How is the MCAT Scored?

Should I Go To Boston University?

Should I Go To Boston University?

The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Jason is a 2013 graduate of Boston University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. He is a Chicago tutor specializing in numerous levels of Biology tutoring and Calculus tutoring. Check out his review of his alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Jason: Boston University (BU) has a very safe campus. The majority of the campus runs along a two-mile stretch of ... Read More About Should I Go To Boston University?

A Day in the Life at Princeton University

A Day in the Life at Princeton University

The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach – they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Laura is an Austin tutor specializing in ACT prep tutoring, SAT prep tutoring, Writing tutoring, GRE prep tutoring, and more. She graduated from Princeton University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. Check out her review of her alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Laura: Princeton is located in the quiet town of Princeton, NJ. Princeton’s campus is peaceful and gorgeous; it&rsq ... Read More About A Day in the Life at Princeton University

How is the ISEE Scored?

How is the ISEE Scored?

The Independent School Entrance Exam consists of an overall raw score and a scaled score between 760 and 940 for each of four sections – Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Mathematics Achievement. There is also a single, unmarked “response to a prompt” essay. Each score report includes a national percentile rank for mathematics and reading. ISEE results reflect correct answers only; there is no penalty for incorrect responses. Score reports also list a stanine, or standard nine score, that segments all possible results into nine groups. Scores in stanine five or above are considered academica ... Read More About How is the ISEE Scored?