Extended Essay and EPQ: How a Private Tutor Can Help
January 18, 2022
It’s January and that means question and project summaries are likely due for your Extended Essays. Whether you take A-Levels or working towards an IB
Read our blog full of handy tips regarding the US university landscape and application process.
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Submitting Regular Decision Applications
January 14, 2022
During the holiday period, we know that many students will be finalising their university applications. And though students deserve a break after a stressful term, the
How to Plan for Academic Success
January 7, 2022
You may want to do some strategic planning during this flexible time: Reflect First, you want to honestly review your academic trajectory and achievements. How
Letters of Continued Interest: What to Write
December 28, 2021
Many US universities send out their early-round decisions in December. This is an exciting time. Many of you will be accepted to their first-choice school
Academic Mentoring and Meeting Your Goals
December 21, 2021
At US universities, your final graduation grade is assessed from your first assignment. The vesting system in the UK does not exist and every assignment
Early Decision and Early Action Results: What They Mean
December 14, 2021
If you applied Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, or Early Decision 1, then you can expect to hear from schools beginning in the middle of
SAT Tutoring Benefits
December 7, 2021
Preparing for the SAT is a long journey, but it has multiple benefits! At A-List, the skills our students develop as they prepare for the SAT also help them excel at university.
Test-Optional Admissions How to Decide what is Right for You
November 30, 2021
A-List advisors have selected a sampling of test-optional schools so you can see the range of options you might have if you decided it is in your best interest to pursue this type of application.
Test Day Tips for December SAT and ACT
November 23, 2021
You’ve made it to test day – congratulations. To maximise your SAT and ACT test performance, A-List has put together our Top Test Day Tips to get you through in flying colours:
Test Prep Plan What to Do and When
November 16, 2021
Whether you are taking the SAT next month or next year, a test prep plan is crucial for good SAT/ACT scores! Designing your academic planning to incorporate SAT and ACT revision with your schoolwork will help you succeed in both.
How to use your final week of SAT/ACT prep
November 9, 2021
The December SAT and ACT are both in approximately one month. While previous blogs have focused on what to do for this final month of preparation, we are going to skip ahead and tell you what you need to plan for that final week before test day.
Under Pressure: Time-Saving Techniques for the ACT
November 2, 2021
To avoid the pressure pushing down on you as you prepare for the ACT, our A-List Academic Team have put together our top time-saving techniques
Common App Tips: Activities Section
October 26, 2021
The majority of US unis use the Common Application, a centralised application where the majority of the work is completed and sent directly to US
Early Application Strategy and Selective US Unis
October 19, 2021
The US University system has some of the best, and most selective, schools in the world. With 58 out of 100 of the best schools
Half Term Prep: Raise Your SAT/ACT Scores
October 12, 2021
Half-term is an excellent time push your standardised test preparation forwards ahead of the December SAT and ACT tests. To take full advantage of half-term,
Conquer Test Anxiety: Top Tips
October 5, 2021
Tests often provoke feelings of nerves, and the SAT/ACT tests aren’t meant to be fun. They are designed as long marathons covering lots of ground
Starting Year 12? Start Prepping for the SAT or ACT
September 28, 2021
As summer holidays wind down, it is the ideal time to get start prepping for either the SAT or ACT. This may not sound appealing
Tips for balancing SAT prep with a heavy school load
September 21, 2021
As the term gears begin to roll and swiftly gather momentum with preparation for exams, EPQs as well as the SAT, academic planning and organisation
University Fairs: Where and Why
September 14, 2021
This autumn, universities and international organisations will host fairs that bring together a range of schools. This autumn, many of these fairs will be virtual
Suddenly Interested in US Unis: Steps to Take Now
September 7, 2021
As students fill out their UCAS applications and have to choose a course, many become concerned that they are not ready to commit to a
Prestigious US Scholarships: Requirements and Deadlines
August 20, 2021
A-List UK appreciates that the cost of US unis is often shocking for international students! Seeking out scholarship and funding is often a necessary part
Supplemental Essays: Why They Matter and What to Do
August 13, 2021
Many students are already familiar with the US Personal Statement. This is the 650-word essay submitted to the Common Application that every school reads. The
How to Plan for A Level Maths Success
August 11, 2021
A-Level revision can be stressful if you are unprepared. A-Level Maths is best approached with the mantra ‘keep up, don’t catch up!’ You should keep
How to Succeed at a US Uni
August 6, 2021
At A-List UK, we are delighted to help students get accepted to selective US unis. However, we also appreciate that adjusting to university-level course work as
How to use what you learned in GCSE Maths for SAT success
August 4, 2021
Success on SAT Maths is critical to earning good SAT scores. Starting to prepare for the SATs after your GCSEs is an excellent idea for two reasons: 1.
The Common App: Overview
July 30, 2021
The Common Application, which is accepted by more than 900 schools, including some colleges located outside the U.S., helps streamline one essential part of the admissions
Summer Reading Plan to Improve Your SAT Reading Score
July 28, 2021
Good SAT scores require a strong SAT Reading score. Covering fictional, social science, historical, and scientific texts, the SAT Reading section necessitates a developed critical
US Universities and International Students: Is it Right for You?
July 23, 2021
International students are interested in the attending US universities because they offer an excellent education with unparalleled student resources. In the top 100 universities in
2021 ACT trends and how to prepare for the September test
July 21, 2021
There are just under two months before the September 2021 ACT, which means this is the time to ramp up your ACT preparation in earnest!
US University Ethos: Schools that Match your Values
July 16, 2021
At A-List UK, we believe students thrive in educational communities that share their values! Important lessons are often learned outside of the classroom. Universities in
Extra Time and Standardised Tests: Apply for Accommodations
July 14, 2021
For good SAT scores and good ACT scores, you want to harness your learning style. Both SAT and ACT exam board offer accommodations for students
US University Campus Life: How to Find your Fit
July 9, 2021
Students from all over the world are interested in US universities because of their international prestige, flexible curriculums, and first-rate student resources. However, students are
ACT Tips for a Top Score
July 7, 2021
Getting good ACT scores is hard work. It takes diligence, drive, and organisation in order to learn the content needed. These skills are also need
Charity Work and US Uni Applications
July 2, 2021
Students who want to get accepted to selective US universities know they need to invest in their extracurricular profile. Many students are keen to do
Correct Mistakes and Increase Your SAT Scores
June 30, 2021
Correcting your mistakes is one of the keys to earning a good SAT score. The SAT design makes getting to grips with the question styles
What are Ivy League Schools Looking For?
June 25, 2021
At A-List UK, we believe in ambition. Our students want to attend some of the most prestigious and selective universities in the world. However, understanding
Top 3 Bootcamp Activities that Increase Your Score
June 23, 2021
In five days and 27.5 hours of instruction, A-List UK SAT Bootcamp provides comprehensive content, key exam techniques, and personalised strategies. Here are our top
What Makes for a Good US Personal Statement
June 18, 2021
The US personal statement is a unique essay within the higher education landscape. Though most universities across the globe want a writing sample to assess your
Tips to Improve Your ACT Score!
June 16, 2021
Good ACT scores require high individual section scores to produce a strong composite: achieving this requires comprehensive content knowledge, particularly English grammar, effective use of
Exam Results and US Uni Applications
June 11, 2021
When students are thinking about applying to selective US universities, they often wonder how their exam results impact their applications. Though there are many differences
Tips for Perfecting Your Timing on the SAT and ACT
June 9, 2021
Both the ACT and the SAT push students’ resilience and mental sharpness to the limit due to their time constraints. A-List’s expert tutors provide tips for working under pressure. 1.
Online Courses and US Uni Applications: Should You Do Them?
June 4, 2021
As students plan their summer activities, many ask advisors if they should do academic courses. Both universities, private organisations, and governmental initiatives offer summer enrichment
Mental Fitness and the ACT
June 2, 2021
The ACT requires mental dexterity and stamina. The exam asks students to apply comprehensive content knowledge over the long three and a half hours of the test. To earn a good ACT score, students are only allowed small margins
Test-Optional Policies: What These Mean for Students
May 28, 2021
When international students think about applying to selective universities in the US, they often think about having to prep for the SAT or ACT. Top
SAT Bootcamp Benefits: get ahead over summer
May 26, 2021
This July, A-List will offer intensive subject and section specific bootcamps helping our students to target their areas that need improvement to earn a good
US University Applications: Summer To-Do List
May 21, 2021
As the 2020-21 school year comes to an end, now is the perfect time to plan your summer. If you are applying to US universities
How to score 9 on GCSE Literature
May 19, 2021
A strong score in core GCSE subjects, English and Maths in particular, significantly impacts your application to US universities. The English Literature GCSE allows students
US University Admissions Data: 2020-2021 Cycle Round Up
May 14, 2021
As the 2020-2021 US university admissions cycle comes to a close, A-List is sifting through the data to provide great advice for the next round.
Year 11 Students: SAT and ACT Key Steps
May 12, 2021
Congratulations – you have (almost) survived Year 11. As you look forward to the summer, now is also a fantastic time to beginning prepping for
Waitlists: What to Do Next
May 7, 2021
By the middle of April, the majority of US uni decisions were released. This was an especially competitive year as the most selective schools saw
Test Prep Tips for A-Level Mocks
May 5, 2021
May Day lies behind us, and that means A-Level mocks are around the corner! A-Levels test a thorough content knowledge across your chosen subjects. As
State Schools and Private Unis: Understanding the US University Landscape
April 30, 2021
There are over 4,500 universities in the US offering undergraduate degrees compared to the 130 schools in the UK. The sheer size of the US
SAT Reading History Passages: How to Ace Them
April 28, 2021
Double passages are taxing. Historical texts are challenging When the SAT combines them, students need strategies for success. A-List private tutors have developed tested strategies
Teacher Recommendations: Who to Ask and What They Should Look Like
April 23, 2021
Students applying to selective US unis will need recommendations that are different than the standard UCAS letter! Students will need a counsellor letter, often written
Mindfulness Techniques for the SAT and ACT
April 21, 2021
The SAT and ACT require mental stamina and problem solving. Aside from mastering the test content, applying test techniques under time, to achieve a perfect score
Extracurricular Activities: Why They Matter
April 16, 2021
Preparing to attend a US university requires choosing rigorous courses, preparing for the SAT or ACT, and also investing in extracurricular pursuits. In fact, the
How to Succeed on the SAT Math Non-Calculator Section
April 14, 2021
The Non-Calculator section contains twenty questions to answer in twenty-five minutes. This section covers algebra and graphing including: linear equations, systems, functions and inequalities; interpreting
Academic Rigour and Academic Record: What Top US Unis Want to See
April 9, 2021
Though there are many differences between the US admissions process and other international higher education systems, all systems make your academic achievement the most significant
SAT Writing & Language: Ace Expression of Ideas
April 7, 2021
The entire SAT Verbal section challenges students. However, students often find the Expression of Ideas section the most difficult. Unlike the Conventions of Usage, Sentence Structure, and Punctuation questions, which cover grammatical rules and have 3 distinct incorrect answer choices, Expression of Ideas answers are often allgrammatically correct.
Finding the Best Uni for You
April 2, 2021
With over 4,000 universities in the US, it can be difficult to determine which schools are best for you. Though rankings may play a role,
