The Blog of Knowledge

Read our blog full of handy tips regarding the US university landscape and application process.

We take great pride in providing free, up-to-date resources.

American Style Unis Abroad!

February 26, 2021

SAT spring and summer dates are looming! A-List’s Academic Team is happy to share top strategies for SAT review! SAT questions require a comprehensive knowledge of grammar rules, sophisticated critical reading skills, and a thorough grounding in maths topics. Test preparation to earn a good SAT score is a marathon, not a spring. Regardless of what your practice tests scores, you should carve out time each day to review the grammar rules and maths equations.

Get an 800 SAT Math: A-List Techniques

February 24, 2021

Work Experience that Impresses: What to Do this Summer

February 19, 2021

Annotation: Key Strategy for Scoring 1600 on the SAT

February 17, 2021

University Advisor: How They Help

February 12, 2021

Tricky SAT Verbal Questions: Get Them Right

February 10, 2021

A good SAT score requires both a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of English grammar. A strong performance on the SAT Writing & Language section can help make up for potential difficulties on the Reading section to create a strong EBRAW score. SAT Writing & Language questions cover four general areas: Usage Manipulating the “Building blocks”

Small Liberal Arts Colleges: Great US Uni Option

February 4, 2021

SAT Countdown To-Do List

February 3, 2021

A Day In the Life of an A-List Bootcamp Student

February 1, 2021

A good SAT score requires a thorough grounding in grammar and maths rules as well as an incisive critical reading ability and strong performance under time pressure. A SAT Bootcamp is a great way to cover all the content you need to succeed on the SAT in a time-efficient and even fun way!

Sitting the SAT Twice: Why it’s a Good Idea

January 25, 2021

Many elements need to come together optimally in order to earn a good SAT score: test-taking techniques, pace through the sections, and nimble responses to trickier questions. However, no matter how ardently you have strived to ensure your practice SAT tests replicated the exam scenario, there are always going to be new variables during this

US University Admissions Timeline

January 22, 2021

Students who are interested in attending a US university should start planning during Year 10. The breadth and depth required for a successful US application does require thinking carefully about curricular choices, extracurricular activities, and how best to use summer breaks to create a compelling CV. At A-List, we are here to help manage the

How to Achieve Top A-Level Predicted Grades

January 18, 2021

Official A-Level exams may have been cancelled, but A-Level results will still form a crucial part of students’ university applications. Though schools are still finalising exactly how they will calculate the grades, strong academic performance will be key successful final grades. Within this shifting academic landscape, particularly as remote group learning presents distinct challenges for

US Universities Still Accepting Applications

January 15, 2021

After the holiday season, you may still be exploring your options for applying to universities in the US. Though the first major deadline has passed, many top US universities have deadlines in the beginning of February. If you are still interested in applying to colleges ideal for international students, the A-List Advising team recommends you

Course Selection for IB and A-Levels: Strategies for Top US Schools

January 8, 2021

This month, students in their final GCSE year will select their future A-Level or IB diploma programme courses. For students who are considering selective universities in the US, the A-List advising team recommends choosing courses with the US liberal arts ethos in mind. This is one way to become an ideal applicant and the best

Extended Essay and EPQ: How a Private Tutor Can Help

January 6, 2021

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 diploma, you will likely have to choose, plan, and write your question and the beginning of your outline. The Extended Essay and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are the type

Submitting Regular Decision Applications

December 18, 2020

During the holiday period, we know that many students will be finalising their university applications. Most universities in the US have a January 1st deadline! And though students deserve a break after a stressful term, the A-List Advising Team does recommend that students submit their applications before the deadline. Why You Should Submit Early: Submitting

How to Plan for Academic Success

December 15, 2020

The winter holidays are fast approaching. Though this is a time to rest and recharge, you may also want to do some strategic planning during this flexible time. Reflect First, you want to honestly review your academic trajectory and achievements. How do your marks look? In what academic competitions or projects have you distinguished yourself?

Letters of Continued Interest: What to Write

December 11, 2020

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 and some may be denied. However, a portion of early applicants will be deferred to the regular decision pool. Though this may be initially disappointment, being deferred is a

Academic Mentoring and Meeting Your Goals

December 9, 2020

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 affects your overall grade. That means you need to begin university with strong academic organisation, time management, and reading and research skills. Preparing to meet these challenges before you begin

Early Decision and Early Action Results: What They Mean

December 4, 2020

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 December. Precise dates are determined by individual institutions. Below, A-List has outlined the possible outcomes and what they mean. Acceptance: Success! You have been offered a place. In most instances, this

A-List tutoring: get a great SAT AND prepare for university

December 2, 2020

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. At A-List Education, we prioritise a growth mindset, strategy, and academic extension. Working with an academic advisor or private tutor, you will develop

US Applications: How to Prioritise Schools on Your List

November 27, 2020

As students prepare their applications for universities in the US, they may wonder if it’s a good idea to add additional selective schools to their list. Most often, students want to apply to world renown universities in the hopes that an admissions committee will view their academic results and extracurricular accomplishments favorably and offer them

Key strategies for top IB grades

November 25, 2020

Though the US admissions review process is holistic—taking into account extracurricular achievements, essays, recommendations, and standarised test scores—grades are still the most important part of the application. For students doing the International Baccalaureate (IB)diploma programme, receiving a 45 prediction is the ultimate goal. Working with a private tutor can help you work efficiently towards this

Mindfulness to Ease Stress during Admissions Season

November 20, 2020

Mindfulness has been shown to have a positive impact in people’s lives, both in terms of wellness and mental health and performance outcomes. Higher levels of mindfulness have been associated with better grade, and even higher standardised test scores. Students who are applying for colleges who have undertaken a mindfulness practice have also been found

Strengthen your STEM skills through online tutoring!

November 18, 2020

Top grades in A-Level chemistry, biology, physics and further maths – and their IB equivalents – require a deep understanding of a broad range of concepts as well as the mental flexibility to apply those concepts in a variety of situations. To cover so much material, a group class cannot dive as deeply into core

Why a private tutor might be best for you

November 11, 2020

Twenty-first century students have ever increasing academic responsibilities and daunting deadline. In education, one approach does not suit everyone! A personal tutor offers the tailored feedback, personal pacing, and goalsetting that helps students reach their full potential. Advantages of Personal Tutoring: 1) Tailored Feedback: individual tutors offer real-time feedback based on personalised assignments that provide

Supplemental Essays: Why they Matter and What to Do

November 6, 2020

Though the personal statement is an essay that helps universities evaluate the kind of person you will be in their community, and it is central to the US application, it is not the only essay you will write. Most universities in the US, though certainly not all of them, have supplemental essays. These essays vary

How online tutoring can get you A*s

November 4, 2020

As you work towards your university goals, earning top grades is the first and most important step. Though the US admissions process will also examine your extracurricular record, essays, test scores, and recommendations, your grades are the cornerstone of your application. At-A-List, we have experts to help you excel in your A-Level courses or IB

UC Applications: Tips and Deadlines

October 30, 2020

The University of California system is famous around the globe. International students are drawn to the excellent academics and the idea of spending four years in California. This system of nine universities includes UCLA and UC Berkeley. The system receives over 200,000 applicants every year and is considered highly selective. Also, the UC system has

SAT Subject Tests: 10 Tips for Success

October 28, 2020

SAT Subject Tests strengthen an applicant’s profile. Selective US schools seek nuanced information to make choices among a highly qualified pool of students. These Subject Tests, an hour-long multiple-choice test on specific content areas, are an excellent opportunity for students to highlight their expertise on various academic topics. There are SAT Subject tests in twenty

The differences between US Universities and Colleges

October 23, 2020

There are over 4,500 universities offering undergraduate degrees in the United States. The sheer size of the US high education system makes it enviable in terms of choice and quality. However, the variety within this system, and the language used to describe these institutions can be confusing. At A-List we aim to make all aspects

White Paper: Rankings

October 19, 2020

Helping students make informed choices as they apply to US universities is of paramount importance. As counsellors, we are expected to support students’ aspirations as well as reassure families that their students will thrive during their university years and there will be a return on investment. Many students and families come to counsellors with a

Financial Aid for International Students

October 14, 2020

As you apply for US unis, you may wonder how you will fund your education. A-List aims to make every step of the US university admissions process transparent for international families. Financial aid for international students is available! However, international students need determine if you qualify and learn how to apply. In this blog post

White Paper: Funding for International Students

October 11, 2020

Funding a US University Education: The Costs, Process, and Opportunities The cost of US higher education is much publicized and cause for needed debate both in the US and around the world. The sticker price for many US universities can be shocking. Thinking about how you will finance your degree is crucial, particularly for international

Supplemental Essays: Why They Matter and What to Do

October 9, 2020

Though the personal statement is an essay that helps universities evaluate the kind of student you will be in their community, and it is central to the US application, it is not the only essay you will write. To get accepted to selective US unis, you will need to write supplemental essays. Most US

Revision: Make the Most of Mistakes

October 5, 2020

At A-List, we appreciate that students want to mark their practice tests only with ticks, sailing down the page, celebrating their accuracy. However, making mistakes on SAT practice tests is an important step towards earning good SAT scores. Mistakes allow students to better understand how to approach questions and this helps them approve their overall

Common App Tips: Activities Section

October 2, 2020

The Common Application is the centralised portal to over 800 American universities. This online application enables students to share key academic information to all the schools on their application lists. This application is also where students detail their extracurricular record. The “Activities” section on the Common App carries significant weight to the review and admissions

Tips for the SAT!

September 29, 2020

What is the key to earning good SAT scores? Planning, preparation, and practice. As the SAT draws near, now is an excellent time to consider your strategy for test day. Weeks Before the Test The weeks before the SAT are prime times to sit 1-3 timed SAT mock tests. This not only enables you

Financial Aid: Need-Based vs. Merit Scholarships

September 25, 2020

Many international students aspire to attend selective US universities. However, the cost of US schools often gives students and families pause. Many families hope to secure scholarships for international students. At A-List, we want to make the funding options clear. There are two major types of financial aid: Need-Based Aid and Merit Scholarships:

Cracking SAT Grammar

September 23, 2020

In order to secure a good SAT score, you must perform strongly across all sections of the test. This includes the Writing & Language section, forty-four questions that run the grammatical gamut from identifying verb forms to rhetorical skills. Our students come from a swathe of educational backgrounds, and with our expert guidance and directed

Early Action and Early Decision: How to Decide

September 18, 2020

As students work diligently on their US uni applications, many are contemplating which decision pathway to use. Universities in the US offer multiple deadlines for applications. However, these deadlines are not arbitrary. Rather, each pathway has unique advantages for students. At A-List, we aim to make the US university admissions process transparent so you can

Tips for the ACT

September 16, 2020

The ACT exam is a fast-paced, intensive critical reasoning test covering advanced English grammar, critical reading analysis, scientific data interpretation, and mathematics. A good ACT score is an excellent advantage in your college application. Below, we have curated the top tips for succeeding on the ACT. Preparation Preparation is key. For most students, this means

White Paper: Holistic Review – What Does this Mean?

September 11, 2020

If you have any contact with a US university representative, they will talk about the “holistic” admissions review process. This means that US universities evaluate a student in their entirety, taking note of both their scholarly and personal traits. Thus, they will review the academic record, standardised testing results, extracurricular pursuits, essays that reveal personal

SAT Practice Tests: How they Help

September 9, 2020

US University Rankings

September 5, 2020

Considering the variety within the higher education landscape, it is understandable that students turn to rankings as a way to prioritize their university research process and to make decisions about where to apply. However, demystify these rankings can actually help students find the right school for them.Understanding the metrics used as well as the methodology

Upcoming SAT: Top Tips

September 2, 2020

Best Universities for International Students

August 28, 2020

If you are an international student interested in universities in the US, you might wonder which school is right for you. With over 4,500 schools to choose from, determining the best colleges for international students isn’t easy. At A-List, we are here to help. Though most universities in the US welcome international students and are

SAT Maths: Know the Format

August 27, 2020

Many students worry about SAT math. However, a good SAT score requires strong performance on the SAT math section. To achieve a good score, you first need to know understand the structures and patterns of SAT math questions. SAT Math: What you can Expect There are two maths sections: Non-Calculator & Calculator. The Non-Calculator section

The Genre of the Personal Statement: Key Features

August 23, 2020

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 academic ability and interest in a specific course, the US asks for a personal narrative that highlights key values and qualities that you will bring to the university community. Writing

Registering for the ACT: Practice Steps and Tips for Success

August 19, 2020

If you would like to study at a US uni, you will need to take either the ACT or SAT. Below you will find out how to register for the ACT and next steps for earning a good ACT score. ACT international test dates: The ACT international test dates are: 11-12th September 2020, 9-10th October

What is a “Good” SAT Score?

August 11, 2020

As student prepare to apply to US universities, students often ask: 1) What is a good SAT score? 2) How do I get it? Quality and Variety of US universities According to National Association for College Admissions Counselling. The SAT is a significant part of the application with 54% of colleges ranking these scores as

Why Apply to US Universities?

August 7, 2020

For international students, trying to decipher the vast amount of information about universities in the US can be overwhelming. Because this is a decision that requires careful thought and planning, A-List works to support students and families with expert advice and coaching. Here are some reasons why applying to a US uni might be the

Registering for the SAT: What are my next steps?

August 5, 2020

After deciding to apply to US universities, your next step is to ensure you are registered and reading for one of the standardized tests required by most schools. The SAT, an American standardised test assessing your critical reasoning, critical reading, problem solving ability, and understanding of grammar conventions. Preparing for the SAT can be an

The value of Summer Programmes, CV Development and SAT Tutoring in London

July 30, 2020

The idea of studying your favourite subject in the USA is an enticing prospect for many UK students. Indeed, with many prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale and Princeton (to name just a few) it is understandable why so many students from across the world will dedicate so much of their time and effort towards

Questions about the SAT and SAT tutoring in London

July 23, 2020

There are a lot of things that you can do if you are a student preparing for the SAT. Studying and practicing exams are all very important tasks for a student to do before taking and official SAT. Students often start their preparation for these tests months in advance of the test date. It is

Bootcamps and SAT tutoring in London

July 16, 2020

Getting a good result on the SAT is perhaps the most important thing for any student who wants to attend a US university. The SAT comprises a series of subject tests that are used to determine if a student can attend any given US university. These tests have a reputation for being very challenging, and

Preparing for the SAT with SAT tutoring in London

July 9, 2020

A successful US university application is composed of multiple parts. At A-List Education, our experienced tutors and advisors can help with each component. Studying for the SAT is an incredibly important task for any prospective student who is dreaming of attending a US university. The SAT is an exam that is required to gain entry

Unpacking US University Rankings

July 8, 2020

A-List’s Pedagogical Approach for Student Success

June 30, 2020

At A-List, we take a holistic approach to ensure your child’s success on the SAT and ACT. We prioritise developing a creative and sustained critical reasoning skillset whilst also encouraging a growth mindset. In our introductory session, we carefully review and examine your child’s current processes to discover what learning styles they prefer, whether consciously

What is A-List Education’s approach to SAT tutoring in London?

June 25, 2020

At A-List Education, we continuously strive to offer high quality SAT tutoring in London to ensure that our students succeed from the programme. Our SAT test prep programmes are specifically designed to target the various challenges students may face when preparing for this particular intensive standardized test. Furthermore, our SAT tutoring in London programmes are