MIT changes and the new SAT
June 23, 2022
MIT has announced that they are reinstituting the requirement to submit an SAT or ACT score for the 2022-2023 application cycle.
Read our blog full of handy tips regarding the US university landscape and application process.
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US College Campus Visits
June 16, 2022
US College Campus Visits. Campus culture is one of principle deciding factors of what type of students a school attracts.
How to register for the SAT
June 9, 2022
The College Board has opened SAT registration for the 2022 August, October and December dates. Make sure you register early!
What is a Tier 1 US university?
June 1, 2022
Top US universities have shifted towards using the term ‘Top Tier’ or ‘Tier 1’ universities to prevent over-reliance on the Ivy League to represent academic excellence.
Should I take the digital SAT?
May 27, 2022
Should I take the Digital SAT? In March 2023, The College Board will begin administering its new digital SAT to all international test-takers.
What to Expect When sitting your First SAT or ACT diagnostic
May 12, 2022
If you’ve never seen an SAT or an ACT before, the test can seem quite daunting – let us demystify these tests for you, so you know what to expect for your first practice test.
Celebrating Our Student Acceptances
May 5, 2022
Regular Decision results are in, and our students gained forty-five places at all eight Ivy League universities. Our students are shining more than ever.
Ivy League VS Oxbridge: What Is The Difference?
April 28, 2022
Increasing number of UK and international students are casting their eye towards the United States and the Ivy League in addition to the traditional British gold standard of the Oxbridge colleges.
What Academic Integrated Mentoring Sessions Do
April 6, 2022
Academic Integrated Mentoring gives students direction in their academic life and the tools to pursue their work successfully. Sessions can happen online, in-person, or a hybrid of both.
Academic Integrated Mentoring: Planning, Focus and Organisation
April 1, 2022
Academic Integrated Mentoring. Developing the academic skills to stay on track – or catch up – has never been more important.
Our Academic Tip of the Week
March 25, 2022
Academic Integrated Mentoring. Staying organised and managing time for the exam results you need has never been harder. Read our tip of the week.
Academic Integrated Mentoring (AIM)
March 4, 2022
Staying organised and managing time for the exam results you need has never been harder: students are playing catch-up after blended learning and fractured coursework
Sitting the SAT Twice: Why it’s a Good Idea
February 25, 2022
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
US University Admissions Timeline
February 18, 2022
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
How to Achieve Top A-Level Predicted Grades
February 8, 2022
Having experienced a tumultuous academic landscape with the challenged remote group learning presented for comprehension, a private tutor, with a background in mentoring and coaching,
SAT Going Digital From March 2023
February 3, 2022
On the 25th January 2022, College Board (finally!) announced that they will offer the SAT digitally internationally from March 2023 and within the domestic US
Course Selection for IB and A-Levels: Strategies for Top US Schools
January 25, 2022
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
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
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
