They’ve written tests and exams.

They’ve handed in countless projects and assignments.

They studied hours upon hours.

They’ve written and passed entrance exams.

They’ve applied to schools and have been accepted.

But, just how ready is your teen for College or University?

Well, according to the US-based Alliance for Excellent Education, about one-third of college freshmen need to take a catch up course in reading, math or English. Other sources say that number of teens who are unprepared is as high as 75%.

The US is not alone; Some 55% of Ontario professors think that first-year university students are not as prepared as they should be, and are  lacking in critical thinking skills.

And many students themselves share similar sentiments, worrying about handling the increased workload and academic demands of university.

So, what can be done to ensure that teens are ready for higher education and  will be able to avoid the first year drop out crises?

If necessary, take a victory lap to review key subjects.  Or, consider taking a year off to renew school motivation.  Better yet, contact Oxford Learning to take a course that develops top-notch study skills, teaches test-taking techniques, perfects time management abilities, and improves critical thinking abilities.

Contact your local Oxford Learning centre to find out more about our College and University Prep Courses.

No matter what the date on the calendar says, one thing is always true: university application deadlines are approaching, and they are approaching FAST. There may be various application processes and deadlines across Canada and the US, but one thing is always the same—applying to college or university is competitive and stressful! So, with that in mind, we’ve complied 8 tips for stress-free college and university application.

1. Don’t know what you want to study? Don’t worry! A general arts and sciences program is a great way to get a better feel for what your interests are. Colleges and universities have departments in place to help you make the best decisions for you. Be sure to take advantage of these resources—that’s what they’re there for.

2. Pick up the phone. Haven’t heard anything yet? Wondering if your application was received? If possible, find out the expected date when acceptance letters will be sent out to reduce waiting-related stress. Call the registrar’s office. Remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question. Getting answers is better than the stress of wondering.

3. Submit before deadline. Different schools have different regulations and deadlines, but applying before the deadline never hurts.

4. Have a plan/Do your research. Talk to guidance counselors and friends. Request catalogues, visit campuses, and join university and college social media groups. Even after you’ve applied, keep researching and continue to find out as much about the school, the campus, and the departments as possible.

5. Be realistic. If you have a 70% average, applying to schools that have an 85% acceptance averages is not the best strategy. If you know the school’s acceptance averages beforehand, and applied to schools in your range, your acceptance chances increase, which decreases stress levels.

6. Be organized. Keep track of submission dates and expected offer dates. Use an agenda or wall calendar. That way, you’ll know when to start watching for those big envelopes in the mail! Keep all your required submission materials such as student records, essays, and other forms in one place in case you need to refer to them later.

7. Have a back up plan in place. This is not negative—it’s realistic. Didn’t get in? Money fell through? What’s your plan B?

8. Breathe! Once the forms are submitted, relax. Take a deep breath. Take a night off. Then get back to work! High School isn’t over yet and there’s still time to pull up your average and increase your chance of admission!

The answer is no, according to a new report released last week from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The report criticizes common test preparation courses as costly, ineffective, and a poor investment.

That’s good news for Oxford Learning!

That’s because our SAT and ACT Plus™ Programs are so much more than “common.”

Oxford Learning’s SAT and ACT programs take what is typically considered test-prep—cramming, short-term gains—one step further, giving students who take the program a considerable edge.

So just what takes Oxford Learning’s SAT/ACT program the extra mile? Well, it is the only test-prep program on the market that isn’t focused on short-term gains for students, and it’s the only SAT/ACT prep course that looks beyond the entrance exams to prepare students for what comes next.

After all, getting into the best school is only the first step. Research shows that up to 35% of students who qualify for university or college with high entrance exam scores drop out of college or university in their first year.

This means, that if these students purchased or relied on traditional test-prep programs to boost their exam grades and get them into college or university, they were cheated. The program may have helped them cram for the SAT/ACT exam, but it did nothing to prepare them to deal with the rigors of college or university.

There is no easy solution for college or university preparation. A quick fix that promises to raise entrance exam marks is only a temporary solution. To prepare high school students to take the entrance exams successfully and fully realize the intensity of what higher education entails, takes time and commitment from the student.

The Oxford Learning SAT and ACT Plus™ Programs have a home component that encourages students to take initiative, be responsible for their learning, and invest in their own future. If students are unable or unwilling to take on this responsibility before heading to college or university, then they won’t be ready to stay in university and succeed.

The Oxford Learning approach to the issue of test-prep is a world apart from the rest. We offer a program with integrity that looks well beyond the entrance tests and prepares students for the future, which is always a good investment.

Read more about Oxford Learning’s SAT Plus™ Program, or find the Oxford Learning location nearest you.