Tutoring: Easing the Path to College
Tutoring centers take an active role in preparing your child for college entrance exams, applications and more.

n a d . a a ll k e s l e , d - hether preparing for SATs or creating standout applications, tutors help high school students navigate the unfamiliar roads to university… and have the insider info that might mean the difference between "Congratulations, you're accepted," and "We're sorry, but…" Besides helping with schoolwork, today's tutors prepare students for admissions exams, decipher the application process—and find the best personal approach for each student. Recognizing a student's strengths and weaknesses is the key to preparing him or her for the rigors of college. Jacqui Byrne of Ivy Ed, with locations in Bernardsville and Scotch Plains, has written her own diagnostic test to determine which exam is best for a particular student—the SAT or the ACT—allowing him or her to study for just one test. Ivy Ed also digs to uncover a student's hopes and dreams. "Our aim isn't just getting them into college, but preparing them for post-college success," says Byrne. "Finding out what they want to do drives our advice." Tutoring doesn't end with successful test results; aid is also provided for the college application process. "We're big on brainstorming, trying to figure out what makes each student unique," says Byrne, "so that they stand out to college admissions boards. It's all about getting their voice on paper." A student's confidence level is crucial—especially during the SATs, says Rhonda Rivera of Top Tier Tutoring. "Students may know the information," she says, "but freeze up from anxiety at the test. We teach them techniques to remove any anxiety or mental blocks." And Phyllis Ignozza of The Language Institute advises students to have "above and beyond what's minimally required by a college." If a college requires two years of a foreign language, for example, Ignozza suggests having four or five years. Personal advising is another critical component. Parents might ask guidance counselors to recommend tutor—or turn to educational consultants like Marcia Kramer. Kramer specializes in matching students with schools that fit their learning styles. "People tend to be focused on 'name schools' and it's hard to get kids and parents to think outside the box," Kramer explains. "That's a big part of what a counselor can do." Evaluation is based on grades and transcripts, but Kramer also focuses on gauging personality, values and other important issues. After campus visits, Kramer asks the student exactly what he or she liked and didn't about the school; she delves deeply into the subject, enabling students to better understand what will suit them best. "The more schools they visit," Kramer adds, "the better critics they become." And once students know what they're looking for, they're far better prepared to select suitable colleges before sending out applications. s Oxford Leaning Center Livingston 973-577-6128 www.oxfordlearning.com Princeton Review 78 Main St., Madison 973-408-9245 www.princetonreview.com Tutoring Club Chester, Caldwell and Montclair locations 973-783-2582 www.tutoringclub.com Top Tier Tutoring West Orange * 973-243-1212 www.top-tiertutoring.com s TuToring: Easing the Path to College By Nicole Canfora Lupo W potential optimism confidence A Custom-Fit Education, Grades 3-8, for Students with Language-Based Learning Differences Thursday, March 4th, 9-11am Saturday, March 6th, 11am-1pm To inquire about our program or to make a reservation for Open House, please contact the Main Office at (973) 379-4114 or email Plordy@winstonschool.org Tutoring Centers ss C2 Education Livingston 973-994-9301 www.C2educate.com College Applications & Tutoring Service Glen Ridge 973-743-6633 CollegeApplicationandTutoringService.com Essex Tutoring Montclair * 973-338-4949 www.essextutoring.com Huntington Learning Center Morristown: 973-785-8700 Verona: 973-785-8700 Livingston: 973-994-2900 www.huntingtonlearning.com Ivy Ed Bernardsville * 908-630-0300 www.ivyeducationalservices.com Marcia A. Kramer 973-744-3820 www.educationalconsult.com Kumon Learning Center Caldwell * 973-781-9490 www.kumon.com The Language Institute West Caldwell * 973-228-1843 www.thelanguageinstitute.com Mathnasium Summit: 973-377-6284 Chatham: 973-377-6284 www.mathnasium.com OPEN HOUSE! 30 East Lane, Short Hills • (973) 379-4114 WinstonSchool.org Accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools & the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools & a Member of the National Association of Independent Schools February 2010 VicinityMagazine.com 11

Tutoring: Easing the Path to College
Tutoring centers take an active role in preparing your child for college entrance exams, applications and more.

Tutoring: Easing the Path to CollegeTutoring centers take an active role in preparing your child for college entrance exams, applications and more.

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Tutoring: Easing the Path to College
Tutoring centers take an active role in preparing your child for college entrance exams, applications and more.