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Little Known Facts about Florida Bright Futures

Posted on by Kennon McCaa

Here’s a quick true or false quiz for you about Florida Bright Futures….

  1. Bright Futures covers either 75% or 100% of tuition.
  2. Bright Futures covers room and board.
  3. Tuition is the biggest portion of paying for a public university in Florida.

The correct answers are:

  1. True, Bright Futures covers tuition.
  2. False, Bright Futures does NOT cover room and board.
  3. False, tuition is about 25% of the cost of attending a public university in Florida. Looking at my son’s bills (which are very confusing), it breaks down about like this: Housing 40%, Meals 30%, Tuition 25% and Fees 5%.

Bright Futures is Nice, but Benacquisto is Amazing

There’s actually something even better that most families don’t know about, until it is too late.

What is the Benacquisto Scholarship?

The Benacquisto Scholarship covers EVERYTHING for Florida students attending a public Florida university. My son qualified for it, and we literally pay nothing for him to go to school. In fact, he even gets cash back each semester. Currently, USF even pays him an additional $5,000/year and covers one year of post-graduate tuition. This far exceeded our expectations when we were studying together for the PSAT. We always thought Benacquisto was a minor upgrade on Bright Futures, but now that I’ve seen the full breakdown of the costs of college, and what Bright Futures does NOT pay, I can see the extra effort to earn this scholarship saved our family an additional $50,000, and earned him $50,000.

How does a student earn a Benacquisto Scholarship?

The Benacquisto Scholarship is only for Florida students that are National Merit Scholars. Only 1% of students qualify to be National Merit Scholars (“NMS”), so it isn’t easy, but it is worth it! First of all, to qualify as a NMS, students must score extremely high on the PSAT in the fall (October) of their junior year. So, for this reason, I’ve started recommending SAT (or really PSAT) prep to highly motivated sophomores, especially over the summer before their junior year. Please note that NMS scoring is currently calculated using 1/3 math and 2/3 English, so make sure you study especially hard for the English portion.

Dartmouth Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement

Posted on by Kennon McCaa

In a move that is as surprising as the sun rising in the morning, Dartmouth has joined MIT and has decided to reinstate the requirement that applicants submit SAT or ACT scores for admission. https://www.npr.org/2024/02/05/1229223433/sat-act-diversity-dartmouth-college-admissions

The pendulum of the test optional farce is finally starting to swing back in the direction of common sense as schools are seeing that accepting students solely on (inflated) grades and unquantifiable holistic measures isn’t helping them correctly identify the most qualified students.

Test Optional – Just Plain Foolish

I’ve always likened test optional admissions as being akin to picking a basketball team without asking the players their height. It’s absurd. After over 10,000 sessions in the past five years, I can tell you, these tests are EXTREMELY ACCURATE at showing who does, and who doesn’t know what they are doing. When a student doesn’t submit their score, they are simply saying, “I don’t really know what I’m doing.”

Test Optional – Falsifies Selectivity

The test optional system has allowed selective colleges to select inferior candidates (perhaps based on ability to pay full tuition, connections, etc…), while appearing more selective than ever by increasing application counts, decreasing admission rates, all while not exposing their true (lower) SAT range.

Test Optional – Helps Inferior Schools Stay Solvent

Inferior schools (essentially daycare centers for young adults) benefit from test optional policies as well. With birth rates declining, most inferior schools see the writing on the wall, and are worried about staying solvent. They will accept anyone who will help them pay to keep the lights on. By accepting students without test scores, it allows them to report only the scores of their few qualified students, and secretly serve as daycare centers for students that learned nearly nothing in high school. Now, the standardized tests are based on a curve, so even the most unprepared students all get about the same score (around 950 on the SAT), so everyone thinks, “At least they know something!” But, that’s not really the case either, these students are simply equivalent to their peers that know nothing. These schools will remain test optional forever, because they are primarily “high school optional” schools anyway.

The Momentum is Changing (Thankfully)

I’m so glad to see that the momentum is changing on this ridiculous scam, and I look forward to the improved transparency that requiring test scores will bring to the incredibly opaque admissions process. If your child’s school is not requiring test scores, I would be gravely concerned about the rigor of the school and the qualifications of the students attending it.

The Hardest Digital SAT Problems – SOLVED!

Posted on by Kennon McCaa

I have released a series of YouTube videos where I solve the hardest digital SAT practice problems. The extensive series goes into great detail to teach the skills, strategies, and concepts to help students succeed on even the hardest digital SAT math questions.

Check out the first video in my YouTube series!

MIT Brings Back the SAT for Class of 2023

Posted on by Kennon McCaa

Below is a great article by MIT admissions, stating why they are reinstating their requirement of the SAT or ACT for the graduating class of 2023. I have seen time and time again the value of these tests in determining who is REALLY prepared for college, and I have no doubt in their validity and value. MIT’s decision just reaffirms what I have believed, and believe more strongly than ever; these tests are very important in determining who is, and who isn’t ready for college.

We are reinstating our SAT/ACT requirement for future admissions cycles

Finally, a Summer SAT!

Posted on by Kennon McCaa

I have long wished that there was an SAT during the summer, and finally (thanks to a global pandemic) my prayers have been answered! No, the SAT didn’t add a new summer test (the August 29, 2020 date is unchanged), but the Sarasota County School’s delayed opening means that the SAT will occur during summer vacation.

A Rare Opportunity

Having the chance to study for the SAT without having to attend school all day is perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity, so take advantage of this opportunity to study harder than you ever could before. See our 21 day SAT practice schedule and get started with your tutoring immediately.

Challenges to Overcome

Hibernating Brain Syndrome

Although not a real medical diagnosis, I think it accurately describes what has happened to most students. So, although students can study more than ever for this SAT, they probably haven’t done much academic work since March. Their brains may be empty and they certainly aren’t used to 4 straight hours of use (excluding video games). So, it is time to start using that brain every day! The best way to do that is to start doing a practice test every day.

Hibernating Kid Syndrome

Not only have most kids not been using their brains, but they have been staying up late, waking up really late and perhaps never leaving their room (other than when the router needs to be reset). So, it is time to start getting back on a school schedule. SAT registration closes at 8 AM, so you have to be on site and ready to check-in by 8 AM! When was the last time your child had a healthy breakfast, a shower and was wearing something other than pajamas by 8 AM? If they can pull off that amazing feat, they need to be mentally ready to take the test. Nobody has done that since March!!

Suggestions for Success

Fix the Alarm Clock

Start waking up 30 minutes earlier every day until you are waking up early enough to be ready to take the 8 AM test. Hopefully, the entire week leading up to the test the student will be on an optimal testing sleep schedule.

Get to Bed on Time

If a student is going to be ready to take an 8 AM test, they need to start getting to bed by 10 PM. Make sure their phones shut off automatically at 9 PM. This will allow them to do some last minute, pre-sleep practice to transform their brain into a 24/7 math problem solving machine.

21 Day SAT Practice Test & Tutoring Schedule

The entire test has four sections and lasts 3 hours. When was the last time your child studied for 3 straight hours. I have devised a 21 day SAT practice schedule to help them build up to at least doing the 80 minutes of math.

Fresh Air and Exercise

With the COVID quarantine, most people have spent too much time indoors and may have stopped exercising. Studies have shown that enjoying the outdoors and exercising have countless benefits including improved learning, reduced stress and improved mental functioning and focus.

Study Buddy

They say “Misery loves company,” so find a study buddy. Usually one or many of your friends will be taking the test on the same day. Why not do some studying together? Complete your practice tests separately and then check your answers together. You will definitely learn something unexpected and you might have some fun in the process. There’s nothing that can compare to having a highly skilled tutor to help you, but working with a trusted friend can help you both stay on schedule and they say the best way to learn something is to explain it to someone else. Give it a try…

Really Rusty? Narrow Your Focus

Almost every serious student takes the SAT more than once and usually improves on the second test. If you haven’t used your brain for six months, it might be unrealistic to expect a great score on all four sections. If your brain just isn’t at full strength yet, perhaps you should focus on getting a really good math score this test and then focus on the English portion of the test next time. This might mean that you barely study the English sections and give minimal effort on the English sections (1 & 2) on test day. Don’t wear your brain out on something you haven’t studied. Stay fresh for the math sections (3 & 4).

21 Day SAT Practice Test Schedule

Posted on by Kennon McCaa

The College Board was nice enough to publish 10 practice tests. These are the best resources available for succeeding on the SAT. Below I have created a 21 day schedule for completing all of the math practice tests and getting some extra help that will hopefully help you do your best on the SAT.

The SAT Starts at 8 AM, Do You?

Because the real test occurs around 8 AM in the morning, it is good to get used to using your brain in the morning. So, try to do your practice at 8 AM. If you are going to be your best in the morning, get to bed early in the evening (9:30 if you can).

This schedule is designed for summer studying when students have all day to study. Morning studying during the school year can be a bit of a challenge, but you can do the “morning” session by completing the problems at the wasted time at the end of a class or two.

Plenty of Sleep is Your Secret Weapon

Evening sessions should be done just before going to bed. Studies have shown that your brain will continue to work on the problems and integrate your learning into your brain after you have gone to sleep. Frequent rest and plenty of sleep are a very important part of the learning process. A lack of sleep has been shown to impair your cognitive ability more than drinking alcohol, so don’t do either!

Practice Makes it Easier

This might look like a ton of work, but the harder you work, the easier the test gets. While it might take a full 25 minutes to finish the Section 3 test when you start, after some solid practice the test might take as little as 10 minutes. It gets easier the more often you practice. Never miss a day! When you take a day off, your brain loses momentum.

Success Through Repetition

The biggest challenge of SAT prep is getting enough practice and getting comfortable with the format of the questions. This study plan tries to combat that by having students re-do the same test they have completed previously. It might seem insane, but after searching for years for an effective way to make the test seem as familiar as an old friend I have started seeing significant improvements for students that are using this strategy. I have spent years studying this test and its content is extremely repetitive (it has to be to allow for valid comparisons of students), but the test writers are masterful at changing the phrasing of the questions. By re-doing tests it helps students become more and more comfortable at focusing more on the math and less on the confusing wording. PLEASE don’t skip the “Re-do” practice, it can be extremely effective and it takes far less time to re-do a test you have done before.

Save a Tree – Printing Tips

Most people know that many printers allow for printing on both sides, choosing this simple option can cut your paper usage in 1/2. What many people do not know is that you can print multiple pages per side. This option can additionally reduce your paper usage by 1/2 again. As important as it is to save paper, it is also very important to use paper. Do NOT do these practice tests by reading them off of a screen, print them out, and write all over them. Become an expert at circling facts, underling the most important word, and crossing off incorrect answers by writing all over the practice tests.

Be Organized – Keep Your Practice Tests

The final day before the test you will want to review all of the problems you missed while practicing. In order to learn from those past mistakes you must write the test number at the top of each test packet and keep your completed practice tests.

Practice Makes Perfect! - Carter's completed official SAT practice tests that helped him get his perfect 800 on the SAT math test in 9th grade.
Practice Makes Perfect – Carter’s Practice Tests from his Perfect 800

21 Day Schedule

  • Day 1 (Morning): Do Section 3 Test #1 (no calculator).
  • Day 1 (Afternoon): 90 Minute SAT Strategies tutoring session.
  • Day 2 (Morning): Do SAT extra practice assigned by tutor.
  • Day 3 (Morning): Do SAT extra practice assigned by tutor.
  • Day 3 (Afternoon): Get some more tutoring!
  • Day 4 (Morning): Do SAT extra practice assigned by tutor.
  • Day 5 (Morning): Do Section 3 Test #9.
  • Day 6 (Morning): Do Section 3 Test #10.
  • Day 6 (Afternoon): Get some more tutoring!
  • Day 6 (Evening): Re-do Section 3 Test #1 (Yes, do it again!).
  • Day 7 (Morning): Do Section 3 Test #2.
  • Day 7 (Evening): Do Section 4 Test #9, questions 1-20 (calculator).
  • Day 8 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #9, questions 21-38.
  • Day 8 (Afternoon): Get some tutoring on Section 4!
  • Day 8 (Evening): Re-do Section 3 Test #1 (Yes, do it AGAIN!).
  • Day 8 (Evening): Re-do Section 3 Test #9 (again).
  • Day 9 (Morning): Do SAT Section 4 extra practice assigned by tutor.
  • Day 9 (Evening): Do Section 4 Test #10, questions 1-20.
  • Day 10 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #10, questions 21-38.
  • Day 10 (Evening): Do Section 4 Test #1, questions 1-20.
  • Day 11 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #1, questions 21-38.
  • Day 11 (Afternoon): Get more tutoring on Section 4!
  • Day 11 (Evening): Re-do Section 4 Test #9 (again), all questions.
  • Day 12 (Morning): Do SAT Section 4 extra practice assigned by tutor.
  • Day 12 (Evening): Do Section 4 Test #2, questions 1-20.
  • Day 13 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #2, questions 21-38.
  • Day 13 (Evening): Do Section 3 Test #4. (We’re skipping test #3)
  • Day 14 (Morning): Do Section 3 Test #5.
  • Day 14 (Afternoon): Get some tutoring!
  • Day 15 (Morning): Do Section 3 Test #6.
  • Day 15 (Afternoon): Re-do Section 4 Test #9 (Again!), all questions.
  • Day 15 (Evening): Do Section 4 Test #3, all questions.
  • Day 16 (Morning): Re-do Section 4 Test #10, all questions.
  • Day 16 (Afternoon): Do Section 4 Test #3, questions 21-38.
  • Day 16 (Evening): Do Section 3 Test #7.
  • Day 17 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #4, all questions.
  • Day 17 (Evening): Re-do Section 3 Test #1 (Yes, do it again!).
  • Day 18 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #5, all questions.
  • Day 18 (Afternoon): Get some tutoring!
  • Day 18 (Evening): Re-do Section 3 Test #9 (again).
  • Day 19 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #6, all questions.
  • Day 19 (Evening): Re-do Section 3 Test #10 (again).
  • Day 20 (Morning): Do Section 4 Test #7, all questions.
  • Day 20 (Evening): Re-do Section 4 Test #9 (Again!), all questions.
  • Day 21 (Morning): Do Section 3 Test #8 and Section 4 Test #8.
  • Day 21 (Afternoon): Get some tutoring!
  • Day 21 (Evening): Review all the problems you missed while practicing.
  • Day 21 (Evening): Get plenty of sleep!
  • SAT Test Day! Good luck!

Perfect 800 on the SAT – Congratulations Carter!

Posted on by Kennon McCaa
Carter on the first day of 9th grade

We just got the official score from the College Board that Carter got a perfect 800 on the SAT math test. We are so proud of Carter for this outstanding accomplishment.

Use the Official SAT Practice Tests

Carter had taken the SAT at the start of 7th grade and scored a 760, so we knew he was going to do well, but we decided to not take any chances and have him do all of the official SAT practice tests, just to get his mind back into SAT mode. He did a great job as you can see below:

Practice Makes Perfect! - Carter's completed official SAT practice tests that helped him get his perfect 800 on the SAT math test in 9th grade.

Rewarding Hard Work Paid Off

Part of why Carter succeeded (and why some others do not) is that he was really motivated to do quality work on these practice tests. I offered him the following incentive plan, $5 for 80% (90% on packets 5-10) correct and $10 for perfect packets. Then, if he got a perfect score on the actual SAT test, I would double the total. Carter likes money just as much as most people that I’ve met, so he was highly motivated to do quality work. This is the component that I see lacking in so many students these days. They seem to be going through the motions. They don’t really want to do the work and do not push themselves to get every question correct, regardless of the how difficulty of the question. It’s sort of an “I’ll try harder next time” approach. Rewarding him for his tenacity on the practice problems is the key ingredient to making sure that he has the will, the skill and the experience to break apart any unusual question that appears on the actual test.

Why Younger Students Can Succeed When Older Students Sometimes Cannot

Some people are probably wondering why a 7th or 9th grader would be taking the SAT at all. There are several reasons. First, the 7th grade test was to qualify for talented youth programs like Duke TIP and Johns Hopkins CTY. The 9th grade test was based on what I was seeing every week in my tutoring center. Older students often have too many distractions and too much stress to actually perform at their best. Also, older students seem to forget a lot of what they learned in middle school (which to the surprise of many people is actually a sizable portion of what is on the SAT math test). Carter has a fantastic understanding of math, so I never worry that he will forget his middle school math, but I wanted to shelter him from some of the pressure that I see negatively affecting the older students.

Only time will tell if a perfect score in 9th grade will be a benefit or not, but for now we are celebrating his extraordinary achievement and could not be prouder of him! Congratulations Carter! You are amazing!