Getting a headstart
Test prep courses bloom as school approaches
Teens who are navigating their way to college can find a road map in Hollywood. Free ACT and SAT college testing classes and lectures on school admissions take place in August at the Stirling Road Branch Library in Hollywood.
Parents of students in grades 7 to 12 will want to attend the two “Preparing for College” informational sessions with their prodigy.
Choosing the right college is a very individualized decision, said Cheree Liebowitz, marketing director for International College Counselors, a Fort Lauderdale-based-educational consulting firm.
For instance, some families prioritize athletics or religion. Others may value academics or location, Liebowitz said.
“It’s not our job to tell them what to prioritize, but give them the tools so they’ll know what questions to ask,” said International College Counselors’ Man dee Hell er Adler.
“What to Look For and How to Get In” takes place Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. On Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m., it’s “Howto Choose a College.”
“The admission process has changed since parents applied to college themselves,” Liebowitz said.
Components that colleges look at include leadership roles, extracurricular activities and a demonstrated interest, she said.
Test scores still matter. Chris Sanderson of Sanderson Test Prep in Hollywood will put on three ACT and SAT test prep sessions at 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 6; Aug. 10 and Aug. 13.
“It’s not practice tests. They’ll learn how to approach it and techniques for taking the test,” said Hannah Hostyk, co-president of the Friends of the Stirling Library.
Among Sanderson’s expertise, he explains “tricky” test wording to be watch for such as “all” or “none;” you have to be careful, Hostyk said.
“If you come to all three [classes] you will be so far ahead of the game ,” she said.
The friends group started the series last year when Dr. Jacqueline Smith, assistant principal at Hollywood Hills High School identified a need in the community, Ho sty ks aid.
“Within a mile we have high poverty-level students and they’re not being serviced,” Hostyk said.
Register at the Stirlng Road Branch Library located at 3151 Stirling Rd. in Hollywood; or online on http://www.stirlingfriends.org/.