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The College Admissions Essay: Brainstorming for an idea
Summer may have just begun, but for rising seniors, there is plenty they can do during the break to prepare for college applications. While much of their academic and extracurricular records are complete, seniors still have complete control over their application essay. The Common Application has announced its prompts for 2013-14. In addition to these, […]
Coming Soon: Third Quarter Report Cards
We have reached the midpoint of the second semester. Report cards for the third quarter will be arriving shortly. If your child is struggling, get help. It is possible to make a difference in the fourth quarter. We have a range of tutors at all grade levels, covering all subjects, many foreign languages and general […]
Third Quarter Interim Grade Reports!
This is the first checkpoint in the second semester. It is an opportunity to evaluate if your child is on track while there is significant time left in the semester to make a correction. If you are concerned, consider these questions: Is their academic schedule overloaded? Is their sports/activities schedule too hectic? Are they signed […]
Private vs Independent School?
Many parents ask whether or not “private” and “independent” schools are the same thing? Here’s the skinny: A “private” school refers to any school that does not receive public funding from its state government. Within the private school world, there are several sub-categories. Parochial schools are schools linked directly to a Catholic diocese. These schools […]
Back To School Night Basics
Back to School night is your opportunity as a parent to make a good first impression! Remember the purpose of the evening: to give parents and guardians a peek into the school day by meeting the teachers, seeing their rooms and getting an overview of their curriculum. Know your child’s schedule and room numbers. Go […]
4 Easy Tips To Get Organized This School Year
The famous actor and director, Woody Allen, once said, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” I would amend that slightly: Eighty percent of school success is showing up AND staying organized. I’ve helped many students over the years who struggled fiercely in school. Those who were organized managed to stay afloat and achieve success. […]
All L.A. Unified students must pass college-prep courses
The Los Angeles Unified School District will require all students to pass a college-preparatory curriculum beginning next fall. The Class of 2016, next year’s ninth-graders, will be the first in the nation’s second-largest school system who must take those courses needed to apply to a four-year state university. The Board of Education approved a proposal […]
Preparing for college: 10 tips for success
1. TIME MANAGEMENT. Set realistic goals and the time needed to accomplish them – and then add another 15 minutes as a buffer. Life happens all around you and is constantly trying to distract you. Budgeting your time also means scheduling your down time. A balanced schedule is a balanced life. 2. HEALTH. In addition […]
Harvard and M.I.T. Team Up to Offer Free Online Courses
In what is shaping up as an academic Battle of the Titans — one that offers vast new learning opportunities for students around the world — Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Wednesday announced a new nonprofit partnership, known as edX, to offer free online courses from both universities. Harvard’s involvement follows M.I.T.’s […]
Tutoring: An Opportunity to Motivate Students
There is no single magical formula for motivating students. Many factors contribute to student’s motivation to work and learn, including interest in the subject matter, perception of the topic or course’ usefulness, general desire to achieve, self-confidence and self-esteem, patience, and perseverance. In addition, not all students are motivated equally by similar values, desires, needs […]
Nicole C.
2018-09-14 07:10:34
WOWZA !!!
Where to begin? I called Paul as someone who had taken a gap year after high school to work. I had absolutely no idea how the transfer admission...
Milena T.
2018-08-16 13:40:27
I came to Alma Mater very late in the game, hoping to get some help on my college applications. Paul took me in right away and guided me through the entire...
Ruchi M.
2018-07-25 12:46:36
This review is long overdue, but I wanted everyone to know how great it was working with Paul and Alma Mater! I have twins who are now successfully entering...
Harper C.
2018-06-26 21:19:58
Alma Mater is elite Educational services that has always felt like home base for any tutoring needs for my son and daughter, since we've had the pleasure of...
Sophie C.
2018-05-29 10:41:10
I would not be where I am, or the person I am today without Paul Nicholas. After my family hired him as a college counselor for both my sister and myself,...
Sean B.
2018-05-22 17:52:48
Alma Mater Educational Services is the most professional proctor I've had the pleasure of working with in Los Angeles. Paul Nicholas, the President, has...
