SSAT Flex Testing

This winter, along with the occasional snow flurry, we have had a flurry of inquiries about SSAT Flex testing. Families request this small group administration in our private office for a variety of reasons. In some cases, illness or athletic commitments prevented a student from attending a standard test date administration. In other situations, parents felt that their students would perform better in a more personal, small setting with fewer distractions.

However, some of the inquiries have come from families late to the process of applying to secondary schools or from parents who lost track of the testing requirements. They also tend to have questions about test deadlines, how to designate score recipients, and other details. Navigating the requirements of private school and boarding school admissions without the guidance of an independent educational consultant is often the root problem. We start this process early with our clients– spring, summer and early fall – to formulate a plan which tracks all of the various deadlines. Our program allows the student to properly prepare for every aspect of admissions: testing, interviews, and essays. Both students and parents are less stressed throughout the entire application cycle.

Of course, we are happy to administer the SSAT Flex test to all who need it. If you know a family applying to private day or boarding schools, please suggest that they contact Holly for her guidance.

What’s New at Learning Associates?

Did you know Learning Associates now offers one-on-one tutoring for teens, college age students, and adults? Ronnie Thompson, who has worked with us for 28 years, is a certified Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant who has completed the Orton Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist training. If you know someone struggling with reading or spelling, please contact our office to schedule tutoring appointments with Ronnie.

After an insightful conversation with James Vander Hooven, Vice President of Enrollment for Landmark College, Holly and Larry were asked to join the Educational Consultant Advisory Group of the college. A few times throughout the year, Landmark President, Dr. Peter Eden, discusses future plans, current events, challenges, and opportunities with a select group of educational consultants to gain their input. We are excited about this opportunity to exchange information with Landmark!

Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going Next

In August, Larry spoke at the final meeting for the 2015-16 cycle of Let’s Get Ready. Let’s Get Ready is a not-for-profit, Community Based Organization that provides students with free admissions counseling, test preparation, and other services to help gain admission to college. Having worked with this organization in the past, Larry was thrilled to meet with their extraordinary students again as part of this sendoff event.

Holly attended an Open House at the Purnell School in August. She was greeted by Jeff Beedy, Head of School, and met individually with Vicky Browne, Director of Enrollment Management and Student Life, Beth Rainey, Director of Admission, and Jessica Eckert, Associate Head of School. During the visit, each shared detailed information about their Learning Center, tutoring programs, individualized curriculum, technology, and extracurricular programs. Holly appreciated the opportunity to update her knowledge about Purnell, a school she has visited several times over the years.

In September, Holly and Larry traveled to Baltimore for the annual Enrollment Management Association (formerly SSATB) conference. Holly was part of a presentation for school Admissions Directors and staff entitled “The Ed Consultant’s Role in Yielding Your Best: What New Research Shows.” She and her colleagues, including Mark Sklarow, CEO of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, examined the impact of Independent Educational Consultants upon the school search, application, and admission process. While in Baltimore, Larry visited Washington College and St. John’s College.

Holly attended the Far Hills Country Day School Fair on September 22nd. With over 120 schools represented, this is one of the largest school fairs on the East Coast. This fair is open to families and professionals. Holly spoke with representatives from both day schools and boarding schools on behalf of her client families and also had private meetings with admissions representatives while they are in town for this event.