Showing posts with label AP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AP. Show all posts

Friday, August 6, 2010

Why Facebook Time and Study Time Don’t Mix

If you have recently found that your grades are slacking and you are not sure why, perhaps it is time to take a look and see how much time you are spending using the internet and not doing what you are supposed to be doing - which is studying.

Nobody wants to study (if studying was enjoyable it would be called “fun” and not “work”), but the simple fact of the matter is that if you want to get ahead in life then you need to devote time to your school work. As using social networking is a strictly extracurricular activity, it is not that hard to understand why Facebook time and study time do not mix.

What might start as a quick peek at Facebook, turns into an hour long session of checking out what everyone is up to or writing on your friends’ walls. Checking out your Facebook while taking a five minute study break is not a very good idea either, because what you think is going to be an innocent break, taken out of your study session, can quickly turn into a twenty minute or even half hour long gap, breaking your concentration and distracting you from work, as well as taking up valuable time. The next thing you know, you did not get any studying done and it is time to go to bed, in order to be fresh for the next day.

If you absolutely feel the need to check your Facebook while you are studying, it is a good idea to set a timer of some sort. Give yourself less than five minutes to check things out and then when the buzzer goes off it is time to get back to work. Do not attempt to keep track of time by gazing at the clock because in most cases you won't even remember to glance at the time until it is too late.

Everyone needs a break from long periods of study time. HOWEVER, there are efficient and smart ways to rest your head, without wasting precious time. If you must take a break, you can make a quick snack- which will help you recharge and unwind for a little while. You can also walk or take a jog around the neighborhood in order to clear your head and refresh before you continue with your studies. These methods help you relax but also allow you to keep track of your time. It might also be a good idea to deactivate your facebook while you are studying to prevent any spur of the moment distractions that might cause you to lose focus. In the moment, it may seem like you are “out of touch” with the world and all your friends but ask yourself-are they REALLY going to disappear?

Setting up a time schedule might seem tedious but it is also a great way to manage your time and set up a mental system of what you need to be doing. Even if you need to study, you can always schedule in breaks and periods of time where you can relax and take your mind off things (but not for too long!)

If studying for that upcoming final/exam seems daunting, it is a great idea to study in small increments over a longer period of time. It is known that repetition can help one retain important information- which is a great thing to know when an important exam is coming up. Cramming may seem like the best way to absorb all the needed information, but in reality students tend to forget all the information after the test is over- which is counterproductive when many courses in high school and beyond are compounding (meaning that the lessons learned in unit one are essential to understanding unit two..etc) This is why studying in increments is the most logical solution for students who do not want to waste their energy and stress on the cram session the night before the exam.

Have you ever heard yourself say “I wished I had studied more for that test last night?” If so, make sure that you separate study time from play time and realize that you can always chat with your friends or watch television after you finished studying for your exam. At the end of the day, you’ll feel better and your grades will look better too.

Whatever methods you might use to study, make sure that you are doing something that best suits you and the way you think. Everyone can be an efficient test taker and student if unnecessary distractions are limited or removed entirely.

Prepping for the SAT: Practice Makes Perfect

Though the SAT might seem intimidating at first, the test is absolutely learnable. There are hundreds of students each year who do well enough on the SAT to get into elite colleges. Thousands more do well enough to get in to the school of their dreams. How do these students do it? It all comes down to practice. Given the basic skills necessary for doing well on the SAT, it is clear that early practice truly does make perfect.

Studies show that students who begin studying for the SAT *early* are more likely to get a top score. This makes sense, as well, since the ins and outs of the SAT are relatively easy to learn. It is a test designed to trick students from start to finish. With more practice, kids have a greater chance at learning those little tricks that most students fall for year after year. As students get more comfortable with the timing and challenges of the SAT, they begin to see patterns in the questions that they failed to realize at first glance.

Students who want to do well need to get started as early as possible. Taking untimed practice tests to learn the question types is always a good idea. Drilling with various problems will teach a student to recognize mistakes and correct them. Recognizing patterns in the types of mistakes you are making is an essential step towards allowing yourself to see what you are getting wrong and why. This helps you determine what kind of material you should focus your efforts on in order to minimize the amount of questions you get wrong on the real exam.
From there, students can move on to taking full, timed practice tests in the hope of simulating the testing environment. Over time, smart students will build up stamina and get used to the grind of the SAT. This will lead to prolonged elite performance throughout the test. Smart students that practice efficiently rarely feel the “crash” of energy towards the middle or latter end of the exam. Prevent this from happening by taking initiative and practicing a little bit every day (yes, it is manageable!).

There are many ways to prepare for the SAT, from vocabulary study to math practice. No matter what strategy your child employs, he or she will benefit from consistent practice. Starting early and building long-term familiarity with the material is the secret to high scores. Research shows this is the best way to unlock all potential and open doors to elite universities.

College Scholarships for High School Tennis Players

College tuition costs have steadily risen over the past 10 years. Many students are going into debt just to put themselves through higher education. The good news is that there are options to help you afford expensive college costs. If you are an experienced high school tennis player, taking advantage of tennis scholarships is a great way to pay for higher education.

The level of play expected on the collegiate level is more advanced than the average high school skill level. A good way to test your skill level is to participate in college matches or play with friends who play tennis in college. If you think that you are an above average player, then you should begin applying for tennis scholarships. There are just under 2,000 scholarships for male tennis players and 4,000 scholarships for female players offered through the NCAA.

Division I colleges contain the fiercest competition and the most skilled players. If you are an average player, you should apply for Division II schools instead. Division I and II universities are allowed 4.5 scholarships each for men, while Division I are allowed 8 and Division II allowed 6 for women. This means that male tennis is classified as an "equivalence" sport. Scholarship money is often spread out evenly amongst team members, which makes getting a full ride scholarship nearly impossible. Women's tennis, however, is a "head count" sport, making full rides more likely by far.

Tennis is a sport that is steadily growing in popularity, and thus getting noticed by collegiate level teams is getting harder as the years go by. Start working on your college plans early on in your high school career. To increase your chances of getting noticed by colleges, have someone film your matches and send the best ones along with a short bio and essay to schools you are interested in. This increases the chance that schools will see your work and contact you if they are interested in getting you to attend their school. It is also a good idea to attend college tennis camps. This will help you get noticed by coaches and scouts and put your name on their radar, it is also a great thing to put on a resume when applying to college.

The key to being noticed by colleges is to learn how to market yourself. Students make the mistake of thinking that if they are great players, colleges will always seek them out first and make offers. This isn't the case. Even if you are a star athlete, it is a good idea to put yourself out there and be active in starting relationships with different colleges and coaches. Contact the schools you're interested in early and apply for their tennis program and scholarships as early as the fall of your senior year. Taking the initiative in this process will help you go further than just relying on skill alone. It looks great to college recruiters and coaches that you (the student) took the effort to contact personnel while also showing that you hold a strong interest in the school itself. It never hurts to try to take that *extra* step that will set up apart from the rest.

The Higher the SAT, the Higher the Scholarship Opportunities

SAT scores have a large bearing on scholarship decisions nationwide. Scholarship awards are weighed on academic achievement, sports abilities, volunteer hours and a variety of other factors. But a high SAT score can tip the scales in your favor if you are neck and neck with another student competing for the same scholarship.

If you have an impressive high school transcript and a high SAT score to go with it, the opportunities are virtually endless when applying for academic scholarships. If your SAT scores are mediocre or less than average, you may want to retake the SAT before seeking an academic scholarship award because your score may lower your chances of receiving a hefty scholarship award when compared to applicants with higher scores.
Another option would be to focus on another area of achievement, such as sports or music (sometimes known as the “talent factor” or talent-based scholarships). These scholarship opportunities are narrower, which betters your chance of success. If you decide to target your efforts towards talent-based scholarships, you should also realize that although the number of students applying is significantly lower than nationally offered scholarships, the talent of students might also be higher.

Standardized testing has become a benchmark for success over the years, in all areas of accomplishment. Civil service exams, professional certifications and college admissions all measure progress through standardized test results. Therefore, it stands to reason that scholarship opportunities would follow suit. SAT results are easily recorded and kept tamper-free through the College Board’s third party reporting system. Also, the SAT provides a nationwide standard that effectively levels the playing field for applicants. Simply stated, SAT scores make it easy for scholarship grantors to make award decisions.

What should you do, then, if your SAT scores are on the low end? If you have time, it may be best to retake the SAT and see if you can improve your score. Students usually score higher on subsequent tests, since they are more familiar with the SAT format and general content. If a second SAT score yields another low score, it may be time to look at other forms of financial aid. Grants and student loans are available across the country, but the rules and conditions vary according to state. Scholarships, grants and loans are only a means to a more important end – a college education. Worry less about the vehicle and concentrate more on the journey-it will be worth it, trust me!




DONE 6/9
The Best Time to Take the SAT

Many high school students struggle to find the best time to take the SAT. They need to time the exam just right so that they have enough time to study, so that they have acquired the skills needed to succeed, and so that they can meet college application deadlines. There are plenty of pitfalls for taking the test too early, or taking it too late.

Eleventh-graders might be motivated to take the SAT in the first half of their junior year, in October or November. This will give them more time to retake the test should they not be happy with their scores. However, taking the test in the fall of one’s junior year is probably too early.
The SAT Score Choice, in which students take the test multiple times in order to increase their chances of having outstanding scores before sending their highest scores to the schools of their choice, is not endorsed by all universities (Yes, really!!!). Not all schools will accept multiple scores from applicants and many students realize later (a little too late) that their dream school rejects score choice and instead opts for one score in entirety. Because the test is designed to examine the skills of eleventh- and twelfth-graders, juniors who take the test early on in their third year might not be as prepared as they would be if they waited until closer to the end of the year.
Make sure that if you do decide to take the test at this time, that you are comfortable with the test material and are fully prepared to take the exam (no “winging” it!!!!!!).

However, students also do not want to take the test too late. To meet most college application deadlines, students need to have taken the SAT in December of their senior year. Most students should not leave this most important requirement of their college application until the last possible minute, in the event that they experience an emergency and cannot make it to the test, for example (of if they do not receive the score they needed to apply to a number of their schools).

The perfect time to take the SAT, then, is in the spring of the student’s junior year, either March or May. This way the student will be finished or nearly finished with their third-year coursework, and will be a better match, skill-wise, to the questions on the test. They will also have the option to retake the test in the fall of their senior year, should they be dissatisfied with their scores.
Whenever you do decide to sign up for the test, remember to prepare fully and practice your test material during the weeks prior to test day (the date sneaks up on you if you are not paying attention). And remember- a prepared tester is a confident tester!

How to Optimize Your Study Time for the SAT

Taking the SAT may not be the highlight of your senior year of high school, but it certainly ranks near the top of the priority list. Colleges will be shopping for freshmen with high SAT scores, so it is imperative that you optimize your study time so you can get the most out of the experience. Even though staying at home to study while your friends are “having fun” seems like a dreadful experience, it is a necessity for students to gain familiarity with such a long and tricky exam.

Collegeboard.com, the official web site of the SAT and ACT, allows students to register for the ‘SAT Question of the Day’. Signing up for this free service is a great way to get a daily dose of SAT study time. It also serves as a reminder to spend some time in review each day. Your SAT test day will sneak up on you, so make the most of every day leading up to it.

Instead of cramming right before of the exam, it is much more beneficial to study in increments in order to allow yourself to get into the rhythm and pattern of studying. Studying for the exam (practicing problems, studying vocabulary) every day also prevents “shock value” (students who are unfamiliar with test material may feel overwhelmed) while allowing you to increase your concentration and stamina throughout the duration of the exam. The simple step of looking at Collegeboard’s SAT question of the day can get you into the groove of practicing for a set period of time prior to your test date while giving you an edge over unprepared, unorganized test takers.

Software is also available to aid in SAT preparation. Practice tests, sample questions and standardized test-taking advice are all organized in a user-friendly format that makes studying less of a chore. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for “old-fashioned” study habits. Math skills can be best improved by working practice problems until they become easy. English and grammar skills can be improved by reviewing the rules and memorizing terms and definitions. Reading comprehension skills are sharpened by reading books and articles and answering relative questions about the content of the text.

Begin SAT preparation weeks or months in advance. By including a little practice in all of these academic areas each day, you will eliminate the dreaded cram session that many students find themselves in during the final days before the test. Cramming for a large test like the SAT is much less helpful than incremental study time over a long period of time, especially with all the unnecessary stress you will encounter on test day.

Finally, get a good night’s sleep the night before the test. Most SAT sessions begin at 7am or 8am on a Saturday. Resist the urge to stay up late the night before. Your mind will thank you on the morning of the test, and you’ll be even happier when the scores come back.

Kweller Prep Presents: SAT in a Day

The SAT is an incredibly important tool for students today. The SAT is an opportunity to position oneself for a rewarding and most times debt free college education. However, those few students who fare well on the SAT only do so because they are prepared. With that in mind, many students will want to take a close look at the SAT in a Day program offered by Kweller Prep. Is this program really worth the cost? For many students, the answer is a definite yes. SAT in a Day breaks down some of the more complicated portions of the SAT and exposes the tips and tricks necessary for achieving a high score. For students requiring instantaneous improvements, the SAT in a Day program is a solid investment.

The Kweller Prep Approach

The SAT is a lengthy standardized test designed to trick students. However, students are offered many tips in the SAT in a Day program to help break down this test and make it more manageable. These tips include timesaving measures, methods of identification, and test-taking tips specific to the SAT. It does not matter where a student begins; SAT in a Day is designed to be helpful to both high achievers and those who are struggling a bit.

How Does It Work?

Students spend a period of eight hours learning the ins and outs of the SAT. They learn about each of the test’s sections, its requirements and its special constraints. They then apply these principles to the actual SAT test. Over the course of a day, students gain expertise and receive feedback on how they can improve. Essentially a one day boot camp, SAT in a Day is designed specifically for students who cannot invest weeks in a drawn out course.

Is The Course Worth The Money?

The worth of SAT in a Day depends upon a student's goals. SAT points are invaluable, as they can lead to both college admissions and extra scholarships. Given the approach and success of this program, students stand to gain a lot from taking Kweller Prep's SAT in a Day.

Why Bother With The SAT And SAT Prep?

Like it or not, the SAT remains one of the most important aspects of a student’s application and can easily make or break one’s chances of admittance into the school of their dreams. Although the remaining components of a student’s application (GPA, extra-curriculars and leadership positions…) are certainly scrutinized and examined, a low SAT score can knock an eligible student out of the running for a spot in admissions.

Think of this process through the mind of an admissions counselor. With thousands of applications pouring in, an easy way to rank or create a first impression regarding whether an applicant is an automatic accept or reject is to organize applicants based on SAT scores. Although supplemental information is an important component of an application, the SAT (SAT scores) remains the fastest and most efficient way to both rank candidates and automatically determine the eligibility of candidates for the freshman class. Many times, students with similar GPA’s and qualifications will be compared using their SAT scores, usually resulting in the placement of one candidate over the other.

Despite constant complaints regarding the need to improve ways to judge students, the SAT still remains the most universal form of comparison between prospective students vying for the same freshman seats. With this said, it is imperative for students to learn the inner structure of the SAT in order the master and unveil the true meaning behind questions and passages. Knowing that the SAT operates to trick testers, students must be able to recognize how the exam operates in order to understand what they need to do in order to succeed.

Kweller Prep’s SAT in a Day program offers students a unique look into the mechanics of this devious exam and at the same time teaches students how to recognize traps many testers tend to fall for. Now more than ever, students must know and be aware of the inner workings of the SAT in order to get the leg up they need to become prime candidates in the eyes of many admissions counselors. Let Kweller Prep help you become a lean, mean, SAT crushing machine- the extra points will make all the difference.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2010 --
Forest Hills, N.Y.

– When is the best time to take the SAT? Should I take the test multiple times? Do all schools – especially the elite universities – participate in the Score Choice program?

These are among the most common questions of college-bound
students who are trying to navigate the confusing and intimidating college application process, according to self-described “lawyer, teacher, tutor, mentor and dreamer” Frances Kweller, J.D.


So it should come as no surprise that Kweller – a cum laude graduate of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education who also earned a J.D. at Hofstra University School of Law (and passed the bar exam on her first try!) – founded her eponymous business, Kweller Prep, to answer those questions and to provide the personalized, hands-on counseling and test preparation that students need to achieve their academic goals.

And the proof is in the test scores. Kweller Prep students report average SAT score increases of more than 470 points, along with study skill improvements that can last a lifetime.

Kweller Prep works with students facing entrance exams such as the New York State Regents exams, the SAT and the LSAT, helps students craft their college and grad school applications and guides them in securing financial aid.

Kweller Prep also helps high school students excel while en route to college, offering tutoring for all High School Regents, Advanced Placement, IB, and Honors courses.

And now, having already helped hundreds of students gain acceptance to some of the most competitive colleges in the country, including those in the Ivy League, Kweller has opened a new facility in Forest Hills to meet the growing demand for her company’s services.


She emphasizes quality in all aspects of her business. “My team is exclusively composed of highly experienced tutors, financial planners, psycho-educational and college counselors who directly assist parents and students with all aspects of the convoluted college application and scholarship search process. They communicate directly with teachers and guidance and college counselors to help bring out the best in your child.”

“We have the best qualified teachers – all of them have tested in the top 1 percent of the subjects they teach. As a result, our tutoring and educational services are highly recommended by Ivy League college counselors, parents, and students.”

“All of our classes are interactive and customized to meet your child’s academic needs,” she continues, “and we utilize the most innovative testing resources available.”


“Most important, the students are our top priority, so my staff and I are available any day, any time. All Kweller Prep instructors make themselves available 24x7 via cell phone, e-mail, text- messaging, and Facebook.”

In sum, says Kweller, “Yes, your child CAN achieve! Kweller Prep can help. Try us out! Call us at 1800-631-1757 Today!”

www.KwellerPrep.com

http://www.free-press-release.com/news-kweller-prep-demystifies-exam-process-for-those-bound-for-college-law-school-grad-school-1274637318.html

I Made It -- Kevin Rudolph

I look up to the sky
And now the World Is Mine
I've known it all my life
I made it, I made it!
I used to dream about, the life I'm living now
I know that theres no doubt.
I made it, I made it!

Known from the city where no one believed in me
But I never give up the fight.
Ya, but now on top.
I told you to let it rock
The moneys fallin from the sky-y-y-y-y
I made it.

[Chorus - Kevin Rudolf]
I look up to the sky
And now the World is mine
I've known it all my life
I made it, I made it!
I used to dream about, the life I'm living now
I know that theres no doubt.
I made it, I made it!


Rooftop, hella choppa burning smoke
Louie bag stay strapped wit a priceless globe
High life, flippin and get some more.
Paradise, the luxury marble floor
When I hit, hit me full of that cash
More money than I seen in a garbage can
Stunna island, money and the power
Thats how we do it, make it rain make it shower
Top floor, big timer doing big things
Over city views bought shawty new range
Flip another 100, poppin throwing hundreds
In a new Bently, uptown stunna1

[Chorus]
I look up to the sky
And now the world is mine
I've known it all my life
I made it, I made it!
I used to dream about, the life im living now
I know that theres no doubt.

Kevin Rudolf I Made It lyrics found on http://www.directlyrics.com.com/kevin-rudolf-i-made-it-lyrics.html
I made it!

[Jay Sean]
Ooo I made it
I made it...
I made It...
I made it...


Courtesy of Kweller Prep: Intense Prep for Intense Kids... Call 1800-631-1757

The power of positive.....

visit www.KwellerPrep.com for more

Private Scholarships Tips:

You Must Start, At Least, One Year In Advance If You Want To Apply For Private Scholarships.

Although private scholarships only make up 1% of all the money that exists for college funding, it still can be worth looking for some of these funding sources.

Private Scholarships are sources of FREE money that never have to be re-paid.
Private foundations and organizations offer them to students based on their ethnic background, religious affiliation, talents, hobbies, skills, interests, athletic abilities, etc.

You can only get these sources of funding if you apply for them, and you can only locate and apply for them if you start looking in your child's JUNIOR year of high school.

Click this link to view some private scholarships:
http://www.kwellerprep.com/documents/Scholarships%20Galore.pdf


article source: www.collegeplanningexperts.com/workshops


______________________
I Made It -- Kevin Rudolph

I look up to the sky
And now the World Is Mine
Ive known it all my life
I made it, I made it!
I used to dream about, the life I'm living now
I know that theres no doubt.
I made it, I made it!

Known from the city where no one believed in me
But I never give up the fight.
Ya, but now on top.
I told you to let it rock
The moneys fallin from the sky-y-y-y-y
I made it.

[Chorus - Kevin Rudolf]
I look up to the sky
And now the World is mine
Ive known it all my life
I made it, I made it!
I used to dream about, the life I'm living now
I know that theres no doubt.
I made it, I made it!


Rooftop, hella choppa burning smoke
Louie bag stay strapped wit a priceless globe
High life, flippin and get some more.
Paradise, the luxury marble floor
When I hit, hit me full of that cash
More money than I seen in a garbage can
Stunna island, money and the power
Thats how we do it, make it rain make it shower
Top floor, big timer doing big things
Over city views bought shawty new range
Flip another 100, poppin throwing hundreds
In a new Bently, uptown stunna1

[Chorus]
I look up to the sky
And now the world is mine
Ive known it all my life
I made it, I made it!
I used to dream about, the life im living now
I know that theres no doubt.

Kevin Rudolf I Made It lyrics found on http://www.directlyrics.com.com/kevin-rudolf-i-made-it-lyrics.html
I made it!

[Jay Sean]
Ooo I made it
I made it...
I made It...
I made it...

College Funding from the State of New York Delete Topic|Reply to Topic

The New York Higher Education Services Corporation is the governing body for administering the state-funded scholarships and grants. The HESC also makes sure federal funds are properly disbursed. The New York college and university system is comprised of State University campuses (SUNY), Long Island University campuses, City University campuses (CUNY), rabbinical colleges, and private and technical colleges.

Students may choose to study in one of Manhattan's institutions and experience one of the world's most outstanding metro areas or they may choose upstate institutions or the diversity of a Long Island campus. Columbia, Fordham, NYU, Skidmore and Excelsior are some of the most familiar and notable college/university names in the country and all are located in New York.

General Scholarships and Grants

New York's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is one of the largest need-based student grant programs in the country. Eligible students must be state residents and enrolled in a state college or university within New York. Full-time students may receive up to $5000. Students attending less than full-time may apply for the Part-Time TAP. Apply by filling out the FAFSA.

The Aid for Part-Time Studies is flexible for non-traditional students. Applicants with child dependents may earn up to $50,000 per year and still qualify through this program. Grants up to $2000 are available per academic year. Students may apply directly through their college or university.

New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence is a merit-based program that offers thousands of academically talented students $1500 incentives to study at in-state colleges and universities, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. Like every other state, New York has a purpose in keeping its talent close to home. Students must score high on state "regents exams" to be considered. GPA and class rank may be factors. Apply through your high school.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships are also designed to reward the academically talented students, but the program makes no stipulation about where a student may study. Byrd Scholars receive $1500 awards from federal funds, renewable for up to four years as well. Every year hundreds of top students in every state are chosen from their graduating high school classes to be among the honored scholars. The program is bundled with notoriety. Recipients are nominated and/or chosen by their school officials based on GPA, class rank, ACT/SAT scores and extracurricular interests.

The New York Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship is funded with proceeds from the New York State Lottery. The program is merit-based and focuses on strengths in leadership and community involvement, thus the name of the program. One graduating senior from each New York State public high school is awarded $1000 per academic year to study at a state college or university, for up to four years.

On September 11, 2001, thousands and thousands of New Yorkers were affected by the World Trade Center attacks. Thousands of innocent people lost their lives and left children and other dependents behind. Thousands more were wounded and disabled. Dependents who lost one or more parents, or whose parents or guardians were disabled and wounded may be eligible for the New York State World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship. Qualified students may receive up to the cost of tuition at a public institution in New York.


The Veterans Tuition Awards offer grants up to $1000 a semester for veterans attending any type of college or university, including technical colleges. These awards may be used for undergraduate or graduate studies. See more military scholarships.


Native Americans who can prove heritage to one of the federally recognized New York tribes - Cayuga Nation, Oneida Nation, Tuscarora Nation, St. Regis Band of Mohawks, Tonawanda Band of Senecas - may qualify for State Aid to Native Americans. Recipients may receive up to $2000 per academic year at a full-time state institution. See more Native American scholarships.

New York State Memorial Scholarships offer tuition waivers for the dependents of those Public Safety personnel who have lost their lives during the course of their duties. Children of New York firefighters, police and law enforcement, paramedics and EMTs may qualify to receive the cost of tuition at a public institution in the state.

New York State Regents Award for Children of Veterans provides significant tuition funding to those dependents of veterans who have been killed in action, are MIA or have been POWs. Also eligible are those dependents of certain veterans who have suffered severe and significant injuries and disabilities during armed conflict. Students interested in applying should make sure their situation complies with all criteria.


Specialized Studies Programs

Teachers and Health professionals benefit from most of the special studies programs. Many states, and New York is no exception, recognize critical shortage areas and have made proactive strides in offering incentives to students who pursue careers in teaching and health care and those who will teach or work in underserved areas.


Graduate level nurses who already have RN and LPN licenses and education may compete for the Senator Patricia McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship. The program is designed to reward professional nurses pursuing Masters degrees in nursing education - one of the critical shortage areas in nursing. Recipients may be eligible to receive up to $20,000 per academic year. See more graduate nursing scholarships.


Medical and dental students, who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or are members of a minority group, may qualify for college tuition through the New York State Regents Health Care Opportunity Scholarship. Following graduation, participants must be willing to practice in a medically underserved facility in New York. See more medical scholarships.


Beginning in 2007, teaching students wishing to teach Math and Science subjects may qualify for the New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program. Not only are teachers in short supply in general, but many states are recognizing that it is in subjects such as math and the sciences where qualified teachers are fewest. Full-time, undergraduate or graduate level students may apply. In return for tuition awards, those recipients must be willing to teach math or science in the New York State public school system. See more teaching scholarships.


New York State Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships provide tuition for qualified disadvantaged and minority students who are pursuing careers in dozens of different professions. There are qualifying professions for every level of study. Recipients must exchange tuition forgiveness for work in their chosen professions in New York State.


The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website has full information along with application forms for the scholarship described in this article.

REGENTS CRASH COURSES

2013 Regents Crash Courses

 

All Crash Courses begin at 10:00 am and end at 3:00 pm

TESTING IS FROM 3:00 TO 6:00 PM
Please bring Lunch and snacks -- you will not leave before 6:00 pm  
 
 

Tuition:  $199 Includes Materials

Space is highly limited.

email us at info@KwellerPrep.com or call 1 (800) 631-1757

 

 

 

You may know the material, but do you know the STRATEGIES  to get a GREAT score?  

 

Please Register Early  

 

 _____________________

 

Subject: English  

 

Test Starts:  9:15 am

 

Exam Date:  Tuesday, June 11, 2013

 

Prep Date:  Saturday June 1, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Living Environment

 

Test Starts: 1:15 PM

 

Exam Date: Tuesday June 11, 2013

 

Prep Date: Saturday June 1, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: U.S. History & Government

 

Test Starts: 9:15 AM

 

Exam Date:  Wednesday June 12, 2013

 

Prep Date: Saturday, June 1, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Integrated Algebra

 

Test Starts: 1:15 PM

 

Exam Date:  Wednesday June 12, 2013

 

Prep Date:  Saturday June 1, 2013

 

 

 

Subject:  Global History & Geography

 

Test Starts: 9:15 AM

 

Exam Date: Thursday June 13, 2013

 

Prep Date: Sunday June 2, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Physics

 

Test Starts: 9:15 AM

 

Exam Date:  Friday June 14, 2013

 

Prep Date: Sunday June 2, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Earth Science

 

Test Starts: 9:15 am

 

Exam Date: Friday June 14, 2013

 

Prep Date: Sunday June 2, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Algebra 2/ Trig

 

Test Starts: 1:15 pm

 

Exam Date: Friday June 14, 2013

 

Prep Date: Sunday June 2, 2013

 

 

 

Subject:  Chemistry

 

Test Starts: 9:15 AM

 

Exam Date: Tuesday June 18, 2013

 

Prep Date: Saturday June 8, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: English  

 

Test Starts:  9:15 am

 

Exam Date:  Tuesday, June 11, 2013

 

Prep Date:  Saturday June 8, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Living Environment

 

Test Starts: 1:15 PM

 

Exam Date: Tuesday June 11, 2013

 

Prep Date: Saturday June 8, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Geometry

 

Test Starts: 9:15 AM

 

Exam Date: Wed June 19, 2013

 

Prep Date: Sunday  June 9, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: U.S. History & Government

 

Test Starts: 9:15 AM

 

Exam Date:  Wednesday June 12, 2013

 

Prep Date: Sunday, June 9, 2013

 

 

 

Subject: Integrated Algebra

 

Test Starts: 1:15 PM

 

Exam Date:  Wednesday June 12, 2013

 

_____________________________________________________________________

DID YOU KNOW that NYS offers you MONEY if you do well on the Regents? Here’s just one example:

 

New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence is a merit-based program that offers thousands of academically talented students $1500 a year/ $6,000 over 4 years incentives to study at in-state colleges and universities, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. Like every other state, New York has a purpose in keeping its talented students close to home. Students must score high on all New York State Regents Exams to considered for the scholarship.

__________________________________________________________________

 

If Interested, please RSVP to REGENTS@KwellerPrep.com with your full name, school, cell-phone number, your test topic, and parent contact information.

 

 

 

Kweller Prep Tutoring & Educational Services

Conveniently located in the Heart of Forest Hills

104-40 Queens Blvd. Suite 1E

Forest Hills, NY 11375

(800) 631 – 1757

* MUST RSVP with all contact info to attend. First come first served.

 

www.KwellerPrep.com

 

 

 

HIGH SCORES BRING MONEY

Scholarships --Entrance Exam Scholarships
A $1500 award to the 8th graders who score in the 99th percentile and a $750 award to the 8th graders who score in the 98th percentile on the Entrance Exam. This exam must be taken at Carmel Catholic on the Archdiocesan testing day (January 9, 2010) and the student must complete the application and registration process.

Parish Offered Scholarships

Several of Carmel Catholic’s “feeder school” parishes award annual partial scholarships to incoming freshmen. The administration of each scholarship is unique. For additional information, please contact the individual parish. These scholarships include:

1. St. Joseph Parish Scholarship

A partial scholarship awarded annually to one male and one female incoming freshman from St. Joseph’s School in Libertyville. The parish selects the students.

2. The Gorman Sullivan, O Carm. Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship given to a registered member of St. Mary of Vernon Parish in Indian Creek. The parish Men’s Club administers the application process for the award and The Carmel Catholic Scholarship Committee selects the recipient.


Minority Scholarships

Carmel Catholic High School’s Scholarship Program offers three scholarships for minority students who have been accepted at Carmel Catholic High School as incoming freshmen. These include:

1. Mary Frances Clark, BVM Scholarship

A $1000 one-time award funded by the Sisters of Charity, BVM in gratitude to their Foundress.

Scholarship Criteria:

•Applicant must take the Entrance Exam at Carmel Catholic on the scheduled date (January 9, 2010).
•Student must enroll at Carmel Catholic on the scheduled registration date (March 11, 2010).
•Student must belong to one of the following minority groups: Native American, Asian, African-American, Hispanic.
•Student must fulfill all fundraising requirements.
•Student must demonstrate financial need.
•All forms must be submitted as scheduled by the application deadline (March 15, 2010).
2. Titus Brandsma Carmelite Scholarship
A $1000 one-time award funded by the Carmelite Order.

Scholarship Criteria:

•Applicant must take the Entrance Exam at Carmel Catholic on the scheduled date (January 9, 2010).
•Student must enroll at Carmel Catholic on the scheduled registration date (March 11, 2010).
•Student must belong to one of the following minority groups: Native American, Asian, African-American, Hispanic.
•Student must fulfill all fundraising requirements.
•Student must demonstrate financial need.
•All forms must be submitted as scheduled by the application deadline (March 15, 2010).
3. Thanksgiving Scholarship
A full tuition scholarship, including books for one incoming freshman African-American student, renewable each year. This scholarship includes books, but does not include graduation fees, class fees, registration fees or athletic fees.

Scholarship Criteria:

•Applicant must take the Entrance Exam at Carmel Catholic on the scheduled date (January 9, 2010).
•Student must enroll at Carmel Catholic on the scheduled registration date (March 11, 2010).
•Student must be African-American.
•Student must fulfill all fundraising requirements.
•Student must demonstrate financial need.
•Student must maintain a “C” average while at Carmel Catholic to renew the scholarship for the following school year.
•All forms must be submitted as scheduled by the application deadline (March 15, 2010).
NOTE: For any of the minority scholarships, the following forms should be submitted by March 15, 2010 and mailed to:

Carmel Catholic High School, Office of the President – One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein, IL 60060

1.Student Application Form
2.Student Recommendation Form
3.Financial Information Form including: 2009 W-2 or a recent payroll stub for all employed family members, 2008 tax forms, and Form 4506 T – Request for Transcript of Tax Return
4.Photograph of applicant
5.Copy of a current report card
Selection is done by committee, based on test scores, recommendations, student interview, and demonstrated financial need. Notification of the award winners will be made prior to March 26, 2010.

SAT SCORES TO BE RELEASED MAY 20th 6:00-8:00 AM

Officially, College Board releases all scores by 8:00 am. Many student scores are posted as early as 6:00 AM, so be prepared. Your full score report will be available online approximately 1 week after May 20th.

DO NOT PANIC if you cannot see your SAT Score on May 20th, 2010. Collegeboard releases most, but not all scores on the first score release day. If this happens to you, then there will be a message in your inbox asking you to check back for your score at a later date (approximately 1-2 weeks later). Remember, the staff of college board is not perfect; just as the collegeboard SAT book makes some mistakes, so do the collegeboard grading and entering staff—even with sophisticated technology.

Please be sure to print out your score report. Always print hard copies of important documents like this.

If you decide to retest, Kweller Prep will take a limited number of students throughout the summer for Intensive SAT prep. Good Luck!

This is only a TEST. It does not define you or your abilities. All it measures is how well you do on the test. Practice, testing discipline, and good strategies make perfect.

Good Luck Testers!

Kweller Prep will help you get in! University of Phoenix

Higher education made highly accessible.
Since 1976, University of Phoenix has helped thousands of working adults reach their educational goals. With online and on-campus degree programs, University of Phoenix is dedicated to building a foundation for your success. You'll receive the academic support you need from a team of personalized advisors who assist you from enrollment to graduation.

Degree programs for today’s world
From associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees to certification and single courses, University of Phoenix offers programs to fit your schedule and interests. In class, you'll learn hands-on implementation of academic theory to help you on the job. Find programs in your area on the right or read more about the University at Phoenix.edu.

Experience the difference.
Accredited university
Attend classes online or on campus
Faculty with real-world experience
Course schedules that fit your life
Small class sizes
Real-world degree programs.
Business
Criminal Justice
Education
Nursing & Health Care
Psychology
Information Technology
And More

Facebook's Latest Role: College Guidance Counselor

The college-admissions process used to be relatively private, but that's all changing thanks to Facebook. After all, it's not hard to figure out who got in where when your classmate joins a group called "New York University Class of 2013" — and Facebook's news feed rubs it in your face.

Sophie Ramayat, an 18-year-old in Silicon Valley, joined the NYU 2013 group as well as groups for three other schools she was accepted into — the University of Richmond, the University of Washington and American University — and has been browsing the discussion boards on them to get a preview of life on the different campuses. "You can kind of tell what the students are like," she says. "I noticed that everyone at the University of Richmond is white." (See how to get off college waiting lists.)

Some of the 1,300 members of the NYU 2013 group — which is exceptionally active, with some 200 newcomers joining each day — use the site to discuss the pros and cons of attending the school. "I got into Johns Hopkins and NYU and I don't know where to go," wrote a girl from Albany, N.Y. "They are so different and will both cost me the same. Someone on here please persuade me ASAP." (See pictures of the evolution of dorm life.)

Officials from at least one college have copped to reading these kinds of deliberations. "Facebook has been a wonderful way for us to hear what students are thinking," says M.J. Knoll-Finn, Emerson College's vice president for enrollment. "Before, we'd only hear from the exceptionally ecstatic or upset student who bothered to write in, but now we can see exactly what the average accepted student is thinking and how they're deciding between schools."

While most Class of 2013 groups are formed by admitted students, Emerson is one of the few schools that runs its own Facebook page. "This is completely new for us," says Mike Petroff, Emerson's Web manager, who started the group in January at the request of an early-decision applicant. Petroff responds to students' questions — When is the open house? How do they set up their e-mail accounts? — and even plans to post video tours of the college for students who can't visit Emerson in person. But for the most part, he sits back and lets the students communicate with one another.

Facebook's admitted-student groups are yet another wild card in the college-admissions game, which is even trickier this year, given that the recession has school officials fretting over the number of students who will ultimately enroll. "I think it's safe to say that this is the most uncertain year in terms of predicting what students will do," says Christoph Guttentag, Duke University's dean of undergraduate admissions. "I honestly don't know how the economy is going to affect things." (See how one school uses financial aid to reel in students.)

Since most colleges give students until May to accept an offer of enrollment, admissions officers won't find out the true repercussions of the economic downturn for several weeks. But if Facebook groups are any indication, the class of 2013 is just as excited to join the world of dorm rooms, frat parties and communal bathrooms as were the many classes that came before them. "Oh man," says Mark Harber, an 18-year-old from Tulsa, Okla., who joined Vanderbilt's 2013 group within hours of receiving his acceptance letter. "I can't wait."

And of course, with Facebook becoming synonymous with full disclosure, students are also using the site to detail where they didn't get in. One group called "REJECTED! Class of 2013" includes a series of posts from a girl in Seattle about finding out she got turned down by Cornell, Brown, MIT and her first choice, the University of Chicago. Even some admitted-student groups are full of kids licking their wounds. Ted Williams was rejected from Yale but accepted at Wesleyan. When he joined the WesAdmits 2013 group, he found a number of other students in the same position. "There was a chain of posts from other people who'd also gotten rejected from Ivies," he says. "It was nice to have a little bit of commiseration."



Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1889298,00.html?loomia_si=t0%3Aa16%3Ag2%3Ar3%3Ac0.155406%3Ab18546951&xid=Loomia#ixzz0nv58A63m

Finding Great Schools in NYC for Free

Article by Frances Kweller and her team of Kweller Prep Tutors.

Due to the economic crunch, it may seem harder than ever to send your children to private schools. I would like to dedicate this mini-article on showing students and parents what they need to do in order to get into one of the excellent Specialized Public High Schools in New York City. My tutoring center, Kweller Prep, located in Forest Hills, will be providing intensive test preparation and tutoring courses all summer long.

Please feel free to contact me at 1800- 631 – 1757 or 1917-499-3913. Visit my
website, www.KwellerPrep.com

Q: What are the specialized high schools in New York City?

A: Stuyvesant HS, Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical School, Queens HS for the Sciences at York College, LaGuardia HS of Music & Art & Performing Art & the rest..

Q: How does my child get in to a Specialized High School?

A: Aside from La Guardia, which requires an audition to get in, all students must take an exam called the SHSAT to gain entry into a specialized school. SHSAT stands for Specialized High School Admissions Test.

Q: What is tested on the SHSAT?

A: English and Math. Specifically: Reading comprehension, logical reasoning, unscrambling paragraphs, algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry. A letter of proof by a Rabbi must be presented as evidence to allow your child to test on a Sunday.

Q: When is the SHSAT test given?

A: For students entering the 8th Grade, the test is given the first weekend in November. For those entering 9th grade, the test is held the around the second weekend in November. For 9th Grade Sabbath observers, the test is held in Brooklyn Technical High School only.

Q: Can I just walk in to take the test?

A: No. You must have an admission ticket, ordered months before, to test. You cannot take the test without a ticket.

Q: How many months in advance should my child prepare for the SHSAT?

A: Depending on your child’s level, I recommend 6 months of preparation. This can be time consuming and costly, but very well worth all the effort. The specialized schools in NYC are among the best in the country, and completely free.

Q. What is the best way to prepare for the test?

A: Kweller Prep. There, students can take multiple proctored practice tests, and work through some of the toughest math and English questions on the SHSAT with an experienced tutor. Yes, you can study on your own, but it is incredibly difficult to do so

Mary Score Break Down & Analysis:

Perhaps an analysis/commentary of another student’s weak points can help you focus on your own… good luck testers!

• Name has been changed to maintain privacy

Mary Score Break Down & Analysis:

Dear Parent:

Please review the information below slowly, and alongside with the score report she brought yesterday. In the future, score reports ($12 additional fee through collegeboard.com) should be ordered the same time that you register for the SAT, so that you get your score report, test booklet, and SAT score together approximately 3 weeks after the test. Schools do not force or even tells kids to do this, but it is extremely important that you always order your real answer key, so you know what your weak points were the day you took the real test. This should be done especially if you plan on retaking the SAT.

SAT test date: March 2010

Goal Score: 2000

Real score: 1880

Retake: May 1, 2010

Real Score: (still waiting for release; Expected, May 20th, 2010)

Mary’s March 2010 SAT TEST ANALYSIS:

Again, review this slowly and alongside your score report:

Mary’s biggest enemy was the vocabulary. Her vocabulary in context mistakes cost her roughly 150-200 points.

In Section 2 (Critical Reading), approximately the first 7 questions are strictly vocabulary in context. In section 2, Mary got 3 vocabulary questions wrong; 4 right. In section 8 (Critical Reading), Mary got 4 vocabulary questions wrong, but only 3 right, Section 5 had 10 vocabulary in context questions; Mary got 3 wrong and 7 right. Mary’s reading comprehension skills are pretty strong. Her reading comp errors were mainly vocabulary in context in the passage (S2 Q 12 & 17). Otherwise, she has a very strong critical reading base. No more intensive prep here needed.

Mary’s weak points in math are the student response questions in section 4. Here, students lose no points for incorrect answers; they only gain 1 raw point for each correct one. Questions 9-18 are student response. Out of 9 questions, Mary got 3 wrong, 5 right. She does not need to work on the pre-student response (multiple choice questions). Here, she got a perfect score: 8 out of 8 right. Mary’s math overall is very strong, except for the free-response. More work is needed here.

Mary’s writing skills need light polishing. She had a very impressive section 10. Out of 14 questions, Mary got 1 wrong, 13 right. Good work here! Statistically, students score much worse in section 10 than do in any other section. This is perhaps from a combination of reasons, but in particular, because it is the very last section of a very rigorous, tightly timed test. What hurt her writing score was the essay (see below). My other student, Helen Grestova (October 2009/ Now my Friday Test Proctor) scored a 750/800 on her writing. She got every single writing question right, but only an 11 out of 12 on her essay. Her writing score went from a potential 800 to a 750-- 50 points lost just due to the essay. Usually students lose 7 to 10 points for each question but losing points on the essay costs more points. (curved).

For Future Testing:

In addition to the vocabulary sheets provided by Kweller Prep, we highly recommend you memorize the vocabulary in the books we provided. Specifically, the Barron’s 2400, the Barron’s Writing & Critical Readying and the large Grueber SAT. Not memorizing as much vocabulary as you can is a terrible judgment mistake. The vocabulary sheets provide an excellent foundation, but a comprehensive vocabulary base can up your overall score by as much as 200 points. Again, the vocabulary-in-context questions make up approximately 1/3 of each critical reading section.

Writing needs very light polishing. What really hurt Mary here was her essay score. For future testing, be sure to use more college level vocabulary in the first few lines of your essay and always stick to your thesis statement. For more information on perfecting your essay, please see the original 12 essays that Kweller Prep has provided for Mary.

I hope this detailed score analysis assists you. Good luck with your results on the upcoming MAY SAT results. If you decide to retake the SAT in October, be sure to order your MAY 2010 score report ASAP.

For subsequent SAT tests, order your score report right away—the same day you register for the SAT -- a small investment, a big return!

Frances Kweller, J.D.
www.KwellerPrep.com
917 499 3913

Keepin my tutees motivated...

If you already have to aim, you might as well aim high!

Young, Rich, and Calling Their Own Shots

Entrepreneurs keep getting younger and younger, while their companies only get bigger. From solar energy to lobster trapping, the members of our annual 30 Under 30 list are shaking up a variety of industries -- and doing it on their own terms. Meet the next big stars of the business world.


While there's no magic formula for success in business, it never hurts to be quick on your feet, able to brush aside fears, and come armed with a fresh perspective. It's no wonder we're seeing more and more young entrepreneurs these days.

Take Aaron Hall, who was just 21 years old when he took over a struggling solar power firm from a family friend. Now 28, Hall sits at the helm of a rising star in the energy industry, poised to hit $60 million in revenue.

Then there's Tina Wells, who was a teenager herself when she started writing product reviews for young people. At 28, she now heads Buzz Marketing Group, which develops marketing research and strategy for SonyBMG, among other corporate giants.

And don't forget Leanna Archer, who was barely 10 years old when she launched a line of all-natural hair-care products. This year, she's set to bring in $150,000. In October, she turns 13.

That kind of early-life success has landed all three a spot on this year's 30 Under 30, Inc.com's annual ranking of the nation's top young entrepreneurs. As always, this year's group reflects the broad interests and skills of a tech-savvy generation connected to the world and its markets like no other in history. They range from a basement start-up offering cheap WiFi access in underserved communities from San Francisco to India, to a multimillion-dollar federal contractor providing IT services for the Pentagon.

In between, we have a pair of lobstermen selling lobster trap timeshares, and a group of college-age guys who will haul anything out of your home for a price.

Whatever your idea, starting a business at any age has its challenges. For young entrepreneurs like these, that can include juggling homework and making payroll. It can also mean convincing your parents, bankers, and other grown-ups to take you seriously. Yet despite the many pitfalls -- least of which is the current economic downturn -- a growing number of tweens, teenagers, and 20-somethings want to be their own boss.

Of 2,400 young people surveyed last year by the Kaufman Foundation, four out of 10 said they wanted to start their own business. And 63 percent told the Kansas City, Mo.-based non-profit group that through hard work, they could do it, too.

Most said running their own businesses would allow them to put their skills to work, build something for the future, and make money. Increasingly, those entrepreneurial instincts are being fostered at school -- and at an early age. According to the National Council on Economic Education, a growing number of states are adding entrepreneurship studies to K-12 curriculums, though the topic is also feeding into math, history, and other standard high school subjects. There are now more than 2,000 colleges and universities offering at least one course in entrepreneurship, compared to just 300 in the mid 1980s, studies show. Over the same period, the number of college departments dedicated to entrepreneurship has doubled to about two dozen and growing.

That's not to say these millennial CEOs are textbook business school grads. In fact, many put their degrees on hold to watch over their ventures. Aaron Levie, 23, and Dylan Smith, 22, both dropped out of college and moved to Palo Alto, Calif., to run Box.net, their online file sharing start-up. Levie describes the high-tech hub as a "haven for college dropouts looking to launch a business." Rahim Fazal, co-founder of Involver, started his first business when he was in high school, and actually told his parents he was dealing drugs -- just so they wouldn't find out about his company and make him focus more on his schoolwork.

Others, like 28-year-old Claire Chambers, transitioned seamlessly from school into the corporate world, only to leave behind an enviable career to do their own thing. "I've always been an entrepreneur at heart," says Chambers, the founder of Journelle, a lingerie company. "As a child, I started a dog-walking business."

So what do their parents think of all this? Where did they get the money? And what industries are they taking over? These are just a few of the questions we put to this year's group of junior overachievers, while catching up with a few of our past honorees. Get to know them -- they're going to be around for awhile, and, who knows, one of them may end up being your boss someday.

As 12-year-old Archer says, "I don't take no for an answer."




http://www.inc.com/30under30/2008/index.html

Thank you SBA!

I've been nominated by NASBDC (National Association for Small Business Development Centers) by he NY site director for the the successful start up of my small business and that I created a almost a dozen jobs in this economy. I didn't think what I was doing was such a big deal for the economy as a whole, and all the jobs I created are for tutors and office assistants, but I guess in this crazy job market I did some good stuff. Thank you SBA! I hope to soon deliver more....

Cost of Raising Kids Rises

"Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that it costs anywhere from $134,370 to $237,520 to raise a child from birth to the age of 17—and that's not counting school or college tuition. No wonder parents are feeling a little blue."-- NOT counting school or tuition.. eek!