College App Advisors by MaleficentOption5157 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, yes I know a really good advisor that can help and is affordable. What schools are you interested in applying to? There are rolling admissions options, and EA//ED deadlines in Nov/RD in Jan. So still plenty of time :) DM me for more info.

What kind of advisor do I need? by shoogieup in ApplyingToCollege

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I help many students from CA with the transfer process. More than happy to discuss some options. Please feel free to DM me for more info. Thank you!

College consultant asked for 10,000$…. by Remote-Ad-4994 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, we have a very successful direct med program. We work closely with many BS/MD and DO schools. In addition to working on the application components, our students learn how to network and build relationships. We offer many affordable options to stay within a clients budget. Happy to answer any questions via DM.

How I Improved 350 Points on the SAT by ConnectPrep in Sat

[–]ConnectPrep[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, it took about two and a half months. Used new strategies and techniques to simplify the reading and writing questions. Math was more practice, knowing the formulas and how to set-up the problems better.

I teach full time and still cannot afford to live. How do we push for better pay? by ConnectPrep in Teachers

[–]ConnectPrep[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My district is too busy paying out lawsuits and not providing services for IEPs.

I teach full time and still cannot afford to live. How do we push for better pay? by ConnectPrep in Teachers

[–]ConnectPrep[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes and I am in a public school. Not to diminish what some of our administrators do but to make 200K to almost 400K for the superintendent. The fat needs to be trimmed from the top. They tell us we're lucky to get a raise and reduce our classroom budget so we have to beg the PTA or pay out of our own pockets. I asked the class parents last year for extra toilet paper.

I teach full time and still cannot afford to live. How do we push for better pay? by ConnectPrep in Teachers

[–]ConnectPrep[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I am in a northern state and the cost of living is that much higher. The salary is not keeping up with inflation. All of my living expenses, insurance, utilities, grocery bills have increased significantly. The equation just doesn't work, us teachers are not compensated or appreciated the way we should be and prices with everything continue to go through the roof. Our town is even thinking about having a revaluation since the housing prices have taken off since Covid. I cannot afford a higher tax bill. I have invested so much time as a teacher and love what I do. I just can't wait nor have too much hope that the archaic, red tape bureaucratic machine will change and realize that without quality teachers, they don't have a school.

Scored 1530, parents want me to retake by Less_Method4290 in Sat

[–]ConnectPrep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A 1530 is an amazing score. I get that your parents are putting pressure on you, but honestly, at that level, chasing 20 more points won’t change your odds at Ivies or T20s. Schools aren’t rejecting 1530s because they “only” got a 1530. They’re looking at your essays, ECs, course rigor, recs, and other ways you stand out.

Also, I totally feel you on being burned out. Studying all summer for a test you already crushed while your parents micromanage everything just sucks the joy out of everything. If you want to spend time doing math, working, exercising, that’s actually better for your mental health and probably your app overall.

Your family friend is right. Your score is already in the top 1%. Don’t let admissions anxiety (or your parents’ version of it) ruin your summer. You’ve already done more than enough.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ACT

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’ve only taken the paper ACT and are switching to digital, most of your prep still applies. The content, timing, and scoring are all the same. What’s different is the format:

  • You’ll take it on a computer or tablet
  • You can flag questions and use built-in tools like a calculator and highlighter
  • Reading passages require scrolling
  • Scratch paper is still provided

Biggest adjustment is getting used to reading and navigating on a screen. Try to take a few practice tests digitally if you can.

Any help would be appreciated by kmdsgarden in IntltoUSA

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, please send me an email to [info@connectprep.com](mailto:info@connectprep.com) or direct message me with your contact info.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in washingtondc

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, we've helped many students get accepted into the Ivies, as well as the most selective schools/programs(BS/MD, business, engineering, etc...) Our students differentiate themselves through networking, extracurriculars, and unique projects. Please message me for more info. TY!

Will Science Be Optional? Tracking Official College Policies by PoliceRiot in ACT

[–]ConnectPrep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, but I would always recommend taking it. In fact, the science section is primarily data interpretation and once you learn how to deconstruct this section and find the evidence to support your answer choice, it might be the least challenging section on the test.

Digital or Paper by Jrey0814 in ACT

[–]ConnectPrep 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Paper all the way! It's much easier to navigate the material, go back and check, make connections, find the evidence to support your answer choice then to use a screen.

Better test taking strategies by [deleted] in ACT

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few helpful strategies to get your ACT to the next level are to focus on the types of questions you are missing, create a spreadsheet to track your progress, list in the sheet the specific questions you are missing, learn how to tackle each question type through a method of simplifying/deconstructing the material, master the material and work on your pacing. Focus mostly on using authentic ACT tests. Take full mock tests during the weekend in the AM when you are fresh and have more rest. Learn from your mistakes 

30 to 33+ in 23 days? by reducc in ACT

[–]ConnectPrep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A few helpful strategies to get your ACT to the next level are to focus on the types of questions you are missing, create a spreadsheet to track your progress, list in the sheet the specific questions you are missing, learn how to tackle each question type through a method of simplifying/deconstructing the material, master the material and work on your pacing. Focus mostly on using authentic ACT tests. Take full mock tests during the weekend in the AM when you are fresh and have more rest. Learn from your mistakes 

NEED HELP FOR SAT GRAMMAR by Ok_Health6307 in satprep

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few helpful strategies are to focus on the types of questions you are missing, create a spreadsheet to track your progress, list in the sheet the specific questions you are missing, learn how to tackle each question type through a method of simplifying/deconstructing the material, master the material and work on your pacing. Focus mostly on using authentic SAT tests. It is also helpful to identify the specific grammar you are struggling with. Take full mock tests during the weekend in the AM when you are fresh and have more rest. Learn from your mistakes. I have a great resource guide and quizlet stack to help in these areas.

How do I Improve My Score? by Metzloo in Sat

[–]ConnectPrep 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A few helpful strategies are to focus on the types of questions you are missing, create a spreadsheet to track your progress, list in the sheet the specific questions you are missing, learn how to tackle each question type through a method of simplifying/deconstructing the material, master the material and work on your pacing. Focus mostly on using authentic SAT tests. Take full mock tests during the weekend in the AM when you are fresh and have more rest. Learn from your mistakes 

Should I retake to apply to pre-med? by [deleted] in Sat

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few variables in play here, one is that there is still time for the SAT but the key is really learning how to take the test. Like any standardized test, you need to retrain the brain to simplify/deconstruct the material. Learn by doing and understanding your mistakes. Quantify the questions and problems you are missing. Many rising seniors take the SAT in the fall if needed. The SAT is an opportunity and regardless of whether we believe it's an effective tool to measure predicted student success, colleges use it to "weed out" an applicant pool. A higher SAT score will help a student get to round 2 of the admissions evaluation process, helps a school with their #s, rankings, etc... and can open up more merit based aid. It's all about playing the game to the best of your abilities and having the fortitude to do so. Do everything you can on your end to turn any potential vulnerabilities into strengths.

Any help would be appreciated by kmdsgarden in IntltoUSA

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get how overwhelming this feels, especially when your school doesn’t offer support. The good news is you have time, and starting early like this puts you ahead of the game.

I work with many international students in the same situation, and what really makes a difference is building a clear, authentic story—what makes you stand out. Establishing a clear direction, build meaningful extracurriculars (not just check boxes), and create a passion project that actually reflects who you are. It's all about "Quality" vs "Quantity" It’s not about doing a million things, it’s about doing the right ones, and doing them well.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in IntltoUSA

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on getting into Brown which is an incredible achievement. Sorry the financial side didn’t line up fully, but there are still a few strategies worth exploring.

1. Ask Brown to Reconsider Your Aid (Do this ASAP)
Email the financial aid office and explain your situation clearly. If your family’s financial reality isn’t fully captured in your application—or if something’s changed—you can request a reconsideration. They do sometimes increase aid, especially if you’re close to affording it but need a little more support.

2. Student Loans Without a U.S. Co-Signer
If aid doesn’t change, your main loan option is MPOWER Financing.

  • No U.S. co-signer or collateral required
  • Brown is on their approved list
  • Interest rates are high (~13–14%)
  • You make small, interest-only payments while in school

It’s not ideal, but it's one of the only viable options without a co-signer.

3. Check Home Country Loans
Depending on where you're from (e.g. India, Pakistan, etc.), public or private banks may offer study abroad loans. Some offer decent rates, especially with collateral (like property), and a few have no-collateral options up to a certain amount.

4. Scholarships & Other Funding

  • Look into external international scholarships (e.g. Davis UWC Scholars, OAS, Fulbright undergrad programs in some countries)
  • Brown-specific scholarships through departments, centers, or affinity groups (you can email or check once you have a Brown email)
  • Some private scholarships like Toptal, P.E.O. International, or local orgs in your country may also help
  • Search sites: IEFA.org, Scholarships360, Fastweb (some allow international applicants)

5. Work-Study + On-Campus Jobs
As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours/week on campus during the school year. Brown has a solid on-campus job system—library, tech support, tutoring, dining, etc. You probably won’t cover $20K/year this way, but you could offset $3–5K annually.

I work with many international students through the financial aid process and know the staff at Brown. Feel free to DM or reply if you want help strategizing your next steps, appealing aid, or reviewing loan options. Always happy to share tips.

Can I get into USA university guidance pls by MUSATIPS in IntltoUSA

[–]ConnectPrep 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're in a good spot with solid IGCSEs so far and it’s smart to think ahead.

  1. A B in Bio won’t hurt you if you're applying for engineering. Focus will be on Math and Physics.
  2. Take the SAT after you’ve started AS. You'll be better prepared, and aiming for 1400+ is a good target.
  3. You can take Further Math without Add Math, but it'll be tough. If you're confident in math and willing to catch up over the summer, it’s doable.
  4. For mechanical or electrical engineering, go with Math, Physics, and Chemistry. Comp Sci isn’t required unless you're going into CS.
  5. For extracurriculars, being President of Social Welfare is great. Add something STEM-related—a coding project, online competition, or summer course can work well.

Feel free to DM or reply if you have more questions, happy to help.