ACT vs SAT: Which one to take?

Name: Young Scholars Circle
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24 Apr 2019 Category: ACT & SAT Tags: act, act and sat combo class, act prep, infographic, sat, sat prep

The ACT and SAT are both accepted by colleges, but it is wise to familiarize yourself with similarities and differences between the two. If a student only has time to study for one or the other test, it is important to know which test best caters to strengths and deemphasizes weaknesses. Even if a student is taking both exams, it is important to keep in mind the ways in which they differ.

We put together an infographic comparing the topics, formats, and emphases of the ACT and SAT so that you can make the best decision and excel. Also, be sure to sign up for our FREE Diagnostic Tests on May 5, 2019 and June 9, 2019.

Be sure to check our ACT and SAT Combo Class, SAT Comprehensive and ACT Comprehensive Class this coming summer.

STEM Programs in Northern Virginia

30 Oct 2018 Category: STEM

Science, technology, engineering, and math are extremely important to our everyday lives. Everything from food production to healthcare depends on these subjects. Yet, millions of jobs in STEM fields go unfilled every year. This is why it’s so important to encourage our children to develop an interest in STEM subjects.

Studies show that children that learn STEM skills at an early age are better prepared for school and their future careers. This is true whether they choose a job in the STEM fields or not.

Young Scholars Circle offers a number of STEM programs for students in Northern Virginia. Our courses are designed to enhance student skills while fostering an interest in the STEM subjects.

Creative and Critical Thinking Skills

Creativity and critical thinking skills are crucial to STEM success. Students of today will likely end up in jobs that aren’t even created yet. This is part of the reason why STEM students need to learn to think critically. STEM activities require students to use critical thinking skills and innovation to find solutions to a wide range of problems.

Young Scholars Circle offers courses designed to help students develop and enhance their creative and critical thinking skills. Available creative and critical thinking skills courses include:

Writing Enhancement
This six-week course provides 2^nd to 5^th grade students with an opportunity to improve their creative, critical thinking, and writing skills.
Destination Imagination
The Destination Imagination program teaches students how to work as part of a team, while developing communication and problem-solving skills. This program combines STEM education with the arts and social entrepreneurship. 5^th to 8^th grade students meet three times a month for this fun and inclusive course.
National Math Club
This national program provides 6^th to 8^th grade students with an opportunity to play math games in a non-competitive, social environment. This program helps students develop an interest in math.
Math Video Challenge
During the Math Video Challenge, 6^th to 8^th grade students work in teams of four to create a video explaining a MATHCOUNTS handbook problem. Students combine art, writing, math, and technology in this fun and interactive program.

Junior Solar Sprint

During the Junior Solar Sprint (JSS), students use mathematics, science, and engineering principles to design and build a solar powered model car. Participants work in teams and race their finished vehicle against other students.

The Junior Solar Sprint takes place each year. Awards are given for both the track event and best design.

Advanced Writing Workshop

Writing is strongly linked to problem solving. Introducing writing skills early on puts students in the best possible position for success.

Our Advanced Writing Workshop is designed for middle school and high school students that wish to enhance their writing skills. During this workshop, students work on several different types of writing including persuasive, cause and effect, descriptive, expository, and research reporting.

Northern Virginia STEM Programs

Young Scholars Circle offers test prep, tutoring, and courses designed to help students excel. Please contact us for more information about available STEM programs.

2018 Northern Virginia Junior Solar Sprint Results

29 Oct 2018 Category: STEM

Students from Fairfax County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools and Loudoun County Public Schools competed at the 2018 Northern Virginia Junior Solar Sprint (JSS), a competition to design, build, and race model solar electric cars, held last Sunday October 21, 2018 at Longfellow Middle School.

The goal of JSS is to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for students in grades 5-8. This year, Faaiz Memon, current 11th grade at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJHSST), in cooperation with Young Scholars Circle, TJ STEMbassadors, Technology Student Association and DC Electric Vehicle Association, hosted it. Faaiz also conducted free workshops prior to the competition to interested students who competed.

Each JSS team, consisting of two to three members, is tasked to design and build a model solar electric car no larger than 30 x 60 x 30 centimeters powered by sunlight, and race against other teams. The students applied their knowledge of aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, weight, and drive train to maximize their cars for speed and reliability. The race is a double elimination competition with awards going to the fastest three cars.

“Competing in JSS goes beyond STEM concepts. It teaches students the concept of collaboration, how to work under time pressure and overcome obstacles and challenges. It is amazing how some of these winning teams encountered difficulties at the beginning. Some of them came from the consolation brackets who lost once but emerged victorious at the end,” stated Krishna Belino Cart of Young Scholars Circle.

Each winning team received trophies, medals and gift certificates from Young Scholars Circle: $100 for all the team members who got first place speed winners, $75 for all the second place speed winners, $50 for all the third place speed winners.

ELEMENTARY DIVISION (grades 5-6)

Speed Category

1st place Speed – Mina Marie Gopalakrishnan (5^th grade – Beverly Farms ES) Eagles Car

2nd Place Speed – Nolan Edward Mathias and Brian Cali Kantz (6^th grade – Pine Spring ES) Gucci Gang Car

3rd place Speed – Eymi Alfaro Siguenza and Layla Mackenzie Zelghi Thomas (5^th grade – Pine Spring ES) Solar Pandas Car

MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION (grades 7-8)

Speed Category

1st place Speed – Brandon Kwon, Jun Hee Lee (8^th grade, Rocky Run MS) The Hot Dinos Car

2nd place Speed – Pranav Bhimaraju (8^th grade – Kilmer MS) and Ramya Reddy (8^th grade – Longfellow Middle School) Eco V – Dreamer Car

Special Awards

Most Resourceful– This award was given to a car that creatively incorporates already-used materials in its design and construction.

Middle School Division – Pranav Bhimaraju (8^th grade – Kilmer MS) and Ramya Reddy (8^th grade – Longfellow Middle School) Eco V – Dreamer Car
Elementary School Division – Richard Vasquez and Yasra Hofyani (6^th & 5^th grade, Pine Spring ES), Soccer for Life Car

Aesthetics Merit – This award was given to a car that has extra artistic flair or has outstanding visual appeal.

Middle School Division –
- Ist Place: Brandon Kwon, Jun Hee Lee (8^th grade, Rocky Run MS) The Hot Dinos Car
- 2^nd Place: Pranav Bhimaraju (8^th grade – Kilmer MS) and Ramya Reddy (8^th grade – Longfellow Middle School) Eco V – Dreamer Car
Elementary School Division –
- 1^st Place: Christopher Rojas (5^th grade – Pine Spring ES) The Bobcats Car;
- 2^nd Place: Eymi Alfaro Siguenza and Layla Mackenzie Zelghi Thomas (5^th grade – Pine Spring ES) Solar Pandas Car
- 3^rd Place: Lydia Edmonds and Sydney Grimard (5^th grade – Pine Spring ES), USL Car

Craftmanship –This was awarded to teams that demonstrated excellent design and construction quality, creativity and originality.

Middle School Division –
- 1st Place: Ramya Reddy (8^th grade, Longfellow MS) and Pranav Bhimaraju (8^th grade, Kilmer MS), Eco V Dreamers Car
- 2^nd Place: Brandon Kwon, Jun Hee Lee (8^th grade, Rocky Run MS), The Hot Dinos Car
Elementary School Division –
1^st Place: Archishma Marrapu (6^th grade, Oak Hill ES) Oakies Car
2^nd Place: Eymi Alfaro Siguenza and Layla Mackenzie Zelghi Thomas (5^th grade – Pine Spring ES) Solar Pandas Car
- 3^rd Place: Lydia Edmonds and Sydney Grimard ( 5^th grade – Pine Spring ES), USL Car

The Northern Virginia JSS is a student-led event. Faaiz Memon, Duke Tran (and Rishi Tadepalli (all from TJHSST) served as judges in choosing the winners for the special awards category. JSS teams took the responsibility for the design, construction, and performance of a model solar electric vehicle.

Sue King, the National Coordinator of Technology Student Association (TSA) encouraged everyone to compete again at the regional and national STEM competitions. She stated that students should contact their respective TSA coordinators and gave us a heads up that the national TSA competition will be held in Washington, D.C. next spring.

For more information on upcoming JSS events, please contact Krishna Cart of Young Scholars Circle at krishnacart@youngscholarscircle.com. To view all of the photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.

Infographic: The Young Scholars Circle Difference for TJHSST Admissions

22 Oct 2018 Category: Young Scholars' Approach

Join the 2022 Northern Virginia Junior Solar Sprint!

12 Sep 2018 Category: STEM

Elementary and middle school students interested in having fun, while learning about STEM should consider signing up for the 2022 Northern Virginia Junior Solar Sprint. This event will take place on June 25, 2022, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (TJHSST) in Alexandria, VA.

The Junior Solar Sprint is a hands-on experience. Students work in teams and use math, science, engineering, and technology to design and construct their own solar-powered cars. Finished cars will be raced at the event and awards will be presented for both design and speed.

This year’s event will be hosted by Ramya Reddy & Ram Reddy (TJHSST) and Pranav Bhimaraju (Marshall High School) in cooperation with TJ STEMbassadors, Young Scholars Circle, Technology Student Association (TSA), US Army Outreach Program (USAOP), and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). The three student hosts will be offering FREE Junior Solar Sprint workshops (self-paced and recorded videos) to educate and inspire middle school and elementary students about solar energies.

Design, Build, and Race a Solar Car!

The Junior Solar Sprint provides a unique opportunity for students to enhance their skills and education while learning to work creatively as a team. All students in grades 3 through 8 are invited to participate.

During the event, special tools and materials are used as students work together to create small vehicles powered by a standardized solar cell and motor. Participants learn about renewable energy and how design affects functionality. This event provides insight into the learning process preferred by STEM schools like TJHSST, one of the world’s leading STEM schools.

Free Solar Car Building Workshop

Interested students are strongly encouraged to attend our free Solar Car Building Workshops prior to the event. These workshops provide a chance for students to learn about the proper design of a solar car.

Get a Head Start on the School Year With These Test Prep Classes in Northern VA

31 Aug 2018 Category: Young Scholars' Approach

As the new school year begins, students have a fresh chance to make a good impression. The steps students take now can help ensure a successful future.

Test prep allows students to learn about the format and types of questions asked on important tests. This helps them understand these tests, and work on areas that require improvement.

Young Scholars Circle offers a variety of test prep classes for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Our classes have been proven to improve test scores and increase the likelihood of success after high school. The following are our top test prep classes.

CogAt Test Prep

The CogAt test is used to determine the eligibility of students for gifted programs. In Fairfax County, scores on this important test are one of the factors used to determine eligibility into the Level 4 Advanced Academic Program (AAP).

Our CogAt Comprehensive includes age and skill appropriate lessons focused on verbal reasoning, quantitative problem solving skills, nonverbal aptitude and critical thinking. During this class, students take three full-length tests. This helps them learn the format and types of questions asked.

Our CogAt Score Booster helps build stamina, reduces carelessness and helps students manage their test taking skills. Once the student has learned all the strategies, this score booster will help them boost self-confidence and reduce test anxiety.

TJHSST Test Prep

TJ Comprehensive is a year-round course designed for 6^th & 7^th grade students to help them learn ahead of time all the concepts that they will not learn in the regular classrooms. This serves as an enrichment course as well as it trains them to read and write analytically and think critically in science and math classes.

Our TJ Intensive Classes are three separate classes in reading, math & science designed for 8^th graders, and taught by licensed teachers specializing in their areas of expertise. Students will learn the format and types of questions asked in the TJ admissions test, and the skills needed to boost their science, math, English, and social studies academic grades. These intensive classes significantly improve the likelihood of success.

If your student is already getting at least 80% in two or three subjects, then the TJ Score Booster is a good fit to practice test taking skills, reduce test anxiety and build stamina.

ACT and SAT Combo Classes

We have SAT and ACT Combo Classes to help prepare for both ACT and SAT tests. Target two birds in one stone!

New SAT Compact Class

Our new SAT Compact Class allows high school students to practice for the SAT test well in advance. This class helps boost test scores, improving the likelihood of college acceptance.

ACT Test Prep Classes

Our ACT test prep classes give high school students the opportunity to learn the format and types of questions asked on this important test. This class is perfect for students that have never taken the ACT, and students that wish to improve their score.

Young Scholars Circle provides students with the information they need to improve test scores and increase their chance of future success. Please contact us for more information about our test prep classes.

Understanding The CogAT And Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

6 Jun 2018 Category: COGAT, Young Scholars' Approach Tags: COGAT, test prep courses

The CogAT is a cognitive ability test used to determine a child’s placement in advanced and gifted programs. All second graders in Northern Virginia are required to take the CogAT and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).

In Fairfax County, qualifying scores determine placement in Level 4 Advanced Academic Programs (AAP), and in Loudoun County, qualifying scores determine placement in FUTURA or SPECTRUM.

Advanced and gifted programs are designed to help gifted students excel. These programs offer a broader approach to education and encourage students to think outside the box. This has numerous benefits. Students that participate in gifted and advanced classes tend to do better in school and are more likely to continue their passion for learning past high school.

The CogAT is a multiple-choice test used to measure cognitive ability. It’s important that students do all they can to prepare.

CogAT Prep Courses

Young Scholars Circle offers CogAT prep courses to help students prepare for this important test. Our teachers and mentors help students familiarize themselves with the test format and the types of questions asked on the CogAT. Our test prep can significantly improve the chance of placement in advanced programs.

During our CogAT prep course, students are assessed to determine their current skills. The information collected from this assessment helps our teachers and mentors create a schedule that focuses on each child’s strengths and weaknesses.

Students are given a series of practice tests. Our experienced teachers and mentors walk each child through test answers to help them understand the questions they answered incorrectly. Homework is given and parents are informed of their student’s progress. With regular practice and parent involvement, students can significantly improve their chance of success on the CogAT.

Depending on the location of your child’s school, your child might be given the Custom CogAT. This test includes verbal subsets, quantitative subsets, and nonverbal subsets. Young Scholars Circle addresses all of these areas in our CogAT prep courses. We also offer Creative and Critical Thinking courses taught by licensed AAP teachers. Our prep courses provide students with the tools needed for success.

Please contact us for more information about CogAT prep courses.

SAT & ACT Practice Test Benefits

3 May 2018 Category: ACT & SAT Tags: act, ACT and SAT, ACT practice test, high school, sat, SAT practice test, scholarship, test prep

Most high school students understand the importance of achieving high scores on the SAT. Many competitive colleges use these scores to evaluate students with disparate school records. Today, SAT & ACT scores carry more weight than ever before.

SAT scores can have a major impact on a student’s options for college. Although some colleges do not require SAT scores, this is extremely rare. Most schools require students to submit their SAT or ACT scores with their application.

Aside from colleges, a surprising number of companies are now asking to see SAT scores. Due to the weight these scores carry, many students worry about this important test. This is why it’s so important to be well prepared.

The SAT and ACT are very different from the other tests that high school students are used to taking. Taking practice tests allows students to familiarize themselves with the format and the types of questions asked on the SAT and ACT. This can significantly improve test scores on the day of the test.

Practice Tests Help Students Succeed

One common complaint from students is that they find it difficult to manage their time when taking the SAT and ACT. These students often end up running out of time and rushing through the last few questions. By taking practice tests, students can learn how to properly manage their time when taking the actual test.

Although vocabulary words can vary from test to test, taking practice tests allows students to discover specific words that come up regularly. This helps them narrow down the amount of words that need to be memorized.

SAT & ACT Test Prep Classes

Young Scholars Circle offers Comprehensive Test Prep Courses designed to help students prepare for this important test. We offer a variety of practice tests on both individual subjects as well as full tests that include every subject covered on the SAT and ACT. Our Test Prep Classes have helped numerous students achieve high test scores.

If you are a high school student, or the parent of a high school student, it’s crucial that you begin preparing for the SAT and ACT well in advance. Please visit https://staging-youngscholarscircle-yscstaging.kinsta.cloud/new-courses/sat-comprehensive-class/ for the dates and times of our SAT Test Prep Courses.

Young Scholars Circle Courses Help Students Gain Admission to Prestigious High School

5 Apr 2018 Category: TJ Math, TJ Reading, TJ Science Tags: TJ, TJ prep, TJHSST

Young Scholars Circle, a Virginia-based organization offering test prep and academic tutoring, announced this week that several of their students have been admitted to the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST). TJHSST is ranked #1 Best Public High School in Virginia and Best STEM High School in Virginia by Niche, a trusted provider of public data analysis. The admission results were announced on Friday, March 31^st.

TJHSST had 3,160 total applicants for the 2018-2019 school year. Thirty-eight (38) of these applicants attended TJHSST courses at Young Scholars Circle (YSC). The high school identified 1,180 semifinalists, 30 of which were from the YSC group. This means that 79% of the applicants who took the TJHSST course at YSC were semifinalists for admission. This is astounding when you consider that only 37% of high school’s total applicants were named as semifinalists.

A total of 485 students were admitted to TJHSST, or 41% of the semifinalists and 15% of the total applicants. Twenty-three (23) of the students that attended YSC gained admission to the prestigious high school. This is 77% of the semifinalists from the YSC group, or 61% of the organization’s total applicants.

“The test scores show improvement for all applicants, whether they were admitted or not.” said Krishna Belino Cart, Curriculum Director, Reading Specialist, and Literary Coach at Young Scholars Circle. “Our experienced team of teachers created and compiled the tests, as no one can purchase commercially prepared materials for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. We spent many sleepless nights planning instruction and creating materials. This was the first year that the high school had changed the exam, and we had to make an educated guess as to what might be on the test.”

Young Scholars Circle offers test prep and academic tutoring to students from elementary school through high school. YSC helps students prepare for a variety of tests. Their TJHSST course is available to 6^th, and 7^th graders and is taught by licensed teachers specializing in math, science, and reading. The achievements of YSC’s students on the TJHSST test showcase the organization’s commitment to helping their students excel.

About Young Scholars Circle

Young Scholars Circle provides academic tutoring and test prep for students of all ages. YSC’s team has conducted numerous workshops and presentations both nationally and abroad. They offer a variety courses for elementary, middle school, and high school students. YSC also offers a selection of STEM courses.

New ACT Research

8 Mar 2018 Category: ACT & SAT Tags: act, college admissions exam, high school tutoring, new ACT, test day, test prep

Millions of students take the ACT test every year. This test helps assess college readiness and helps institutions determine eligibility. Many people do not realize that ACT also provides research and solutions designed to help students, educators, and institutions succeed.

ACT research provides valuable information about students and their learning habits. This helps both students and educators develop strategies for success. The newest ACT research focuses on college readiness and college retention. The new research also includes valuable information about an educator’s ability to make data-informed decisions.

ACT College Readiness Benchmarks

The ACT test measures a series of College Readiness Benchmarks. These benchmarks help predict a student’s success during their first-year of college. The benchmarks are based on core subjects taken by first-year college students.

Subjects with benchmarks include English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, STEM, and ELA. Students that meet ACT test benchmarks have a 50% chance of earning a B grade or higher and a 75%-80% chance of earning a C grade or higher on corresponding college courses.

Students that receive a B grade or higher during their first year of college are far more likely to complete a postsecondary degree.

The Effects of Psychosocial Factors on Retention Status

ACT’s new research suggests that psychosocial factors such as academic discipline, commitment to college, social connections, and academic self-confidence can predict a student’s retention status. The information provided by this research can help educators identify students that are more likely to drop out. This allows for early intervention, and increased retention rates.

Obstacles Educators Face When Making Data-Driven Decisions

New research by ACT identifies the most common factors affecting the ability of educators to make data-driven decisions. Although the research suggests that educators have access to large amounts of data, many lack the time, technical support, and skills to properly utilize it.

It’s extremely important that educators focus on improvement. When decisions are based on data, educators can effectively respond to problems, create new teaching methods, and advance skill sets faster.

Preparing for College

ACT provides a wide range of resources and information, specially designed to help students and educators excel, and institutions identify qualifying as well as at-risk students.

The ACT test is a useful tool for determining college readiness. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for this important test. Young Scholars Circle offers a variety of ACT prep courses designed to help students succeed.

Please contact us for more information about the ACT test.

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Nihal scored 99th percentile in NNAT! Thank you so much for

High NNAT score

My daughter got 96th percentile in IAAT! Thank you, and a bi

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Summer is enjoying TJ! I am so grateful for your help in IAA

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Taylor was admitted to TJ! She is so happy. Melanie

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AOS letter came in today! Faraaz got into both AOS and AET.

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Nayana accepted her final admissions offer to TJHSST! And he

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