TJ Falls to 14th in the Nation Per US News

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

LOLOLOL you gots to put down the pipe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

Yep, you get what you pay for. The PP is just trying to diminish the impact of SES on academic performance, but it's well documented in peer reviewed studies. There is no disputing that wealth and privilege confer a massive advantage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

LOLOLOL you gots to put down the pipe.

Really? What do you think princeton review knows that khan academy does not?

[Anonymous]

No
One
Cares

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

I can believe that.
So how much was princeton review that it was only accessible to the wealthy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No
One
Cares

This is page 63 of this thread.
Clearly some people care.

To a large extent this is about the DEI claim that focusing on DEI does not require a sacrifice in merit.
I think that debate, along with most other debates about DEI, are wrapping up or have largely been resolved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

Yep, you get what you pay for. The PP is just trying to diminish the impact of SES on academic performance, but it's well documented in peer reviewed studies. There is no disputing that wealth and privilege confer a massive advantage.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

I can believe that.
So how much was princeton review that it was only accessible to the wealthy?

DP. My kid just finished a session for $1600. There was also a more expensive option. Pretty pricey for us (UMC).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No
One
Cares

This is page 63 of this thread.
Clearly some people care.

To a large extent this is about the DEI claim that focusing on DEI does not require a sacrifice in merit.
I think that debate, along with most other debates about DEI, are wrapping up or have largely been resolved.

It’s 2024. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that people are passionately anti-diversity.

It’s like we are heading backwards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

Yep, you get what you pay for. The PP is just trying to diminish the impact of SES on academic performance, but it's well documented in peer reviewed studies. There is no disputing that wealth and privilege confer a massive advantage.

Sure, wealth and privilege provides more ability to develop your potential but it is not the only factor.
If it were then we wouldn't see 25% of asians getting a 1400 or higher on their SAt while 6% of whites get 1400 or higher.

And in the end, the test score reflects ability and not wealth.
That is also based on peer reviewed studies.

It will always be harder for poorer kids to develop their academic potential but their SAT score differential is not based on access to princeton review.
The differential is due to a lifetime of less development and enrichment compared to their wealthier peers.

Development and enrichment - such as TJ.

TJ applicants are all just kids. They all deserve a chance to grow and foster their love of STEM. Even if they weren’t lucky enough to be born into a wealthy family.

TJ exists for development and enrichment; it’s not just a prize for lucky kids.

But it was just easier when you could just buy the test and guarantee your kid would get a top notch education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

I can believe that.
So how much was princeton review that it was only accessible to the wealthy?

DP. My kid just finished a session for $1600. There was also a more expensive option. Pretty pricey for us (UMC).

Well that's not nothing. What do you make of the research coming out of Harvard that test scores do not predict academic performance any different for poor kid than wealthy kids? If wealth inflated test scores you would expect a wealthy kids to under perform or kids that have the same SAT score?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

Yep, you get what you pay for. The PP is just trying to diminish the impact of SES on academic performance, but it's well documented in peer reviewed studies. There is no disputing that wealth and privilege confer a massive advantage.

Sure, wealth and privilege provides more ability to develop your potential but it is not the only factor.
If it were then we wouldn't see 25% of asians getting a 1400 or higher on their SAt while 6% of whites get 1400 or higher.

And in the end, the test score reflects ability and not wealth.
That is also based on peer reviewed studies.

It will always be harder for poorer kids to develop their academic potential but their SAT score differential is not based on access to princeton review.
The differential is due to a lifetime of less development and enrichment compared to their wealthier peers.

Development and enrichment - such as TJ.

TJ applicants are all just kids. They all deserve a chance to grow and foster their love of STEM. Even if they weren’t lucky enough to be born into a wealthy family.

Not if they aren't prepared for it. You can't ignore kids for their entire life and then just plop them in the most competitive academic environment in Virginia and think you've done them some sort of favor.

TJ exists for development and enrichment; it’s not just a prize for lucky kids.

Wait, do you think Asians were getting in because they were lucky? You think the kids were getting their test scores because they were lucky?

Not the PP but kids born into a family that can dump thousands of $$$$ into expensive prep were lucky.

$1600 isn't nothing but it is not prohibitive. If you qualify for fee assistance that price can go down to $640.
And once again, there is very little that Kaplan knows that Khan academy does not.
It requires more motivation to do khan academy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sophomore admissions used to require PSAT or SAT. There are free, widely available prep materials for these tests at Khan Academy which any student can access. PSAT/SAT are the way that talented, economically disadvantaged students can distinguish themselves, which is why colleges are going back to requiring them. TJ should also go back to requiring PSAT/SAT for sophomore applications, just as they currently do for junior applications.

Sadly the free stuff just doesn't compare to the more expensive classes offered by many places like Princeton Review.

Many students have good results from just using Khan and review books from Amazon.

It helped mine too but later when they went to Princeton review their score went up over 200 points. My conclusion is that free stuff just isn't anywhere near as good, and you get what you pay for...

It really depends on the student.
The primary difference between Khan Academy and Princeton Review is motivation.
At princeton review, you sit inn a class and are spoon fed the material.
With Khan academy, you have to be more self motivated.

We have seen (at least at highly selective institutions) that test scores do not reflect wealth. They reflect academic ability.
See Opportunity Inisights research on the SATs

But academic ability is so greatly enhanced by wealth. I mean places like Princeton review guarantee 200+ point improvement.

First of all test scores do not seem to be artificially inflated for wealthier kids.
See Opportunity Insights research on sat scores and income.

I used to work for princeton review and kaplan as an instructor then a tutor and I promise you, there is little that princeton review and kaplan knows that khan academy does not know.
This was decades ago but I think kaplan asked me for my tests scores and had some cutoffs and I think I took a test. They had me explain something in front of other kids but they seemed much more focused on my past test scores. I think they look for instructors that are smarter than the students.
I think Princeton review kind of just asked me to talk in front of a classroom full of other kids trying out for a job. I think they just picked the most attractive kids that could speak well in front of an audience. It was more like an audition than an interview. I think they look for instructors that will engage and keep the attention of high school, juniors.

As for their guarantees, the Princeton review's 150 point guarantee (and kaplan's guarantee and pretty much everyone's guarantee) is based off of either an official test that you have already taken or their diagnostic test and the higher your diagnostic test score, the smaller the guaranteed improvement.
Their diagnostic test is harder than the actual test so if you haven't taken the SAT yet, it is going to based off this diagnostic which yields a test score that is artificially deflated.
Also they don't refund the value of the books and material and guess how much of your fee is books and materials?

If your kids is not very motivated, then these places will help with that (the guarantees are only good if your student does all the work).
But I promise you, there is little that these places know that khan academy does not.

All I know is my kid only scored 1320 but after the Kaplan course went up to 1540. It was worth every penny.

Yep, you get what you pay for. The PP is just trying to diminish the impact of SES on academic performance, but it's well documented in peer reviewed studies. There is no disputing that wealth and privilege confer a massive advantage.

Sure, wealth and privilege provides more ability to develop your potential but it is not the only factor.
If it were then we wouldn't see 25% of asians getting a 1400 or higher on their SAt while 6% of whites get 1400 or higher.

And in the end, the test score reflects ability and not wealth.
That is also based on peer reviewed studies.

It will always be harder for poorer kids to develop their academic potential but their SAT score differential is not based on access to princeton review.
The differential is due to a lifetime of less development and enrichment compared to their wealthier peers.

Development and enrichment - such as TJ.

TJ applicants are all just kids. They all deserve a chance to grow and foster their love of STEM. Even if they weren’t lucky enough to be born into a wealthy family.

TJ exists for development and enrichment; it’s not just a prize for lucky kids.

But it was just easier when you could just buy the test and guarantee your kid would get a top notch education.

In case you're wondering, this guy is taking about Indian kids. He is implying that there are a lot of Indian kids at TJ because Indians cheat. That's who is carrying the flag for your side of the argument most of the time.

DP. I don't think that the insinuation is that "Indians cheat"... it's that a greater percentage of Indian parents are motivated enough to take any path that is necessary to attain educational prestige. For me, the problematic part of that with respect to TJ is that oftentimes that happens at the expense of opportunities for other important activities like sports, the arts, and unstructured play that are important for developing children in their most formative years.

It's too often presented as a false choice by these families and those who apologize for them that in order to get into TJ, you as a family have to make sacrifices and choose not to do some of those other things. A TJ admissions process that is set up to make that statement true would do (and did for many years) significant harm to children whose parents felt that they needed to streamline their kids' childhoods to optimize their chances for admission. And thousands of them failed to be admitted anyway.