Posts by Dave Bergman:

AP Computer Science Principles vs AP Computer Science A

Posted on: 28 Jun 2022

The College Board debuted the AP Computer Science Principles course in 2016 and, by 2019, over 100,000 teens were sitting for the exam each year. In further evidence of the course’s success, female test-takers increased 136% in that timeframe. By 2021, there were 116,000 exam-takers, a 21% increase over two years prior. Meanwhile, the old […]

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Student

Posted on: 25 Jun 2022

Being a new high school teacher is no easy job. As your first year progresses, you learn to master instructional planning and teaching. You navigate the dynamic aspects of the job, like caring for 150 students and getting along with countless colleagues and supervisors. You master Google classroom, grading software, parent communication, and professional development. […]

How to Get Into the University of Wisconsin: Admissions Data & Strategies

Posted on: 22 Jun 2022

Twenty years ago, the University of Wisconsin-Madison was hardly a hot-ticket destination for stellar students from all over the country/world. While always a popular and sound choice for locals, only 17,727 teens applied for a chance to become Badgers back in 2001 and 12,791, or 72%, were ultimately accepted. That year, the 75th percentile standardized […]

How to Calculate GPA on a 4.0 Scale – Conversion Chart

Posted on: 21 Jun 2022

Your grade point average, often abbreviated as GPA is a numerical representation of your academic performance. Along with the rigor of your coursework, your class rank, and standardized test scores (although many schools are test-optional), GPA is one of the most important factors in the college admissions process. This leads many future college applicants to […]

Should I join NSHSS or NHS?

Posted on: 20 Jun 2022

Students and families are generally excited when they receive an offer to join the National Honor Society (NHS) as well as the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). After all, what teen doesn’t like a bit of flattery and positive attention? However, it’s a good idea to pause for a moment and investigate these […]

How Should 9th Graders Prepare for College?

Posted on: 18 Jun 2022

Let’s begin with a caveat: The College Transitions team is philosophically opposed to the unhealthy obsession with elite college admission that begins in the womb, ramps up to overdrive by the time pre-school selection rolls around, and by high school—well, that’s when the therapy bills begin to rack up. See our critically-acclaimed book The Enlightened […]

PSAT to SAT Score Conversion Chart: Predict Your SAT Score

Posted on: 15 Jun 2022

Neither PSAT to SAT score conversion nor PSAT-to-SAT predictions are a precise science. However, since the PSAT and SAT are scored on differing scales, it can be helpful to view an approximate PSAT to SAT conversion chart that will assist you in predicting your SAT score based off of a PSAT results. With the explosion […]

Public vs. Private High School – Which is Better for College Admissions?

Posted on: 15 Jun 2022

Prior to the 1920s, attendance at a top-flight prep school was nothing less than a prerequisite for admission into an Ivy League college.