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How to Get In-State Tuition

To most of us, the concept of in-state tuition is a straightforward proposition. Government subsidized public institutions offer a lower tuition price to residents of their state. Families can elect to take advantage of the in-state tuition or pay a sizable premium for an out-of-state public school. Pretty cut...

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AP Computer Science Principles vs AP Computer Science A

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...

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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Student

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...

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How to Calculate GPA on a 4.0 Scale – Conversion Chart

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...

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How to Get Into West Point: Admissions Data & Strategies

During the Revolutionary War, George Washington identified a plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 50 miles north of New York City, as the single most important strategic position in all of nascent America. Despite the best treasonous efforts of Benedict Arnold to hand over the...

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Should I join NSHSS or NHS?

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...

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How Should 9th Graders Prepare for College?

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....

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