College Prep Genius Jean Burke

CLT Standardized Test ~~ Lookout SAT/ACT-New Test in Town

The CLT Standardized Test is a new test that is taking on the SAT and ACT Tests. CLT stands for Classic Learning Test. A Harvard graduate wrote the test, standardized – get results right away. They will know the comparison of the other tests. Dave Wagner and Jeremy Tate



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Show Notes: CLT Standardized Test



What is the CLT?



* CLT – Classic Learning Test

* Been around a couple of years

* Jeremy Tate the co-founder of the CLT

* The new standard, deals with the complaints of the SAT and ACT – the values of Western Civilization

* Offered 5 x a year, a modern testing format, the student bring their laptop or tablet, they would get their scores immediately

* Very similar to SAT and ACT

* Overall goal is to have a better test and a better standard. CS Lewis passages or Charles Dickens

* They are accepted in 100 colleges





* What sections are on the test?



* Same as SAT and ACT – similar in how

* Verbal Reasoning 40

* Grammar 40

* Quantitative Reasoning 40

* The most you can get on the 120 and there is a conversion ; the highest score is a 117

* com

* Average ACT is 21 -- Average SAT 1060 -- Average CLT is 65

* Practice tests online

* Student guide as baseline score

* 2 Hours long without an essay

* You can take it unlimited times





* What is the format?



* Based on 120 minutes or 2-hour time limits

* 40 on reading 45 on grammar and 45 on math section

* Students will have their device, the timer goes off, and then you move on to the next section…

* Given about a minute per question and less than a minute

* Gives a predictability of the student’s college readiness

* com

* You can become a format

* Parents can proctor it for you





* What are the differences from the SAT/ACT



* Contemporary literature content is one of the big differences, western thought and tradition

* Based on thought provoking changes

* Analogies on the CLT that use to be on the SAT that are no longer on the test

* No essay





* What colleges accept the CLT?



* Reach out to the college

* Listed on the website

* About 100 colleges take this test

* Liberty, Bryan, etc.





* Does it have a PSAT equivalent contest?



* They have a CLT – 10 offered for a similar contest like the PSAT

* It is free, you can take the CLT and taken at the home, proctored by the parent

* Honor system

* Partnered NAS – National Association Scolars

* 108 or above on CLT – SAT 1480 and a 32 on ACT

* Take it 10th grade in April of 10th grade and gives





* What good news do you have about the CLT and College Prep Genius?



* Partnering with College Prep Genius, and the only program they recommend.

* Jean gets inside information

* Jean is working on a solutions guide

* Retired CLT test so that Jean can create a class for this test

* Very similar strategies SAT and ACT





* What is College Prep Genius doing with CLT?



* Students can purchase their student guide and solution guide to strategize how they can do better

* A module will be created by College Prep Genius

* Being on the ground floor

* com – only recommends Jean Burk,

Did you know that FAFSA Changed? Join Jean Burk and College Prep Genius. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Here is the information you need now.

FAFSA 2024 

The rollout was late, and the problem with rolling out the new FAFSA is that it is three months late; schools have hard deadlines for applications, and this may mess up some of the college deadlines. Check with the college.



Everyone should fill out the FAFSA - even if you think you make too much money. Take advantage of it even if you do not qualify for other aid (Institutional aid). It has to be through this. Billions in scholarship and Federal money (listen for more information.)

 

A. Two Big Snafus :



* Historically, FAFSA opens for applications to be submitted on October 1, and there are college deadlines for various aid. This year, they opened FAFSA in January of 2024. A "soft launch" happened on December 30, yet the system wasn't ready. The deadline had to be December 30 to meet federal guidelines.

* New software only has one formula inflation index, and it is huge. They admitted there was an issue. Many people will not be able to qualify for Pell Grants and other aid. They will qualify for less money. Hopefully, the colleges are aware of it.





B. 13 Changes (Good for some/tricky for others)





*  Every family situation is different. One of the reasons they changed it was because of the confusing terminology. EFC - Estimated Family Contribution. SAI or Student Aid Index: This is more accurate on what the college looks at.

* There are only 36 questions instead of 100

* October 1 date was not met. It was released in January.

* FSS - Fafsa submission summary -- they increased the Pell Grant eligibility... US poverty tables that take into account family size, etc.

* The challenge for some families is if you have more than one student in college, it benefits. The middle class no more discount to having more than one student in college. (Maybe next year it will come back.) Colleges know this and hopefully can make adjustments.

* CSS - College Scholarship Profile. More institutional aid and discounts add back in more of your assets - home equity and retirement.

* They don't distinguish between divorce and legal separation now. It used to default to a custodial parent; now it is AGI - or adjusted gross income.

* G. Good change: Prepare the younger kids. No financial consequences. 529 Plan (College Savings Plan) - invisible financial aid.

* IRS Data retrieval tool, your taxes are pulled from the IRS directly. Consent is required. (Maybe one spouse doesn't want the other one to know what is going on.)

* You can list 20 schools instead of 10 beforehand. That will help you and save time and frustration.

* The rolls-based form - Roles-Based - students will have a section, and parents will have a section, so they are separate logs.

* The family size definition has changed, dependent or independent. It used to be only dependent students could apply, yet rules changed. Now, they then become independent (become married, military, etc.). Now you can change it.

* Provisional independence status - something that prevents them from entering the parent's information. This is helpful. So they can enter their information individually as an "independent."





C. Steps to File (Must do beforehand)



* FAFSA ID - students or parents. The name on your ID has to be the same as your ID; double-check—the name, the birthday, etc., needs to be the legal name, or the system will kick it out.

* StudentAid.gov to start the process.

* FAFSA.ed.gov -- a waiting room.

Let's Talk to Jean Burke about "No More SAT Tests!"

Podcast #18



What's this? No More SAT Tests? Did you hear this right? I ask Jean Burke, the author and founder of College Prep Genius if she believes the SAT is a test of the past. Come listen to what she has to say.



Learn More here:







Show Notes - No More SAT Tests



* Out of approximately 45,000+ colleges a small portion do not require a SAT or ACT test score.

* 95% of Colleges require standardized entrance scores - college board or their own.

* Colleges collect data and scholarships and entrance is based on scores as likely to do well.

* There are exceptions to every rule.

* What is the test optional score

* Fine Print

* Logic

* Is testing discriminating to lower socioeconomic classes?

* Free waivers to take the test are available

* Pick up test booklets with sample tests - look for the patterns



More Shows - 



Transcripts Your Key To Free - Here



Transcripts Your Key To Free - Part Two Here



 



Photo Credit: Copyright 2015 DepositPhoto.com - kikkerdirk

College Grants #68

What are college grants? And is college worth it if you are saddled in debt? You may go to college for only four years and yet have to pay for twenty! College can be for anyone and in this episode, we look at grants as a way to help pay for college tuition. Hold on to your seat and listen as Jean Burk shares her knowledge with you!

College GRANTS

College grants consist of the money you don't have to pay back. Gov. grant FAFSA - mistakes and how to sign up for it.



Some colleges offer endowments - such as the Moody Bible Institute through federal and institutional grants. The education part is paid through grants. Keep in mind a big name or high pricetag school often offers more opportunity. Test scores help but income bracket also helps - Standford by definition says 144K is low income.



For example, law schools are ranked in the top six, top ten, top sixteen. You don't want to rule out a college because of money. Or it appears to be out of your reach, you never know.



Are you a resident of a certain state? You may be surprised at what grants are offered some in the form of entitlements.



Federal Pell Grant - not eligible until you fill out the FAFSA



Federal supplemental (FFEOG)



Academic Competitiveness Grant ACG



National Smart Grant SMG



College Grants -- TEACH Grant

      Cost-Containment Programs

      Tuition Equalization Grant  --Private school in-state tuition. College for all Texans, for example. If you meet the college costs and how much your family can pay. 2.5 GPA -- if tuition cost is more than the private school you can qualify for a tuition grant.

      Reciprocity --





Some states will provide reciprocity for other states. In-state tuition to a governing state. MSEP - Midwest Student Exchange Program. Non, resident (listen to the podcast for more information) go to a neighbor or nearby state can reduce the cost of tuition.

Western undergrad exchange -- Arizona, Alaska ca Idaho, Hawaii - reduces instate tuition.

Look at the New England reciprocity program.



One of the best websites is the Sallie Mae website.



FAFSA - stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Maximize chances for getting the student aids. October 1 is the first day - and do it as early as possible or the money is gone! You must have this filled out first. LISTEN



Federal Pell Grant - FPG - not eligible until you fill out the FAFSA - the most financial money. The undergrad who has not earned a professional degree yet. Start with FAFSA - every year must be filled out. Depends on the school year, student, max. award around 6K - Cost of attendance, whether the child is working in the school or not.



Federal Pell Grant - Iraq or Afganansstan Service Grant - parent died under the military, eligible for additional money under the age of 24 and enrolled in college.



Federal supplemental (FFEOG) federal supplemental opportunity grant -- low-income undergrad students who need a lot of help - 4K per year just depending on your personal situation. Most colleges participate in these grants. No additional funds are available once you get these funds. Check the college website or financial aid dept of your college for more information.



Academic Competitiveness Grant -- ACG  and the National Smart Grant SMG-Two programs that fall under improved math and science instruction. Take on more challenging courses in high school and helps your child become more successful in these areas. High demand in the global economy - technology or engineering. Available to students.

Best of College Prep Genius - Must Know College Checklist with Jean Burke

When you are ready to visit a college do you know what to look for?  Here is the must know college checklist of important information to find the very best college for your child.



Celebrate with us! Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently a guest on Fox and Family with Lisa Brady!



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Podcast #54 Replay

 

Must Know College Checklist Show Notes





* Visit top two schools,

* Ask yourself questions; Am I comfortable walking around? Can I be friends with these people?

* Make a checklist to compare colleges

* Apply to 5-6 schools, safe schools, reach schools, and dream schools



Links we discussed:



* Data Base of Accredited Colleges:

* utexas.edu/world/univ

* clas.usl.edu/CLAS/american-univeristy.html



 



* Remember there is no perfect college





* Check the school website for visit dates

* Contact the admissions counselor for a personal date

* Go on a weekday to get a feel for the campus

* Try to schedule an interview while you are there

* Ask if the school offers reimbursement for travel fees

* Make travel arrangements as soon as you can

* Arrange for an excused absence to take college visits

* Try to talk to the dean or professors

* Sit in on one or more classes

* Take a tour of the campus

* Visit the bookstore student center or library

* Spend the night in a dorm to get a feel for the housing

* Eat in the cafeteria to see if you like it

* Meet with the admissions counselor face-to-face

* Wander around the campus by yourself

* Talk to students at the college and ask about their experience

* Visit around the school to get a feel of the area



Questions to Ask Academic Advisor 





* What is the average class size for a freshman

* How many of those students returned the following year

* What makes this college program special

* How easy is it to switch majors

* How does the school help the student adjust to college life

* Is there Greek life or social groups at this school

* Is the Greek System important to this school

* What organizations is the school partnered with

* What does the tuition cover

* Are there hidden fees

* Work-study jobs

* How safe is the campus

* What does the housing scene look life

* Are freshmen allowed to live off-campus

* Are freshman allowed to have their own car

* Campus parking situation

* Does the school offer campus-wide tutoring

* How big is the average class size



Things to ask the students at the college



* The thing they like most about the college

* The worst thing about this college

* Why did they pick this college

* Would you pick this school again if you had the chance

* If I need help how acceptable are the professors here

* Are the professors down to earth

* What do you like about your department

* Do you like the professors

* Are the professors teaching the classes themselves or is it done by a TA

* How diverse is the student body

* How is the cafeteria

* What do you do for fun here

* How close are the shopping center

FAFSA – 12 Best Kept Secrets Application Tips with Jean Burk

Episode 62

Here are the FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets. Did you know that 80-90% of families make mistakes on the FAFSA that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money? This information is timely before October 1 – so please listen and share this show with your friends with college-bound students.

Visit our sponsor - College Prep Genius, and Jean Burk- author of the award-winning curriculum for SAT prep.







Show Notes: FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets



Did you know that many times students do not complete the FAFSA application completely? You must complete the FAFSA all the way through. It is an application for low-interest student loans and grants. If you don’t complete it, you can lose out on thousands of dollars.



You can do this beforehand to be prepared to fill out the FAFSA application. Pre-work – download the PDF from the website. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov



FAFSA 12 Best Kept Secrets:



* Scams: Be aware of scam copies – A company purchased this website àcom they will charge you for the FAFSA – it is a FREE application. http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov

* ID: Get your FAFSA ID ahead of time. You get a username and a password. If you are considered a dependent student, you need your separate ID. It can take a few weeks to get your ID. There can be a backlog at the last minute. Do not share your ID with others. This information you are putting on your FAFSA is sensitive information. Store it in Lastpass.com (you can get a free account) or a paid account is $20 per year, and it keeps your ID safe.

* Date October 1 in your senior year. Many states will run out of money early. You can put in ten colleges when you are filling out your FAFSA. You use your prior-prior taxes or two years before you apply for the loan. You need to pull that out and bring out the information. If you have had a decrease in income from 2015 to now – that can also be adjusted – an addendum must be filled out with each college.

* Deadlines: To maximize your scholarship opportunities, fill it out by October 1 – Each school and state will set their deadlines. October 1 is the FIRST day you can apply - deadlines are months later, but why wait?

* Which ID? Do not use your ID (parents) when you start your FAFSA – they will give you the option to enter the student information. USE the student ID – it will automatically add your personal information.

* Knowing the lingo on the FAFSA helps – certain questions that you automatically know, but you may make mistakes –



* Legal guardianship – Students will answer yes here. You are not considered a legal guardian of yourself! So the answer is NO.





* NUMBER: The number of family household members – specific definition. Many students put the wrong number down. It has no bearing on who claims the parents in a divorce situation. How many are in your household – that is in your entire family. Siblings. Read instructions carefully.



* The number of family members who are in college and private school. If you are thinking about just your siblings. Don’t forget to include yourself. You are also going to college.





* Common Mistakes:



* If it says You or YOUR – it means the student.

* Put in your full name as it appears on your social security card – no nicknames. It will bring you delays if you are not accurate.

* Double-check your social security number.'





* Income Information: 



* How much income tax – not your AGI (adjusted gross income) – IRS data retrieval tool that will tell you how to fill it out.