Dear customer,

Welcome to the November edition of ICON+’s University Access Newsletter. You are receiving this e-newsletter because you inquired about our test prep and/or admissions consulting services.

Remember to participate in our forums to exchange tips and ideas on how to write that perfect application essay and discuss your recent and upcoming exams! Deadlines are approaching quickly and those essays take time, so don't delay with getting started!

Singapore boasts high quality universities that students seek from all over the world. Why then, do so many students visit our office seeking aid in applying to American colleges and universities?

Worldwide recognition and improved career prospects are the answers that we most commonly hear. It’s true that Harvard, Stanford, MIT are names spoken with a touch of awe, even reverence, throughout the globe. It’s fact that a good US degree opens doors. However, there are many more benefits to studying in one of the 4000 plus institutions of higher education in the US.

For more on US Universities, read on here:

This month, Icon+ set up a personal interview with Barnard College, the top liberal arts women’s college affiliated with Columbia University in New York City. Our correspondent, Shruti Sehgal, a current Barnard undergrad, interviewed with Senior Admissions Officer and Coordinator of International Recruitment, Johanna Fishbein, to get you the scoop on this extraordinary educational opportunity. The interview is of particular importance to Singaporeans and other
Southeast Asians, as it offers a distinct, international perspective to Barnard, and also its partnership with Columbia.

The full interview can be read by following this link.

Students of the SATs often worry about the exams, how best to prepare for them, and often feel isolated with their revision - a ship without a rudder. So, how do you get through it all? One of our experienced SAT teachers, Elena, has been there and done that. Here, she tells the story from her side:

Part 1

“Gosh!!! I’m taking the SAT again!!!”

Whilst still a student myself, I took the SAT for the first time exactly 5 years ago. With the score valid for 5 years (something that is no secret to any of us), it was necessary for me to face that 3 hrs and 45 min ‘torture’ again.

The very necessity of taking the test once again completely transformed my view of the test from the teacher’s perspective. I wanted to prove with my own experience, that all those tricks, strategies and methods we discuss during the course really do work in practice.
 

For more on the SAT exam, click here.

During listening section you will listen to recorded information. While you're listening, you'll see pictures of the speakers or other images on your computer screen. If you don't understand a spoken dialogue on a listening section, do not worry about it and do not get involve in an inner dialogue: What did he say? I didn't understand that word!.

This inner dialogue causes you to concentrate on what is going on your mind and you miss out on what is happening in the dialogue. It is important to train yourself to stay relaxed in this situation. Other useful prep tips here!