Dear customer,

Welcome to the September 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.

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Good luck with your standardized exams and your first essay drafts!

1. Our BRAND NEW Raffles Campus at Stamford Court is now open!

Visit us at:
61 Stamford Road
Stamford Court #01-01

2. Our Orchard Campus has completed extensive renovations. We hope you enjoy our new look!

Visit us at:
1 Scotts Road
Shaw Centre #21-06

3. Win a $25 book voucher by submitting an answer for our Question of the Month.

Politics have little say when it comes to the Liberal Arts.

Still, many Singaporeans remain diplomatic. Warm hugs for getting into the ivies, thumbs up for the research institutions, and when the small, artsy colleges come into play – polite, but hardly-there nods.

And herein lies the problem: while the brand name schools (Harvard & Co) give you the prestigious degrees and make your grandparents very proud, liberal arts colleges have a more holistic approach to learning. In doing so, they provide high quality education that often exceeds the standards of other, more well known universities.

Unlike research and technical institutions, liberal arts schools prioritize general knowledge and capacity for intellectual thought. In this sense, they encourage students to pursue subjects beyond their intended courses of study.

Click here to read full article.

As with most college admissions related questions, the answer is, "It depends." Frustrated? Let us explain.

First consider that the maximum score you can possibly attain on the SAT is 2400. Next, consider that the national (US) average is about 1500.

If your score is about average, then you will have access to many colleges and universities out of the 4000+ available in the US. Of course, if you slacked in school or took part in no extracurricular or work activities, then you’ll have fewer choices.

Got your heart set on MIT? The average SAT scores for highly selective institutions can be above 2000.

Click here to read full article.

School Type:
Private, Co-ed, Rural, Liberal Arts College

Location:
Amherst, Massachusetts (East Coast of USA)

Size and Student Body:
• 1,700 Undergraduate
• 90% Out of State
• 8% International

Admissions:
• Fall 2010 Application Deadline: January 1, 2010
• Applicants Admitted: 15%
• 85% in top 10% of graduating class
• SAT I Range for Middle 50% of First Year Students:
SAT Critical Reading 670-770
SAT Math 660-760
SAT Writing 670-760

Cost:
• In-State/Out-of-State Tuition & Fees US$38,928
• Room, board, and other expenses US$12,900
• Total US$51,828

Highlights:
Amherst provides a highly rigorous academic environment in which professors are focused on teaching rather than on research. Some describe the student body as preppy, athletic, and politically and environmentally conscious. There is an undeniable sense of community at Amherst, and students express appreciation for the luxurious dormitories.

Go to Amherst's website.

Source: http://www.collegeboard.com/

During the 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. 

To read more useful tips click here.