Wednesday, December 22, 2010

"Studying? Networking? What do I do?"

Honestly, there’s no easy way out that allows choosing one or the other. Sorry to break it to you, but both studying and socializing with the right people are necessary to have a successful career.


With the popularity of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, etc. it has become sort of known that even college dropouts can make it big in the world. Well, I’d like to ask you, how many Bill Gates do you know? I can almost guarantee that they can be counted on one hand. In fact, in today’s world, it is statistically proven that college graduates on average earn double what those with only a high school diploma can earn. Yes, that’s right, double. I know how badly you wanted to sit at home and invent the next Facebook but it seems that going to college may be the right option.


However, this isn’t to say that spending high school sitting in front of the books is sufficient. There’s more out there. Find out what it is. Getting to meet adults with fascinating careers, developing relationships with businessmen and doctors, or networking with anyone whose career may be in the slightest bit interesting could be beneficial. Not only can this be a great source of knowledge, but these are the people that can get to know you and write that marvelous letter of recommendation that can put you over the top to get into that dream university. Staying connected and doing things outside of your comfort zone are what make the difference between that 4.0 GPA student and the 4.0 GPA student that actually has the ability to make use of that knowledge.


While networking may seem like the easier choice to focus on, doing well academically is also not out of reach with a little hard work. The little detail that no one mentions is that by focusing on both, you will get the furthest in life. However, socializing with the right people is a much easier task once you get past high school and people start looking at you like an adult. While there are no classes and no instructors that can teach you how to “network”, Victory Step makes the academic portion much easier! Our personalized classes and unique plans make standardized testing a piece of cake. OK well, that’s an exaggeration but we get as close to cake as you’ll ever get with the SAT.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Message from the founder

Dear Students,

Your last SAT or ACT prep book may have been thicker than a regular phone book. That SAT/ACT prep class at your school is possibly being taught by someone who is completely boring and out of touch. Your friend's overpriced SAT/ACT tutor probably assigns him/her 300 practice problems each week.


Would you like to add hundreds of points to your SAT score in a few weeks, without doing thousands of practice problems? Would you like to make sure you get the SAT score you deserve, without risking thousands of dollars on a mundane SAT prep course? If you can add, subtract, multiply, or divide, if you have basic and general vocabulary, if you could use your "grammar ear" to answer basic grammar questions, then you already have the potential to quickly and easily boost your SAT score to levels you never dreamed possible.


I can confidently assure you that this whole process is much easier than you think. If you are anxious and nervous about getting a great SAT/ACT score, but are not willing to spend thousands of dollars or countless hours over mind numbingly boring questions, I have great news for you!


Victory Step was founded on the idea that there needs to be different, but better ways of doing things. There has to be a middle ground between expensive, boring test prep companies and self study. Victory Step's methods, strategy and program pricing are re-defining the test preparation industry in and around Dallas, TX. After spending years working with students in one-on-one and classroom settings, we've learned what works and what does not. If you are aware of the right SAT/ACT tricks and strategies, your score can skyrocket quickly and easily. We have also learned that each student is different, with unique personalities, needs, and strengths. Victory Step's instructors and tutors have been thoroughly trained to instill confidence and motivation into each one of you. We build upon your unique strengths and help you deal with weaker areas. Most importantly, we help you identify yourself. We want to take you through the path to high scores while you actually enjoy the journey. Our classes are fun-filed, lively and highly interactive, and we stimulate you into tackling standardized test problems with ease. We have innovative study material, advanced methods and informative progress tracking. We back our services with score guarantees and satisfaction promise. No wonder Victory Step is one of the fastest growing and best-rated test prep companies in town.


Victory Step is also on a social mission to assist each student in need, regardless of his or her financial background. I believe that you deserve the opportunity to go to college, and also the necessary tools to get there. Victory Step offers merit-based and need-based scholarships for all of our programs to anyone that meet our requirements. Victory Step also offers flexible payment plans to further assist you.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I invite you to explore what we have to offer and see if it fits your needs. I am confident that we can meet and even exceed your expectations, if given the chance. Call us with any questions you have, or if you need any clarification. Avail our special holiday rates on private tutoring and classroom training. Compare us with other offerings available in the area and read our reviews on Yahoo, Google and more, to learn about what I call the Victory Step Advantage. You can even schedule a free, no obligation consultation with one of our talented instructors. At Victory Step, we are committed to going above and beyond for one purpose- to get you into the college of your dreams.

For more information, please click here.


Sincerely,


CEO & President
Victory Step LLC
Ph: 2144179406
Web: http://www.victorysteponline.com

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Victory Step Holiday Special | Classroom Program $299!

Victory Step is offering classroom instruction for the SAT and the ACT in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metropolitan Area! Classroom classes are held with your friends at a convenient office location in Dallas. Our classroom instructors are fun, energetic, and highly trained.

  • Rates as much as 70% lower than others in the industry
  • 6 SAT Prep classroom sessions - 18 hours total
  • 4+ SAT practice tests to build endurance and confidence
  • Need-based scholarships provided to those in need
  • Satisfaction Guarantee to repeat the SAT class all over again

Next SAT Test Date is on January 22, 2010. Victory Step's next round of classes are starting on Dec. 14th. Classes are held once a week for 6 weeks at our convenient office location: 15950 N. Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, TX.

Please click here for more details!

Monday, November 22, 2010

The day of the exam!


After weeks of preparation and months of stress, it all comes down to one Saturday morning. Just those few hours. It can be so easy to let the nervousness get rid of all the preparation and fill the mind with anxiety. For that reason, it is important to take the few days before the SAT exam slow and to keep the mind healthy and relaxed.


There is nothing more tempting than to try and soak up as much vocabulary and as many strategies as possible the night before the test. It makes me feel like I've accomplished something. Instead, this only helps to stress out the mind, making it difficult to recall information that was once safely stored away in the brain. Rather than stressing out the night before the SAT, it can be more beneficial to take a nice bath, watch a funny movie, and go to bed at a decent hour. I can say from unfortunate experience, there is no need to go to bed at an oddly early hour because then you’ll just end up laying in bed, and stress yourself out needlessly.
The SAT exam can be an enormous event. So much planning goes into it. So much thought, so much effort. Then, it can be over before you even realize it. The satisfaction that can come from a good SAT score is unbelievable. Every hour spent planning, every practice test taken, every vocabulary term memorized...it all seems to be worth it. Therefore, it is crucial not to let a little anxiety take this away.
The stress of the SAT exam for some can make it difficult to even take a bite of breakfast. Trust me, you will need all the energy you can get. A healthy breakfast keeps the mind working at a good pace and allows you to make it through all the sections with ease. Also, the SAT is almost like a workout for the brain, so it can be helpful to bring a snack for one of the breaks. Go easy on the water before and during the exam though, for obvious reasons.
Most importantly, you must bring along a little bit of confidence. It is the secret ingredient that takes the score up a considerable amount. Confidence is an important strategy that could really make the difference.

The SAT Day Checklist

1. Plenty of #2 pencils and erasers

2. Appropriate calculator with extra batteries

3. Photo ID/Admission ticket

4. Directions to testing site

5. Water bottle/snacks

6. A jacket (wear layers depending on the temperature of the room)

7. A watch

8. CONFIDENCE!


Victory Step realizes how stressful and dreadful taking a 4 hour long exam can be, and this is why we provide SAT and ACT Prep classes to help you relieve the stress. Visit our website today!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Teacher Recommendations for College Applications!


“Can I have your recommendation for my college application?” Okay, it may not be THE question, but it is a pretty important one in regards to college and the long process of applying to a college. While some state universities do not require them, many private and prestigious state universities require prospective students to obtain 2-3 letters of recommendation adults they have known inside or outside the classroom for some time.

Most students find this to be a slight problem. Math teacher? I always sit in the back. Gym teacher? Doesn’t know I exist. Counselor? Has 100 other students to deal with. In order to avoid this common, but unfortunate dilemma it is important to start early and to start strong. This isn’t an advise to start a friendship with all 7 or 8 teachers. This is to say that it is important to get to know one or two teachers and assure that those teachers do the same thing in return. While the recommendations do not have to be from an academic teacher, most universities ask for at least one academic recommendation. This means that other than the one, the other recommendations can be from youth leaders at church, coaches, art teachers, etc. However, all letters of recommendation should have at least a slight indication towards the perspective student’s academic potential. Hence, the letters that hold the weight are the ones from teachers.

If the student makes the effort to be polite, to spend a little time in the classroom outside of class, and to show diligence while in class, all teachers feel honored to help their students have a better shot of getting into college. While a teacher is unlikely to write a truly bad recommendation, colleges can tell the difference between a generic letter of recommendation and a personal, more detailed letter.


So, how do you get a better letter than John who sits across form you? Or, how do you make sure the letter isn’t the same as Lisa’s (generic)? It’s simple, really.

  • Do not ask a teacher that barely knows you. Generic, generic, generic.
  • Plan ahead. Give the teacher at least a month’s notice before he or she has to submit the letter. The less time, the more cranky the teacher will be while writing it.
  • Do not ask when the teacher is busy, or distracted. Take the time to go in outside of class and ask politely. The teacher is doing you a favor, don’t act like you’re doing him or her a favor.
  • Sometimes, it is helpful to provide the teacher with a brief resume. Other times, teachers have forms already made that ask you to list talents, important moments, etc. in order to help them write the letter.
  • Provide envelopes and stamps. If he or she is doing this much to help you pursue your education, they should not have to buy stamps for you too.
  • Follow up. After about a week’s time, politely remind the teacher about the due date. After the work is done, write thank-you notes to all teachers who you asked to write a letter.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Victory Step's centralized and convenient office location!


Victory Step is proud to announce a new, centralized, and convenient office location in the Dallas Metro Area. Just off the North Dallas Tollway, this new location, which includes private tutoring offices, classrooms and convenient facilities like parking, wi-fi and refreshments, is 10-25 minutes from all major locations. We have strived to create an environment that optimizes learning and comfort for our students.

Our new address is 15950 N. Dallas Pkwy, Suite 481., Dallas, TX 75248.

Victory Step is offering college counseling, private tutoring (one-on-one and small group), and classroom programs at this location, at the lowest prices in Dallas-Ft. Worth metropolitan area!

Our next round of SAT/ACT classes are starting in November. Call us today at 214 417 9406 to take advantage of our $299 classroom program offer and new state-of-the-art teaching facilities!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Employment Opportunities with Victory Step!


Victory Step offers the most comprehensive test preparation in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metropolitan Area. We are an organization that prides itself for instilling knowledge, confidence and endurance in each student we benefit. Join us, and take the next Victory Step of your career. Victory Step is currently accepting resumes to expand our pool of test preparation instructors.

Teaching test preparation is a fun and rewarding experience. As a Victory Step instructor, you will have the opportunity to help bright, high-achieving students achieve their dreams of entering first-choice universities and programs.

Please visit http://www.victorysteponline.com/employment.html for more details!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Riding recessions with a college degree


The safest way to ensure economic stability is to earn a college degree. That's what we have been hearing since a very young age. Data released by the Department of Labor solidifies this point. I also came across a very interesting article in the Wall Street Journal detailing the trends and data.

It's not only that the college educated earn more over their lives, a staggering $1 million more on average, as compared with folks who do not hold college degrees, but that they are far more likely to keep their jobs.


The gap widens even further in times of recession. Not only in terms of amount of income, but also in the unemployment rate. The unemployment rate for workers 25-and-older with a bachelor's degree or higher was 4.6% in August 2010, for example, compared with 10.3% for those with just a high-school diploma. That's a huge 5.7-percentage-point gap. This is more than twice the gap that was seen during pre-recession times in 2007.


Laid-off college graduates are also finding work faster. Their median duration of unemployment was 18.4 weeks as of August, compared with 27.5 weeks for high-school grads. Three years ago, that figure was roughly the same for both groups—9.5 weeks and 9.6, respectively. And among the worst-off 25-and-older workers, the 5.2 million who have been out of work six months or more, only 19% are those who graduated from college, even though that group makes up a third of the work force.

All these statistics drive home the fact that ultimately, the safest way to survive and sail through a recessionary era is to invest time, money and heart towards a solid college education. It not only will ensure a stable job, but also help in case you end up having the misfortune of losing one.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Early Action vs Decision


Deciding Early



When applying to college, there are several options in regards to turning in the application. First of all, the majority of applications are now turned in online. Come on people, this is the 21st century. Secondly, and more importantly, students often wonder when is the best time to turn in an application.

Well, I've said it before, and I’ll say it again, the early bird really does get the worm. Most colleges now have options for Early Decision or Early Action. These methods allow the applicant to turn in the application in November and receive the decision earlier than the regular notices that arrive in late spring. Yes, it is true that applying early can give the prospective student a better chance of getting into the school, but the student must be sure of his or her decision before choosing one of these options.

Applying Early Action has absolutely no harm to it whatsoever. The student applies in November, hears back from the school earlier, has a better chance of getting in, and is not bound to attend the university in case he or she changes his or her mind. Sounds perfect, right? Well it sort of is. If possible to get the application completed early, there is no reason not to turn it in Early Action. However, not all and not many schools have this option available. Rather, they either accept regular applications or applications for Early Decision.

Early Decision. Sounds scary. How scary? Well, it depends on how much the student wants to attend the university. Okay, I’m kidding, it’s not scary, but very decisive. Applying Early Decision is for those students who have had a dream to attend a particular university ever since they can remember. Or those students who think their only chance of getting in is through Early Decision. Both of these options aren't intimidating, but the important thing is that this method is binding. This means that the student and the parents must be sure that they can afford the tuition before applying as there is no turning back. If an applicant is uncertain about attending the university, doesn't know if the family will be able to afford it, or has other options in mind, DO NOT APPLY EARLY DECISION.

Of course it isn't easy to get in applications early enough to qualify for one of the above methods as the student must take the SAT and/or ACT earlier, complete essays in a shorter time and get more work done, in less time. But no fear, regular admission is here!

Victory Step is an educational test prep company based in Dallas-Ft. Worth. We are here to help you with the college process; SAT prep, ACT Prep, PSAT Prep, College Consulting, etc. Give us a call today at 214 417 9406 or visit us online at http://www.victorysteponline.com

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Why is college so important?

As young children never wanting to let go of our parents’ fingers, we all dreamed big. Our parents’ love and encouragement made us believe that we could be the President. The Movie Star. The richest person on earth. As we grow older, these dreams are often shattered by the reality of probability and the awareness of opportunities. No matter what our future goals, we are told one thing. “You must go to college to be successful”.

This seems like the most difficult statement to understand as we are comfortable teenagers protected by the doors of our homes and the walls of the familiar high schools. Why do I have to leave? Why do I have to start over? Going to school with the same friends for years, and having parents or guardians to guide us seems like too good of a deal to leave behind. We all think that we have excellent maturity and can handle anything that life throws our way. However, it is sometimes important to wonder, have we really experienced everything that life has to offer?

That’s where college comes in and offers us something vitally important-experience. Experience makes us wiser. Experience makes us stronger, and more willing to persevere. Taking the sometimes impossibly difficult classes, meeting people from all over the world, and travelling to the most remote places, each day of the 4 years of college brings something new, something we have never experienced before. The long exam week, the diverse student body, the community activities done through various clubs, team work established between peers, knowledge gained through experiments, relationships and networks created - all of this and more changes us into strong, skilled citizens. We are then truly equipped to handle all of the world’s problems.
President Obama attended Occidental College, got is BA from Columbia University, and studied Law at Harvard. Julia Roberts attended Georgia State University. Finally, Bill Gates attended Harvard. Suddenly, the dreams of being the future president, a movie start, and the richest man in the world don’t seem so impossible. While it is true that we grow the most in the first few months after we are born, college is the time for one to grow the most as a person. Without this growth, the remote dreams of our childhoods seem to remain distant.

As high school seniors it is difficult to understand why we must work so hard to get into a college of our dreams. The grades aren’t enough to get us in. We must have extracurricular activities, do well on the SATs or the ACTs, fill out numerous applications, etc. However, the simple word ‘college’ does not justify the prestigious and significant portion of our lives that the word brings with it. College is important. College is crucial. Why? Well, there is no better way to seek an answer to that question than to live through it.

Victory Step
SAT/ACT Test Prep
Ph: 214-417-7406
Website: http://www.victorysteponline.com
Email: solutions@victorysteponline.com

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Back to School!

The time has come to buy the new notebooks and arrange the new backpacks. Everything is new and exciting and it’s one of the easiest times for a student to completely erase college examinations from his or her mind: Back to School!

While school itself usually comes with an enormous course load, and is accompanied by extracurricular activities, sports, etc., it is not advisable to let the SAT or the ACT completely slip from thought. Students often work rigorously during the summer to bring up their score on the SAT or the ACT. When school starts however, all this work can go to waste. It may seem hard, and it is, but it is crucial to set aside some time to do practice problems, work on some vocab, or even just read up on some strategies. Use online resources, rent books from the library, and take practice tests. But, all of this could require some self motivation. Victory Step could help you through the process, with the help of our highly intelligent, fun and charismatic instructors. Victory Step currently offers SAT and ACT Classroom instruction and SAT & ACT private tutoring in Dallas, TX.

Seniors: It is difficult to know exactly how busy senior year can be until you are actually experiencing it. It seems that time truly does fly by during senior year. This is because there is so much going on with college applications, interviews, not to forget the school work. If you are one of the many seniors still trying to bring up that SAT score or that ACT score, make sure you have registered for the first available test date and are spending every free moment preparing. Do everything you can to make that time slow down and use it to ensure admission into an incredible college.



SAT Test Date Registration Deadline
October 9, 2010September 10, 2010
November 6, 2010October 8, 2010
December 4, 2010November 5, 2010


ACT Test Date Registration Deadline
September 11, 2010August 6, 2010
October 23, 2010September 17, 2010
December 11, 2010November 5, 2010


Test dates in 2010 alone are fast approaching. It is easy to get involved with school and forget registration deadlines and test dates. For that reason, go to victorysteponline.com to ensure such things don’t happen. Schoolwork is definitely very important but by spending a little time each day on college preparation will do not harm, but only put that schoolwork to good use at an excellent college.


Victory Step
SAT/ACT Test Prep
Ph: 214-417-7406
Website: http://www.victorysteponline.com
Email: solutions@victorysteponline.com

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

SAT vs ACT?

The Battle of the Tests


Choices are great, right? We get to choose which test we want to take. That ought to be a fantastic deal! However, when it comes down to choosing between the SAT and the ACT, the decision may not be so easy. Which test is better? Which test will I do well on? Which test do colleges like?
Well, we live in a world of options. From the Ivy Leagues to the community colleges, it seems that almost all universities today accept both the SAT and the ACT. So it isn’t a matter of impressing a college, but it simply comes down to personal choice. There are many stereotypes concerning the two tests. Some say that boys tend to do better on the SAT and others say that those with a shorter attention span should favor the ACT. Well, how to separate the myth from the fact? It comes down to analyzing yourself with a few simple questions.

1) Do I prefer knowledge based tests or strategy based tests? The SAT tends to prefer using different strategies in order to trick the test taker on even easy questions. The ACT however, is very straightforward with the questions but requires knowledge of more material.

2) Am I good at science? While the science section on the ACT isn’t entirely based on knowledge alone, it does have a science section that requires problem solving and analytical abilities. Hate science? The SAT does not include a science section!

3) Vocabulary or Grammar? Both tests pay strong attention to English. However, the SAT focuses more on vocabulary and strategy based reading comprehension while the ACT tends to pay more attention to grammar, syntax, etc. Don’t like vocabulary or grammar? Well then you’re out of luck.

4) Do I prefer skipping or simply guessing? Well, while neither test is scored more leniently than the other, they both have different methods of scoring. The SAT is based off of 2400 points (which I hope everyone knows by now). The test awards you 1 point for every correct answer, deducts 1/4 of a point for every wrong answer, and gives no points for a blank answer. Yes, this means that skipping is allowed. The ACT on the other hand, grades each section out of 36 and does not deduct any points for wrong answers. Therefore, guess away!

5) How much do I love writing? The SAT starts the test off with a bang, or an essay to be more precise. The 25 minute section is required and is scored out of 12 points. The essay is read by two readers, each of whom grade out of 6 points. Technically, the ACT essay section is optional. It comes at the end of the exam and is 30 minutes long. However, most colleges do like to see the essay section in order to accept the ACT score.


It is all easier said then done. In order to really find out which test is the right one, the best decision is to take both the tests. While it may seem like unnecessary work, it is important to find out which test works better for you personally, rather than what Mom or Grandma or the neighbor thinks. No one can know which test you will do better on until you take both exams.

Call one of Victory Step's consultants today. We will be more than happy to guide you to your right path!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Only 27 percent of Texans hold college degrees...

Only 27 percent of Texans hold college degrees, mainly because students are unable to pay for their tuition.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D9H4RTB00.html

Victory Step is here to help you save money and get amazing scores on your SAT and ACT. A good score can influence college admissions and help you earn scholarships!
http://www.victorysteponline.com/

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Welcome to Victory Step

Welcome to the official blog of Victory Stepthe exciting & affordable STEP to college admissions. We are excited to launch our first official blog for Victory Step. Most of our posts are going to focus on standardized testing (SAT and ACT) and college advice. We also hope this blog provides you with a deeper insight into who we are, what we provide, and we are very excited to be out here talking to you! At the end of each post, you can click on the different tags and feel free to post a comment to every article!

Keep on the look out for upcoming posts from our team members this week and beyond.

Thanks so much for visiting our blog. Enjoy!

-The Victory Step team!