How is Transcend Academy different from other SAT/ACT prep companies?

Transcend averages 209 SAT point improvement and 4 point ACT improvement with intensive prep in less than two months, but our mission is much more.  The end goal is not a good score; the end goal is admission into top, best-fit schols.  That begins with solid test scores and a upward trajectory GPA in high school.  Therefore, we work with students and families on academic tutoring, test prep, and college admissions preparation in a 10 Steps College Admissions Program.  A Transcend adviser works with a family and mentors a student through any or all parts of the college admissions process.   With 90% of our students gaining admission into top, best-fit schools for them, our college advising with a structured program has led to meaningful relationships and solid results.

Who are your advisers?

A cohort of dedicated professionals who desire to work with students through any or all parts of the academic tutoring, test prep, and college admissions process.  Our advisers each take on only a few students at a time to offer families individualized attention to develop a relationship with a student, and therefore be able to offer more targetted guidance.  These advisers are professionals as educators, lawyers, think tank researchers, graduate students, and more who choose to work with families out of a deep committment to students, passion for education, and desire for success at top, best-fit schools.  Transcend is selective in the recruiting process.  Most advisers have teaching and mentoring experience, demonstrate a talent to work with students and families, and are themselves graduates of many highly competitive universities.  Most advisers have a graduate degree, demonstrating our reach and intimite knowledge of more schools throughout the U.S. and U.K. and also our foundational belief in the power and value of education.  All advisers engage in intensive training before working with families and are continually trained throughout the year with the most up-to-date information on college admissions to ensure the latest information for our students.  

How do you match students and advisers?

Based on what is best for the student.  After an initial complimentary meeting, we learn about students and families. From there, we recommend excellent matches based on personalities and adviser knowledge of best-fit schools for the student.  Most of our families have been thrilled with their personal advisers.  On the chance that the student prefers to work with another adviser, we can accommodate the request. The student's success is our goal.

What is your 10 Step College Admissions Program?

Each part of the admissions program is vital to the college prep process.  We cannot emphasize the importance of preparation to maximize results.

1. College Admissions 101
2. The Numbers: SAT/ACT scores, SAT IIs, AP Scores, GPA, Transcript
3. Activities Resume
4. Recommendation Letters
5. College List of Best-Fit Schools
6. College Visits
7. College Essays
8. College Applications
9. College Interviews
10. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions take place at our Foggy Bottom office, libraries, and quiet coffee shops where convenient for the student and adviser.  We meet in "neutral" locations, so students know to make the most of their time.  We also work with students via Skype video chat.  These sessions take place where best for the student and adviser.

How long do students typically work with an adviser?

We believe preparation is key, so we have worked with students anywhere from one month to more than one year to prepare for college admissions.  Our short-term students, who aim for a certain test score, will often meet twice per week for 1.5 hours moving to a single test.  Our longer term students often meet once per week for 1.5-2 hours moving towards standardized tests and college admissions preparations.

What is your SAT score average increase?  What is your ACT score average increase?

For the SAT, our average score improvement is 209 points in two months for students who are looking for intensive prep twice a week moving to a single test.  For the ACT, our average score improvement is 4 points in two months for students who are looking for intensive prep twice a week moving to a single test.  For students who work with us longer, the score improvement is more.  The improvement comes from a strong test prep curriculum and dedicated advisers.  However, students also have to put in the work by completing homework and actively seeking improvement with their advisers.  

Where have your students been accepted to college?

Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Tennessee, Auburn University, Pennsylvania State University, Colgate College, St. Andrews in Scotland, and more.  We're waiting for the results from our current seniors!  90% of our students have gained admission into one of their top 3 schools.

Why have your college admissions students been so successful?

We take the time to get to know our students.  We begin with their criteria for a great school: where it is located, activities they want to be involved in, and other things that contribute to their overall "college experience."  We make college admissions about the student.  From there, we find "great fit" schools that match the student's interest.  When moving to the application process, it becomes much easier since our adviser really knows the student well and can guide the college applicant through the nuts and bolts of the application process.  The student always lead the college admissions preparation process.  We do not draft resumes, write essays, call schools, attend college visits, or "do" pieces of the college admissions application for students.  This approach maintains the integrity of the student and the college admissions process, and our students gain the confidence that they led a process that yielded top, best-fit schools for them.  We advise and guide with specialized knowlege, structure, guidance, and other advising.  We are thrilled to be a part of a journey that offers our students opportunities.

Do you offer Skype remote sessions?

Yes!  In addition to our in-person meetings with students in the Washington, DC area, we have students from Massachusettes, New York, Oklahoma, Washington State, and even in other countries with whom we work with via Skype.  These students have also improved remarkably on their tests and gained admission into highly competitive schools.  Great advisers know how to work with students.

How much do sessions cost?

Adviser's hourly rates are based on experience and demonstrated results.  Rates begin at $99/hour for our newest advisers.

What if I have more questions?

Contact us or call us at 202-466-0514 . We look forward to working with you.

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