Author: Roger MARTHAN

What Does “Initial Materials Submitted” Mean on Naviance? (And Why It Might Make You Scream “Help!”) Ah, Naviance. That magical portal of college applications, transcripts, and enough anxiety to make you crave a lifetime supply of bubble wrap. You’re probably here because you’ve stumbled upon the mysterious “Initial materials submitted” message on Naviance, and you’re wondering if your kid’s application is actually ready for primetime, or if they’ve accidentally hit the “send” button without your knowledge. Let’s take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and unravel this Naviance mystery together. The Short Answer: It’s a Signal, Not a…

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Can You Apply Through the Common App in 2023? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated) The Common App, that glorious beast of a college application, is a bit like a mythical creature. You hear tales of its power, its magic, its ability to streamline the college application process. But does it really live up to the hype? Can you actually apply through it in 2023? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because the answer, as with most things in life, is a resounding “it depends.” The Common App: The Hero or the Villain? Let’s start with the basics. The Common App is basically a…

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What is Adopting a Sample Syllabus from the College Board, and Why Should You Care? Let’s face it, teaching AP courses can be a daunting task. You’re expected to cover a mountain of material, prepare your students for a challenging exam, and somehow manage to make the whole thing interesting. But fear not, fellow educators! The College Board has your back (kind of). They offer a few options for teachers looking to get their AP courses authorized, and one of those options is adopting a sample syllabus. So, what exactly is a sample syllabus, and why would you want to…

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“Possibly Qualified” but Definitely Not a Party: Deciphering the College Board’s AP Exam Score of “2” So, you took an AP exam, you poured your heart and soul into studying, and you’re staring at that dreaded “2” on your score report. Let’s just say, it’s not the kind of “2” you want to celebrate with a cake. You’re wondering, “What in the world does the College Board mean by ‘possibly qualified’?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s break down this mysterious score and figure out what it means for your college dreams. The College Board’s “Possibly Qualified” Enigma: A “2”…

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What in the World is Self-Dealing at Liberty University? (And Why It’s Not Just a College Scandal) So, you’re wondering about self-dealing at Liberty University. It’s a question that’s been buzzing around the internet like a swarm of angry wasps after someone spilled their Mountain Dew on their picnic blanket. And honestly, it’s not a bad question. It’s like a delicious mystery novel you can’t put down—except instead of a charming detective, you’ve got a college president, a bunch of allegations, and a whole lot of “what the heck is going on?” Let’s dive into the juicy details, but buckle…

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How Much is In-State Tuition? (And Why It’s Not Always a Bargain) So, you’re thinking about college, huh? Good for you! You’re about to embark on a journey that’s full of late-night study sessions, questionable food choices, and enough caffeine to power a small country. But before you get swept away in the whirlwind of college life, let’s talk about something a little less exciting: tuition. Specifically, we’re talking about in-state tuition, that magical elixir that supposedly makes college more affordable. The only problem? It’s not always as magical as it sounds. The Big Numbers According to the College Board,…

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How to Describe Debate on the Common App: A Guide to Winning Over Admissions Officers So you’ve spent countless hours locked in heated debates, arguing your way to victory, and now you’re facing the ultimate challenge: convincing college admissions officers that your debate prowess is worth bragging about. The Common App’s activities section is your chance to showcase your skills, but describing debate can be a tricky proposition. Don’t worry, my friend, this guide is here to help you turn those intense debates into a slam dunk on your college application. Understanding the Admissions Officer’s Perspective Picture this: A weary…

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Unmasking the Enigma: How to See Your Landscape Score on the SAT College Board Ah, the SAT. That dreaded acronym that sends shivers down the spines of high school students everywhere. It’s the standardized test that determines your college fate, or so it seems. But what about the Landscape score? What is this mysterious beast, and how do you even see it? Fear not, my fellow test-takers, for I, your seasoned SEO expert and self-proclaimed SAT whisperer, am here to illuminate this shadowy corner of the College Board’s empire. Let’s dive in, shall we? Unveiling the Landscape Score: A Peek…

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The Great AP Score Reporting Saga: A College Applicant’s Guide to Avoiding the “Oops!” Moment So you’re knee-deep in the college application process, you’ve painstakingly crafted essays that would make Hemingway weep, and you’ve spent more time agonizing over your extracurriculars than your parents have spent on their taxes. Everything is perfect, except for one tiny, embarrassing detail – you totally forgot to report your AP scores! Cue the existential crisis. Don’t worry, my friend, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, staring at that “self-report AP scores” section on the Common App like it’s a mysterious hieroglyphic inscription. Before…

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Do You Have to Report AP Scores? The Great AP Score Reporting Debate Ah, the dreaded AP exams. That feeling of simultaneously being a genius and an idiot while sweating through a 3-hour test, hoping you didn’t accidentally write your name in crayon instead of pen. Now, you’ve got the scores (hopefully not the crayon one), and you’re staring at the college application, wondering if you should report them. The Short Answer: You Don’t Have To. But, as with most things in life, the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.” The College Board’s Take…

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