Needham Community Education

Perhaps you've heard stories about the stress of the college admissions process. Or you may have already experienced it first hand with one of your children. What you might not know is that you can eliminate a lot of the stress by planning ahead--the earlier the better! This interactive session will give parents of any high school student an understanding of the college admissions timeline, and what they can be doing now to reduce the stress often associated with the process. The class will include tips for busy families regarding SAT and ACT tests, college visits, creating a great college list, and types of financial aid.

The college essay personal statement is arguably one of the most important pieces of writing a student will complete in high school. It is also a type of writing not commonly taught in the classroom; the personal narrative. We invite parents of high school juniors to attend this one-session class to learn more about what admission officers seek in the personal statement. We will also cover approaches in how to answer common supplemental essay prompts and provide tips parents can use to support their student throughout the writing process.

Over three days, tour a range of colleges that will enable you to compare types of schools (e.g. large/small, or private/state) and their settings (rural/suburban/urban). You will visit the following colleges and universities*: Bryant College, University of Rhode Island, Emerson College, Tufts University, UMass Lowell and Endicott College. (*This plan may change slightly, but similar colleges/universities will be substituted.) At each college we tour, you will meet with admissions officers who will describe what it takes to get into their school, what majors and programs they offer, and how students spend their out-of-class time. Campus tours at each school will help you find out which schools have the classroom and lab spaces, dormitories, athletic facilities, libraries, computer facilities, student activities, etc. that appeal to you the most. After the visits, you will have a clearer picture of various types of schools, and what you are looking for in a school. It’s not necessary that you are interested in the specific schools being visited; simply seeing the range of schools can help you zero in on what you want and need in a college. Please note that the times listed below are approximate since the schedule of tours and info sessions is not yet finalized. You will be contacted with a detailed itinerary, including specific departure and return times, at least a week before the program begins.

This class provides parents/guardians and their high school Seniors the opportunity to learn about the Common Application, and to gain tips for completing a high-quality Common Application that will accurately and effectively represent the student to college admissions counselors. The first evening of the class will be held virtually and is intended for both the student and the parents/guardians. The evening will provide an overview and understanding of the elements of the application. The second evening is an in-person, hands-on Common App workshop for students only. Note: Students should bring their laptop to the in-person class. Limited to 15.

Summer is the best time for rising high school seniors to get a head-start on their college essays and supplemental essays. In this two-session course, veteran writing coach Jane Hirschhorn will introduce students to what makes standout personal essays and offer specific brainstorming exercises to get them moving forward in the writing process. In session one, Jane will describe the purpose of college essays; how they differ from school essays and what students can do to write the best essays possible. She will cover both the personal statement and supplemental essays and offer helpful resources and exercises to begin the writing process for both. In session two, students will arrange an individual 50-minute session with Jane to work on either their personal statement or one supplemental essay. Please note that all meetings take place via Zoom and must be scheduled to take place between August 23 and September 30.

Is your student applying to an Independent or Private School in the coming year? Unsure of which exam(s) are required for admissions? Join this informative virtual workshop to learn about the ISEE/SSAT exams and the current testing landscape in private school admissions. We will discuss the levels of exams, exam formats (paper vs. computer-based), overview of content, testing timelines, and how your student can prepare. Students and parents will leave with an understanding of the exam requirements, timelines, and resources.

This Middle Level ISEE course is designed for students who may be applying to independent/private schools for grade levels 6-8. The virtual nine-hour course, five-night workshop includes a proctored full-length practice exam, and it is designed to give students a complete overview of all sections of the ISEE. By participating, students will become familiar with powerful ISEE strategies and improve their knowledge of the most commonly tested topics - from finding slope to vocabulary-in-context. The skills and tips learned during this intensive workshop will provide a strong foundation for your student’s ISEE preparation. The course also will provide diagnostics that can guide further targeted preparation, either for the exam or in school. Benefits of NCE ISEE Prep Program: Learn new skills to improve test performance Online, so classes can be accessed from anywhere Small classes (limited to 14 students) Expert instructors (Sexton Test Prep Tutors) Practice exams Great value! Scholarship pricing for Needham students for those who qualify. Class size will be small with no more than 14 students at one time. Note: There will be an additional fee for required materials, with package prices ranging from $95-$300/student. For more information on the packages, contact Sarah Weiner, saw@sextontestprep.com. The materials fee that will be paid directly to Sexton Test Prep & Tutoring.

This Upper Level SSAT course is designed for students who may be applying to independent/private schools for grade levels 9-12. It is a virtual nine-hour course that includes a five-night workshop, with a proctored full-length practice exam. It is designed to give a complete overview of all sections of the SSAT. By participating in this course, students will become familiar with powerful SSAT strategies and improve their knowledge of the most commonly tested topics - from analogies to slope. Students will also learn which resources and study methods give them the best chance of succeeding outside of class. The skills and tips learned during this intensive workshop will provide a strong foundation for your student’s SSAT preparation. Also, the course will provide diagnostics that can guide further targeted preparation, either for the exam or in school. Benefits of NCE SSAT Prep Program: Learn new skills to improve test performance Online, so classes can be accessed from anywhere Small classes (limited to 14 students) Expert instructors (Sexton Test Prep Tutors) Practice exams Great value! Scholarship pricing for Needham students for those who qualify. Class size will be small with no more than 14 students. Note: There will be an additional fee for required materials, with package prices ranging from $95-$300/student. For more information on the packages, contact Sarah Weiner, saw@sextontestprep.com. The materials fee that will be paid directly to Sexton Test Prep & Tutoring.

Your rising junior or senior will likely have more time to focus on SAT Prep during the summer than they will during the school year. Each summer SAT Prep class registration includes the opportunity for your child to take two additional prep classes and one additional practice test during regularly scheduled, school year prep sessions. Typically, students will take the additional classes and practice test just prior to the date when they are registered to take the SAT.