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Master Contextual Reading Skills for SAT Literature Subject Test

By U.S. News & World Report

For high schoolers who plan to take the SAT subject test in literature, the volume of vocabulary that is directly and indirectly assessed can feel daunting. Quickly reading passages without sacrificing comprehension, as well as gleaning the meaning of vocabulary words from context, can challenge even the most astute of students. Given that the ideal time to take an SAT subject test is immediately following the conclusion of your junior or senior year of high school literature, this is especially true for students who are taking the exam in the fall.

So how can you best strengthen your contextual reading skills for vocabulary success? Consider these five tips.

[Find out what questions to ask yourself before taking SAT subject tests.]

1. Search for clues before and after the word in question: When answering “words in context” items, do not simply review the specific term in question — look before and after it, searching for words that may be synonyms or antonyms. In many cases, there will be clues in close proximity. For example, a phrase about crustaceans may reference crabs and lobsters, leading you to conclude that crustaceans are animals.

Seek out these clues for additional information about what the word might mean. Remember, too, that you may encounter secondary or less commonly used definitions, rather than the primary explanation for a term.

2. Take note of transition words: Transition words function as the skeleton of an argument, and they can be powerful guides on test day as to what certain terms mean in context.

For example, the phrase “for instance” clearly states that the reader will soon encounter evidence or an example that supports a previous point. “However” implies a contrast. “Therefore” suggests that we are approaching a conclusion. Using these transition words can lead you to additional clues about a word’s meaning.

3. Review class vocabulary: As you prepare for the exam, do not skimp when it comes to reviewing words that you have discussed in high school English classes, especially if you have a habit of learning vocabulary at the last moment or struggle with long-term retention.

Furthermore, do not simply look at or write down definitions — go further in your preparation. Create a list of commonly occurring terms and then write your own sentences with the words you are trying to learn to gain practice with their usage.

[Know three things about SAT subject tests before you study.]

4. Revisit literary terminology: Pay particular attention to literary terms during your review. If you have forgotten the difference between a simile and a metaphor, for example, you may struggle on the SAT literature subject test. Terms like “alliteration,” “juxtaposition ” and “personification” may appear in reading passages or answer choices, so be certain to jot down examples from literature or your own imagination as you review.

5. Read a variety of materials: Vocabulary flashcards can be helpful, but learning vocabulary in its natural context can be even more useful. Reading is an act that we frequently engage in, but the more words we do not know in a given passage, the harder it becomes to work around these unknowns.

Reading from a variety of sources can help. While you should read both poetry and prose to prepare for the exam, focus on drama and essays as well. The SAT literature subject test assess all four forms, and each uses vocabulary in a specific way.

[Discover ways to enhance summer SAT prep with reading you enjoy.]

If you have questions about the general nature of the SAT literature subject test, review the information that the College Board provides on its website. It is critical to have clear expectations for how the exam will assess your knowledge, since this may assist you in developing a comprehensive plan for vocabulary review.

Although the exam is a mere 60 minutes long, you are expected to answer roughly 60 questions. Any confusion over a given term can rob you of the precious seconds you require to earn a competitive score.

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Master Contextual Reading Skills for SAT Literature Subject Test originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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