SAT/ACT Improvements

from Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. East Lake Magazine. Vol. 15, Issue 11, November 2022.

by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Decorating Den

By Dr. Wayne Adams

Now that fall is in full swing, high school students are caught up in a frenzy of studies and activities.

MOST SENORS are in the throes of college applications and making preparations to take a final reound of SAT/ ACT Exams in December, or after the first of the year.

MANY JUNIORS are wondering about their PSAT Exam results and when they should start preparing for the real SAT and ACT Exams.

MANY SOPHOMORES have started thinking about how they will prepare for the rigors of college applications and exams in their futures.

EVERYONE is thinking about Bright Futures’ Scholarships – which can mean around $18,000 - $25,000 for tuition and some additional costs at UF, FSU, USF, UCF, and other public universities in Florida.

Plus, this award can be a powerful negotiating tool when talking with private universities inside and outside of Florida when my families know how to use it. Shortly after the last SAT Exam, I received this email from one of my students: “The SAT went well today for me. I followed all of our plans and your mental coaching was especially effective today (I felt like I was in control and I used our vision imagining mind clearing technique). I finished every section with time left and there were very few questions I didn’t understand, so I feel great about this attempt. Thank you for all your help this far, and I look forward to our future work.”

EXAM BLUES

Also, I always receive many calls at this time about what I call the “EXAM BLUES”. The cause is that a strong student, often in IB, multiple AP classes, or dual enrolled; did not score at the level expected on their SAT or ACT Exam earliler in the fall; or on their PSAT in October.

THE GOOD NEWS

I consistently find that students respond incredibly well and improve when they become both teacher and student as in a college seminar at the junior or senior level where I am their coach. My role is to quickly help them determine where they need to work and to be a resource as they progress. Lecturing is no substitute for determining a student’s baseline level and then structuring their learning around their needs. It very satisfying to see their motivations soar when their perspective changes from “Can I do this?” to “I can do this well.” and then to “Let me show you how well I can do.” They discover that real competition is internal and - when they do their best - external results take care of themselves. Learning the strategies often result in comments like, “Cool” and “That makes it a lot easier”. More important, they learn how to “learn for a lifetime”.

REWARDING COMMENTS

“I wanted you to know that my SAT score just came back and I got a 1430. What a jump. Thanks so much for all your help with the exam, and the many ‘life lessons’ we discussed during classes. “In one of my high school classes, the teacher asked how we had done on the ACT. My classmates were very surprised when I said ‘32’. Several asked who had helped me, and I gave them your name and phone number.” “I actually qualified for 100% Bright Futures with the ACT. Biggest surprise, Science jumped from 24 to 32.

“My college essay is far better now. Thank you!”

If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-2530639 or send me an e mail at wwa0811@mykolab.com.

Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve around 200 points on the Writing, Reading, Writing and Essay, and Math; and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 9 of the top 10 universities in the country, 18 of the top 25, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Naval - Air Force - Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. He has also had three students who were National Merit Finalists. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland in 1968. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice.

North America, your cooking worries are now “finite!”

At BergHOFF, conveniently located off of State Road 54, you’ll find high quality cookware, cutlery, and cook accessories with impeccable design at affordable prices. If you are unfamiliar with this high-end brand, BergHOFF is a designer, producer, and distributor of Cookware, knives, Portable Induction Cooktops, Bakeware, Porcelain, Flatware, Kamado Grills, BBQ Accessories, and Cook’s Tools. Chances are, you may have driven by BergHOFF’s large industrial building before, unaware of the treasures lying inside. But take it from Dan, a happy customer, – it’s worth making the U-Turn! “I’m visiting family in the Odessa, Florida area, and drove past the [BergHOFF] building, did a U-turn, and went in,” Dan writes. “I’m a Chef and I love this store… Great and huge selection of items and prices that can’t be beat…..Staff was super friendly and helpful.”

And this is true. Whether you are a chef like Dan, or simply a foodie who loves cooking, there is something for everyone at BergHOFF. Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen’s current collection or maybe you’re after a gift for the chef in your life. Either way, BergHOFF, is the prime place to shop and save on over 3,000 products. In fact, the Belgium-based company has been designing elegant and practical utensils since 1964, and now touts international acclaim and numerous design awards, including almost 100 of the most prestigious design awards. Odessa locals Raymond and Deborah Van Den Langenbergh, who are also the owners of BergHOFF’s North American distribution, first built their showroom off of State Road 54 in November of 2006 for wholesale buyers. However, it wasn’t long before members of the community began knocking on their door, interested in buying the brand’s products directly. Soon after, the couple opened the BergHOFF showroom to the public, making residents of Tampa Bay the only customers on the continent that can buy-direct products from the company in-person! “We celebrate 16 years this November, and several thousand customers have enjoyed the opportunity to purchase the best culinary products,” Showroom Manager Candace Powers shares.

Needless to say, many locals are impressed, such as Local Guide Brian F., who recently stopped in for his first visit. He writes, “We selected the Ouro Gold Stainless Steel set, a set of stainless-steel utensils to use… An induction cook top and a non-stick coated griddle for pancakes…and a knife set…I am impressed at how well these heat up evenly, are easy to clean, and the handles stay cool enough, even for the pasta pot that was on the stove for a half hour,” he says. “As a bonus, they feel good in the hand, and look great…Overall the products are great…” At BergHOFF, you won’t just find quality products at the best prices possible, but you’ll also find friendly and passionate staff who

understand the intricacies of cooking in a kitchen. With incredible employees like Candace Powers and Culinary Connoisseur Sylke Frischknecht, you’re sure to feel welcomed. But don’t let your culinary trip just stop there – check out the newest addition to the BergHOFF shopping experience at the building’s second entrance…the Liquidation Center!

Although the Liquidation Center has only been opened since 2021, the showroom has endured much success. With help from Liquidation Showroom Manager Ron Martin, you’re sure to find something special to take home with you. The associates insist that you “stop in and look twice,” so as to never miss out on incredible deals in the discounted center. From various products such as grills and BBQ tools to vacuum cleaners, and even exercise machines, including state-of-the-art machines popular at physiotherapy locations, there are many promotions to take advantage of in both showrooms.

In fact, store regular Jon G. insists that after stopping by the showroom for kitchen supplies, you won’t want to go anywhere else. “Look no further for absolutely the finest cookware you will ever see,” he says. “Almost too nice to cook in…” Although BergHOFF no doubt has amazing cooking products, the staff understands that true hospitality doesn’t just stop at the kitchen. That being said, BergHOFF has been known to give back to the community, as seen by their recent raffle for a Kamado Grill and a BBQ Set, which earned several hundred dollars for a local fire department. The store is also a proud sponsor of JCAA, the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy, which is a program dedicated to inspiring young students about the wonders of cooking and hospitality at Tarpon Springs High School. Overall, due to BergHOFF’s quality, design, and pricing, it’s no wonder why the brand is so close to both home and heart for many locals. But as you set off on your own culinary journey, it’s important to keep this piece of advice in mind from chef Dan Boulud: “Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly important – fun, food, and life.” Happy cooking!