SAT/ACT

By Dr. Wayne Adams

FALL EXAM DATES: SAT: August 27, October 1, November 5, December 3; ACT: September 10, October 22, December 10.

Summer vacation went by too fast! Now that school has restarted (or is about to), everyone gets to refocus and get ready for the fall.

For Seniors, it’s a combination of doing well academically, activities, and preparing the best college applications. From my prior articles, you know that more and more and more colleges are admitting up to half their classes or more with early admissions and the chances of admissions are about three times higher than with applying at the normal time. Check out these dates and requirements on the college websites, or call the admissions office. If your SAT and/or ACT scores are not where you want for admissions and Bright Futures, give me a call.

For Juniors, it’s the middle-distance lap in high school balancing academics and activities with doing well on the PSAT in October and building a resume for college applications. If you are aiming high, for a “top 25 school”, know that the best way to really “stand out” is to build a distinctive strength, to become outstanding in some field that you enjoy. There is a myth around that colleges are looking for “well rounded” students. Top colleges want “lopsided” students, those who have something outstanding (other than grades and SAT/ACT scores) and can change the world. They equate “well-rounded” with mediocre!

For Sophomores, it’s the next lap in a longer-distance run with academics, activities, and longer term planning for college applications. On occasion, schools will give an SAT or an ACT exam for “placement”, which means determining which academic level courses a student can take. If you are aiming high for colleges it is not too early to start preparing for the SAT and/or ACT exams. I continue to innovate with new approaches to all areas of exam prep. The most recent is for SAT and ACT math. Our proprietary guide gives step-by-step examples of how to do about 95% of the types of math questions on these exams. Now, I have a special “review test” for each to see how well these techniques are remembered. My students say this really helps them focus and retain. One student just went from a 540 on the SAT math to a 730. Another student jumped eight points on their ACT score. For students that are very weak in math on either exam, I also have just developed a new course that quickly fills in the gaps and builds a much more solid foundation for increasing scores.

My guide Achieve and Maintain Your Peak Mental Performance Zone On The SAT, ACT, And In Life has proven to be very helpful to all students in handling “test anxiety”, maintaining focus, and re-establishing control during these exams.

As you know, my goal for my students and their families is that they have their best possible futures – which includes doing their best on the SAT and ACT Exams. This is part of the college admissions counseling and planning we do during our course and with your receiving books and guides I have written about college application essays, negotiating with colleges, and getting off to the best start as a new freshman at a college or university. If You Would Like To Talk More With Dr. Adams About Your Student … Please contact him at 727-253-0639 or send an email to wwa0811@ mykolab.com.

Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200 – 300 points on the Writing, Reading, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 5 OF THE “Topo 5”, 9 of the “Top 10”, and 19 of the “Top 25” universities, and many more schools in Florida and around the country. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), University of Virginia, NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Air Force – Naval - Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, Purdue, Ohio 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 tutored three juniors who became national merit finalists with their scores on the PSAT. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice.

renovating wall space and adding brand-new chairs and lighting, Shears owner and Master Stylist Lori McEwen is “constantly renovating.” And the results have clients like Carol P. raving: “What a lovely salon!” She says. “I’m relatively a new client, but I already know I’ve found a home! The stylists are all so friendly and knowledgeable...Just the kind of place you want to spend some time and get good vibes!!”

And this is exactly the way that Lori has started and operated her salon over the last five years: drama-free with incredible customer service. And clients like Jennifer G. are over the moon: “Lori made me feel like a new woman! Her talent and knowledge are exceptional!!” She writes. “I highly recommend her and the salon – they all do awesome work there!”

Even with her impressive cosmetology background, immense talent, and business management degree, Lori understands that a salon’s true success is all about teamwork. Thus, she shares credit for Shears’ five-star reputation with her talented crew: Master Stylists Gabrielle Sinchi and Meghan Canavan, as well as Salon Coordinator/Stylist Assistant Gabriella “Faye” Key. “We’ve built Shears together over the years,” Lori says, and it’s certainly true.

Gabrielle, “Gabi” Sinchi, a passionate and talented stylist, first fell in love with the beauty industry as a little girl when she would watch her mother get dressed up for work. Nowadays, with more than 17 years of experience under her belt, Gabi proudly serves as both Manager at Shears and Master Stylist. With her astounding cosmetology background, and her huge passion for hair, clients like Marilyn B. can’t get enough. “I have been going to Gabrielle Sinchi for two years…she is very knowledgeable and helpful…She does a great job with the color and cut and is a wonderful professional stylist.” To top if off, Gabi is also bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish to clients. While she works successfully with a variety of clients, Gabi also has a particular talent for curly hair. So curly-haired girls (and guys) – you know where to go!

Meghan Canavan: Meghan is known for her sweet and friendly personality, as well as her knack for knowing which look\s best suit her clients. Because of this, the Master Stylist has built a strong reputation in the area with her talent, passion, and intuition. Client Marissa A. wrote, “Meghan does amazing work! She took the time to listen to what I wanted, and she did a superior balayage to my hair. It was exactly what I wanted.” As a hair coloring fan herself, Meghan says, “I enjoy balayage’s and also fashion colors,” and her excellent work at Shears for the past year proves it.

Unlike most salons, especially corporatelyowned salons, Lori really works with her team and values their opinions. As Meghan says, “[It’s] more of a family setting than a competition…” Because of their dedication to teamwork, it will take another special stylist to pick up the next set of clippers at the salon. If you are truly passionate about hair and you believe in putting your clients first, the new Master Stylist position at Shears might be right

Lori McEwen Owner & Master Stylist Gabrielle Sinchi Salon Manager & Master Stylist Meghan Canavan Master Stylist Gabriella “Faye” Key Salon Coordinator & Stylist Assistant

for you. Please contact the salon for more information.

From haircuts and perms to updos and color/ color correcting, and so much more, Shears has an extensive list of services. The girls also work with clients of all ages, whether it be your kid’s back-toschool haircut or your mom’s root retouches. And, for those special teachers\ educators in your life, Shears will be offering 10% off any of their services. And, with services beyond $100, educators will also receive a complimentary full-size product of choice. Valid school ID must be presented, and the deal will run until September 20th. Other client specials for August include “buy one get one free” on certain products, and “buy 2 get one free” on select Pureology, Matrix, Redken, and Malibu Hair Repair sets.

But wait – there’s more! Enjoy $50 off of Keratin/ Express Keratin Treatments, as well as one free “leavein” maintenance spray. To make the deals even sweeter, take advantage of this next special: “FREE conditioning treatment with any haircut or chemical process.” Even in-between all of the various services, treatments, and specials, the girls at Shears still prioritize giving back to the community whenever a client brings attention to an important cause. So, keep them in mind the next time you have an important cause that needs awareness.

While you might not be able to press a button to slow things down as we enter this busy season, don’t be afraid to sit back and relax at Shears of Trinity. Take it from this happy customer: “I always walk out with a great cut/ style and a smile on my face! They really make you feel like family…This salon is the whole package. Highly recommend.” You won’t be disappointed… That’s the “shear” truth!

Shears of Trinity is located at 4207 Little Road, Trinity, 34655. Book your appointment today at (727) 236-1790. Walk-ins are welcome at the elegant salon, but appointments are recommended. Stay up to date with the team on Facebook @ ShearsOfTrinity. Get that hair done right today at Shears of Trinity!