What programs does Sequoia Academy offer?
Sequoia Academy offers comprehensive preparatory courses for both academic subjects and standardized test preparation, and also prepares students for math and physics competitions. We also provide college consulting services, guiding our students through the college application process.
Academic Courses: Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, History
Test Preparation: PSAT, SAT, SAT II, ACT, AP Exams, ISEE, SSAT, HSPT
College Consulting: High school career planning, College application guidance, and more
Why do many students with good grades in elementary and middle school suffer a drop in grades when they reach high school?
Classes in elementary and middle schools tend to have basic curriculums and generous grading, so the majority of students are able to get good grades. However, in high school, classes begin to teach more advanced subjects, and grading policies become much more strict. Additionally, the workload for high school courses is significantly higher than that of middle school courses. Mediocre learning techniques and study habits that were adequate for middle school are often not efficient enough to cope with the demands high school places on students' time and mental energy. A drop in grades does not necessarily mean that a student isn't working hard--they may just need extra help in that subject, or exposure to efficient learning methods. At Sequoia Academy, we strive to provide our students not only with specific support on a wide range of academic subjects, but also the tools which will make them become better and more efficient learners.
I am interested in Sequoia's competition courses, what do they cover?
Sequoia Academy’s math and physics competition courses are designed for students who are highly motivated and have a strong foundation in these subjects. They prepare students for contests including MathCounts, AMC 8/10/12, AIME, USAMO, and USAPhO. The math competition courses will cover the advanced mathematical topics such as number theory, probability, combinatorics, advanced geometry and trigonometry, and advanced problem solving skills. The physics competition courses will cover the core physics topics: classical mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, as well as more advanced topics: thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, relativity, nuclear and atomic physics, waves, and optics.
Do I need be taking many AP courses?
Advanced Placement courses are high school classes taught at a university level. They give advanced high school students the opportunity to demonstrate their competency in subjects taught and tested at the college level. There are many reasons for well qualified high school students to take AP courses and AP exams. AP courses are a sign to college admissions offices that a student is academically advanced, on par with freshmen college students. For students applying to science and engineering majors, it is particularly important to have a strong AP background in math and the sciences. Additionally, many high schools will count AP courses out of 5 points rather than the standard 4 points when calculating a weighted GPA.
Learn more about AP exams here.
Sequoia Academy offers comprehensive preparatory courses for both academic subjects and standardized test preparation, and also prepares students for math and physics competitions. We also provide college consulting services, guiding our students through the college application process.
Academic Courses: Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, History
Test Preparation: PSAT, SAT, SAT II, ACT, AP Exams, ISEE, SSAT, HSPT
College Consulting: High school career planning, College application guidance, and more
Why do many students with good grades in elementary and middle school suffer a drop in grades when they reach high school?
Classes in elementary and middle schools tend to have basic curriculums and generous grading, so the majority of students are able to get good grades. However, in high school, classes begin to teach more advanced subjects, and grading policies become much more strict. Additionally, the workload for high school courses is significantly higher than that of middle school courses. Mediocre learning techniques and study habits that were adequate for middle school are often not efficient enough to cope with the demands high school places on students' time and mental energy. A drop in grades does not necessarily mean that a student isn't working hard--they may just need extra help in that subject, or exposure to efficient learning methods. At Sequoia Academy, we strive to provide our students not only with specific support on a wide range of academic subjects, but also the tools which will make them become better and more efficient learners.
I am interested in Sequoia's competition courses, what do they cover?
Sequoia Academy’s math and physics competition courses are designed for students who are highly motivated and have a strong foundation in these subjects. They prepare students for contests including MathCounts, AMC 8/10/12, AIME, USAMO, and USAPhO. The math competition courses will cover the advanced mathematical topics such as number theory, probability, combinatorics, advanced geometry and trigonometry, and advanced problem solving skills. The physics competition courses will cover the core physics topics: classical mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, as well as more advanced topics: thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, relativity, nuclear and atomic physics, waves, and optics.
Do I need be taking many AP courses?
Advanced Placement courses are high school classes taught at a university level. They give advanced high school students the opportunity to demonstrate their competency in subjects taught and tested at the college level. There are many reasons for well qualified high school students to take AP courses and AP exams. AP courses are a sign to college admissions offices that a student is academically advanced, on par with freshmen college students. For students applying to science and engineering majors, it is particularly important to have a strong AP background in math and the sciences. Additionally, many high schools will count AP courses out of 5 points rather than the standard 4 points when calculating a weighted GPA.
Learn more about AP exams here.
Test Preparation
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
The ACT and SAT are both accepted by nearly all colleges in the United States, and both cover the same subjects: math, critical reading, and writing ability. Many students believe that the ACT is the easier test, but since the scores on both the ACT and SAT are scaled to the performance of other test-takers, easier questions does not mean a higher score. At Sequoia Academy, we help students determine which test is best for them through consultation and practice exams.
Learn more about the differences between the ACT and the SAT here.
How important are ACT and SAT scores to the college admissions process?
The ACT and SAT are valued by colleges and universities because unlike grades, which only measure a student's aptitude relative to his/her high school classmates, standardized tests are normalized nation-wide. Thus, the ACT and SAT give universities a sense of where a student stands among all applicants.
The average ACT and SAT scores of students accepted into some of America's top colleges.
The ACT and SAT are both accepted by nearly all colleges in the United States, and both cover the same subjects: math, critical reading, and writing ability. Many students believe that the ACT is the easier test, but since the scores on both the ACT and SAT are scaled to the performance of other test-takers, easier questions does not mean a higher score. At Sequoia Academy, we help students determine which test is best for them through consultation and practice exams.
Learn more about the differences between the ACT and the SAT here.
How important are ACT and SAT scores to the college admissions process?
The ACT and SAT are valued by colleges and universities because unlike grades, which only measure a student's aptitude relative to his/her high school classmates, standardized tests are normalized nation-wide. Thus, the ACT and SAT give universities a sense of where a student stands among all applicants.
The average ACT and SAT scores of students accepted into some of America's top colleges.
College Applications
How hard is it to get into one of the top colleges in America?
Many students and parents believe that being a top student in high school guarantees acceptance into an elite college, such as Harvard or Stanford. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There are approximately 30,000 high schools in the United States, so even just taking 5 students from each school's graduating year, there are 150,000 top students each year. All of the eight Ivy League schools combined only accept around 30,000 students each year. Therefore, while good grades and high test scores are necessary for admittance to America's elite schools, they are not sufficient. Students aiming for top schools must be able to stand out from thousands of other qualified candidates.
How should I write my college essays?
The essay component of a college application is a chance for a student to show their character in a more personal manner. Unlike the quantifiable features of an application--a student’s GPA, SAT/ACT and AP scores, or other purely factual characteristics--the essays allow students to bring their application to life. At Sequoia, our advisors and counselors guide students in choosing topics for their personal statement--subjects they are passionate about that simultaneously reveal important aspects of their character. We aim to guide each student in demonstrating the unique qualities and character traits that describe them as multi-faceted individuals.
Learn more about college essay topics here.
What schools should I be applying to?
Deciding which schools to apply to can be intimidating. There are many features of colleges to consider, such as school size, the surrounding environment, and academic focus. Would you want to attend a liberal arts school with a small, peaceful campus, or a large tech school in a bustling city? Our counselors help students decide what major or career path to pursue based on their interests, activities, and future ambitions.
Learn more about the factors you should consider in choosing a college here.
Many students and parents believe that being a top student in high school guarantees acceptance into an elite college, such as Harvard or Stanford. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There are approximately 30,000 high schools in the United States, so even just taking 5 students from each school's graduating year, there are 150,000 top students each year. All of the eight Ivy League schools combined only accept around 30,000 students each year. Therefore, while good grades and high test scores are necessary for admittance to America's elite schools, they are not sufficient. Students aiming for top schools must be able to stand out from thousands of other qualified candidates.
How should I write my college essays?
The essay component of a college application is a chance for a student to show their character in a more personal manner. Unlike the quantifiable features of an application--a student’s GPA, SAT/ACT and AP scores, or other purely factual characteristics--the essays allow students to bring their application to life. At Sequoia, our advisors and counselors guide students in choosing topics for their personal statement--subjects they are passionate about that simultaneously reveal important aspects of their character. We aim to guide each student in demonstrating the unique qualities and character traits that describe them as multi-faceted individuals.
Learn more about college essay topics here.
What schools should I be applying to?
Deciding which schools to apply to can be intimidating. There are many features of colleges to consider, such as school size, the surrounding environment, and academic focus. Would you want to attend a liberal arts school with a small, peaceful campus, or a large tech school in a bustling city? Our counselors help students decide what major or career path to pursue based on their interests, activities, and future ambitions.
Learn more about the factors you should consider in choosing a college here.