Introducing The Coach

As Options Solutions “Coach,” Nicky Darwin meets with students one-on-one for a variety of services. As a top UBC English Language graduate, French Immersion graduate, and experienced Options Solutions workshop leader and tutor, Nicky is here to help students with both ongoing guidance and test or assignment-specific preparation. Nicky provides coaching in both French and [...]

Options Solutions Introduces Writing Drop Box

If you are currently an Options Solutions client, you can electronically submit application essays, supplements, scholarship essays, or other writing assignments for comprehensive writing feedback from one of our writing consultants. We give targeted feedback on style, structure, grammar, and include constructive comments to help you revise and improve your writing. Submit your work to [...]

Approaching the SAT

The October 1st SAT test date is fast approaching. If you are taking the test for the fist time, chances are you are feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. The SAT can be quite intimidating, especially for those of you who do not know what to expect. The exam itself is 3 hours and [...]

The SAT Essay

To successfully complete an SAT essay, you need to learn how to develop an argument and defend your position. It is not essential that you know every fact and detail on the subject matter. The SAT essay rubric grades a student on a scale of 1 to 6, with 1 being lowest and 6 being [...]

The Study Skills I Wish I Had Known

Every student has high hopes come September. Rejuvenated from summer and stocked up on fresh school supplies, it’s easy to believe this year is going to bring change. Then comes October: binders are in disarray, assignments are piling up, and calendars are full of sports and extra-curricular activities. It seems too late to catch up. [...]

SAT Test Preparation – When should I take the SAT?

The SAT is offered six times every year in Canada. This year, tests will be offered October 1, November 5, December 3, January 28, May 5, and June 2. Most students end up taking the test twice, so it is important to plan out when exactly you will take the SAT. Here is a guide [...]

Scoring the SAT – Part Three

Now that you understand how the SAT is marked, it is time to take a look at what your score means. In Part One we discussed raw and scaled scores but left out percentiles. Percentiles are a helpful way to compare your scores with those of other students. The numbers 1 through 99 are used [...]

Essay Writing Bootcamp: Round One Recap

The first group of students who attended Nicky’s Essay Writing Bootcamp from August 8th to 12th found the week fun and extremely helpful for all high school and university writing, including supplementary essays for university. From August 29th to September 2nd, Options Solutions will be running its second round of Essay Writing Bootcamp at the [...]

Scoring the SAT – Part Two

The Essay portion of the SAT is scored on a six point scale. Markers undergo rigorous training in order to ensure consistency. The language of the Scoring Guide provides a consistent and coherent framework for differentiating between score points, without defining specific traits or types of essays that define each score point. The following is [...]

Well Done Class of 2011

Congratulations to the Class of 2011! Before they head off to their new homes, we wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2011. It has been an exciting and inspiring year working with this particular group of grade 12 students. They have enriched our lives with their drive, spirit and authentic approach [...]

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