For Immediate Release
Contact::Jason Sholl, Assistant Director
Private Tutoring Services, Inc. (561) 338-3811

ADVICE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: MAKE BEST USE OF

SUMMER TO EASE ACADEMIC PRESSURES THIS FALL

-College Applications in 2008-2009 School Year To Be Highest Ever-

BOCA RATON, Fla., June 2008-It's OK to have fun while school's out, but high school students facing the coming competitive college admissions crunch this fall can ease academic pressure by spending some time on coursework over the summer.

That's the advice from one of Florida's leading educational service providers, which notes that students and parents tend to jam everything related to school in the fall and winter months when school is in session. Meanwhile, advanced placement courses, extracurricular activities, SAT and ACT preparation and the quest for exceptional academic achievement has led to a crisis in school workloads, with many high school students spending five or more hours a night on homework to keep up with peer competition.

"We're telling our students and families to make time for education during the summer," says Jason Sholl, assistant director of Private Tutoring Services, Inc., headquartered in Boca Raton. Especially, he says, since according to the U.S. Department of Education, the 2008-2009 school year will see the highest number ever of students graduating from high school and applying for college, as the result of a demographic bulge of the population expected to peak between 2008 and 2009.

"With limited slots open at top-rated and other schools, competition to get into schools of choice has been and will continue to be keen," he says.

Sholl says students can ease the pressures of the upcoming fall term by setting aside time this summer to get ahead of the curve. His advice to high school students:

-Get requirements out of the way. By taking required courses over the summer, students can free up their schedules for electives during the school year, or to give themselves more time to concentrate on sports, community service, or other extracurriculars.

-Raise GPAs. Courses taken over the summer count as much as other courses, so taking several courses and doing well can boost GPA significantly.

-Take advantage of distance learning programs. It isn't necessary to go to summer school to make school a part of summer. Since both public and private schools accept credits from many distance learning programs, courses can be taken at a student's own pace and on his or her own schedule-they can even be taken along on vacation. (Check with guidance counselors first to make sure the student's regular school will accept credits from the program chosen.)

-Enroll in an online course for college credit. Many distance learning programs offer "dual credit," college-level courses. Not only do these help fulfill college requirements, but they look as good as AP courses or courses at local community colleges when applying to prospective universities-especially for graduating seniors who won't be applying until next year.

-Start applying to colleges and universities now. Especially if more than six schools are being considered, the whole process shouldn't be left for the fall. Applications-many requiring special essays and supplements-are becoming more complex and time-consuming.

-Take advantage of the summer to visit colleges and narrow the list. An interview with admissions officers at colleges visited is a must. Campus visits and interviews count as "demonstrated interest" and give applicants a leg up in the fall when they apply.

-Apply for an internship in an area of interest. Summer jobs can help students explore possible career interests and provide experience to put on a résumé, in addition to earning money.

"Not everything connected with schoolwork has to be done in the fall and spring," says Sholl, whose firm for over 19 years has successfully helped shepherd students through the college application process. "Much can be done ahead of time to ease tensions and pressures during the regular school months, especially with college admittance applications at an all time high."

Parents and students can obtain information at no cost on how students can use the summer to their advantage by contacting jsholl@earthlink.net or by writing or calling Jason Sholl, Assistant Director, Private Tutoring Services, 1703 Avenida del Sol, Boca Raton, FL 33432, (561) 338-3811, www.privatetutoringservices.com