BEC Newsletter - April 2020

Dear BEC Families,
During these extraordinary times, we want to begin by wishing you good health.  BEC has moved our operations online, and we hope you have taken advantage of our many virtual services.  While the transition was not without the occasional hiccups, we are so appreciative of our families, staff, and tutors who all quickly adapted to this new reality.  We are honored to continue our educational mission.  Given the current climate, I have a few thoughts heading into these next few months.

Planning
Whether it is supplementing e-learning at school to stay ahead of the curve or reviewing concepts on a future standardized test like the ACT/SAT or the NWEA MAP, a plan is the essential ingredient to optimize this valuable time and get ahead. Testing will continue to get more competitive and the gaps left by the cancellation of in-person instruction cannot be underestimated. Take full advantage of the additional prep time and let us help identify the best way to stay engaged with all these different components. 

Our May schedule is now open and filling. To book sessions in April or May, visit our website here. If you do not have a current plan and would like some guidance, please contact us through our website here. Also, we will be posting our summer workshops soon. Please visit our website and blog later this month for more information!

Session Length
Online instruction presents a powerful opportunity for students to engage in the tutoring process. We find that shorter, more frequent sessions sometimes help students harness the virtual classroom more efficiently. With this in mind, we added 30-minute sessions to address this preference. Our new 30-minute options provide the advantage of meeting with tutors 2 to 3 times per week to address everything from test prep and subject tutoring to getting a head-start on college planning. If you have questions on this new format option, please feel free to reach out.

Upcoming Testing
The format and timing of testing could (and should!) change in light of the current climate. With the uncertain return of large group testing, organizations like the College Board, NWEA, ACT, and CPS are working on online and at-home versions of their tests. These developments are poised to end the delay of test dates, making this summer prime time for preparation. 

Tests for high school and college admission will continue to be an essential metric in admissions. Paired with our customized study plans and tailored sessions, we will be offering an initial assessment beginning in mid-May to help plan out your summer prep, including self-study.

College Process
With the delayed test dates, the calendar has flipped for many of our students. Testing and school in the fall will take away time from college applications, which will still have the same deadlines of Early and Regular Decisions. Therefore, resume writing, essay brainstorming, and school research should take a front seat now, avoiding a fall cram. Many students are starting to do a little bit each day to get a head start on their college applications. We are currently offering complimentary planning sessions to get your college process off the ground. Contact our College Team at schedule@collegebec.com.  
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Thank you for your continued support. We are happy to continue serving you and giving back to our community during this tough time. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or thoughts. 

Be well and stay safe, 
Carlos Becerra
BEC Founder & CEO