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Release of New Report on College Costs Reinforces Need for College Preparation

Sylvan Learning addressing struggling families' need for college prep guidance and test stress reduction

(Baltimore, MD, February 5, 2009) – Global competition has made it more necessary than ever for students to attend college in order to obtain well-paying jobs. The release yesterday of a new public survey, by the groups Public Agenda and the National Center on Public Policy and Higher Education, highlights that an increasing number of Americans feel that obtaining a college degree is required to ensure a person’s success in today’s world. Fifty-five percent of respondents felt that completing college was a necessity for future work success. This is in contrast to the 31 percent of respondents who felt this way in 2000 and the 50 percent in 2007.

In response to the need for college planning assistance from families, Sylvan Learning emphasizes that the best defense is a strong offense in the college preparation process.

“SAT* and ACT® scores continue to play an important role in an applicant’s ultimate college acceptance and his or her access to scholarships and grants,” says Russell Greiff, vice president of Sylvan Learning College Prep. “Additionally, if students have the academic, study and organizational skills needed for college, they may save time and money by successfully transitioning into a university course load and not having to enroll in non-credited remedial classes during their freshman year.”

According to The Project on Student Debt, students today are graduating college with an average level of education debt of approximately $21,000, and one in four students take at least six years to graduate. Excelling in core academic programs and AP classes increases grant and scholarship opportunities, while preparing the student to graduate within four years.

Sylvan Learning notes that an effective way to counter the dependence on loans is to prepare for college-level instruction by focusing on SAT and ACT success, as well as solidifying the foundation in advanced reading, writing and math concepts that is necessary for lifelong success.

“A majority of Sylvan College Prep students increase their scores by an average of 160 to 200 points or more for the SAT and up to five points for the ACT,” says Greiff. “Despite increased competition, these students now have a better chance of obtaining college funding and acceptance into their top-choice schools. In fact, one student in our Bastrop, Texas, learning center increased his SAT score from 1400 to a perfect 2400, just a few weeks ago. This student’s chance for future success increases exponentially due to his significant achievement.”

Sylvan Learning is also helping to soften the financial blow to parents through the launch of their ongoing national effort to help alleviate stress while preparing for college. Students can participate in Sylvan-sponsored SAT and ACT practice tests held at their local high schools as fundraisers. Sylvan Learning’s College Prep professionals will then review and score the results and provide each student with an in-person improvement session. Additionally, parents can attend free workshops, “Test Stress: A Parent’s Real Guide to College Test Prep,” dedicated to helping families develop high school action plans, college planners and the ability to navigate through the complicated college admissions process. Parents can contact their neighborhood Sylvan Learning center to find out when a seminar will be held in their area.

About Sylvan Learning

Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of in-center and live, online tutoring at home to students of all ages, grades and skill levels. Sylvan Learning is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009 and has nearly 1,100 centers located throughout North America. Sylvan’s proven process and personalized methods have inspired more than 2 million students to discover the joy of learning. Sylvan's trained and certified personal instructors provide individual instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, study skills and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan helps transform unique kids into uniquely inspired learners with the skills to do better in school and the confidence to do better in everything else. Visit www.DrRickBlog.com to share your personal academic experiences and comment on academic trends. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit www.SylvanLearning.com.

For more information, contact:
Jennifer Gaegler, Sylvan Learning Center
(410) 843-8928
jennifer.gaegler@sylvanlearning.com