Academic Admissions Advisors

09/03/2026

More colleges are bringing back SAT/ACT requirements. Does your student have a plan? 🎯

Our Ivy Test Prep program offers personalized, 1:1 coaching built around your student’s strengths, goals, and timeline.

📩 Message us to help your student prepare with confidence!

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

We’re excited to welcome East Greenwich native Clyde Kelly to the AAA Ivy Test Prep team!

Clyde has been tutoring students since 2019 and knows firsthand what it takes to succeed on these tests, earning a 1560 on the SAT and a perfect 36 on the ACT.

To kick off the school year, Clyde is offering Rhode Island students a complimentary PSAT/SAT diagnostic test plus a 10–15 minute results consultation to help identify strengths, areas for improvement, and the best next steps for preparation.

More importantly, Clyde understands that every student is different. His approach focuses on identifying where each student needs support, building an individualized plan, and helping students develop the skills, strategies, and confidence they need heading into test day. Want to learn more about Clyde and his background? Read the full press release in the comments below.

SAT and ACT prep can be stressful. Knowing where to start shouldn’t be.

If you have a high school student preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT this year and would like to take advantage of the complimentary diagnostic and consultation, reach out to us!

📞 401-477-3670
📧 [email protected]

08/31/2026

Looking to improve your student’s SAT or ACT score?

Our Ivy Test Prep program provides personalized, one-on-one instruction, proven strategies, diagnostic testing, and a customized study plan designed around each student’s goals.

Contact Eric Simonelli at 401-477-3670 or visit AcademicAdmissionsAdvisors.com to learn more!

08/30/2026

🎓 A college’s acceptance rate is not your child’s acceptance rate.

Published acceptance rates rarely tell the whole story. Yield, major, geography, residency, financial need and institutional priorities can all influence admissions decisions.

Before labeling a college a “reach,” “target” or “likely,” you need to look beyond one percentage.

👉 Swipe through to learn what acceptance rates really mean, and why they should never be the only factor used to build a balanced college list.

08/29/2026

📚 Can a Strong SAT Score Make Up for a Lower GPA?

It can help, but it doesn’t erase four years of grades.

College admissions teams look at your entire academic profile, not just one number.

A strong SAT or ACT score can be especially valuable when:

✔️ Your grades show an upward trend
✔️ You’ve challenged yourself with rigorous courses
✔️ There’s legitimate context behind a difficult semester or year
✔️ Your score falls within, or above, the range of the colleges on your list
✔️ A college is test-optional, but strong scores provide another positive academic data point

But here’s the important part:

A test score is an additional piece of evidence, not a replacement for your transcript.

Your GPA shows how you’ve performed over time. Your course rigor shows how much you challenged yourself. Your SAT/ACT score provides another standardized measure of your academic readiness.

At AAA, we encourage students to think strategically about how GPA, course rigor, testing, activities, essays, and college selection work together.

The goal isn’t to find one number that “fixes” your application.

It’s to understand your complete profile and build a college list with realistic admission opportunities.

Dream Big. Achieve Bigger. 🎯

08/27/2026

Why Does 9th Grade Matter in the College Admissions Process?

Freshmen should not be building college lists or stressing about acceptance rates. However, the choices students make now can create more opportunities later.

The goal of freshman year is simple: build a strong foundation while exploring genuine interests.

✔ Develop consistent study and time-management habits

✔ Choose appropriately challenging courses

✔ Start building a resume and tracking accomplishments

✔ Explore clubs, sports, service, jobs, and creative interests

✔ Build relationships with teachers and school counselors

✔ Begin discussing college affordability as a family

✔ Take the PSAT 8/9, if offered by your school

✔ Read regularly to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension

Students do not need to join every activity. Freshman year is a time to explore. Over the next few years, students can narrow their interests, become more involved, pursue leadership opportunities, and create meaningful impact.

Parents: Support the process without over-managing it. Give your child room to try new things, make mistakes, and discover what genuinely motivates them.

Eric Simonelli, our Co-Founder and a parent of a student in the Class of 2030, understands firsthand why this year matters. The goal isn’t to make everything about college. It’s to help our kids build strong habits, explore their interests, and create opportunities for themselves down the road.

College admissions is a four-year journey. Freshman year is about building the foundation, not racing to the finish line.

08/24/2026

💰 What does $40,000 in college debt ($10,000 per year) look like after graduation?

For most undergraduates, federal student loans are capped at $31,000. The remaining $9,000 would likely come from private loans or parent borrowing.

On a standard 10-year repayment plan:

✓ Estimated payment: $465 per month
✓ Estimated total repaid: $56,000
✓ Starting salary of $50K–$60K: 9%–11% of gross income goes toward student loans

That may be manageable, but is it a good return on investment?

Before borrowing, ask:

✓ Does the degree lead to strong employment opportunities?
✓ Is there room for salary growth?
✓ Could your child earn the same degree for less?

Don’t ask only, “Can we borrow it?” Ask, “Will this education be worth what we repay?”

Estimates vary based on interest rates and loan terms.

08/22/2026

SAT TEST DAY 📚✏️

Trust your preparation.
Take your time.
Stay confident.
And don’t let one difficult question affect the next.

Good luck to all students taking the SAT this morning…you’ve got this! 💪