Kaplan Test Prep Teams Up With 360 Football Academy, Founded by the NFL’s Ray Lewis and Hannibal Navies, to Help Scholar Athletes Score Academic Success

All Scholar Athletes Will Have Access to Kaplan Test Prep’s Live, Online Classroom Anywhere SAT or ACT Course and SAT or ACT On Demand Course 

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (March 8, 2012) – Global test prep leader Kaplan Test Prep and 360 Football Academy, founded by Ray Lewis and Hannibal Navies of the NFL, have teamed up to offer their scholar athlete participants SAT and ACT prep and college admissions guidance.  360 Football Academy was founded by NFL stars Ray Lewis and Hannibal Navies to provide scholar athletes a comprehensive year-round curriculum administered in collaboration with the most well respected and accomplished firms in both athletics and academics with the goal of its graduates thriving in college.  This year, 360 Football Academy will be held in Baltimore from July 8 to 12 at the Arena Club and is comprised of a week-long on-site training on and off the field along with year-round web-based education.  During the on-site component, student-athletes will participate in a range of high-energy, skill-building interactive activities, both athletic and academic.

“We built 360 Football Academy to breed leaders on and off the field.  We will expose these young athletes to the same sports performance and best football techniques that have kept me at the top of my game for over 16 years in the NFL.  Most importantly, with Kaplan, we will teach them that if they dream of going to the NFL they must first dream of going to college,” stated Ray Lewis.

Hannibal Navies said, “The 360 Football Academies go beyond athletics. Our goal is to help develop a well-rounded scholar athlete who fully understands the importance of education, long-term career goals and service to their community.  We think that working with Kaplan to provide the best preparation for high-stakes exams to get into college helps to achieve this goal. ”

On site, Kaplan Test Prep experts will offer an introduction to the SAT and ACT, which are consistently ranked by college admissions officers as the second most important factor in the admissions process, just behind grades in college prep courses like Advanced Placement.  360 Football Academy students will also attend a college admissions workshop to learn how to become better applicants and improve their chances of getting into their top college choices.

Justin Serrano, president of K-12 and college prep programs for Kaplan Test Prep, noted the organizations’ shared belief in the importance of college in setting students on the path to success throughout life, adding, “We are proud to continue our partnership with 360 Football Academy because the organization shares our objective of increasing the number of students who successfully complete high school and go on to attend college.”

Off-site, all 360 Football Academy participants will have access to the following Kaplan course offerings:

• Students can enroll in one of Kaplan SAT or ACT Classroom Anywhere® courses, which are held in a state-of-the-art virtual classroom, allowing students to participate in lessons in real time, featuring a live instructor online and teaching assistants, in a way that replicates the physical classroom experience.  Students can ask questions and interact with their teacher and other classmates using audio, instant chat, whiteboard, polling, and screen-sharing functionality.
• Students will have year round access to Kaplan Test Prep’s SAT On Demand (recent winner of national parenting and technology awards) or ACT On Demand course, which allows students to go at their own pace and on their own schedule with a personalized path through the curriculum, available 24/7.  It is powered by Kaplan’s exclusive Smart Track™ system, which analyzes student performance and prescribes a customized learning plan.  The course integrates focused content review, test-taking strategies, and the practice students need to achieve their target scores.  It includes: a custom study plan based on their diagnostic performance; full-length practice tests; over 50 hours of engaging video instruction on every tested topic on the exams; step-by-step problem solving exercises; and 1,000+ practice problems.  Each course also features Smart Reports™, which is essential in keeping both students and parents up-to-date on progress with performance reporting right down to the question level.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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Kaplan Test Prep Survey: Percentage of Pre-Law Students Considering a Future in Politics Drops – from 54% in 2009 to 38% Today

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (March 8, 2012) – The shine off the Capitol dome may be losing its luster for pre-law students, a traditional bullpen for future politicians.  In a Kaplan Test Prep survey of 758 pre-law students conducted between December 2011 and February 2012, 38% said they would consider running for political office – a marked decline from the 54% who reported they were thinking about becoming candidates in 2009.  Within that 38% lies a glaring gender gap:  51% of male pre-law students would consider running, but only 29% of female pre-law students would consider it.

If the decline in political aspirations among pre-law students continues, it may fuel an existing and related trend: the decline in the number of lawyers serving in Congress:

• Just 37% of members of the current Senate are lawyers, compared to the early 1970’s when it peaked at 51%.  Who’s been filling the gap?  Bankers and those from the business community, who make up 20% of today’s Senate.
• Lawyers account for 24% of the current House of Representatives, down from a high of 43% in the early 1960’s.  That’s on par with members who’ve worked in banking and business at 21% – in fact, 22 current congressmen and congresswomen hold an MBA.

Many pre-law students surveyed don’t see that decline as necessarily a bad thing: 30% said they think that there are already too many lawyers involved in politics; 16% said there were too few, while 54% said the number was about right.

“The current contentious political climate has engendered a souring on politics among the general electorate, so it’s not entirely surprising that there’s less enthusiasm even among the current population of would-be lawyers, which traditionally produces a high percentage of politicians,” said Jeff Thomas, director of pre-law programs, Kaplan Test Prep.  “That said, lawyers are still the most heavily-represented profession among members of Congress, which makes sense, as this is the body who writes U.S. law.”

Thomas notes that many of today’s top politicians are former practicing attorneys or hold JDs: President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, and leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.

For a 3-minute video news release on the survey’s findings, plus advice for students looking to get into politics, visit Kaplan LSAT’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/KaplanLSAT.

For more information about Kaplan Test Prep’s survey about pre-law students and politics, contact Russell Schaffer at 212.453.7538 or russell.schaffer@kaplan.com.  For the most up-to-date news on all of Kaplan’s research, follow on Twitter at @KapTestNews and visit Kaplan’s online press site at http://press.kaptest.com.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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NCSA Student-Athletes Receive Access to Free SAT® Prep Through Kaplan

Partnership with NCSA Athletic Recruiting Offers Best in Class Educational
Resources for Student-Athletes Nationwide

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (February 28, 2012) – NCSA Athletic Recruiting, the leader in college sports recruiting worldwide, is teaming up with Kaplan Test Prep to provide its student-athletes with free access to Kaplan’s SAT® On Demand program, an award-winning online test prep course that combines advanced adaptive technology with instructional best practices.

Student-athletes who join NCSA can access Kaplan’s comprehensive and interactive SAT On Demand course, which allows students to go at their own pace and on their own schedule with a personalized path through the curriculum, available 24/7.  It is powered by Kaplan’s exclusive Smart TrackTM system, which analyzes student performance and prescribes a customized learning plan.  Kaplan’s SAT On Demand integrates focused content review, test-taking strategies, and the practice students need to achieve their target SAT scores.  It includes: a custom study plan based on their diagnostic performance; two full-length SAT practice tests; over 50 hours of engaging video instruction on every tested topic on the SAT; step-by-step problem solving exercises; and 1,000+ practice problems.  The course also features Smart Reports™, which is essential in keeping both students and parents up-to-date on progress with performance reporting right down to the question level.

“The opportunity to play collegiate athletics can be a life-changing experience for aspiring high school athletes. Unfortunately, each year thousands of prospects fail to maximize their recruiting and scholarship potential, since being recruited by college coaches involves not just strong athletic ability but academic ability as well. By partnering with Kaplan, the industry leader in test prep, NCSA Athletic Recruiting will provide its student-athletes with access to all the best tools and resources to succeed on their SATs,” said Chris Krause, CEO and founder of NCSA Athletic Recruiting.  “Achieving the scores they need to get into the schools of their choice will only increase their recruiting and scholarship potential, enabling them to put their best foot forward when reporting their academic achievements to college coaches.”

Winner of the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and cited as the top high school “Test Tool Website” in ComputED’s 2011 Education Software Review Awards (EDDIE Awards), Kaplan’s SAT On Demand offers ultimate convenience and provides flexible and personalized classes that guarantees higher test results.

“Picking the right college is a life changing decision. It’s important for student-athletes to recognize that the choice of a college or university is not just a 4-year decision; it is a 40-year decision that will impact their professional future and personal success in life,” says Krause. “The last thing we want is for our student-athletes to be denied by their top athletic choices simply because their academics weren’t up to par. NCSA believes in putting together a plan that will help an athlete maximize their scholarship potential. A major part of that plan includes Test Prep, and we wanted the best in the world to help the athletes in our network. Kaplan and NCSA share the same vision of empowering student-athletes to be successful in college and in life.”

High school athletes seeking recruiting assistance and the chance to maximize scholarship opportunities can sign up for a free profile at www.ncsasports.org and learn about the benefits of being an NCSA member, including the opportunity to access Kaplan test prep for free.

NCSA tips for student-athletes:

• WORK AS A TEAM

NCSA and Kaplan know that working in a team helps motivate student-athletes to practice or study.

• PRACTICE AND DEDICATION

Becoming a better athlete and student requires practice and dedication. The more a student-athlete practices or studies for a test, the better he/she will be. Kaplan offers free PSAT, SAT or ACT practice tests for students to learn what to expect on the tests and identify areas for improvement

• PRACTICE MORE

Kaplan offers an array of practice materials such as software, books or classroom exercises to help boost practice and give practical tips on test-taking strategies.

• MAKE A REALISTIC GAME PLAN

Create a study schedule and then stick to the schedule. Setting aside just a few minutes a day can make a huge difference in a student’s test performance.

• REWARD YOURSELF

Students should reward themselves and keep motivated by creating an incentive system. For example, stopping for a smoothie after every practice session is a good reward.

*SAT is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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Kaplan K12 Learning Services Sponsors Call for Teachers’ Best Practices in Digital and Blended Instruction

Teachers’ Winning Ideas to be Published in Next Edition of Kaplan’s Best Selling e-Book “First Year Teacher”

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (February 21, 2012) – In celebration of Digital Learning Day – a national campaign launched earlier this month to celebrate innovative teaching and learning through digital media and technology – Kaplan K12 Learning Services is seeking collaborative input from teachers across the United States to share ideas and best practices on incorporating digital and blended learning into the classroom. Teachers can submit their innovative ideas and inspiring stories to: Kaplan’s First Year Teacher e-Book Contest. The most creative submissions will be published as a new chapter of the revised edition of Kaplan’s top-selling book “First Year Teacher,” and educators whose ideas are published will win gift card prizes. The new e-book edition will be released during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

Blended instruction includes incorporating the use of different learning environments. Frequently, this means combining traditional face-to-face classroom methods with digital-based activities. The practice of blended learning reinforces academic concepts through multiple modalities, creating a more integrated approach for both teachers and students. Increasingly, technology is playing a critical role in this process. Research on blended learning indicates that the combination of live and online learning can be engaging and effective, as outlined in a recent white paper, “Online and Blended Learning: What the Research Says,” by Marcella Bullmaster-Day, Ed.D.

“We know that today’s teachers are entrepreneurs of innovative ideas inside the classroom, particularly as technology becomes a growing part of classroom instruction. We’d like to give creative-thinking teachers a platform for sharing their ideas about how they are using digital media, to recognize their efforts, and to help others who are navigating the changes that technology is bringing to the learning process,” said Justin Serrano, president of Kaplan K12 Learning Services. “We are looking forward to hearing about how they incorporate digital learning into the classroom, what online tools they find most valuable, how they use technology to help students learn, and anything else they’d like to share.”

All ideas and stories must be submitted by midnight EST, March 9, 2012.

Also in celebration of Digital Learning Day, during February only, the current Kindle edition of “First Year Teacher” is available for free on Amazon.com.

For more information about best practices in blended and online learning, go tohttp://www.kaplank12.com/us/resources/. For more on Kaplan’s participation in Digital Learning Day, contact Russell Schaffer at russell(dot)schaffer(at)kaplan(dot)com or 212.543.7538.

About Kaplan K12 Learning Services

Kaplan K12 Learning Services (http://www.kaplank12.com), a unit of Kaplan Test Prep (http://www.kaptest.com), partners with schools to measurably propel student achievement. Kaplan K12 offers state test readiness programs to help students meet and exceed state standards, and college preparation solutions that support students as they prepare for college entrance exams and the admissions process. Its solutions also provide teachers with robust Kaplan K12 resources and professional development support to impact achievement in their classrooms. Kaplan Test Prep is a division of Kaplan Inc. (http://www.kaplan.com), a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

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It’s Official: Medical School Aspirants Will Face an Expanded, More Challenging MCAT in 2015; The Impacts on Pre-Med Education Begin Now

New Exam Content Challenges Colleges to Augment Already-Packed Pre-Med Curriculum with Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Ethics and Cross-Cultural Studies Concepts – Beginning with Current Freshman Class 

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (February 21, 2012) – For the tens of thousands of pre-med students and the colleges and universities that teach them, the next few years will be transformational.  Last week, the Association of American Medical Colleges – the governing body of all 137 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian allopathic medical schools – formally approved major content changes to the MCAT, the medical school admissions exam, which will include the addition of behavioral and social sciences, advanced science concepts in biochemistry, and expanded critical thinking.  While the writing section will be eliminated, the additional content will make the 2015 MCAT over an hour longer than the current one – going from 5 ½ hours to about 7 hours. (For more on the specific changes, go to http://press.kaptest.com.) According to the AAMC, these changes will better prepare students for the medical school experience and ultimately help them become better doctors.

“These are beneficial and needed changes, as today’s medicine includes scientific advances that didn’t exist a generation ago, and today’s doctors serve an increasingly diverse population,” said Amjed Saffarini, executive director of pre-health programs, Kaplan Test Prep.  “However, there’s no question the new MCAT will be more difficult than the current one. The additional content will also be challenging for undergraduate pre-med programs that will need to quickly ensure their curricula cover the expanded topics.  The MCAT changes will also challenge pre-med students to learn significantly more material within the same amount of time – a potentially daunting, but achievable challenge for a student population that tends to be highly motivated.”

A Kaplan Test Prep survey conducted of 559 MCAT-takers in January sheds some light into the pre-med experience and mindset:

• A Determined Lot: 92% of pre-med students said that even if they had to face the additional content slated for the MCAT in 2015, that it would not have deterred them from pursuing a career in medicine.
•  A Rigorous Academic Track: 95% said that their existing pre-med education was intense, including 61% who described it as “very intense.”
•  No Time for French 101: 29% reported that the intensity of their courseload prevented them from exploring areas of study outside of pre-med.

In 2011, 43,919 aspiring doctors applied to medical school, a 2.8% increase over 2010. The number of first-time applicants reached an all-time high in 2011.  Of those who applied, about 43% were accepted.

To schedule an interview with a Kaplan Test Prep expert about the upcoming MCAT changes, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 212.453.7538.  Pre-med students can find a host of additional resources at www.KaplanMCAT.com.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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Kaplan Test Prep Launches Free 90-Minute Adaptive SAT® Diagnostic Developed by MIT Graduates to Predict Student Performance

Practice Test by Testive Adapts Question Difficulty to Match Individual Ability Level; Results Use Adaptive Testing Research to Reliably Predict Test-Takers’ Scores

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (February 9, 2012) – Until now, the only way students could gauge how they’d perform on the SAT® was to take a 4-hour practice test mirroring the actual exam.  To create a more efficient assessment tool, Kaplan Test Prep has teamed with Testive, an adaptive test development company, to create the first-ever adaptive 90-minute practice SAT that can reliably predict a test-taker’s score level.  Using computer adaptive algorithms developed at MIT and built upon decades of academic research on adaptive testing, the “Kaplan SAT TurboTest,” powered by Testive, can help students understand their current score without having to sit through a full-length 4-hour practice exam.

The first and only computer-adaptive SAT practice test, the Kaplan SAT TurboTest creates an individualized test experience for each student by adjusting the difficulty of questions as the test progresses.  If a student answers a question correctly, the test difficulty level increases.  If a student gets a question wrong, the test gets easier.  By adapting to the test-taker’s ability, the SAT TurboTest is able to create an accurate picture of his or her predicted performance more efficiently, using fewer questions.

“Today’s students have jam-packed schedules, so we aim to help them meet their goals as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said Justin Serrano, president of college prep programs for Kaplan Test Prep.  “Getting students a reliable score assessment in less than half the time of traditional tests helps them identify and focus on areas of study opportunity more quickly.”

“Combining Kaplan’s world-class content with Testive’s ability to speed up traditional tests gives students the baseline knowledge they need to start the SAT preparation process,” said Miro Kazakoff, co-founder of Testive. “It’s the only SAT practice test currently available that uses computer adaptive algorithms to zoom in on student ability level without making them churn through 167 questions .”

The Kaplan SAT TurboTest is available to download online and can be used on the iPad® using a web browser.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

About Testive

Testive (www.testive.com) builds faster, better tests.  Founded by MIT graduates, the company uses adaptive algorithms to create assessment experiences that provide more data back to test takers with fewer questions than traditional tests. Based in Cambridge Massachusetts, Testive is currently a member of TechStars – Boston technology accelerator program.

*SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

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The Four-Month Countdown to the “Next Generation” GMAT® is On; More Complex Business School Admissions Exam Set to Launch on June 5

GMAT’s New Integrated Reasoning Section to Challenge MBA Aspirants with Question Types such as Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, and Graphics Interpretation

Available for Interview: Kaplan Test Prep GMAT Expert

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (February 8, 2012) – Undergrads putting off taking the GMAT because they don’t plan to apply to business school for a few years might want to adjust their timelines.  Aspiring business school students will face a more difficult GMAT in June with the addition of the Integrated Reasoning section. Integrated Reasoning will present four question types designed to measure test takers’ ability to organize, synthesize, and evaluate information from multiple sources and in different formats. Makers of the exam say the Integrated Reasoning section will test how applicants respond to the kinds of complex challenges they will encounter in business schools and as managers. The GMAT’s 200,000+ annual test takers worldwide will face the following new question types:

• Table Analysis:  Test takers will be presented with a sortable table of information, similar to a spreadsheet, to be analyzed to find whether answer statements are accurate.
• Graphics Interpretation: Test takers will be asked to interpret a graph or graphical image, and select the option from a drop-down list to make response statements accurate.
• Multi-Source Reasoning: Questions are accompanied by two to three sources of information. Test takers must examine all the relevant information which may be a combination of text, charts, and tables to answer questions.
• Two-Part Analysis: A question will involve two components for a solution. Possible answers will be given in a table format with a column for each component and rows with possible options; test takers will be asked to consider the options provided.

“The Integrated Reasoning section will introduce question types that are unprecedented among major admissions tests.  Adding the Integrated Reasoning section is a good step in terms of reflecting higher-level analytical skills, but there’s no question that the new GMAT will be more challenging than the current one,” said Andrew Mitchell, director of pre-business programs, Kaplan Test Prep.  “Most aspiring MBAs take the GMAT and apply for admission in their mid to late 20’s. Nevertheless, college students can get an advantage by taking the GMAT before it changes and avoid the time it will take to prepare for the new section.  All GMAT scores, including scores from before the test change, are valid for 5 years.” 

Mitchell points out that doing well on the Integrated Reasoning section will be especially important because test takers receive a separate score for this section – poor performance on the new section can’t be masked by stronger performance on the rest of the test.  The exam’s test length will remain at around 4 hours (including breaks), since the new section replaces one of the essays.  

A Kaplan-created sample question from the GMAT’s new Integrated Reasoning section can be found here: http://press.kaptest.com/gmatsamplequestion.   

For more question samples, including explanations and ongoing updates provided by Kaplan, visit www.testchange.com. 

To arrange an interview with a GMAT and business school admissions expert at Kaplan Test Prep, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 212.453.7538.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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Top College Admits to Exaggerating SAT Scores to Improve Ranking

Do Rankings Have Too Much Influence in College Admissions?

Available for Interview: Kaplan Test Prep Expert

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (January 31, 2012) – A top admissions official at Claremont McKenna College, a prestigious school in California, admitted to inflating the school’s SAT scores in order to help boost its standing in the national rankings.  While this may be the most egregious example of a school seeking to game the rankings, it’s hardly the only one.

“There’s no question that rankings have had a negative effect on colleges, as they drive many schools to focus on statistics around perceived status,” said Jieun Choe, executive director of college prep and K-12 programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “The reality is that there are a number of ways schools have been able to influence their rankings-related statistics – whether it’s going SAT-optional to boost their SAT scores, or getting rid of an early admissions policy to increase applicant volume.”

“Realistically, the top echelon of schools hasn’t really changed over the past several decades, and beyond that, among competitive schools there’s no difference in quality when a student goes to the 22^nd ranked school versus the 28^th ranked school in the country.  From a student perspective, rankings should play a minimal role in considering where they want to apply.”

To talk to with a Kaplan Test Prep expert about the role of rankings in the college admissions process, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com  or 212.453.7538.   Also visit Kaplan Test Prep’s virtual pressroom at http://press.kaptest.com and follow on Twitter: @KapTestNews.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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Unusual College Scholarships: It May Pay Off to be a Ghost Hunter, Klingon Speaker, Duct Tape Fashionista, Duck Caller or Woman over 5’10”

A Myriad of Scholarships Prove That Students Don’t Necessarily Have to Be at the Head of the Class to Bank Scholarship Money – But it Doesn’t Hurt Either

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (January 30, 2012) – To win a share of the billions of dollars available in college scholarships, you don’t necessarily have to be a 4.0 student or have scored a perfect 2400 on the SAT or 36 on the ACT – though that helps too.  There are many unusual, little-known scholarships available for students of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, but who may not have the strongest academic records. Here are just a few:

• The Parapsychology Foundation’s Annual Eileen J. Garrett Scholarship is designed to assist a student who plans to pursue the academic study of parapsychology.  The organization says applicants must demonstrate a previous interest in parapsychology and included writing samples on the subject with the application form.  Boo!
• The Klingon Language Institute’s Kor Memorial Scholarship may be a Treky’s dream come true.  According to the organization, the purpose of the scholarship is to recognize and encourage scholarship in fields of language study. Familiarity with Mr. Spock’s Klingon language is not required, but they do prefer creative and innovative applicants.
• Duck Tape’s® Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest challenges students to create and accessorize their prom outfits with duct tape, then wear them to prom.  Participants take snapshots of themselves with their dates at the prom and then an online, public poll decides the winner. Quacking on the dance floor isn’t a requirement to compete, but speaking of quacking…  
• The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest takes place every year in Arkansas – in sunshine or in fowl weather. During its nearly 40 year history, the contest has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships to young duck callers who have gone on attend 32 different colleges.
• Vegetarian Resource Group awards two $5,000 scholarships to high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their high schools and/or communities. Applicants should NOT beef up their résumés.
• Tall Clubs International offers $1,000 scholarships to tall students who meet the organization’s requirements: minimums of 5’10” for women and 6’2″ for men.  Note: 5’10” and 6’2” WITHOUT heels.

“How to pay for college is a huge concern for many families, but luckily there are billions of dollars in private scholarship money available for almost every kind of student,” said Jieun Choe, executive director of college prep and K-12 programs, Kaplan Test Prep.  “We strongly encourage students to look for scholarship opportunities before their senior year – and look at searching and applying for scholarships as a part-time job, as it can really be worth your while.  You can actually start banking scholarship money as early as freshman year of high school. The more money you have by the time college acceptance letters come, the more options you’ll have since your ability to pay will be less of an issue. ”

For videos on the financial aid process and scholarships, visit www.youtube.com/KaplanSATACT.

To arrange an interview with a Kaplan Test Prep expert about scholarships and the financial aid process, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 212.453.7538.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses.  Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

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Kaplan K12 Learning Services Announces Sponsorship of Digital Learning Day, February 1, 2012

Kaplan K12 Will Provide 5 Days of Free Digital Learning Resources for
Students, Parents and Educators

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO)

Russell Schaffer, russell.schaffer@kaplan.com, 212.453.7538
Carina Wong, carina.wong@kaplan.com, 212.453.7571

New York, NY (January 30, 2012) – Kaplan K12 Learning Services, in partnership with the Alliance for Excellent Education, is pleased to announce its participation as a partner in the first-ever Digital Learning Day campaign. This national campaign is designed to celebrate innovative teaching and highlight practices that make learning more personalized and engaging for students, exploring how digital learning can provide all students with the opportunities they deserve—to build the skills needed to succeed in college, a career, and life.

“At Kaplan K12, we are committed to closing the achievement gap by making quality learning accessible, serving students through the academic best practices of differentiated instruction and blended learning, as well as through innovative technologies designed to meet individual needs,” said Justin Serrano, president of Kaplan K12 Learning Services. “Digital Learning Day is well-aligned with our mission, and we applaud its transformative nature in bringing together all stakeholders and supporting innovation that changes policies, shifts attitudes and supports wide-scale adoption of promising instructional practices.”

“Digital Learning Day is more than just a day,” said Gov. Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “It is about building a digital learning movement that provides teachers with better tools to truly provide a quality education for every child. Simply layering on technology alone will not move the education needle very much. Effective technology combined with great teachers and engaged students have the potential to transform the world of learning. The time has come to ensure that every child has access to the engaging experience that comes with powerful teaching and rigorous content available through digital learning. The teachers are here, the technology is everywhere, and the students are ready and able. Now it’s time to put it all together.”

In celebration of Digital Learning Day, Kaplan will launch 5 Days of Digital Learning, an initiative to share resources that support the goals of Digital Learning Day. Starting on February 1, Kaplan will make available a number of learning resources for students, parents, and educators, including SAT and ACT digital flashcards, ebooks, and online events. Each weekday, Kaplan will reveal its new digital learning gift on its Facebook page, Getting Into College Today, cosponsored by StudentAdvisor. These resources will be available for free throughout the month of February.

About the Alliance for Excellent Education 
The Alliance for Excellent Education is a Washington, DC-based national policy and advocacy organization that works to improve national and federal policy so that all students can achieve at high academic levels and graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship in the twenty-first century. For more information about the Alliance for Excellent Education, please visit http://www.all4ed.org.

About Kaplan K12 Learning Services 
Kaplan K12 Learning Services (http://www.kaplank12.com), a unit of Kaplan Test Prep (http://www.kaptest.com), partners with schools to measurably propel student achievement. Kaplan K12 offers state test readiness programs to help students meet and exceed state standards, and college preparation solutions that support students as they prepare for college entrance exams and the admissions process. Its solutions also provide teachers with robust Kaplan K12 resources and professional development support to impact achievement in their classrooms. Kaplan Test Prep is a division of Kaplan Inc. (http://www.kaplan.com), a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

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