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When we started Compass in 2004, we entered familiar territory. The founders had worked together before, having started Californias first in-home one-on-one test prep company in 1989. Back then, we were among only a handful of firms in the country to move test prep out of large classrooms and into thousands of individual homes. Plenty has changed around us in 25 years, but our core service offering remains the same: making tutor house calls. From day one, we have strived to have the right tutor at the right time in the right place for the right program, for every single client. We are educators first, but logistics experts too. Tutoring in Unexpected Locales Our air traffic control towers are in Larkspur and Beverly Hills. We maintain two bustling regional headquarter offices but most of our effort happens in the field, face-to-face, across Northern and Southern California. From decades of school and college counselor relationships and powerful word-of-mouth among parents, we are a household name in most California households. Still, a few clients every year are surprised to hear that we can indeed come to them. So while its common to send tutors to Piedmont and Pasadena, Los Altos and Long Beach, Mill Valley and Malibu, its also not unusual to serve students a little further away: Valencia, Pomona, Dana Point, Napa, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and beyond. So whats changed since 1989, or since 2004? Well, for starters: the SAT (multiple times), the college admissions landscape, the test prep industry, students lifestyles, parents expectations, and gas prices. Oh, and technology. So while most of our tutoring is still done the old-fashioned way paper and pencil, one-to-one, face-to-face technology has allowed us to reach well beyond our local radiuses. Over the last several years, Compass and the world market have inevitably discovered one another, and technology has brought us together. Once an off-shoot, online tutoring is now a viable and necessary solution for some and a preferred template for what will someday be commonplace for many more. Providing First-Rate Prep, Online Like our nearby students, college-bound teens and their parents around the globe are in search of top-notch educational support. High stakes testing for a selective admissions process helps drive this demand, and the savviest of the bunch know where to find help. A Zurich-based American family found out about Compass from reading reviews on The Berkeley Parent Network. Raising children overseas, Barbara Johnson explained, I found the site  to be most helpful. I felt the Berkeley parents have high standards so if they recommended Compass, I thought it would be a good fit. Compasss approach was just what I was looking for to efficiently cater to our daughters specific needs. With the technology worked out, it was easy. Our students are all over the map, and so are their reasons for being so. Some just happen to live there. And there just happens to be Alaska. Or Michigan, Oregon, Nevada, Iowa, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, and Missouri. Even families who live in hotbeds of educational resources like Boston and New York City have expanded their search and opted to work online with us for a range of specific reasons and requirements. Others attend boarding schools in remote New England towns or sports academies in isolated areas. Some are living abroad temporarily during an important phase of high school and want to ensure that their test preparation is not compromised. And just like in San Francisco and Los Angeles, local word-of-mouth travels quickly in tight-knit communities in cities around the world. In recent years, Compass has successfully prepared students in-home in Rio de Janeiro, London, Bogota, Heidelberg, Moscow, Hong Kong, Paris, and more. James Clark, a father in Alberta explained his rationale for choosing to have his son work online with a California firm. My work colleague in California recommended Compass to us. We are British living in Canada so knew very little about the SAT process. We probably could have looked for a local tutor but I was so impressed by your knowledge and helpfulness that we decided to look no further. We needed to set up tutoring very quickly and being able to arrange sessions online made this much easier to do. Finding a tutor in our specific area who was available when we were would have been almost impossible. I was amazed how quickly Compass was able to respond to our needs. Mr. Clark added, The experience was excellent. With lessons carried out online, it was really no different to having a tutor right there with him. Being a teenager, my son is very comfortable communicating on screen, and his computer was all set up to do so. This was a very straightforward option for him. Surprising Benefits of Online Tutoring (for Families and Tutors) While its impossible to perfectly replicate the dynamic of in-person private instruction, the online format provides some unanticipated  benefits. Ms. Johnson agreed. Working online was no issue at all. In fact it was significantly more convenient. It was great  to not worry about travel time. We had regular meetings  on Sunday  evenings, which were  Sunday  mornings in California. Because of this, I feel the pool of available tutors was broader. And accessing that pool and the management infrastructure around it was what mattered most. Teenagers are used to technology, so remote learning was no problem. I looked into actual online tutoring companies, but I wasnt sure about the quality. Your tutors for both of our daughters were so professional, knowledgeable, and patient. Compass was consistent with outstanding tutors and always receptive to our needs. Whenever we wanted anything, it was sent immediately. More eye-opening  feedback: a few  clients have gone so far as to say their students were more comfortable meeting online than they wouldve been with in-person sessions. Tutors love it too. Tim, a Compass tutor, describes his experience. Technology allows me to have a video chat from San Francisco to Europe while also screen-sharing a whiteboard where I show notes using a stylus and tablet with no delay. With a less motivated or more easily distracted student, the lack of physical presence might have an impact, but Ive had very engaged students. This is a viable alternative to live tutoring because of the internet speed and connectivity. Building rapport isnt a problem because teens are pretty comfortable with online video chatting. Tim also appreciates the flexibility of scheduling that comes with international programs. I am able to have lessons at times of the day when normally I could never fill a session. Flexibility for tutors goes even further for some. Justin, a long-time Compass tutor, recently moved away from California but regretted the thought of leaving Compass. I was ecstatic when I was offered the chance to continue working for Compass two years ago. Leaving the Bay Area, I knew I would be outside the companys footprint. However, my move coincided with the expansion into online tutoring and I was able to continue without interruption. For Justin, tutoring has not only continued, its flourished. I can fit more sessions into my schedule and more easily absorb some uncertainty on my students ends, when school or sports run late. And what  has surprised me most is how similar it is to in-person tutoring. High school students communicate electronically through text messages, social media, and applications. For them, it is completely normal to meet with someone who is sitting somewhere else. Compass’s Institutional Resources Make Online Tutoring More Successful Tutors and clients alike feel that the organizational, full-service  support they get from Compass is even more valuable when programs occur online across time zones. As Justin explains, Most of what is available to students and tutors who meet in-person is available online. Visual and audio clues are the same. The ability to sketch math problems and share textbooks still exists. The sense of meeting with someone is still felt  when the student and tutor reserve their attention for the session and not for anything else. However, tutors enjoy a few more resources in this format. Online explanations of concepts are immediately available. Homework assignments and future lesson times can be recorded in writing for both student and tutor. Software allows artistically challenged tutors (like me!) to produce much better representations than with pen and paper. Tim  adds, All the luxuries  of working for Compass are still enjoyed  when tutoring online. And our students benefit beca use Compass has stronger, more up-to-date experience with American standardized tests. I suspect they would have trouble finding that in a local tutor in many places.† While there are not too many noted  downsides, our remote students cant quite experience everything Compass offers. For one, they cant access Compasss weekly proctored practice tests. But recently one student was in the Bay Area visiting family over the holidays, so we made sure she came to one of our proctored events for the experience. She shared that there was a proctored practice test for American students at her school at one point, but the proctors had no idea what they were doing! Finally, is there any side benefit from this emerging aspect of the job? I think my fondest memories generally involved the opportunity to get a glimpse into the world of American teenagers living and studying abroad, Tim shared. We would often have fun moments comparing cultures. Due to their international educations, they often need extra help identifying idiomatic errors. We would have a running gag that was a lot of fun and that I think energized our sessions. Rather than discouraging, it was fun and motivational.

The Best Scholarships in Mississippi

​Mississippi residents making their college decisions should not have to worry about how they are going to pay for their education. As with all the states, there are grants and student loans available. However, grants do not always offer much support financially, and no one wants to worry about paying back thousands of dollars in student loans. Fortunately, there are many scholarship opportunities available in Mississippi. We have listed 35 scholarships below that range in requirements from certain colleges, particular majors, and even community service. We hope this list helps you in your search. 1.Byron Keith Mallett, Jr. Scholarship This award is open to graduates of Lake Cormorant High School. If there are no applicants from the school, the award will go to a graduate of a Desoto County public school. Considerations include being a resident of Desoto County, a 3.0 GPA, and financial need. Applicants must also submit an essay describing their faith and plans. This award pays $500. The recipient must maintain a 3.0.You can learn more about the ​Byron Keith Mallett, Jr. Scholarship here. 2.Ann Wesson Memorial Scholarship This award is presented by the Junior Auxiliary. Applicants must live in the Biloxi/Ocean Springs area. They must have attended one of the following high schools: Biloxi, D'lberville, Ocean Springs, St. Martin, St. Patrick Catholic, or Vancleave. Applicants must also submit ACT/SAT scores and have an excellent academic record. This $500-$2000 award is also based on community service and the applicant's essay.You can learn more about the ​Ann Wesson Memorial Scholarship here. 3.Rotary Club of Jackson Mentor Scholarship The Rotary Club of Jackson formed this scholarship to help potential future leaders of Mississippi but who lacked sufficient means to continue their education. Applicants must score at least 18 on the ACT, have a 3.0 GPA, and their family's combined income must be less than $60,000. They must submit a 350-word essay, transcript, and three letters of recommendation-one must be from a teacher explaining the applicant's character, potential, personality, initiative, and activities.Top candidates will be scheduled for interviews. The recipient must maintain a 2.5 GPA, attend full-time, perform community service, and communicate with their rotary mentor.You can learn more about the ​Rotary Club of Jackson Mentor Scholarship here. 4.APWA Scholarship Fund The Mississippi Chapter of American Public Works Association provides this award to a junior or senior attending a public university in MS studying to enter public works.Municipal or county government agencies oversee projects such as road building, lot clearing, storm water retention, street lights, and reviewing construction sites. Jobs overseeing these projects usually include a degree in engineering.Applicants seeking civil engineering, electrical engineering, public administration, environmental engineering, biology, or chemistry are eligible to apply. The award is based on merit and need. Applicants should submit a Scholarship Selection/Certification Form, application, transcript, and one letter of recommendation.You can learn more about theAPWA Scholarship Fund here. 5.Dave Cannada Memorial Scholarship Fund This scholarship was funded in memory of Dave Cannada for recent graduates of Murrah High School. Applicants must plan to attend a 4-year college in Mississippi. A GPA of 3.0 is required along with an ACT composite score of 25. The applicant must demonstrate strong leadership skills through athletics, church or mission services, and/or civic/student government. The amount is for $5000 and is also based on need.You can learn more about the ​Dave Cannada Memorial Scholarship Fund here. 6.Mississippi State University General Scholarships-Freshman Incoming freshmen at MSU are eligible to apply for some scholarships available. Requirements include a 3.0 GPA and a score of 20 on the ACT or 940 on the SAT. Recipients must attend full-time with 12 credit hours per semester. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA and remain in good standing. The amounts vary and are also based on financial need.You can learn more about the ​Mississippi State University General Scholarships-Freshman here. 7.Mississippi State Sharp Academic Scholarship One of many department scholarships available at MSU is the Sharp Academic Scholarship. The award is $3000 per year for students majoring in forestry. Applicants must have an outstanding academic record and excellent ACT/SAT scores.You can learn more about the ​Mississippi State Sharp Academic Scholarship here. 8.Accounting Excellence Scholarship Applicants attending Mississippi State University and planning to attend the Adkerson School of Accounting are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and an ACT score of 26. They must also declare PACC/pre-accounting as a major. The award is $2500 per year.You can learn more about the ​Accounting Excellence Scholarship here. 9.Sumners Scholarship Undergraduates attending MSU full-time are eligible to attend. The award is open to residents of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, and Webster Counties. The $2000 per year award is based on academic record and financial need. Interested students should submit a Sumners Application by the deadline and submit a General Scholarship Application.You can learn more about the ​Sumners Scholarship here. 10.Swalm Brookhaven Scholarship This generous $5000 per year scholarship is awarded to 20 Brookhaven High School graduates and 5 Brookhaven Academy graduates per year. Applicants must be incoming freshmen with a 3.0 GPA. They must attend full-time and pursue a technical degree. The award is also based on financial need. Recipients must maintain a 3.0. Students interested should submit a General Scholarship Application in addition to applying for the scholarship.You can learn more about the ​Swalm Brookhaven Scholarship here. 11.MSU Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship Incoming freshmen who graduated as valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school are eligible. The award pays $1500 per year for valedictorians and $1000 per year for salutatorians. Applicants must submit a General Scholarship Application and a letter of verification from a high school guidance counselor, principal, or another school official.You can learn more about the ​MSU Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship here. 12.4-H Academic Scholarship Entering freshmen who are active 4-H members are eligible to apply. Requirements include a 3.0 GPA, ACT score of 20 or SAT score of 940, and a letter of participation from the county 4-H representative or state office. This one-time award is for $500 or $250 per semester. Students who were named outstanding 4-Her by their county representative will receive an additional $1000. Interested students must also submit a General Scholarship Application in addition to the 4-H scholarship application.You can learn more about the ​4-H Academic Scholarship here. 13.MSU Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship MSU offers scholarships to incoming freshmen based on academics. The awards are divided into four categories based on ACT scores and increase with GPA.Students with an ACT score of 20-26 or SAT score of 940-1200 and a GPA of 3.0-3.49 are eligible for $1000/year; a GPA of 3.5 and above can receive $1500-$2000/year.Students with an ACT score of 27-29 or SAT score of 1210-1320 and a GPA of 3.0-3.49 can receive $2000-$2500/year; a GPA of 3.5 and above can receive $3500-$4000/year.Students with an ACT score of 30-32 or SAT score of 1330-1430 and a GPA of 3.0-3.49 can receive $4000/year; a GPA of 3.5 and above can receive $4500-$5000/year.Students with an ACT score of 33-36 or SAT score of 1440-1600 and a GPA of 3.0-3.49 can receive $5000-$6500/year; a GPA of 3.5 and above can receive $6000-$7500.You can learn more about the ​MSU Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship here. 14.Cheryl Prewitt Vocal Scholarship Students attending MSU with high school music achievement are eligible to apply. The award varies and is based on music aptitude, academics, and outstanding character. Preference is shown to majors in music. Academic record and financial need are also considered. Along with this scholarship application, students must submit a General Scholarship Application.You can learn more about the ​Cheryl Prewitt Vocal Scholarship here. 15.Mary Loraine Peets Buffett Scholarship Female-entering freshmen attending the University of Southern Mississippi are eligible to apply. The generous $5000 award is renewable for four years. Applicants must plan to major within the College of Arts and Letters and submit an essay or other work demonstrating student's creativity. A GPA of 3.0 is also required.You can learn more about the ​Mary Loraine Peets Buffett Scholarship here. 16.Toyota-Haley Barbour Scholarship Incoming freshmen attending any of Mississippi's universities or community colleges are eligible to apply. The $8000/year scholarship is awarded to 5 students per year. The applicant must plan to major in business, manufacturing, mathematics, or other programs found to support the product. A GPA of 3.0 is required. Other considerations include financial need, academic excellence, community service, and leadership record.You can learn more about the ​Toyota-Haley Barbour Scholarship here. 17.Student Body President Scholarship Entering freshmen attending the University of Mississippi who served as president of their high school student body or student council are eligible. The award is also based on financial need and academic record. Applicants must submit documentation showing they were the student body/student council president to the Office of Financial Aid. The award is for $1500 per year.You can learn more about the ​Student Body President Scholarship here. 18.Child of Faculty and Staff Scholarship Applicants whose parents are part of the University of Mississippi's faculty or staff are eligible to apply. Parents must be a permanent, full-time employee. One-half of tuition costs per semester is covered by this award. If a student's parent has been employed since before 1977, the tuition is paid in full.You can learn more about the ​Child of Faculty and Staff Scholarship here. 19.Christine and Clarence Day Business Scholarship Freshmen entering the University of Mississippi pursuing a degree in business are eligible for this award. The scholarship is incredibly generous of $10,000 per year. Applicants must have an outstanding academic and leadership record. They must also submit the Special Programs and Scholarship Application found at the following link in addition to the application for this scholarship.You can learn more about the ​Christine and Clarence Day Business Scholarship here. 20.Roger and Susie Friou Scholarship Ole Miss entering freshmen and transfer students are eligible to apply. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in accounting. They must also have a strong academic and leadership record. The award is for $3000 per year. Interested students should also submit a Special Programs and Scholarship Application in addition to this scholarship application.You can learn more about theRoger and Susie Friou Scholarship here. 21.Penelope W. and E. Roe Stamps IV Leadership Scholarship Ole Miss entering freshmen with exceptional academic and leadership records are eligible to apply. The award covers the cost of attendance after other awards are used. The scholarship also includes a $12,000 stipend for research, studying abroad, or enrichment pursuits. Interested students should also submit a Special Programs and Scholarship Application in addition to this application.You can learn more about the ​Penelope W. and E. Roe Stamps IV Leadership Scholarship here. 22.W. R. Newman Scholarship This generous award of $10,000 per year has a very selective award process including an excellent academic and leadership record. Applicants must be entering freshmen attending the University of Mississippi. A Special Programs and Scholarship Application must be included with the following application.You can learn more about the ​W. R. Newman Scholarship here. 23.Henry C. Brevard, Jr. Engineering Scholarship Entering freshmen and transfer students attending Ole Miss are eligible to apply. They must be pursuing a degree in engineering or computer science. Considerations include academic record and financial need. The $6000 award is given to 2 students annually. A Special Programs and Scholarship Application must also be submitted.You can learn more about the ​Lyceum Scholar Award here. 24.Lyceum Scholar Award Transferring students from a Mississippi community college with at least 48 transferable credits are eligible to apply. They must have a 3.0 GPA and an exemplary record of leadership and community service. Applicants must plan to attend full-time for two years. The award pays $7644/year. A complete Community College Transfer Scholarship application must also be completed.You can learn more about the ​Lyceum Scholar Award here. 25.MS Community College Advantage Scholarship MS community college students transferring to Ole Miss are eligible to apply. They must have at least 48 transferable credit hours, a 2.5 GPA, and be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. The applicant's family's adjusted gross income cannot exceed $30,000. 25-$4000/year awards are given annually. Applicants must also complete the Community College Scholarship Application.You can learn more about the ​MS Community College Advantage Scholarship here. 26.Bledsoe Scholarship Freshmen entering Ole Miss meeting the following ACT GPA guidelines are eligible to apply. Applicants must also complete the Scholarship tab within the Special Programs, and Scholarship Application link is included with this scholarship link below.GPA must be 3.5 or higher for these scholarships. The amounts are divided by ACT scores. Scores of 24-25 are eligible for $1500/year. Scores of 26-27 are eligible for $1600/year. Scores of 28-29 are available for $1700/year. Scores of 30-31 are eligible for $1900/year. Dozens of 31-33 are available for $2700/year.You can learn more about the ​Bledsoe Scholarship here. 27.Luckyday Scholarship This award is available to any MS University entering freshman. Requirements include a 20 ACT score or 940 SAT score and a 3.2 GPA. It covers remaining financial need up to $5000 after other awards are in place. Considerations include grades, test scores, financial need, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and a Luckyday essay. 75 students are chosen for this award. Some colleges require an additional scholarship application such as the University of Mississippi; applicants must complete the Special Programs and Scholarship Application.You can learn more about the ​Luckyday Scholarship here. 28.Croft Scholarship Freshmen entering Ole Miss interested in majoring in International Studies are eligible to apply. They must have an excellent academic record and strong leadership skills. Considerations also include financial need and community activities. A Special Programs and Scholarship Application must also be submitted.You can learn more about the ​Croft Scholarship here. 29.John Robert Boswell Memorial Scholarship Fund Established by the parents of John Boswell in his memory, this one-time $1000 award is given to an outstanding senior majoring in chemical engineering at Ole Miss. The recipient must attend full-time and not belong to a fraternity or sorority.You can learn more about the ​John Robert Boswell Memorial Scholarship Fund here. 30.Harrison Clark Scholarship Awards Fund Madison Central High graduates planning to attend a 2 or 4-year MS college are eligible to apply. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required, and applicants must have scored at least in the 60th percentile on college admission exams. This one time award of $1000 is based on the applicant's merit. Preference is given to Madison Central High Band members.You can learn more about the​Harrison Clark Scholarship Awards Fund here. 31.Anthony "Tony" Gobar Juvenile Justice Scholarship Fund Full-time upcoming juniors or seniors attending a university in MS are eligible to apply. The $1200 award is based on merit and need. The applicant must be studying criminal justice, counseling, or political science and show interest in working in juvenile justice or a related field. Applicant must show a strong commitment to community and public service. A GPA of 2.5 is required, and financial need must be demonstrated. Additional requirements include submitting the Scholarship Selection/Certification Form, a transcript, activities sheet, and letters of recommendation.You can learn more about the ​Anthony "Tony" Gobar Juvenile Justice Scholarship Fund here. 32.Aura Neely-Gary Memorial Scholarship Fund Ms. Gary's family wanted to honor her memory by providing a college scholarship to a person whose secondary school education may have been interrupted for various reasons or those facing financial need. $2000 annually is given to a male or female planning to further their education in Mississippi. Merit and financial need are considered. Preference is given to those who desire to resume their education after personal difficulties. Special consideration is given to young women who had dropped out of school and are now trying to earn an education. Along with the Scholarship Selection/Certification Form, applicants must also submit a transcript, financial form, activities sheet, and a letter of recommendation.You can learn more about the ​Aura Neely-Gary Memorial Scholarship Fund here. 33.Bill Hunsberger Scholarship Fund This scholarship rotates annually among the universities his daughters attended. The $2000 award is given one year to a junior or senior female student studying journalism at the University of Southern MS, the next year to a junior or senior female student studying journalism at the University of Mississippi, and the next year to a junior or senior female student studying political science who is also involved with student media at the University of Mississippi. The award is also based on merit and financial need.You can learn more about the ​Bill Hunsberger Scholarship Fund here. 34.Miriam Scarborough Scholarship Females attending any school in MS are eligible to apply. Requirements include an ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1100 and a 2.5 GPA. Applicants should also submit a leadership resume from grades 10-12 including church, school, or community. A statement of financial need and an itemized expense sheet for the school year should also be submitted. Award amounts vary.You can learn more about the ​Miriam Scarborough Scholarship here. 35.Young Farmer Scholarship Association Four $3000 scholarships are awarded to Farm Bureau member students studying agriculture. Considerations include financial need, leadership qualities, and academic record. Available for any Mississippi College, two awards are reserved for entering freshmen, and the other two are for sophomores, juniors, or seniors.You can learn more about the ​Young Farmer Scholarship Association here. ​We've worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.