PaperMate developed a new approach to mechanical pencils with Advancer, the first self-advancing mechanical pencil from the brand.
"Advancer is designed to give kids a great looking, fun and simple-to-use mechanical pencil perfect for everyday," said Barry Calpino, vice president and general manager of PaperMate. "Kids and parents alike who try the Advancer pencil are fascinated in trying to figure out just how it works."
Advancer minimizes lead breakage using its patented lead advance system, based on a retracting tip and spring mechanism. The new mechanical pencil with Number 2 lead eliminates trips to the pencil sharpener and constant clicking. Parents and students can also be confident that the Advancer works on standardized and electronically-scored tests.
Joyce E. Smith, executive director for the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), said being prepared and using the right tools can help students take the stress out of tests.
"College preparation, particularly test-taking, can be an anxious time for students, but it doesn't have to be," said Smith. "With proper guidance from parents, counselors and others involved in the student's academic life, the path to college can be a lot easier than expected."
The NACAC also suggests these tips for test preparation:
- Prepare Early - Taking challenging courses in high school is possibly the best way to prepare for the exams.
- Read, Read, Read - Everything from newspapers to magazines to books will strengthen your reading comprehension and vocabulary. Try reading for at least 15 minutes a day.
- Practice - Take the practice test in the materials received from the SAT or ACT. Find practice tests online or in books (check the guidance office or library). Learn from every test taken.
- Don't Load-Up - Cramming can cause additional anxiety. Get some sleep, eat well and rest assured that you are ready.
- Bring The Right Tools - Bring the right tools to the test. Set out everything you need the night before the test, including your Number 2 pencil. (PaperMate recommends using an Advancer mechanical pencil, so you can be focused on the job at hand).
- Don't Get Stumped - If certain types of questions seem to stump you, get some help from a teacher in that area.
Advancer is available in fashion colors including: orange, yellow, purple, red and green contoured barrels and business colors for Mom and Dad including: red, blue and charcoal in assorted 2-, 3- and 5-packs at the suggested retail prices of $2.38, $3.57 and $5.95, respectively.
Available at office supply stores and other retailers nationwide, Advancer joins other PaperMate innovations that will find their way into backpacks and briefcases this summer and fall.