Do early birds really have an edge in admissions? The answer is often yes! The purpose of submitting an application to a college early is to indicate your top preference for that college or a small group of colleges. Colleges appreciate knowing you are likely to enroll if admitted. With Early Action and Early Decision, you hear sooner whether you’ve been accepted to your “dream” school” and there is often a significant admission advantage to applying early.
What is the difference between the three early application types?
What should you be prepared for on the PSAT?
Practice Made Easy...
It’s September – time to finalize your college essays. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to guide you.
College Essay General Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
Don’ts
Your college essay, along with your high school record, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement, will provide the basis upon which the...
The essay portion of the SAT and the Writing section of the ACT are both optional. At press time, according to the Princeton Review, only 15 colleges require the SAT Essay and only 17 colleges require the ACT Writing section. Just a note – ALL of the University of California System schools require the SAT Essay. However, the odds are that if you are applying to colleges outside of California, it’s unlikely that they require the essay.
There are additional schools that recommend submitting the SAT Essay or the ACT Writing – and some schools do use this part of the test for placement purposes or other consideration. Therefore, it’s important to check with each school regarding their standardized test policies. You don’t want to find yourself shut out of applying to a school or being considered for a scholarship that requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing.
But if you do...
Sports, clubs, academic competitions, music, work, social activism? Colleges care about how you spend your time outside of class. Here are 3 steps to the Ultimate Activities List.
Write down ALL the activities you have been involved in during high school. As your get this information down, include:
Add the DETAILS. Be sure to go back and include this...
It’s all about you!
Enjoy this summer and start thinking about what you like, and what is important to you. Summer is a good time to do as much preparing for next year as you can. Here is an activity you can do with your friends. It is fun to compare notes and learn about each other.
Start thinking about what is important to you. What are:
2 things in your room important to you?
2 songs you like (think favorite dance tune from the summer?)
2 words your friends would use to describe you?
2 words you would use to describe yourself?
Let’s take it a bit deeper. What are:
2 feelings you have about going to college?
2 things you want from a college?
2 colleges you know about and like?
What did you learn about yourself?
Did you have any surprises when you did this with friends? What did you learn about your friends? What did you learn about yourself?
The wait is over! AP tests come out this week. Scores come out by physical location. View the date and location schedule, and your scores, on the College Board schedule.
What is the AP exam score scale?
There is no “pass” or “fail” on the AP tests. It’s important to understand the definitions of the AP scores.
5 = extremely well qualified | Many universities award college credit
4 = well qualified | Some universities award college credit
3 = qualified | Some universities award college credit
2 = possibly qualified | No college credit awarded
1 = no recommendation | No college credit awarded
What if I have other scores?
Go to www.apscore.org to view scores on tests you took in previous years.
What if I have other questions about my AP test scores?
Check out the College Board’s AP Student Top Questions page for answers to viewing and sending scores to...
Standardized testing can be daunting! Follow these tips to reduce your stress and help you do best on your tests.
1. 3 Times is Enough
Plan to take the SAT/ACT no more than 3 times each. You should be done testing by fall of your senior year.
2. Try both the SAT and ACT
Take a diagnostic test or take the official ACT/SAT tests to see which one you prefer and/or do best on.
3. Start to Study Immediately
Don’t waste one of your tries before you’ve even cracked open your prep book. Know what to expect on the test and be familiar with the format.
Practice test taking strategies. Practice your weaknesses. Don’t waste time practicing your strengths.
4. Pick One Test and Stick to It
Take a diagnostic test to...
Graduation completed? Check!
Dorm room selected? Check!
ATM card for college! What? Get an ATM card?
Before you leave for college, you need to learn how to handle money. Here are 6 tips for you to consider as you prepare to go off to college in the fall.
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