The College Unraveled Blog
Welcome back from winter break! Now is the time to review your MID YEAR CHECKLIST. January is a great time to get organized and jump-start your college search.
1. Meet with your high school counselor
- Review your PSAT scores...
When should you take the SAT or the ACT? Identify which statement below applies to you to help determine the best timing for the test.
Juniors
Using the test dates for your personality type, plan your testing schedule for the next year.
Sophomores and Freshman
You will have the...
Many college applications require you to select a major or state that you are “undeclared”. But what is the best way to choose a major? Here are 5 ideas to guide you.
- Start early. It’s never too early or too late to start exploring your interests and...
You are on the home stretch! Only a few more weeks and your college applications will soon be done. Here are 5 ways you can keep sane during these last few weeks!
- Set up Application Plans. Know what is needed to make a complete application at each college you are applying...
How competitive for admissions will you be at a given school? This is based on several factors. Some factors are more objectively measurable in the college applications process than others. The easily measured factors include:
- Your GPA
- Your tests scores on ACT, SAT, Subject Tests and...
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...
What should you be prepared for on the PSAT?
- Guessing allowed. Remember, no deductions are made for incorrect answers on the PSAT. So – guess away!
- Prepare to read for content. PSAT uses long reading passages, with questions based on content not...
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
- Do be concise and write about something you know about.
- Do be open and authentic. Reveal something about your...
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...
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,...
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....
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