Next week most Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving.  In the upcoming holiday season, you will likely end up spending time with lots of family.  Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve seen Grandma and Grandpa, or Uncle Mike and the cousins.  What are you going to talk about?  Most experts advise that politics is off the table, and you can only talk about the weather for so long.  Don’t be surprised if the guests turn their attention to you and your college plans.  What are your plans after you graduate, what colleges will you apply to, what will you major in, etc.?  You may or may not have answers to these questions – so how do you deal?   

• Share – or not.  Share as much information as you’d like, or don’t.  It’s likely that you are still sorting out the details so it’s ok to say “I’m not sure yet.”  You’ve started the process, you are...

SAT Subject tests are based on curriculum you have in class.  It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject.  According to the College Board, 

“The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do.  Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection.  Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.” 

Only a handful of colleges require SAT subject tests from students, but many will use SAT Subject test scores as a part of your admissions profile or for placement purposes (especially in foreign language). 

What subject tests can I take? 

There are 20 subject tests to choose from.  A majority of the tests are in foreign languages, with English, History, Math and...

Sports, clubs, academic competitions, music, work, social activism?  Why do colleges care about how you spend your time outside of class?  Your extracurricular activities are a reflection of your interests, your attitude, your work ethic, etc.  Admission officers can learn a lot about you by your activity list – but they care less about what you do and more about how you do it.  Colleges are looking for three basic qualities in your activities – longevity, leadership, and lasting impact.  

1.  Longevity.  Colleges would rather see you be deeply involved in a few activities over several years, than just show up to one meeting for every group, club, or sport at your school.  Choosing a few activities and sticking with them over time gives you a chance to improve your skills, take on leadership roles, and make an impact.
2. Leadership.  Being a leader demonstrates that you are a committed member of the group – someone...

When you think about the “Perfect College” what comes to mind?  Bucolic hills, palm trees, or urban energy?  Classes with 12 students or with 120?  Going to a football game, a political debate, an art show – all of the above?  How do you know which college is perfect?  You need to know what is important to YOU. 

Here are the Top 10 factors to consider for your “Perfect” college: 

1. Academics: If you know your major, that should be a requirement.  But what about special programs such as honors, study abroad, co-ops or senior projects?  Also consider the learning environment.  Is the campus on semesters, quarters, or offer a May or January term?  How do you learn best? 
2. Climate: Think about what climate you will want to live in for at least three seasons of the year while at college.  If you have never lived through winter in New England, think about how you will feel...

You are on your way!  You’ve got your college list finalized, common app essay completed, recommendations requested, and with applications around the corner you’ll soon be finished the college application process.  These 5 tips will help you stay organized and on track.   

1. Set up Application Plans. Know what is needed to make a complete application at each college you are applying to.  Recommendations? Transcripts? Essays? Make a list to keep track of requirements for each school.   
2. Check Application Deadlines.  Early Action, Early Decision or Priority Deadline?  Record the application deadline the you are using for each school on your calendar.  Don’t forget – you can only apply to one school as an Early Decision applicant.  
3. Follow Directions and Proofread.  It sounds simple but carefully check the directions for each application.  You don’t...

How do you measure your chances of admission for any given college?  This is based on several factors.  Some factors are more objectively measurable in the college application process than others.  The easily measured factors include: 

• Your GPA 
• Your test scores on ACT, SAT, Subject Tests and AP.   

 Less measurable, but also important to your college application are: 

• The quality (rigor) of your course schedule 
• Your resume of activities, work, and other experiences 
• Contributions you made to your community 
• Your love of learning 
• Your life’s experiences 

 Using Measurable Factors 

Check admissions data for each college on your list.  Look at the range of SAT or ACT scores, and GPA’s.  Your test scores will put you in one of three zones for the college: green, yellow or red. 

 What puts a school in your GREEN zone? 

• your test scores are in the top...

Do you know your high school counselor?  Maybe you’ve met with them to sign up for classes or to make a schedule change.  Or maybe not.  Depending on your school, your counselor may could be responsible for 30 students or 300+ students so some counselors are more accessible than others.  Regardless, it’s important for you to know this person and know what they can do for you in the college search.   

1. Make an appointment to meet your counselor.  If possible, make an appointment at a time where you won’t be talking about what classes to take next year.  This is a separate opportunity to talk mostly about college planning.   
2. Ask Questions.  The CollegeBoard has a great list of 20 Questions to Ask Your School Counselor.    
3. Get Personal.  Colleges that you apply to may require a letter of recommendation from your counselor.  This is one of many...

Your eligibility for financial aid will be based on the calendar year starting in January of your junior year.  Now is the time to learn what information you and your parents will need in order to file a FAFSA.  

What is the FAFSA? 

The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form students and parents must complete and submit to the federal government to determine their eligibility for financial aid and scholarship opportunities. 

Who files the FAFSA? 

Since this is a federal application, it is for US citizens or students with a legal status in the United States.  International students are not eligible for federal student aid. 

What kind of aid does the federal government offer? 

There are three types of aid offered by the US government: 1) Grants, 2) Student Loans, 3) Work-study.  Colleges will also often use the FAFSA to award their own need-based financial...

Do you know the entire name of the PSAT test?  It is officially the PSAT/ NMSQT test. “NMSQT” stands for “National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.” The only time you can be considered for the National Merit Scholarship is during your junior year.  Taking the PSAT is the only way to be considered. 

Taking the PSAT by grade level 

• Freshman year– It is your first opportunity to take a college-prep standardized test. Check to see if your school allows first-year students to take the PSAT/NMSQT.  The school may want you to take the new PSAT 9 in the fall or the spring. 
• Sophomore year– Take it more seriously- this is the last time you can take this test and not have it sent to the colleges. You may be taking the new PSAT 10 in fall or spring. 
• Junior year– Game time!  Prepare just as you have for the SAT test.  Do your best on this PSAT/NMSQT test. You will have colleges knocking at...