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Four Tips For Reporting SAT, ACT and AP Scores To Colleges

Fall of senior year is here and it is time to decide if you will take advantage of test-optional policies or report your official ACT or SAT scores to colleges.

1: Decide if you are submitting scores.
Check the college’s website to determine if it is “test-optional.” Most colleges have continued their test-optional policies. If tests are required, you must report or send your best ACT or SAT score(s). Plan ahead because some colleges require the scores to be in your file by the application…

November To-Dos

Seniors
  • Write thank you letters to the teachers, counselor, and others who wrote recommendations on your behalf. They spend a great deal of time writing your recommendation so showing your appreciation is essential.
  • Plan to submit all your applications prior to the December vacation so you can enjoy some well-deserved time off. This means you should be working on your supplemental essays this month.
  • Continue to schedule and prepare for virtual or campus interviews (if offered,

October To-Do List

 
 
Seniors
  • If you are applying early, watch deadlines (many are November 1) and complete early decision agreements.
  • If applicable, make sure to send your official test scores via College Board or ACT.
  • Put the finishing touches on your essays and applications and have someone who understands the college essay proof them.
  • Parents: Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile for Financial Aid. Students: Research and apply for scholarships.
Juniors
  • Begin reflecting on what you are seeking

Acing The College Admissions Interview

Fall is here, and that means that some colleges will be holding admissions interviews with prospective applicants. The admissions interview is a place for the admissions representative (or someone else connected to the school) to see another side of you. It is also a chance for you to get an insider’s view of the college or to explain an inconsistency in your academic record in a personal, heartfelt way. To help you make the most of this opportunity, here is some advice on…

Five Tips For College Visits

Students should plan to visit at least some of the colleges they are considering. In fact, campus visits can be the most important factor in helping prospective students assess whether a college’s location, academic offerings, atmosphere, and community are a good fit.

  1. Visit at the Right Time.

So you have an upcoming break from school—that’s an obvious time for a college visit, right? Not so fast. If you have a long holiday weekend, or a school vacation, the college you plan to …

student walking across campus

September To-Do List

 
 
Seniors
  • Finalize your main essay and complete your common application so you may begin focusing on your supplementary essays.
  • Schedule interviews where available on campus or in your community.
  • If you are applying early by November 1 or to a rolling admissions college, complete the following by October 1st: if you are submitting scores, send your official test scores via College Board or ACT, request transcripts and confirm that your recommendations will be sent by deadline.

How Not to Write an Admissions Essay: Pitfalls You Can (and Should) Avoid

There are many ways to write a college admissions essay, and students’ approaches range from the meticulous (pre-writing, outlining, and then writing) to the more free form. While we have offered advice on how to write the admissions essay, giving you advice on what to do is only part of the story. Here are some things that you should avoid when writing your college admissions essay (or any essay for that matter):

1. Writing Too Much – The Common Application main essay has a 650 word…

Student working at laptop

August To-Dos

Rising Seniors
  • Set a goal to complete the main section of either the Common Application (available August 1) or the Coalition Application before school starts including your personal essay.
  • Work with your consultant on a strategy for each supplemental essay and a timeline to complete them.
  • If you think you will need any additional testing—SAT or ACT, register now for the September or October administrations.
  • Remember your senior year grades are very important. Even if

July To-Dos

 
 
Rising Seniors
  • Identify which of your colleges are offering online or in-person interviews this summer and begin scheduling them.
  • Book a meeting with your consultant to rehearse key messages about yourself, prepare questions and do a mock interview before the first interview.
  • Set a goal to complete the main section of the Common Application, including the personal essay, before school starts. You should plan to complete your personal essay by the end of July unless you made
essay writing

What You Need To Know About College-Specific Essays: Advice From Admissions Officers

Students spend lots of time and energy on their main common application essay or personal statement and sometimes rush through their college-specific supplemental essays without much thought or care. College admissions officers report that supplemental essays play an increasingly important role in the college application process. A supplemental essay is an extra essay beyond the personal statement or the primary application essay. It typically asks a creative question,…

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