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| Questions and Answers about College Preparation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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When do students usually take the SAT test? Normally, students take the SAT test for the first time in the spring of their junior year of high school. If they wish, they may take the test a second time in the fall of their senior year.
When do students usually take the SAT II tests? Students usually take the SAT II test after finishing the corresponding course. From our experience, if time allows, it is preferable for the student to do extra studying in the summer before taking the test in the fall.
How many subject tests do students have to take? Most Ivy League colleges require two SAT II Subject Tests.
How do students pick which subject tests to take? Students choose the subjects required by the school, or that they believe they can do well in. It is important to do practice tests before taking the real test in order to estimate their performance and decide whether or not to take the test. Typically, after good preparation, their scores can increase by 50 to 100 points.
When do students start college applications? Students start working on college applications the summer after their junior year, but should ask for recommendation letters from their teachers before school ends, to give the teachers time to write good letters. In order to help the teachers become more familiar with the student so they can write good letters, it is advisable to send the teachers a well-written personal resume.
What is the criteria for entrance into the Ivy League ? There is no definite way to get into the Ivy League, but there are general guidelines and suggestions. In addition to outstanding academic performance, students also need to be creative, demonstrate leadership capabilities, and be greatly involved in their community. Please visit our membership page for a more detailed description of how to train a student to establish leadership skills and other qualities that top-notch colleges look for in applicants.
How do students choose which colleges to apply to? According to the students' academic performance and extracurricular activities, students can usually classify colleges in three categories: reach, target, and safety schools. "Reach" schools have average requirements that are slightly higher than the student's performance. "Target" schools have average requirements that match the student's performance. "Safety" schools have average requirements that are slightly lower than the student's performance. Normally, students apply to three to five "reach" schools, three "target" schools, and two or three "safety" schools.
What is the difference between Early Action and Early Decision? Early Action means that students can apply early to a college and receive a decision early, but can receive decisions from other schools before deciding which to attend. Early Decision means that students can apply to a college early and will receive a decision early, but must attend if they are accepted.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying Early Action and Early Decision? There are no drawbacks to applying Early Action, but to do so gives students the opportunity to receive a decision before sending out the rest of their applications, allowing them to modify their applications if needed. There are two types of Early Action: Single-Choice and Multiple-Choice. Single-Choice Early Action (such as Yale) only allows students to apply to one college with Early Action, but Multiple-Choice Early Action (such as MIT) allows students to apply to multiple colleges at the same time. Early Decision usually gives students a slight advantage in getting into the college, but they should only apply if they are certain they would wish to attend if they are accepted, since it is a binding agreement to attend if they are accepted.
What are the most important factors in a competitive application? Different colleges look for different qualities in their applicants. In general, the most important factors in a competitive application are academic achievement, creativity, leadership, passion, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and community service. On our membership page we have a more detailed discussion on how to build a strong profile for students.
Where can students find scholarships? Please visit our resources page for a compilation of scholarships. There are two major categories of scholarships: local and national. Local scholarships are easier to get, while national scholarships are more competitive. Our membership page has more detailed instructions on how to find local scholarships and how to compete for national scholarships.
How many times can students take the SAT test? Students may take the SAT as many times as they wish and most colleges will take the highest combined score for each subject. However, if a student takes the SAT more than three times, some colleges consider the average of their scores.
The PSAT is a standardized test given primarily to high school students in eleventh grade. Many students also take the test when they are in tenth grade, but the tenth grade PSAT score does not count. The test is given once a year, in mid-October, but different school districts may have different schedules.
Should students prepare for the PSAT test? The PSAT test is good practice for the SAT, so it is a good idea to do some preparation. If students excel academically and can perform well on the PSAT, they often spend extra time preparing so that they may be able to become National Semifinalists or Finalists. Many National Semifinalists and Finalists receive offers from elite colleges, which often include full or near-full scholarships, and some Finalists also receive a $2500 National Merit Scholarship.
What PSAT score is required to become a National Semifinalist? Each state is different. For your reference, we have included a chart, but these scores are not absolute; they may change slightly each year depending on students' performance.
Are students' elementary school and middle school scores important? Colleges do not look at students' middle school or elementary school performance.
An AP test is an advanced placement test. They are given every year in May. AP courses are not only another ruler by which college administration officers measure applicants, but they can also save you time and money. The majority of colleges accept AP scores of 4 or 5 for college credit. Depending on the college and your major, you may never have to take those classes again.
What role do AP test scores play? College applications ask for AP scores. Enrollment in AP classes and good scores on AP tests are used as indicators of competitive academic achievement. Some colleges will give credit to students with scores of 3 or higher. Check with each individual college for their policy regarding AP test scores and college credit.
How many recommendation letters do colleges need? Most colleges require two letters from high school teachers, and a letter from the student's high school guidance counselor. For special programs, they may ask for additional letters.
Which teachers should students ask for recommendation letters? Students ask teachers who know them well and are willing to write them strong letters. In order to help the teachers become more familiar with the student so they can write good letters, it is advisable to send the teachers a well-written personal resume.
The ACT is another standardized test for high school students applying to colleges. The ACT has four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science, and an optional Writing section that most highly-ranked colleges require.
Which test should college applicants take, the SAT or the ACT? The SAT and the ACT are both college admission tests. Most colleges accept the results of both the SAT and the ACT. The ACT is an achievement test that measures what a student has learned in school, while the SAT is an aptitude test that predicts how well a student will do in college. The ACT covers English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing test, while the SAT includes Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and a mandatory Writing section. Most students feel the ACT questions, are clearer and more straightforward. Although most high school students take SAT test, the ACT is being taken by more students every year as an alternative to the SAT. If a student is better at a curriculum-based test than a critical thinking skills test, then he or she should probably take the ACT. Of course, students should make sure the schools they intend to apply to do not have a test preference or requirement.
The FAFSA is a long, comprehensive document required by the federal government of each student, if he or she needs a financial aid package from the college he or she is attending. The government shares the information with the student's chosen schools. Most of the questions ask for details about the student's and the student's family’s income and assets, and some ask for things like the size of your household and how many family members currently attend school. The government analyzes your application to decide how much money your family can afford to pay for your education. The federal government awards billions of dollars in financial aid each year. If students would like to obtain federal financial aid, they must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may submit the FAFSA any time after January 1st, but we suggest that you complete it as soon as possible. The deadline for submission of the 2010-2011 FAFSA is midnight Central Daylight time on June 30, 2011. For more information about the FAFSA, please visit: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
The CSS PROFILE (College Scholarship Service)is an online application that collects financial information from you and your family. This information will be used by some colleges to determine your financial aid package. After you have selected which colleges you will apply to, please check their financial aid website for the CSS PROFILE filing deadline. Not all colleges require the CSS PROFILE. To file your CSS PROFILE, please visit: https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp
What do I need to apply for admission to college?
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