College Bound

Categories of College Decisions

When deciding where to go to college, and when you apply determines what category you’ll be placed in. Regular Decision  Applications are accepted by the college until the stated application deadline. All applications are reviewed and decisions are mailed to everyone at the same time, usually in late March or early April, but no later than April 15. Early Decision Some students are so sure of their first choice college early in their senior year…

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The College Application Process

The College Application Process is not as difficult as it might seem. These suggestions can help guide you. Collect information about colleges  You can gather information from a lot of sources to begin your search. College catalogs, information bulletins or videos College representatives Parents, students and alumni School counselors and teachers College websites and Internet searches Directories and computerized information systems Professionals in the field College planning section of your ACT score report Your high…

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Make the Most of Summer Break

Summer break is a perfect opportunity for students to gain experience through paid or volunteer jobs, internships and other summer activities — pursuits that can also demonstrate a student’s sense of responsibility to college admission officers. 1. Follow a passion Ask yourself, “If you could do anything this summer, what would it be?” For example, a student who enjoys the outdoors and hiking could look into working at a summer camp or national park. 2.…

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APs, SATs, and ACTs: Exams

There’s a lot to consider when taking pre-college exams. Reference this material for your exam questions.   Advanced Placement Exams You should consider taking Advanced Placement Exams or CLEP tests in your Junior and Senior years. This allows you to test out of some college courses that can save you time and money. The exams are administered each year in the Spring with some preparation required prior to the exam. Check with your school for…

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College Planning Timelines

11th Grade: College Planning Timeline This is a key year in the college planning process because you’ll be taking standardized tests, narrowing down your college list, and learning more about financial aid. In addition, you’ll need to stay involved in your high school courses and activities. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fall Stay on track with your classes and grades. Meet with your counselor to see what you still need to take. Check on your class rank and your…

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Preparing for the SAT

I’ve been out of high school for a few years now, and even now I’m watching my younger friends prepare for taking the PSAT and the SAT. I’m having flashbacks to participating in after-school clubs and passing by my classmates huddled in corners in the library, reviewing vocabulary flashcards and scouring their prep textbooks for new material to study. Back in high school, I figured I was taking my school work just as seriously as…

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Why Your Child Should Consider Peer Tutoring

Many students benefit greatly from the effects of tutoring. Your child can be better prepared for exams, feel more confident regarding their school subjects, and strengthen their organizational skills. This process can be one of the most rewarding steps in your child’s education. But what most students forget to consider is that they can also teach others, in the role of a peer tutor. For example, during the school year, teachers will assign partners for…

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The Value of Applying Early Action

When applying to colleges, it is important to start the process early. It may seem like there is plenty of time to complete applications, but it is best to not procrastinate. When I applied to college five years ago, I did the early action route. I was accepted to some of my choices by the middle of my senior year. Because I did early action, one of my choices, (and the school I actually attended)…

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Dos and Don’ts of College Essay Writing

In competitive admissions pools, where thousands of applicants have strong academic credentials and a laundry list of extracurricular activities, well-written personal essays can mean the difference between getting accepted, waitlisted or outright rejected. Your essays are a chance to go beyond the raw numbers like GPAs or test scores and show admissions counselors how particular experiences have shaped the passions, beliefs and goals you’ll bring to a campus community. But they also present an opportunity…

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The Significance of Taking a Gap Year

As far as after-high-school plans go, many families and their children have college lined up as the go-to option. For most students, going right to college after graduating high school is a given, provided that their GPAs and SAT scores allow them acceptance. And, in my personal experience, no other options were ever truly offered as a plausible substitute for going to college. In this era of ever-expanding learning, taking a gap year can be…

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