Many college applications require you to select a major or state that you are “undeclared”. What is the best way to choose a major? Here are five ideas to guide you. Start exploring. It is never too early or too late to start exploring your interests and connecting them to majors or careers. Learn about yourself. Take advantage

Seniors, the process of applying to college has become increasingly strategic for both students and colleges. Gone are the days of mailing a paper application to one or two schools and waiting for a “big envelope” to come back in return. Students are now applying to many more colleges. According to the Higher Education Research

Seniors, by now application decisions should be rolling in to your inbox/mailbox.  If you haven’t already heard back from all your schools, the wait is almost over.  Most colleges aim to have final decisions to everyone who applied before April 1.  But what if your “final” decision isn’t so final?…  What does it mean to

You are on your way! You’ve got your college list finalized, common app essay completed and recommendations requested. With the application deadlines around the corner, you’ll soon be finished with the college application process. These five tips will help you stay organized and on track. Set up Application Plans. Know what is needed to complete each college application.

By now you’ve received financial aid awards from the schools that have offered you admission.  But interpreting those awards might seems a bit like reading a foreign language.  Here are six common terms that you will see on a financial aid award.  Cost of Attendance – The Cost of Attendance is more than just tuition, it is an estimate of

What are your chances for admission at a given school? College admissions are based on several factors, some of which can be measured more objectively than others. These include: Your GPA Your tests scores on ACT, SAT, Subject Tests and AP Other less measurable but important factors include: Quality (rigor) of your course schedule Your resume of activities, work and

PAST/NMSQT: Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is important as a freshman, sophomore and junior. Why? It is your opportunity to take a standardized test and see how you do, without having to worry that colleges or programs will see your scores (they don’t).It’s also a great way to prepare for the regular SAT and juniors it is your opportunity to qualify for

SAT or ACT Test: You are signed up and ready to take the ACT or SAT test! Here are 5 test day tips to help you ace the test by starting off on the right foot. Have everything you need ready when you leave to take your test on a Saturday morning. 5 Test Day Tips: 1)

Finding a College: Finding a college is a bit like finding a date to homecoming. You are both trying to get to know each other and size up your chances. Scoping each other out online, liking a post on Instagram, talking to friends, going on a “group date” (aka a college tour). You want to apply to colleges that you like and

College Essay General Do’s and Don’ts It’s September, time to finalize your college essays. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to guide you. Do’s: Be concise and write about something you know. Be open and authentic. Reveal something about your identity in your essay. Show rather than tell. Giving specific examples for your topic brings it to life. Write

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 vocabulary. Be ready to read and understand the passages. The PSAT scoring is the same as the

College Fairs are great place to start your college search! So, what’s a college fair and what can you expect? Think “science fair” for colleges. College fairs are events where colleges from around the country will gather to provide students with information.  College representatives (usually admission staff or college alumni) are available at tables to answer

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

Seniors, Although senior year may be just getting started, college application season is already here! Many colleges are accepting applications even now, and some have deadlines as early as mid-October. Should you apply now? It’s important to know the different types of college deadlines so you can map out a timeline for your applications. Here