While most seniors are happily done (or almost happily done) with completing and submitting their college applications, now it’s time for juniors to get engaged. Below is a checklist of some of the things that juniors and their families should be thinking about, discussing and doing over the next few months. Start talking! If you haven't already, now is the time to start conversations about the next steps after high school. … [Read more...]
Steps for the FAFSA Before October 1st
The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, opens October 1st for students currently in their senior year of high school. Using 2021 tax information, students and parents will complete the FAFSA for their first year of college (2023-2024). To get ready, there are a few things you can complete BEFORE October 1st. Decide Who Needs to Complete the FAFSA Traditional married couples- If you are part of a traditional family — … [Read more...]
Timeline for Taking the SAT or ACT
The SAT and the ACT are very different college entrance exams and most colleges are now accepting both. This has led to most students taking both the SAT and the ACT tests, although that is not required or suggested by many professionals in the college admissions field. Junior and senior year of high school are already very busy times so planning ahead really helps! When should my child take the SAT or ACT? While it looks like there are … [Read more...]
Does the PSAT Matter? Should You Prepare?
The PSAT will be given to area high school juniors (and younger students in some districts) on Wednesday, October 16. But does this test really matter? Should you take it seriously? Is it something students should prepare for so that you do well? Do Colleges Care About the PSAT? The PSAT is not used directly by colleges and universities when they make their college admissions decisions. Your acceptance or rejection into college … [Read more...]
SAT and ACT Test Dates for 2022-2023
SAT is administered by the College Board- https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat ACT website for registration- https://www.act.org/ … [Read more...]
College Essays for Class of 2023
The Common Application is a website that allows over 2 million students to apply to over 900 colleges each year, using one platform. It requires one general Common App essay that is then sent to any colleges using the app. Students chose from seven different prompts to write this one essay. Common Application Instructions and Prompt Update January 2022: The Common App essay prompts will remain the same for … [Read more...]
Apply Texas College Essay Prompts for Class of 2023
The Apply Texas application is a common application form for most Texas public universities. It allows students to input their information for several different colleges at once. ApplyTexas college essay prompts for class of 2022 are: Essay A: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?Essay B: Some students have an … [Read more...]
Creating Your Student Resume for College Admissions
When you apply to college, admission officers look at more than just your grades — they also take note of what you have done outside the classroom. Your extracurricular activities, such as jobs, sports, clubs and volunteer work, give colleges a better sense of who you are and show them what you can bring to their campus community. Remember that college folder you were supposed to be collecting throughout high school? The one stuffed with … [Read more...]
10 Things to See and Do on a College Tour
Students and parents should plan college tours starting in 9th grade. That should give high school students enough time during freshmen, sophomore and junior years to visit several different college campuses, take the official college tour, and narrow down their preferences and final college list before senior year. Most colleges offer daily walking campus tours during the week and some also offer these on weekends. You can search "visit" plus … [Read more...]
Law School Applications Surge
The number of admissions applications to law schools in the U.S. this year has increased 28% from last year, according to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Applications this year were at their highest level since 2011, and that’s creating difficulty for students facing more competition in admissions. It’s also complicating admissions for law school admissions professionals, which in some cases have resorted to asking accepted students to … [Read more...]
