The essay portion on the SAT and ACT is confusing for many students and families. It is optional and can be added while registering for a test date. So the question I hear a lot is: Do I have to do the essay on the SAT or ACT? Unfortunately, the answer is 'it depends'. Only a small number of colleges require or recommend the writing score from the SAT or ACT test, so most students do not need to include the optional writing on the tests. The … [Read more...]
How to File the FAFSA
8 Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA Form Need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form but don’t know where to start? I’m here to help. Let’s walk through the process step by step. 1. Create an account (FSA ID). Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you don’t have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID. If this will be your … [Read more...]
Steps for the FAFSA Before October 1st
The FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, opens Octber 1st for students currently in their senior year of high school. Using 2018 tax information, students and parents will complete the FAFSA for their first year of college (2020-2021). 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 — married husband, … [Read more...]
National College Fairs Scheduled for 2020
National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) released its list of dates and cities for National College Fairs. These College Fairs are free to the public and designed for information-seeking college-bound students and parents. 2020 National College Fairs: Houston: April 14 Austin: April 16 Dallas/FT Worth: April 19 Related Articles: College Fair Tips by eCampusTours Joining the Crowd at a College Fair on New York Times … [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 is much more … [Read more...]
Quiz! Is Your Teen Ready for College?
Is your teenager ready for college? Success at college requires many skills for emotional, social, and academic tasks. Students will need to be academically prepared for college, which can be measured by reviewing grades, test scores, motivation, and college choice. Students also need to be emotionally prepared for leaving their family and leaving independently for the first time. Emotionally preparedness can typically be measured by … [Read more...]
Open House Days at Texas Colleges
Open houses, like campus tours, provide students with a unique opportunity to get information so they can decide whether or not to apply to the school. A college open house is an event where visitors are allowed access to a campus in order to learn more about it. During open houses, you can expect to see a number of important and knowledgeable people associated with a college. Deans, professors, coaches, admissions counselors, safety … [Read more...]
7 Tips to Start the High School Year Off Right
All high school students, from anxious new freshman to confident seniors, set their minds to making the most of the year. Four years may sound like a lot, but it's a short time considering you're setting the groundwork for the rest of your life. Goal: College! Here are 7 ways to ensure this school year provides the best support for your future choices and opportunities: 1. School course choices Consider your courses and teachers and decide … [Read more...]
Connecting Naviance to Common App
If your high school uses Naviance, you can connect your account to your Common App account. First, make sure you've added your high school to the Education Section under the Common App tab. Next, under the Colleges tab, select one college and click the "Recommenders and FERPA" section. Here's a useful video: … [Read more...]
Can my ACT score get me a scholarship?
Guest post by: David Recine, Magoosh The link between ACT scores and getting accepted into school is obvious. Meet a school’s expectations, and you’ll get in. But what about the connection between ACT scores and paying for school once you’re accepted? That is never quite so obvious. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at how your ACT score can translate into money in your pocket… or at least, money applied to your tuition bill. Which … [Read more...]
College Acceptances for Class of 2019
Congrats to our students who are headed off to some awesome colleges! We had 25 seniors who were accepted to: Arizona State UniversityBaylor UniversityBenedictine CollegeBoston UniversityCollege of William and MaryColorado State UniversityColorado School of MinesDuke UniversityEmory UniversityFlorida Institute of TechnologyGeorgia TechLSUMcGill University (Canada)Miami University (Ohio)NYUOhio State UniversityPenn StatePepperdine … [Read more...]
When should you submit those college applications?
The short answer: as soon as possible. Most colleges start accepting applications August 1 or during the Fall semester of senior year. Even for colleges with Spring deadlines, it is strongly encouraged to submit applications during the Fall semester in order to be considered for scholarships. Plus, students who apply early are usually the ones who get a decision early! New Announcement: The Apply Texas application will open July 1st instead of … [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...]
Apply Texas College Essay Prompts for Class of 2020
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 2020 are: Essay A: (NEW)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 identity, an … [Read more...]
Summer Workshops for College Essays
Attention Class of 2020 students! Looking for a college prep summer camp or workshop to get ahead of those important college essays? Want expert advice and guidance for your teen this summer? Essay prep camps will be held in Friendswood during summer 2019 for students in the class of 2020. Each workshop is very limited in size to a max of four students, so students will get individualized attention for their college essays. Click here … [Read more...]
