TIP OF THE WEEK - January 18

The ACT and SAT Tests

Planning for college takes a lot of time and effort, but when done correctly,

can help save wasted time and money attending the wrong college.

ACT vs. SAT

There is a difference between the ACT and the SAT. Some students

choose to take one and some take both SAT and ACT tests. The differences

between the two are outlined below.

The ACT Test

• Tests more on curriculum-based skills

• Time: 2 Hours, 55 Minutes

• Verbal Skills Focus: Grammar, punctuation and syntax

• Includes: Science & trigonometry

• What some experts say: "...more knowledge-based and straightforward"

The SAT Test

• Tests on problem-solving and general reasoning skills

• Time: 3 Hours, 45 Minutes

• Verbal Skills Focus: Vocabulary

• Does NOT Include: Science & trigonometry

• What some experts say: "...more nuanced, puzzle-like, trickier"

• Colleges & universities claim they don't have a preference for one over the other.

Typically it is better to take both and see which one you perform better on. You may choose to send both ACT and SAT scores to each college you apply to, or you may choose to send one or the other.

ACT & SAT Practice Test Tips

1) In order to get the most out of your SAT and ACT practice tests, be sure to take the test in an environment with no distractions, similar to what you would experience Taking the real ACT or SAT.

2) Make sure to take the SAT subject tests after you have completed the course in that section. EX: take the Chemistry subject test after taking the AP Chemistry class at your high school.

3)Take the SAT or Act during the fall of your junior year as a benchmark. Many students take the tests again their senior year to see if they can get a better score.

TIP OF THE WEEK - January 11

What Colleges To Apply To?

While evaluating your options, we recommend placing colleges into
three different categories:

Reach: Colleges that will be difficult to get into

Likely: Colleges you have a good chance of getting into

Safety: Colleges that will almost definitely admit you

A good rule of thumb is to apply to at least two to three colleges in
each of the groups mentioned above. It is important to remember that
you should be ready to attend any of the colleges in each category if
you are admitted. To determine whether or not a college is affordable
and within your reach, you should consider the following:

1) What percentages of applicants are offered admission each year?
2) What is the average SAT or ACT score for admitted students?
3) What is the average financial aid package, and does it include books
and travel to and from campus?
4) Will the college meet 100% of my demonstrated financial need?

When preparing to apply through regular admissions, you should visit the
colleges' websites to learn what materials you will need to submit by

each admissions office's deadline. We hope that you will take advantage

of the opportunity to apply to a range of colleges that offer an excellent
education and generous financial assistance.

TIP OF THE WEEK - January 4

Create Competition between Schools

You should apply to between 6-8 schools; safety, target, and reach.

WHEN APPLYING TO MULTIPLE SCHOOLS: You should always apply
to at least 2 or 3 schools that are rated somewhat equally. This way, if
your child gets accepted to all of them, you may be able to play one
against the other when negotiating to get a better financial aid package.
Even if your son or daughter is set on one particular college, putting
at least 2 or 3 schools on the FAFSA form is always a good strategy.


Your child should apply to at least:

• 2 likely (schools they are aligned to get into according to scores and grades),
• 2 target (schools where grades and scores fit into the school’s averages for acceptance) and
• 2 reach schools (schools where scores and grades are a bit below what the school’s average accepted student has).

It is also important to check each school’s acceptance
rate, as if the school accepts less than 40% of their applicants it would
automatically be a reach since they turn away many more students than
they accept.