Sunday, January 30, 2011

Most Students Benefit from Test Prep for the SAT and ACT

Most high school juniors will be taking the SAT and ACT for the first time this spring. As a college consultant and test prep coach, I recommend a test prep class to help you prepare. You do not need to spend a lot of money for a course, but google “test prep” and the city you live in or near to find some small companies that offer a comprehensive course at an affordable price. Small classes or individual tutoring are the best options for most students. There are also some excellent online courses that can be helpful. You wouldn't play in a tournament and expect to do well without preparation; you should not take the SAT and ACT and expect to do well without preparation either.

http://www.collegedirection.org

Thursday, January 20, 2011

College Planning - College Acceptance and College Rejection

What senior isn't thrilled to be accepted to their college of choice or a highly respected university? It seems like all that hard work and time spent on college applications was worth the effort. However, it can be demoralizing and disappointing for students when they receive rejection letters from their top choice colleges, especially if their peers receive a college acceptance. College admissions is far from an exact science. One student who receives a college acceptance may be from a geographic area that is not well represented at a particular school. Another student may have a unique interest that adds to the diversity of the college community. It is difficult to understand why one student is accepted and another rejected. In many cases, it is simply a matter of numbers. With college applications up more than any other year at most schools, there just isn't room for all the students with a 4.0 and top SAT or ACT scores. Colleges are not looking for well-rounded students, but are more interested in a well rounded freshman class. As a college consultant I can only say, don't plan your entire life around one school and be open to the other college choices you have. You will probably be pleasantly surprised that the college you choose really is the right one for you.