myths

Myth: I Should Pick My Favorite Teacher to Write My Letter of Recommendation

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

It’s time to ask your teachers for the letters of recommendation for your college applications, but who do you ask? Most juniors and seniors instantly think of their favorite teacher as the answer. While it may be a great choice, it shouldn’t always be the default selection. Here’s why you should consider some alternative options: …

questions & answers

What Is the Most Important Factor in Your College Application?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

There is a lot of pressure put on various things that go into an application, but which is the most important factor? GPA? Test scores? Class rank? Academic honors? Work experience? Extracurricular? What is the most important factor? The truth is: all of them. Not as cut and dry as you hoped? Some students want …

ACT & SAT

Why You Should Take The Optional Writing Test on the ACT / SAT

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Not too long ago, the essay portion of the SAT was mandatory, but now—like the ACT—it’s optional. Some students are hesitant to take the writing tests—it’s additional time, effort, and money, so why bother with an optional writing test? Well, there are many benefits you can earn if you do well! Colleges May Require the …

online colleges

E-learning: What Next?

By Michael JohnLast updated on December 22, 2022

Online education provides a quality alternative to on-the-ground degree programs. It offers students and working professionals greater flexibility as to time and place. Most programs are offered asynchronously, meaning students and professionals can take them at any time of the day or night. According to recent research, more than 70% of individuals think e-learning or …

online colleges

Pros and Cons of Online Degree Courses

By David JeffreyLast updated on December 22, 2022

Online degree courses have gained immense popularity in recent times. Despite all the popularity, the debate regarding these courses is usually revolving around two things. Some consider it to be the future of education. Others debate that it is a cheap alternative to traditional education. Deciding between online or traditional degree courses can be very …

ACT & SAT

Why You Should Consider Taking The PreACT

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

In 2016, around 1.5 million high school students sat the ACT test, a number that has jumped in recent years to rival the 1.7 million that took the SAT. While the latter is traditionally a bit more popular for students, the ACT plays to different strengths and utilizes a different scoring system, both of which …

college applications

Common Mistakes Students Make on College Admissions Essays

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

So you’ve narrowed down your list of schools. You’ve filled out all the demographics information for the application, and now it’s time for the essays and short answers. You’ve got everything covered…or do you? Here are some common mistakes that college admissions see, as well as how to fix mistakes on college admissions essays. Starting …

college applications

Gap Year: Ways to Improve College Applications and Readiness

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

We’ve talked a bit about gap years before in the context of Should I take a gap year? The focus this time around is how to make the best of a gap year before applying to colleges. Or maybe you’ve been accepted into a school, but have deferred enrollment for a year. Whatever the case, …

ACT & SAT

What You Need To Know About The PreACT

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

Students have been told to take the PSAT for several years and was often used as a primer for both the ACT and SAT, even though the testing formats are different. Now, however, students can take the PreACT to prepare for the ACT test. Allows For Early Practice Taking the PreACT is a great way to …

ACT & SAT

Avoid These ACT/SAT Exam Day Mistakes

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

When it comes to taking either the ACT or the SAT (or both), you should take advantage of every kind of preparation. Studying, taking practice tests, and attending review sessions are a few excellent ways to prepare, but there are other, subtler things that can also help—especially when it comes to the big day itself. …