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ACT & SAT

When Should Students Take the ACT / SAT?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022
Now, I know what you might be thinking. Students generally take the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year. Why should you consider taking it earlier than that, or multiple times? The truth of the matter is that you are almost guaranteed to increase your score by taking the test a second …
questions & answers

What Exactly is College Readiness and Why Does It Matter?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on April 23, 2025
Key Takeaways: College readiness is a series of benchmarks high school graduates should meet before heading to college. Students should have a well-rounded education in a variety of subjects, along with self-awareness and various skills, including critical thinking and communication. Schools measure a student’s college readiness by looking at their GPA, academic rigor, social skills, …
Puppies are just one way to boost your GPA
college applications

Unique Ways to Boost Your GPA

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022
Have you found yourself feeling anxious about your GPA, and wondering how you can boost it? Look no further! There are a lot of little tips and tricks for you to utilize to put your best foot forward and succeed. Besides the obvious doing the readings and studying, there are other more psychological hacks you …
Sophomores can start prepping for college!
college applications

A High School Sophomore’s College Planning Guide

By Allison WignallLast updated on April 20, 2023
You may think college prep can wait another year, but current college students will tell you otherwise. Sure, college applications and the FAFSA don’t have to be turned in until your senior year, but, the early bird gets the worm and early sophomores get the jumpstart on college. Starting your college planning as a sophomore …
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college applications, questions & answers

What is the Coalition Application?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022
You’ve probably heard of the Common Application, but what about the Coalition Application? It came out a few years ago, and it may be worth your time to explore the differences. Here’s what you need to know about the Coalition Application, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up against the Common App. What …
Did you know that it's a myth that name-dropping will get you accepted into college
myths

Myth: Name-Dropping Will Boost My College Acceptance Odds

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022
College applications are a very tedious, but important, thing on every student’s to-do-list. We must fill in the online application, take our ACT / SAT tests, and ensure that all of our transcripts and other documents are sent to the university on time–among a zillion other things. Students focus mostly on sending the documents and filling out their …
Like a yellow flower that stands out in a field of red flowers, there are ways for you to stand out on college applications
college applications

Beyond Grades and Test Scores: How Students Stand Out on College Applications

By Carlos CanoLast updated on December 22, 2022
Often, I get asked the question, “how do I make myself stand out in the college process?” This can be a challenge even after the major pieces of the application process: the application, the transcript, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and the essay. With the exception of the application (because, let’s be honest, demographic information isn’t all that …

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