Tip #7. Meet With The Counselor

Whether you're just beginning the college admissions process or far along and just fine-tuning your college application list, scheduling time to speak with your school's college counselor is invaluable! Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and upcoming college information events, which will all be of great benefit.
We've outlined 20 questions you should be ready to ask your Guidance Counselor:

1. What courses do I need to take to be ready for college?


2. How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them?


3. Which elective courses do you recommend?


4. Which AP courses should I consider taking?


5. When is the PSAT/NMSQT going to be given?


6. How should I study for the SAT, and and is it given at this high school or do I need to go somewhere nearby?


7. Do you have any college planning sessions scheduled?


8. Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow?


9. What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?


10. What kinds of grades do different colleges require?


11. Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby?


12. What colleges do other kids from our school go to?


13. What are the requirements or standards for the honor society?


14. Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my wish list?


15. Do you have any information to help me start exploring careers?


16. If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better so it can be more personal?


17. Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them?


18. Is my transcript as complete as I think it should be?


19. What forms do I use to apply for financial aid and where can I find them online?


20. How does our school's test scores and reputation compare to others?

The college admissions process can feel overwhelming, but remember to reach out the the support systems around you to take advantage of their experience with the process as well as their numerous resources.

Tip #8. Score Choice

SAT Score Choice is a new option offered by the SAT allowing student the option to choose which scores to send to colleges, after seeing the scores themselves first. If students decided NOT to use Score Choice, all scores are sent to the colleges selected at registration immediately.

What does this mean?

Does Score Choice affect how many scores I send or receive?

Any or all of your scores can be sent to a college on a single report. It does not cost more to send multiple test scores, or all of them. If you choose not to use Score Choice, all of your scores will be sent automatically in each score report

Should Score Choice influence how many times I take the SAT?

No. While you may see a small score increase if you take the test a second time, there is no evidence to suggest that taking the SAT more than twice is beneficial to your score. Remember: Score Choice allows you to choose your scores only by test date, not by test section.

Why should I use my registration score reports if I can't see my scores?

Using the registration score reports ensures that the test scores are sent to colleges at the earliest possible moment. Colleges use standardized test scores for admissions as well as scholarship awards, course placement, or selection to a specific program or major.

Bottom Line: Score Choice is a significant change in score reporting for the SAT because it means students generally have greater control of who sees their scores. It does not however, change the need to maximize each test date as a scoring opportunity.

Make every test take be a test worthy of submitting to schools!

Tip #9. Tackling Anxiety

The college admissions process can really be a time of anxiousness--the high stakes of college entrance exams a major contributor! Here are some test tips that are certain to help ease nerves, raise those SAT and ACT scores, and set your student up to succeed!

• Start Studying early: Help your child set up a study schedule months in advance to allow leisurely preparation and eliminate the need for cramming.



• Encourage effort: College entrance exams will have a big influence on a student's college admissions. Be honest with your student that it is an important test and that they need to take it seriously, try their best, relax and remain calm.



• Take practice tests: Taking multiple practice tests will make students feel more comfortable with the testing experience and remove much of the mystery involved with college entrance exams.



• Get a good night's sleep: Studies have found that stress is elevated by fatigue. Be sure that your student has plenty of uninterrupted sleep a few days prior to the test day.



• Eat a healthy breakfast: The SAT and ACT are generally offered in the morning, so having a good, healthy breakfast will keep them energized for a long day, and allow them to stay focused and alert.



• Come early and prepared: Make sure your child is at the test site early and has all of the appropriate testing supplies. Being late or missing materials will cause stress they do NOT need.



• Stay calm: This can be a very nerve-racking time for students. Remind them that testing is only one piece of the admissions puzzle and reassure them of your confidence and pride in all they have accomplished!