Tips on Preparing for College

During High School

There are a lot of factors which can really impact a student’s chances of getting into particular schools. These factors include what types of classes you have taken, your grade point average or GPA and other extracurricular activities. During the first years of high school it is important that the student speak to their guidance counselor in order to decide which course would be the best for the student.

SAT and ACT Exams
Most colleges and universities require either SAT or ACT scores and the PSAT qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship. It would be best to actually contact the college or university to see what they require. But, in order to provide you with all the opportunities available it would be best to take both exams. Fee waivers are also available in times of financial difficulty for many people which can be obtained with the help of a guidance counselor.

Each college or university can be quite different when it comes to score requirements. But in most cases it will be combinations of both the exam scores and the student’s GPA.
In order to better evaluate a student’s abilities in reading, math and writing, the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test provides an opportunity for students to see where they stand while in high school.
Students can register for the PSAT through their guidance counselor after about the 2nd year in high school.

The SAT tests reading, math problem solving and writing skills. So it would be a good idea to obtain an SAT Registration Booklet from the guidance counselor at the high school in order to register through mail, or go the College Board website to register online. For best outcomes, many students have taken the SAT in their junior year in order to find out where they stand in regards to SAT exam scoring.

The ACT exam is basically made up of multiple choice sections that include English, math, reading and science. In addition, a short essay section is usually included.
Students can register through the school guidance counselor or the ACT website online. Much like the SAT exam, students can begin preparing for the ACT early in high school and take the exam their junior year to see who they did and where they may need to improve.

Ways to prepare for the SAT and ACT exams:

Read books, magazines, newspaper
SAT and ACT Prep courses
SAT and ACT preparation software
Practice tests
Make high school a little more challenging
Study often and write often
If the student experiences test anxiety, it would also be a good idea to work on that so that when the big one comes, they will be so prepared that they will take the SAT and ACT exams…with pleasure!

Financial Assistance
There are many ways in which a student can get financial assistance throughout college. Pell grants are available to students who are in need of financial assistance and this is usually based upon the parents’ financial status. To apply for the Pell grant call 1-800-4FED-AID or apply online at www.fasfa.com. Also, you may talk to the college of university’s financial aid office to inquire about other funds, scholarships, grants and student loans. College can be quite expensive considering what students will pay for tuition, living expenses, books and more. So make sure all of these items are taken into serious consideration.

Applying for College

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