College Admissions Tests

For students seeking to enter a 4-year college or university (and most 2-year colleges), college admission test scores are required.  Students can choose to take the SAT or the ACT .

The SAT is an aptitude test that measures reasoning and verbal skills.
-    3 components : Critical Reasoning, Mathematics, and Writing (required)
-    to register go to http://sat.collegeboard.org/register
-    cost – $49

The ACT is an achievement test that measures content a high school student should have learned.
-    5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional)
-    to register go to http://www.actstudent.org/regist/index.html
-    cost – 49.50 (with writing test)  - $34.00 (without writing test)


Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either test.  Check the admissions section of the college’s website to make sure of the admission test scores they accept. 

Many parents ask which test is best for their student.  The answer is dependent on the learning/testing style of the student.  The SAT may be best for students who are  good at figuring out reasoning questions, while the ACT may be best for students who are black and white-type thinkers.  You and your student should decide which test you think is best for him/her.

If you can afford it, have your high school senior take both tests, so you can submit the best scores to the college. 

Looking for a College

Finding a college can be daunting for a high school student. Let's face it - most of us didn't have a clue of exactly what we wanted to be doing (or what we would actually end up doing) 10 years after high school. So, decisions like this can be overwhelming if a student has the wrong mindset.

Students should look as their college choice and major as a process and journey, not as a one-time choice. Your student should start by thinking about the region he or she wants to attend school. Some students want to stay close to home. Some want to get as far away as possible. Search for colleges and universities with majors that your student is considering. (More on choosing a major later.). Most colleges have extensive websites with valuable admissions information, online tours,financial aid information, etc.

Use the website to narrow your student's options and then go visit those colleges. Never let your student decide on attending a college or university without having visited the campus!!!

Obviously, starting this process in the student's sophomore year will give you more time to explore, but it's not too late even for those students who have graduated. Colleges are always recruiting studets. Also, sometimes it's smart to start with a local community college to get core courses, with the plan of transferring later.

Welcome!!

Hello! Welcome to my blog. I have been a school counselor for over twenty years. I love helping students and parents and thought that I might be able to hear from folks about school issues that are important to you.