College Planning for Juniors: How to Prepare for the College Application Process
High school juniors are at a pivotal stage in the college application process. While senior year gets the spotlight, much of the prep work should happen NOW. Here’s a short guide to get you started on your college planning.
START NOW!
High school juniors are at a pivotal stage in the college application process.
While senior year gets the spotlight, much of the prep work should happen NOW. Here’s a short guide to get you started on your college planning.
1. Evaluate Your Academic Standing
Colleges will closely review your grades and the rigor of your coursework. Depending on which country, college and program you are applying to, you may be required to have certain courses to be eligible or competitive. It is important you are on track to meet those requirements now while there is still time.
Grades: Focus on maintaining strong grades, particularly in challenging courses like AP, dual enrollment, or IB courses.
Course Selection: Ensure your coursework aligns with your future academic interests, goals, AND potential admissions requirements.
2. Research Colleges
Begin exploring potential colleges. You don’t need to finalize your list yet, but gather information on a range of schools that meet your academic and non-academic criteria. A great place to start researching colleges is Peterson’s, but remember the most accurate information will come from the colleges themselves.
Build College List: Include a mix of reach, match, and safety schools
Factors to Consider: Location, campus culture, size, academic offerings, student support, and career services are just a few of the important factors you should consider. Evaluate what is important for your personal college search.
Plan Campus Visits: Don’t wait for summer break to begin visiting campuses. Plan visits now while students are on campus to give you a better sense of the culture and life there. It is important to visit campuses to gain a better idea of what you want and don’t want from your future college.
3. Prepare for Standardized Tests
If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, start preparing now. Plan to take the test at least twice this spring and summer to meet fall deadlines. While most colleges are test-free or test-optional, remember that more and more schools are shifting back to requiring testing. Research the testing requirements of your potential colleges as you plan.
Test Dates: Register at least six weeks in advance for the SAT or ACT as space is limited and some locations get full early.
Study Tools: Consider prep books, online resources, or tutoring if necessary – do what works best for your personal study habits and schedule. Check out my post with great tips and resources for preparing for the SAT.
4. Engage in Extracurriculars
Colleges want to see students who are involved outside of the classroom. Focus on quality over quantity. I recommend creating a student resume now so that you can see the full picture of your activities starting from grade nine. Consider where your strengths and weaknesses are and how you want to present yourself to colleges.
Leadership: Seek leadership roles or greater involvement in your activities.
Passions: Continue deepening your commitment to activities that align with your interests.
Exploration: Investigate options to help with choosing your college major and career options while building your resume.
5. Build Strong Relationships with Teachers
Letters of recommendation will most likely be a necessary part of your application. Build connections with teachers who can write detailed and supportive letters.
Participate in Class: Engage with teachers to build meaningful relationships.
Ask Early: Approach teachers in the spring for recommendation letters. More information about recommendation letters can be found here.
6. Start Thinking About Essays
College essays are an opportunity to show who you are beyond your academics. Now is a great time to begin brainstorming potential topics. Review the past Common Application essay prompts and think about what topics may be good fits for you.
Personal Statement: Review the personal statement prompts and begin generating ideas. Reflect on your experiences, challenges, and personal growth.
Supplemental Essays: Look at past supplemental essay prompts for your potential colleges and remember to plan in extra time to write them this summer.
7. Plan for Financial Aid
Start thinking about how you’ll fund your college education NOW.
Net Price Calculators: Work with your family to complete net price calculators for colleges of interest. This will give you a general idea of your potential costs.
Scholarships: Research potential scholarships available to juniors and start applying.
FAFSA and CSS Profile: Do your research to understand the financial aid process and what forms and documentation are needed.
8. Stay Organized
Unfortunately, the college application process is not simple, stay on top of deadlines and requirements.
Create a Timeline: Plan out your tasks for the next year. From test prep to application submission deadlines, include everything.
Track Materials Needed: Create an excel sheet or system that works for you to organize and keep track of all application requirements such as essays, activity descriptions, transcripts, financial aid documents, and testing.
Final Thoughts
Junior year is crucial for setting up a smooth college application process. By focusing on academics, extracurriculars, college research, and relationships now, you’ll be in a great position to tackle your college applications senior year. The work you do this year will lay the foundation for successful applications and ultimately help you find the right college fit. If you would like expert college counseling, now is a great time to contact us.
How to Apply to the UCs
Students who want to apply to any of the nine UC campus must use the UC application. Unfortunately, it is a separate application with different activity descriptions and writing requirements than the Common Application. This year, the deadline for fall semester applications is December 2. Start early; do not underestimate the time it will take to complete it well!
To complete the UC application you need:
Transcript for entering courses and grades
SSN (if available) and contact information
Test scores – IB, AP, English Proficiency and/or other international exams (NOT SAT OR ACT)
Activities List
Responses to 4 Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
Campuses and Majors Section
You will select a major for each campus you apply to. Keep in mind that each campus offers varying majors and/or names the majors differently. They have tried to make it easier for you to find your major by listing some of them under multiple categories. You will also be able to select an alternative major but note that some campuses do not consider alternative majors for certain first-choice major selections if at all. Do your research as to how campuses consider these majors and how impacted each major is at your campus(es) of choice.
Ex. UC SB does not admit by major except for Engineering (strongly suggest picking a non-engineering backup major). UC Berkeley rarely considers the second-choice major listed.
Important notes: Campuses do not collaborate on their admissions decisions nor consider which other campuses a student has applied to. Some majors require supplements to the application and these will be visible once the student selects their major in the application.
Academic History Section
All grades are self-reported through the application and transcripts are not accepted. You will enter all grades from all courses taken in grades 9-12 including repeated courses. If you took a high school-level math or language course other than English in 7th or 8th grade, you can include them. There are no +/- used. Students are expected to meet the A-G requirements outlined here.
The UCs use their own calculation to determine what GPA a student has. The GPA only includes 10th and 11th grade; this includes courses taken in the summer after 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. They will recalculate GPAs for applicants, no need to try to calculate it yourself. However, if you want to get an idea of what your UC GPA is, you can use the UC A-G list to verify which courses are given weight.
Activities and Awards Section
You can enter up to 20 activities from grades 9-12 in six categories:
Award or honor
Educational preparation program
Extracurricular activity
Work experience
Other coursework
Volunteering / Community service
The prompts for how you will describe each of these vary by type of activity. Use the space wisely and describe the activities efficiently, highlighting your specific contribution. You have 350 characters for this. You do not have to use full sentences. Also, note that the activities are numbered but not ranked, so the order in which they are listed is not important.
If you were not able to participate in many activities due to lack of availability or personal circumstances, you can share that with admissions in the Activities & Awards and Additional Comments sections. If you take a gap year or are a transfer student, you can select the ‘after 12th grade’ option to enter activities post-12th grade.
Scholarships and Support Section
The options available here will vary depending on which campuses you select to apply to. You will select all criteria that apply to you and then see which scholarships are available depending on the responses. The responses to these prompts are not considered in the admission decision. They are used solely to determine eligibility for scholarships.
You can also apply for the Education Opportunity Program (EOP), a program for first-generation and/or low-income students that offers additional support resources such as mentoring and financial assistance.
Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) Section
Students will select four of the eight PIQs to respond to. Each response can be up to 350 words. The same responses will be sent to ALL campuses you apply to and can not be changed for each school. These questions are your opportunity to share details not seen anywhere else in the application. This is your chance to show the colleges who you are and what is important to you.
Additional Information Section
This section should be used to provide information about extenuating circumstances or details that could not be shared elsewhere; this can be academic and non-academic information. Examples of this may be an explanation of the high school coursework available to you, family crises, or lack of activities available in your area.
Start early, take the time to research which campus(es) and majors are right for you, and craft thoughtful and thorough activity descriptions and PIQ responses. If you are a younger student, consider the A-G requirements early and make a plan to meet them. It is important to start thinking about how you will strengthen your academic and extracurricular profiles early. For guidance on your college planning and additional assistance with your applications, contact us.
FAQs
1. Does the UC require test scores?
Test scores are not required for admission to the UCs. They will consider scores from AP, IB, English Proficiency, and other international exams but NOT ACT or SAT scores. Submitting unofficial scores is fine.
2. Does the UC require recommendation letters?
No, however, as part of an extended review process or if you apply for select scholarships, you may be asked to submit one.
3. How many UC campuses can I apply to?
You can apply to as many as you want.
4. What are the English Language Proficiency requirements for the UCs?
There are many ways to demonstrate English proficiency. Take a look at the updated list of accepted exams here.
What is the difference between an Agent and a Counselor?
Often confused with being an agent, I find myself having to explain the differences to both families and universities. I am NOT an agent and have no interest in being paid by the colleges my students attend.
The fundamental difference is that agents are paid commission by the universities they ‘partner’ with. They are paid based on the number of students that enroll in those colleges. Agents will help students select colleges and complete their applications but only to those schools which they are paid by. Often, families work with agents for a much shorter time and begin working with them closer to application season.
As a counselor, I am paid by the families to help their student find the best match schools and guide them on their journey of preparing themselves and their applications for those schools. I am deeply invested in getting to know the student and helping them find schools which truly fit who they are and what they want. The service is much more comprehensive and personalized. My recommendations are non-biased and fully based on each individual student.
There are certainly some great agents out there, but it is important to keep in mind that when using their services, you are limited to the schools they work with. They have personal interest in sending students to certain schools whether or not they are great fits. There are so many amazing schools out there that you may be missing out on!
As a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association, I am proud to follow their Ethics and Standards for working with students and their families.
What is the SSAR/SRAR?
Tips for completing the SRAR or SSAR
The Self-Reported Academic Record is basically a student’s transcripts in another format completed by the student instead of the high school. Until 2022, the SRAR and SSAR were two different forms with the SSAR only used by FL colleges and the SRAR by others. They have merged and are the SAME THING although colleges still refer to them using the two different names. It is used as a substitute or supplement to official transcripts at nearly 40 colleges in the US including NYU, University of Florida, Florida State University, Clemson, Baylor, and Texas A&M. Students complete this record by inputting their high school courses attempted and/or taken and their respective grades including the courses in progress senior year.
Why do schools use the SSAR/SRAR?
In Florida, UF began using the SSAR in 2013 and several schools joined them shortly after. They adopted it in order to streamline the process of connecting transcripts to applications. Instead of waiting for transcripts to be sent from the high schools, students’ SSAR/SRARs are connected directly to their applications. In addition to linking the students’ academic records to their applications more efficiently, the SSAR/SRAR allows colleges to sort through transcripts easily as the data was manually entered by the student in a standard form instead of being sent as a non-standardized document from the school. While many students complain about the tedious work of data entry, others say it relieves stress as they are now in control and do not need to rely on the school to send their transcripts on time.
When should students complete it?
The SSAR/SRAR is a regular and essential piece of the college application to the schools which require it. College applications are not considered complete until the SRAR is received along with everything else. Students should complete it while they are working on their applications and ensure it is submitted to the colleges by the admission deadline they are aiming for. While some colleges such as UF will accept the SSAR a few weeks after the early application deadlines, it makes the most sense to finish it all at the same time and avoid the risk of having an incomplete application. So if you are applying for a November 1 priority deadline, get it in by then, etc.
How is it completed?
Before starting the SRAR/SSAR, students need to obtain a copy of their high school transcript to use for the data entry. They will then create an account on the official website and begin entering the information. Once complete, they should double-check for any errors before submitting. Connecting the SRAR/SSAR to the application varies by college. Several schools have students connect it after they have submitted their application by logging into their student account where they check their application status and inputting their individual SRAR/SSAR code. Others send students an email with a link to log in to their SRAR/SSAR account and connect it to their application. Students should check with their individual colleges for proper instructions to link their academic records to their application. They should also check their email and application status pages for each college regularly to ensure they have complete applications.
What if you make a mistake on the SRAR/SSAR?
As long as the mistake is corrected before the application is reviewed and/or before the application deadline, you can log in to your SRAR/SSAR account and make the changes. If you are too late, you should call the admissions office at your chosen colleges to inform them of the errors. If you made a slight error and do not catch it, it will most likely have no affect on your application. However, if it appears that you intentionally inflated grades or listed courses you did not take, etc. your application could be thrown out. Do your best to accurately input the information. Students who have been accepted and plan on enrolling at colleges which require the SRAR/SSAR will have to send in their official transcripts to verify the information they entered on the SRAR/SSAR.
Other FAQs about the SRAR/SSAR
Which Universities Require the SRAR/SSAR?
Do you enter college courses on the SRAR/SSAR?
College courses that are taken as part of high school such as Dual Enrollment courses should be listed on the form, but courses taken on your own will not be included. The courses included in the SSAR/SRAR must be listed on your high school transcript.
Do international students need to complete the SRAR/SSAR?
This depends on the college you are applying to. For example, Texas A&M and NYU are two schools that require international students to complete the form. UF does not require it.
Do you students list grades as unweighted or weighted on the SRAR/SSAR?
List your grades as they are reported on your transcript. You will also select which type of course (AP, Dual Enrollment, IB, etc.) you are entering. If both unweighted and weighted grades are listed on your transcript, use unweighted grades for the SRAR/SSAR.
How do students list summer courses on the SRAR/SSAR?
List the courses under the previous academic year along with the other classes taken during that school year.
For other FAQs visit the official SRAR website or contact your colleges with specific questions.
Notes from my Georgia Tech Visit
A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour GA Tech with colleagues from HECA. We attended a wonderful information session followed by a thorough campus tour. This was my first time visiting the campus, and I was impressed with what I saw and learned about the school.
As one of the nation’s top public research universities GA Tech offers more than 39 majors within their six colleges of Computing, Design, Engineering, Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Business. As they are a ‘tech’ school, technology is indeed woven into each major. All awarded degrees are Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and all programs require Computer Science courses. While they do offer business and liberal arts degrees, it may not be a good fit for students who want a more liberal arts approach with less of a tech focus. Outside of the highly coveted programs in Engineering and Computer Science, Design and Architecture are also quite popular. Some of their newest majors include Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences and Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Currently, they enroll close to 20k undergraduate and 28k graduate students with more than 1000 transfer students each year. 29% of undergrads are out-of-state students, 10% international, and 61% from GA. They do have more out-of-state students than many other state schools in the U.S. such as UT Austin, UNC, and the UCs, but competition for those spots is tough. Out of the 60k applicants last year, only 11k were from Georgia. That means 49k applicants were competing for those non-GA spots. The acceptance rate for GA students is actually 3x that of non-GA students.
The Georgia Tech campus is spread over 250 acres and they are continuing to grow with the addition of their exciting new Science Square which will have more than 1 million SF of lab and office space dedicated to life science research. What surprised me was how although the campus is nestled against the capital city of Atlanta, it felt like a separate, more peaceful world next door. There are plenty of green spaces and places for students to be ‘away’ from the hustle and bustle of the city. Having lived abroad for the last few years, I was a little excited to see some favorite American chains located right on campus such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Chic-fil-A, and Jimmy Johns. What shocked me as I walked through their beautifully renovated library, is that almost all of their books have been moved off campus to make room for more study and working spaces. It is the first time I have visited a library without actually seeing books. Students have access to more than 35,000 scholarly journals which they can download digitally or they can order one of the more than 3.5 million books through the online catalog and have them delivered. Last but not least, the campus Makerspaces at Georgia Tech are amazing! Students, regardless of their major, have access to six different makerspaces including their newest, the first artificial intelligence supercomputer makerspace in the nation.
While GA Tech sometimes gets labeled as all work and no play, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom. Their athletic and recreation facilities are impressive and include a beautiful pool which was home to the 1996 Olympics and a 42-foot climbing wall. They offer lots of intramural team options and fitness classes. 25% of students are Greek and rush primarily during freshman year, but some choose to rush later. Greek life definitely has a presence, but it is not as strong as at other schools such as UGA. There are many creative arts options on campus including Dramatech, the student-run theatre group which is housed within part of the Robert Ferst Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art performing arts center with a 1000-seat auditorium. There are more than enough non-academic activities to get involved in, but students need to be self-driven and make the effort to join. With a 98% retention rate, students must be finding ‘their place’.
While lower 4 and 6-year graduation rates are sometimes seen as a negative, two of the causes of this at GA Tech are their amazing co-op and internship programs. GA Tech has the largest voluntary co-op program in America and it is a five-year program through which students alternate between study and work semesters and complete three full semesters working with the same employer. Students may instead choose to do full or part-time internships through the internship program and many do choose to take a semester off to work full time. Most students graduating from Georgia Tech come out with fantastic resumes with at least one work experience, often leading to jobs soon after graduation.
So how do you get into Georgia Tech?
Students need to show the admissions office that they have truly challenged themselves in high school. Students coming into GA Tech have taken rigorous courseloads and done well in them. GA Tech does not recalculate a GPA, they take it directly from the transcript and focus on the courses students have taken and their grade trends.
Math is very important! While not everyone has taken calculus, that is a big plus, and being calculus-ready is a MUST for students applying for CS and Engineering. Whether it is taking an online course, community college course, or something offered by your high school, make sure you have demonstrated knowledge of high-level math by the time you apply.
The college major listed on your application matters! While they do not admit by major, programs in CS and Engineering are extremely popular and they do have to limit the number of students they accept so they are not overrun. Students need to show that they truly are interested in the fields they are applying to. Extracurricular activities like research, jobs, and volunteer work in those areas are a great way to demonstrate this. But that being said, they want a diverse student body. You should also continue to do what you love, whether or not that is related to your college major, and show the admissions team who you are both in and outside of the classroom.
Test scores are important although it is a holistic review process. After becoming test-optional during COVID, the GA Board of Regents voted to require test scores for applicants to several of the big state schools in GA including Georgia Tech, UGA, August University, Georgia Southern, and Georgia State. All students applying to GA Tech are required to submit either an SAT or ACT score as part of their application. They do superscore and accept unofficial scores until enrollment. Start preparing early and plan on testing early enough to eliminate last-minute stress close to application deadlines.
The supplemental essay is another chance to shine! Here is your chance to show them that you are passionate about your subject(s) AND truly know why you want to go to Georgia Tech. This can not be a cookie-cutter essay.
Another important note is that GA Tech accepts up to four recommendation letters including one OTHER recommender. While I don’t recommend submitting four just because you can, you do have an opportunity to distinguish yourself here. Develop strong relationships with your teachers and provide them with information to write quality recommendation letters that go beyond the basics. Also, take this opportunity to ask someone outside of school to write one of your letters!
Applying to US Colleges as an Expat
The application requirements for expats applying to colleges in the US are fairly similar to those students attending school in the US, but there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Although you are considered a domestic student, you do have the benefit of the international experience and hopefully language skills you have gained while living outside of the US. These are great assets to highlight in your applications.
While expat students are not considered international, there are a few additional factors to take into consideration as you apply. Below are a few tips to help you submit successful applications as an expat.
High School Curriculum and Grades
If you attend a non-American school, you need to be sure that the college understands your grading scale and curriculum. If your transcripts are not in English, you will need an English translation from a reputable or official translator (requirements vary by school). It is recommended to include a key to the grading scale with your translation. Typically, admissions offices have staff which are familiar with the various international curricula, but even if they aren’t, most will review the student’s application holistically without full grade and course conversions.
Your high school counselor or another school official can also prepare a school profile which is a great resource to provide colleges with an overview of the school. It typically includes information about the curriculum, graduation requirements, exams, grading system, demographics and class sizes, and any other important information that would help give general context of the school. This profile can be shared with all colleges the student applies to and should be written in English.
Proof of English Proficiency
Even if a student has a US passport, if English is not their native language or the language of the school they have attended, they will need to provide proof of proficiency. These requirements vary by college, but typically one of the standard tests such as TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS will be necessary. Students should familiarize themselves with the format of the test and do a bit of practice even if they are proficient in English. Luckily, these tests can be taken online at home. Although it may seem unnecessary, some schools require an English proficienty test even from expats attending English speaking schools. It is best to plan on taking one of the tests well before you apply to avoid last minute surprises!
Testing
Although testing is currently optional for admission to many colleges, getting a good score can still help you and give colleges another way to evaluate you, especially if you are attending a high school with a curriculum less familiar to them. Many international high schools offer the PSAT and SAT and/or ACT. If you attend a school which does not offer the tests or dates which fit your schedule, you will need to look elsewhere. This will take planning ahead as the locations and test dates vary and you should register for your spot early. Search the College Board website for upcoming SAT dates and locations near you and the ACT website for ACT dates and locations. Note that the ACT is only offered digitally at international testing locations while it is still available in paper format in the US. The SAT has gone digital everywhere.
Timeline
It is important for students to begin their application process early. In contrast to many colleges abroad, US colleges have application deadlines as early as November of the student’s senior year. Students should take the time to familiarize themselves with the requirements for each of the schools they are interested in applying to well before then. Also, students who will need standardized testing should plan well in advance to give themselves time to register for the tests, prepare well and possibly retake them. Visiting colleges in the US from abroad may not be possible during the school year, so families should plan these in to their summer and longer breaks if possible. The college planning process should really begin by 10th grade at the latest so that students have time to explore their options and prepare well.
Check out the other posts in our expat series for more tips regarding financial aid and application status for American expats applying to US colleges.
In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Expats
Financial aid tips for American expats applying to US colleges
Can expat students get in-state tuition and other financial aid?
Unfortunately, expats are generally not eligible for in-state tuition as this is tied to where the student and their parents have resided in the time leading up to the college application. While you may have spent time living in the US before, you are not eligible for in-state tuition in most states unless you have lived in that state for at least 12 months before applying to college. Also, living in the state later does not change your eligibility after starting college.
If you are living abroad due to a parent’s military service, it may be possible to get in-state tuition if they are only abroad for their service and still have domicile in that particular state. This is very dependent on the state and situation, so it is best to discuss it with the colleges you are considering beforehand.
Financial Aid for Expat Students
The good news is, unlike international students, American expats are eligible for federal financial aid and much more institutional aid at colleges in the US. Pay attention to financial aid and scholarship deadlines announced by each college of interest and follow all instructions to apply.
In order to apply for federal aid, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year. This is the application you would use to qualify for potential Pell Grants, Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, Direct PLUS loans and Work Study. This application is usually submitted starting in October of the student’s senior year. All US citizens (and some non-citizens) are eligible to apply for federal aid regardless of where they reside. Pay attention to documents required to complete the form and note that all entries must be converted to U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate published by the Federal Reserve.
Some schools (many private colleges) also require the CSS Profile to determine institutional aid awards which are given by the school directly and do not need to be repaid. All students, regardless of citizenship, may be required to complete this form to be eligible for institutional aid. This form automatically converts entries into USD, so you are able to enter the amounts in your local currency if needed.
Familiarize yourself with both the CSS Profile and FAFSA and gather the documents needed to complete them early. Check the instructions to apply for financial aid, both need and merit based, at each of your colleges before you even submit your application for admission. Deadlines for some scholarships may be very early and you don’t want to miss out!
Check out our other blog posts in our American expat series for more tips!
Are Expats Considered International Students?
Not a simple answer
There is no simple answer as you are considered a citizen but often read as international. At most colleges, your application will be read by the international admission team as they as they are responsible for your region and often more familiar with the school curricula and other aspects related to student life in that area. It makes sense that your application would be read in the context of where you are attending school. You would be compared more to the students in your region. However, when it comes down to choosing an expat vs a true international student, you often have the advantage as you are eligible for federal aid and do not have the burden of providing proof of finances.
Although you are not an ‘international student’, you have the benefit of the international experience and hopefully language skills you have gained while living outside of the US. These are great assets to highlight in your applications. How has your international experience shaped you? What can you bring from this to your future campus? I help guide my students to focus on and add activities to their resume which will enhance their application and demonstrate their uniqueness. We also find creative ways to include these international experiences in their essays.
Our next post in our expat series focuses on how to apply for financial aid as a US expat.
Expert Digital SAT Prep Tips and Resources
Watch my recent interview with Laura Heslin Whitmore of Strategic Test Prep for top Digital SAT prep tips and resources
Testing and the new digital SAT continue to be hot topics in the college admissions world. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Laura Heslin Whitmore, owner of Strategic Test Prep, about her take on the new digital SAT and top tips for preparing for it. We discussed some of the changes in the SAT, the adaptive format, the DESMOS calculator, and some great tools to use as you prepare.
Digital SAT English Section
Laura tells us about the changes, valuable skills needed to do well on that section, and how you can better prepare for it. While the sections are shorter, students need to be able to analyze the text quickly and possess a strong level of vocabulary. Being able to paraphrase and break down the information quickly are skills that will be very valuabale here.
Digital SAT Math Section
We talked about the more conceptual nature of the math questions and the power of the built-in DESMOS calculator. Students should absolutely learn how to use the calculator well before the test.
Adaptive Testing
Students who do not reach a certain score on the first base-line module of the test, will be given the ‘easier’ module for the second half of their test. This means that these students will have a lower maximum score possible. It is estimated that students who get the easier module will be able to obtain a max score of around a 600 in each section. It is important for students to do well on this first module to be able to get the higher maximum scores. Using process of elimination and taking advantage of the answer-eliminator tool are important. Understanding the test format and preparing well will help with this.
How early should students take the SAT?
This is a vety dependent upon what academic levels the students have, but Laura recommends students begin testing sophomore year in order to allow time to take the test 2-3 times and have ample time to prepare before senior year. Students get so busy as they reach end of junior year and often it is difficult to find the time to study and schedule the SAT or ACT.
How many times should students take the SAT?
There is no magic number, but typically she does see a point where students max out their scores. This is not necessarily because they have reached their full potential, it is more because they are just mentally done with it. They get burnt out on prep and testing and just stop improving at a certain point.
Great Resources for Preparing for the Digital SAT
Of course the best resource to start with is the official College Board Bluebook. They have official questions and 6 full tests available for free with more coming soon.
Laura’s app, Preptly, is a great resource for students to use to prepare for the test on the go. It was created specifically for the digital SAT and is continuously updated with new questions and materials. Students are able to use the app to prepare for short amounts of time whenever they can.
For English:
Erica Meltzer’s Reading and Writing Test Book: Digital SAT
Vibrant Publisher’s prep books
For Math:
Blueprep is another company which offers a free full test and paid prep materials using the same format as the Bluebook.
And of course, you can contact Laura and her great team of tutors at Strategic Test Prep for one-on-one tutoring.
Digital SAT prep tips with Laura Heslin Whitmore and Ashley McNaughton
All About Applying to US Colleges as an Expat
Our latest blog series will address the important factors to consider and answer the commonly asked questions American expats have. Stay tuned for these upcoming posts:
1. Are Expats Considered International Students?
2. Can Expat students get in-state tuition and other financial aid?
3. College Application Tips for American Expats
Make it stand out
You have a unique story to tell. Highlight your international experience in your application.
Despite speaking the language and being a citizen, applying to US colleges may seem overwhelming to expat students. They often do not have the opportunity to visit the colleges they are applying to and are left confused about the various application requirements for students living abroad.
In reality, applying to US colleges as an American expat is not significantly different from the process for citizens based in the US. However, there are a few important factors to take into consideration as you are in the college planning process.
Applying as an expat, you have the best of both worlds. You get to apply as a citizen, are eligible for financial aid AND have unique experience to highlight in your application.
Our upcoming blog series will address the important factors to consider and answer the commonly asked questions American expats have. Stay tuned for these posts:
1. Are expats considered international students?
2. Can expat students get in-state tuition and other financial aid?