Get Ready For This Weekend’s ACT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take the ACT this Saturday or Sunday.

To minimize your stress in the morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test day is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do the night before to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Finally, given how COVID-19 has disrupted the testing process, we suggest that you confirm the status of your test registration and stay current on any changes by visiting ACT Testing Amid COVID-19.

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Good luck!Posted in Bound To Organize | Tagged ACT, test day | Leave a comment | Edit

Understand Your Application Deadline Options

While you’re working on applications, it’s important you understand your deadline options. Confirm each school’s policies and due dates so you’re ready to submit your applications on time. Early decision and early action deadlines are approaching quickly so this is the time to focus on completing these applications. It’s also essential to look beyond these deadlines to the regular and rolling round of applications and continue to research all the schools on your list. Also remember, deadlines vary not only from school to school, but also within a school for different programs. Stay organized by making yourself a chart to keep track of the due dates.

EARLY DECISION (ED)

• Application deadlines tend to be early to mid-November with decisions coming in mid-December.
• If accepted, early decision admission is binding.  Make sure this is the school you want to attend. Have you looked into all aspects of the school, including academic programs, extracurricular activities and opportunities? Given you haven’t been able to visit the campus and explore the surrounding neighborhood, or meet admissions reps face-to-face, do your homework to be sure this is a school you’re sure you’d like to commit to.
• Research the availability of financial aid and keep in mind  aid may be impacted by current circumstances since more students are applying and schools may have less funds to distribute. Discuss affordability with your family.
• An early decision application does convey your eagerness to attend. Admission rates for early decision candidates are generally higher than for students who apply regular decision. During the 2008 recession many schools increased the percentage of students admitted as ED applicants in order to secure a greater percentage of their incoming class. Many experts believe it is very likely that this pattern will be repeated in response to the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. So, if you’re a strong candidate, and you’re confident this is the school for you, this willingness to commit may improve your odds.
• Many schools also offer a binding Early Decision II (EDII) deadline of around January 1st, with decisions generally coming in mid-February.
• You can only choose one school to apply ED.

EARLY ACTION (EA)

• As an Early Action candidate, you typically need to submit applications by early to mid-November and will then receive a decision by mid-December.
• EA allows you to demonstrate your interest to be admitted without the binding commitment that ED requires. If your family really can’t make a financial commitment prior to the spring, EA could be a good option.
• Restrictive EA schools do not allow applicants to apply EA or ED elsewhere, while non-restrictive EA schools do allow students to apply EA or ED. Check schools’ websites to confirm their policies.

ROLLING ADMISSIONS

• Some colleges cycle on an ongoing basis where the application process typically opens early fall and may continue as late as summer or as long as spaces are available.
• Applicants are notified of their outcome as applications are processed, so applying as early as possible may improve your chances of acceptance.
• While there may be no application deadline, there typically are deadlines for scholarships, financial aid and housing.

REGULAR DECISON

• The deadline for Regular Decision varies from school to school, but is usually between January 1 and mid-February. Decisions are typically received mid-March through early April.
• Please be aware of different deadlines for special programs and scholarships.

OPEN DECISION

• Community colleges and many online school programs offer open enrollment to most high school graduates and GED certificate holders.

Get Ready For Tomorrow’s ACT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take tomorrow’s ACT.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Finally, given how COVID-19 has disrupted the testing process, we suggest that you confirm the status of your test registration and stay current on any changes by visiting ACT Testing Amid COVID-19.

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Good luck!

PSAT Test Dates

Juniors, just a few thoughts we’d like to pass along if you’re scheduled to take the PSAT.

Remember, the PSAT is a “practice” test for the SAT. Your scores won’t be reported to colleges but the PSAT will give you valuable feedback. Once College Board sends your score reports to your high school, go through the report— see how you handled the different sections of the test and what you need to work on if you decide to take the SAT. This will give you an idea of what to expect from the SAT and how you need to prepare. Talk to your guidance counselor about which test prep options make sense for you.

Of the 1.5 million students taking the test, about 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program.

When you take the PSAT you can choose to participate in the Student Search Service to receive information from colleges and universities about admissions and financial aid.

Regarding this round of testing, due to the pandemic, there are multiple test dates available to your high school to choose from:

• Primary test day: Wednesday, October 14, 2020
• Saturday test day: October 17, 2020
• Alternate test day: Thursday, October 29, 2020 (formerly October 28)
• NEW test day: Tuesday, January 26, 2021

TOP TIPS FOR TEST DAY:

1. To minimize your stress in the morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. Prepare the night before to get test day off to a great start.

2. Gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Don’t forget any of the following required items:

• Sharpened #2 pencils
• Approved calculator

3. These are things you may want to bring along:

• Water and snack, although not to be kept on your desk
• Extra batteries or a back-up calculator
• A watch

4. Remember to set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a filling, healthy breakfast.

Get Ready for Tomorrow’s ACT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take tomorrow’s ACT.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Finally, given how COVID-19 has disrupted the testing process, we suggest that you confirm the status of your test registration and stay current on any changes by visiting ACT Testing Amid COVID-19.

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Good luck!

 

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the late registration deadline for the November 7th SAT and SAT Subject Tests.

Get Ready For Tomorrow’s SAT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take tomorrow’s SAT.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Finally, given how COVID-19 has disrupted the testing process, we suggest that you confirm the status of your test registration and stay current on any changes by visiting Coronavirus Updates for Students Taking the SAT.

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Good luck!

Apply For Financial Aid Tomorrow

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-22 school year is available starting tomorrow, October 1st.

Given the impact of the pandemic on many families, demand for aid will be high. So, apply early to give yourself the best chance to receive the funds your family will need to pay for college. The FAFSA application will use financial information from the 2019 tax year. If your family has been negatively affected by recent events, submit the FAFSA and then follow up with a call to the financial aid office at each school to which you apply to request a review known as a “professional judgement”. This which will require you to present new information to demonstrate your family’s current financial situation.

The FAFSA may seem overwhelming, but help is available. Start by reaching out to your guidance counselor. They will get you started by either guiding you themselves or directing you to any number of free resources available. The most important thing is to apply so you don’t miss out on any opportunity. Even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify, apply.

Get Ready for Tomorrow’s SAT

A few thoughts if you’re scheduled to take tomorrow’s SAT.

To minimize your stress tomorrow morning, it’s a great idea to get organized ahead of time. The last thing you need on test morning is a desperate scramble. These are some of the things you can do tonight to get your big day off to a great start:

First, check with your parents to make sure they know when and where you’re scheduled to take the test, and arrange how you’ll get to the test center. Next, gather and pack all the things you’ll need to take with you. Some of the things on this check list are “must-have” items, while others are optional.

REQUIRED: Don’t forget any of the following items or it will be a long ride home!

• An approved calculator
• Sharpened #2 pencils
• An acceptable form of photo ID
• Your admission or standby ticket

SUGGESTED:

• Water
• Snack
• Sweater
• Back-up calculator
• Extra batteries for your calculator
• Watch (to keep track of time)

Finally, given how COVID-19 has disrupted the testing process, we suggest that you confirm the status of your test registration and stay current on any changes by visiting Coronavirus Updates for Students Taking the SAT.

Set your alarm, get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy, satisfying breakfast.

Good luck!

 

Registration Reminder

Remember, today is the registration deadline for the ACT exams scheduled on October 10, 17, 24 and 25.

Look for ACT pop-up sites when you register in MyACT.  Pop-up sites are operated by ACT and won’t cancel at the last minute.