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What they don’t say about test scores

Updated 21 June 2023 A big "thank you" to FairTest for using a screenshot of this blogpost in their recent research demonstrating that test scores can help students at 96% of institutions. I don't think they intended to make the case…

How can parents help students with the SAT or ACT?

This week I was talking with a parent whose student has plateaued at a certain threshold on the SAT and ACT. It happens from time to time and can be frustrating for everyone - the student most of all. It can be for any number of reasons, many…

The Most Important Conversation to Have about College

You can come up with a lot of reasons that the cost "makes sense" right now. However, those decisions are setting students and families up for huge burdens down the road. That's why having the conversation early about what the college will cost and how to pay for that cost is so important.
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8 steps to completing your college applications

When you have a list of things you have to do, tackle the least pleasant one first. If you have a plate full of delicious food and this one thing you don't want to eat, eat it first. You'll get to enjoy the rest of the food so much more than if you save the unpleasant part for last.

Some scary events in college admissions

Colleges are automatically placing students who applied without test scores in the developmental classes, classes for which they will not get any credit but will pay full price.
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4 questions to ask when you get your PSAT scores back

It's a weird year for the PSAT. If you took the test in October, your scores are due to come out the week of December 7th. College Board did announce an additional test date of January 26th which many schools are following. Those scores are…
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What you need to know about National Merit awards

National Merit. School counselors talk about it. School districts publicize it. However, many parents and students aren't really sure what it is beyond some sort of academic honor that smart kids pursue. Check out this post for ideas about…
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“Test Optional” wasn’t intended to help students

One of the many impacts of COVID19 has meant a drastic change admissions policies related to the SAT and ACT. Colleges and universities have sold it to applicants as "test optional", and students and parents have taken that to mean that they…
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Here’s the biggest problem with at-home tests

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5 things high school Juniors should do right now

The June SAT has been cancelled, as were the March and May tests before it and the April ACT as well. At the time of writing this, ACT is adamant that they will be offering tests in June and July, even adding test dates to both months to accommodate…