Writing the college application essay can be a pretty intimidating experience. The topics given are often broad (and sometimes not very interesting) and, if they don’t give you a topic, then it can be downright terrifying to write. You want to sound smart, and you also want to sound academically appealing. The problem with all […]
What are the Advantages of Applying to College Early?
Senior year looms. You have college applications on your mind–and you may be thinking about applying early. What you may not have on your mind, though, is a clear idea of what “applying early” really means: the differences between early action and early decision, when deadlines are, and what you should do to get yourself […]
Your Summer SAT and ACT Reading List
Students with excellent reading and comprehension skills find the verbal sections of the SAT and the reading test on the ACT much easier to attack. Classic literature offers you a chance to practice reading typical SAT and ACT passages and to expand your vocabulary.
Paying for College 201: A Break for Family-Owned Businesses
This is a guest post by Todd Rhine. By now, you have learned a significant amount about how you can properly position your assets to receive the maximum amount of financial aid legally possible. You have hopefully avoided putting too much money in the student’s name and you have moved your investments to the types […]
Do Colleges Use the Optional ACT Writing Test Score?
When it comes to the ACT, colleges come in two varieties: those that require or recommend that you take the optional ACT Writing Test, and those that say that the test is not needed. How is it used, and how will it affect how your ACT score is viewed?
How to Beat Senioritis and Make Your Last Year of High School Count
Ah, Senior Year. You’ve waited for it, pined for it, ached for it—and now it’s almost here! That last year before you go off to college; those last few months before you get to be on your own. Understandably, it will feel like it drags on forever. And ever. After a while, you may lose […]
Paying for College 101: What You Need to Know About 529s
This is a guest post by financial planner Todd Rhine. If you have been looking to save for college, you have probably heard of a 529. Simply defined, a 529 is a college savings plan that allows the owner to avoid Federal capital gains tax on the growth in savings when the funds are used […]
Positive Thinking and the ACT
As an ACT instructor, I have heard negative comments in every ACT class I have ever taught:“I am terrible at taking tests.” “I am bad at math.” “I am going to fail miserably.” These words are toxic and quite often become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe you are bad at math, how can you ever […]
How do I Cancel my SAT Score?
So you took the SAT, and you have a sinking feeling that you didn’t do as well as you wanted to. In fact, you’re so sure you didn’t well that you want to make sure no one ever sees your score–not even you. You can’t travel back in time and tell your past self not […]
Fun Ways to Prepare for your ACT or SAT This Summer
When schools across the country start to let out for summer break, the last think you want to talk about is your upcoming test, right? We understand! Vacation is an important and well-deserved break. It’s okay if you need a couple of weeks to unwind, but we need to come to a compromise. Going forward […]