Planning for College
So you've decided to go to college. That's great! You've taken the first step toward a successful future and you're ready to take action. Believe it or not, there are tons of things you can do right now (even if you're still in high school) that will help you out in the long run.
Why Plan for College?
This is a question we get a lot.. but our first response is often, "Why not?". College involves many major life decisions and we really think this itself can warrant a lot of research and planning, if not even for the fact that you'll perform better and have a better chance making it all work out the way you want. It may seem like since everyone is going to college, it must not be that big of a deal. In reality, you've got to have the credentials (including grades!) to go where you want. The college admissions process is notoriously difficult (for many colleges) and being knowledgeable and aware of the criteria admissions officers are looking for is a great step in the right direction.
How to Prepare
There are 2 really important tests that a high schooler should consider preparing for and eventually taking. The ACT and the SAT. Below we've got a bit more information on both, but to put it plainly - you need to take these. A great score on either (or ideally both) would be an excellent asset to your application!
What is the ACT?
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions. Comprised of 4 multiple choice sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning, the ACT is a comprehensive test, to say the least. Scores range from 1-36, while the average is about a 21. It is often said that the ACT has easier questions than the SAT, but the time requirement adds to the difficulty. Yes, you read that right - this is a timed test!
- 45 minutes for a 75-question English section
- 60 minutes for a 60-question Math section
- 35 minutes for a 40-question Reading Comprehension section
- 35 minutes for a 40-question Science section
What is the SAT?
The SAT (developed and published by college board), consists of 3 main sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Each section gives the student a score, from 200-800. The total score is the sum of the 3 sectional scores.
For the class of 2011, average scores are:
- Critical reading:497
- Mathematics: 514
- Writing: 489
In closing, we'd recommend you get started as soon as possible on studying for both of these tests. It is somewhat likely that one is used more than the other in your geographic area, but it's also very, very likely that at least one is required on your college admissions application. It's never too early to start preparing with study guides or a tutor. Many students will take the tests around the junior/senior year, and may re-take them depending on their test scores.
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