Planning for College

Take the Tests

Standardized tests like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) Assessment are important variables that can make or break your college application.

Standardized tests are an important part of the admissions process at many colleges. These exams offer colleges a consistent measure of your academic potential compared to other students. So all other factors being equal, these tests are likely to heavily influence your chances of getting into a particular school.

Your SAT and ACT scores need to be up to the standards of the university to which you're seeking admission. Some schools admit only those with the best scores and encourage students to take the test more than once. To ensure the highest possible score, it is very important to prepare for the tests.

The best way to ensure the highest possible test score is to practice! There are many resources available to help you increase your comfort level with the different types of questions and improve your scores on standardized tests.

Peterson's College Quest TestPrep offers an in-depth look at the SAT and ACT standardized tests. In TestPrep, you will find detailed descriptions of each section of each test along with many examples of the different types of question on each test.

The College Board and ACT, Inc. provide free practice materials to help you prepare for the SAT and ACT. You will find free online sample tests that let you practice with real test questions for every question type. You will also find more in-depth preparation tools.

If you prefer to practice with pencil and paper, The College Board provides high schools with free practice materials.

Guidebooks and study manuals
You will find a variety of study guides in your high school or local library and on the shelves in your local bookstore. Talk to your high school guidance counselor about the ones that might be right for you.

Test Preparation Courses
Test preparation courses are available from many sources. Your high school guidance counselor can provide advice about the best courses near you.

Choose a College

There are many sources to help you choose a college.

• Check out college websites


• Visit with your high school guidance counselor


• Look into college guidebooks


• Review college brochures and catalogs


• Attend College Fairs


• Talk with Alumni, family and friends

Once you have all the facts, make a list of the schools you'd like to attend. Narrow your list using these techniques:

• List the pros and cons of each school. Compare the lists. Which schools have more pros?


• Rank the schools based on how well your academic credentials line up with their admission requirements. At some schools, they will match closely; for others, it will be a stretch.


• Rank the schools based on your perceptions. Which school seems most inviting to you?

You will get more information by visiting a college campus than from any of your other information sources. Some advance planning will help you get the most from your campus visit. The Admissions Office is the best place to start. College Admission Offices typically sponsor formal information sessions and guided tours on a regular schedule. The staff will help you set up interviews with faculty members, students and Financial Aid Administrators. They can even help you arrange a taste of college life -- visiting classes that are in session, spending a night in the dorm, and sampling the cafeteria cuisine.

Keep in mind that a campus visit helps you gather data to help you make an informed decision. Following these pointers to get the best results:

• Make a list of questions and a checklist of things to look for before you go. As you visit different schools, you'll want to gather the same data so you'll have an accurate comparison.


• Ask all your questions.


• Take notes.


• Talk to the students.


• Pay attention to your impressions and how you feel while visiting.


• Check out the surrounding community.

The Higher Education Department and College Board are good resources for information about choosing a college.

The next step? Applying for College