As of January 2021, The College Board announced they will no longer be offering SAT Subject Tests to U.S. students in an effort to streamline the application process for colleges and prospective students alike. Instead, your student should focus their efforts on the Reading and Writing & Language components of the SAT, and look to utilize subject-specific AP courses and exams to demonstrate mastery in a discipline’s core competencies. For more guidance on the advantages of AP tests, here is a helpful video on this topic.
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Other Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to start college planning is right after receiving your PSAT score, particularly for sophomores, and of course for juniors. The reason? The PSAT provides an early indication of your future SAT or ACT score, and coupled with GPA and potentially AP scores, provides a powerful tool for admission officers to utilize for admissions decisions, and therefore, for you as well! But, planning in the 10th grade means becoming aware of longer term goals and mindsets, approached at a pace that is comfortable for the student as a means toward both personal growth and planning practicality. Plus, you will need to know what requirements you will need to fulfill while there is still time to meet those needs! For tips on the visits, watch this video.
If study skills is like cardio training, and tutoring is like the skill to play a sport, we know that the foundation is endurance and the fundamentals. Same with school. Start with an evaluation of your study habits, routines, and results from your current level of effort, and then consider tutoring only if still necessary. Otherwise, tutoring without fundamentals is a costly bandaid that creates dependency. See this video to learn more.
Many students are applying to ten colleges, which means starting with a list of 20 makes sense. Consider some schools, initially, that take into account family and friends’s recommendations, but ultimately, use your results from Naviance, PSAT score, GPA and major to refine your list. Make sure it is balanced in terms of how select. For more information, here is a helpful video.
While there is no strategic benefit to taking the SAT or ACT in terms of admission, there are some differences to the format and item types. Novella Tip: Take a free practice SAT and ACT to see what feels like a better fit for you.
When it comes to how many colleges you should apply to, there isn’t an easy answer, as it can depend on a number of different factors. We recommend juniors begin building a college list of about 15-20 schools. Over the year, students should narrow this list down through campus visits, personal exploration of majors, evaluation of school size, location, and numerous other factors. Ultimately a student should end up with a list of approximately 10-12 schools, well-balanced between reach, target, and likely schools. A reach school is a college that is very challenging for the student to get into based on their high school’s historic admissions trends. The student’s GPA or test scores may be significantly below the college’s average student, or the college may be extremely selective, such as Ivy League schools. A target school is a college where the student is academically competitive, with their GPA, class rank, and test scores falling within the college’s average student range. A safety school is a college where the student’s GPA and test scores are well above the college’s average.
In terms of college planning, Novella Prep works with students through high school and beyond, guiding them through each major milestone every step of the way. We assist with class selection, study strategies, and decoding what colleges seek. Additionally, we simplify the college planning maze, covering test selection, admission requirements, campus visits, essay writing, financial aid, and the application process. By starting early, parents and students can take full advantage of the college planning process, leading to future success.
If you believe Novella Prep could be the key to unlocking your child’s academic potential, don’t hesitate to schedule a no-fee college planning consultation with us to help you determine if our program is right for you and your child. Contact us today for a free academic consultation.