College Bound
Apr 17, 2020
Demonstrated Interest: Getting on the College’s Radar
It’s simple. Students who DEMONSTRATE INTEREST at colleges who track interest get admitted at higher rates.
Colleges want to increase their “yield”. Yield is the number of applicants who actually choose to attend a school where they are accepted. In recent years, while the number of applicants to colleges are up, yield is down.
Apr 8, 2020
What is Test Optional & Should You Submit Test Scores
Test optional has been around for a very long time, but is getting renewed attention in the wake of COVID-19 as some colleges have indicated a move to Test Optional for the class of 2021.
What is test optional? Test optional means allowing students to apply to a college with or without ACT/SAT scores; it’s left up to the student.
Mar 24, 2020
Where are My State ACT Scores?
All Ohio juniors take either the ACT or SAT at their high school in late winter just as many in other states also do. The majority of Ohio schools opted for the ACT in a pencil to paper format given on February 25th or March 10th in 2020; those taking the SAT or testing online have different dates. Students who’ve taken the ACT before on their own have noticed these states’ results are slower than national test date results to arrive.
Mar 11, 2020
What to do when colleges cancel your visit due to Coronavirus
Is Coronavirus sabotaging your plans for spring break college visits? Don’t despair! Here are action tips on how to navigate the college selection and be application ready with this extra free time you’ve suddenly found.
Mar 10, 2020
5 Steps for 10th Graders to Launch the College Search
While the junior year is known as the most challenging academically and the crucial year for the college-bound journey, it is wise to jump-start the process in the spring of 10th grade. Families are often surprised to learn or be reminded, that by the completion of the first semester sophomore year the GPA for college application has reached the halfway point.
Feb 18, 2020
Do I need SAT Subject Tests?
The lesser-known SAT Subject Tests have seen better days.
With the dropping of this testing requirement by Harvey Mudd College (a California engineering college) in February 2020, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) remains the only school requiring the tests for application, and they have indicated they are revisiting this requirement. MIT has dropped the SAT Subject Tests!!!
Jan 21, 2020
5 Tips for High School Course Selection
With grades and course rigor being the #1 factor in getting into college, high school course selection requires careful consideration and planning.
While students are only registering for the courses for next year, our advice is to sketch out a plan for all remaining years of high school based on current offerings at the school (which are subject to change). This will ensure if students have an eye on a future course that prerequisites are met.
Jan 14, 2020
5 Tips for Successful College Visits
College visits cost time and money, so investing time into planning your visit is key to making the most of your time on the road.
Likely, you are limited on the number of schools you can visit, so take the time to make wise choices of where you’ll go. Next, thoroughly research the school online before you go. Sites like College Navigator and CollegeBoard will give you important information such as retention and graduation rates along with average net price paid to attend and degrees offered. You also don’t want to ask a question on your visit that could have been easily answered on the school site.
Jan 7, 2020
How to Schedule “Rigorous” High School Classes Colleges Want
Colleges will look closely at the level of rigor a student has in their schedule. What does “rigor” really mean? Honestly, something different for each student. Rigorous courses are meant to challenge the student; colleges want to see that a student has appropriately challenged herself.
Dec 31, 2019
ACT & SAT College Readiness Benchmarks
ACT and SAT College Readiness Benchmarks are meant as a guideline to indicate students likely to be successful in college as a freshman. That is they have the ability and if they put the work in they are likely to succeed.
Dec 16, 2019
Application Advice from a West Point Cadet
Former LEAP test prep student and high school valedictorian, Taylor England, is our guest blogger on her journey to get an appointment to West Point. She is currently an Army Ranger stationed in Italy.
Dec 9, 2019
Where Are My PSAT Scores & What Do They Mean?!
Students tested in October and their scores become available between December 9th and 11th, 2019; release dates vary by state. You will receive an email from CollegeBoard when your scores are released. School counselors had access to scores the week before.