How to Choose a Safety School
Applying to college involves more than a completed application; it requires research and a strategy. With fierce competition among the elite, and not so elite, colleges, there are no guarantees you will be accepted into your top school. That's why the best college...
Upcoming College Fairs in Northern Virginia — Fall 2025
One of the best ways for high school students to get an early start on college planning is to attend a college fair. These events let students meet admissions staff, ask questions, pick up literature, and get a feel for what different campuses offer. Below is a...
ACT Updates Start Now
ACT test updates take effect this month! As we mentioned last summer, the ACT is getting an overhaul. The new format will have three core sections–English, Reading, and Math–plus an optional science section. The core sections will also be shorter than their current...
My SAT/ACT Scores Came Back… Now What?
You did it! You made it through the digital SAT or ACT and just got your test scores back. Before you get too excited about never seeing another SAT or ACT question for the rest of your life, consider the two scenarios below: Scenario 1: You received a 36 on the ACT...
The Not-So-Dreadful College Deferral List
The moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. A new email popped up in your inbox, and the from address says it all; your college admissions email has arrived. The contents of this email is certain to reveal your next academic steps - or is it? When opening...
How to Use PSAT Scores for SAT Prep
The PSAT is a national standardized test administered to 10th and 11th graders. Created by the College Board in partnership with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), this test is designed to predict what you would score on the SAT without any test...
ACT Changes on the Way
Great news for students taking the ACT next year! ACT CEO Janet Godwin announced some major changes to their standardized test. The current test incorporates four sections: English, reading, math, and science with an optional writing section. Starting April 2025, the...
The College Application Essay: How To Write One That Works
College Applications. There are few things that cause more anxiety for high school seniors and their parents. Navigating this process can be daunting between gathering transcripts, getting letters of recommendation, taking last minute SATs, and trying to recall four...
Writer’s Block? 11 Journal Topics to Brainstorm the College Essay
I have never considered myself much of a creative writer. The “right” words just never seemed to come to me. However, I’ve always loved the visual arts—drawing and painting in particular. In every art class, the most challenging assignment was always the...
SAT/ACT Prep Study Options
Just the thought of studying for the SAT or ACT exam can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not motivated to study on your own. Fortunately, there’s more than one way to study. While self-study is an option, there’s also one-on-one tutoring and group study. Read...
Is that a Good SAT or ACT Score?
When the SAT or ACT scores come out, we are often asked, “Is that a good SAT or ACT score?” This is a tough question to answer because “good” is very relative. Before we answer that question for a parent or student, we ask students to list their top schools and...
When Should I Prepare for and Take the SAT or ACT? Part II
In the last blog, we talked about questions to consider when planning your SAT and ACT test dates and preparation for those tests during junior and senior year. You can check out those questions here. Now that you know what to consider, it's time to put that...
When Should I Prepare For and Take the SAT or ACT? Part I
Many students and parents ask when the SAT or ACT test should be taken and when test prep should start. There are many factors to consider and it can vary based on the student’s starting scores and goal score. Below are some things to consider. Take a practice test...
Do SAT Scores Matter to Colleges?
Four years ago, "test optional" became the buzz phrase surrounding the college application process. As colleges re-examined their standardized testing requirements due to COVID-19 restrictions, parents and students alike rallied around the opportunity to ditch those...
Why Take the SAT in a Test Optional World?
Since its inception in 1926, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) has encountered its fair share of controversy, from a lack of equity to skepticism regarding its validity in predicting a student's success in college. Over the past few years, more and more colleges have...
How to Request Accommodations for the SAT or ACT
You might be surprised at the number of accommodations available for standardized test takers. The long list includes familiar accommodations for students with learning differences, such as extended time and added breaks, as well as accommodations for students with...
Should I Apply to College Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Admissions?
There is a lot of talk about college applications right now. The questions I'm hearing most often are "what is the difference between early action and early decision?" and "should I apply early?". Before we talk about whether you should apply early, let's be clear...
Accepted! Choosing the Right College
Congratulations to all the seniors offered acceptance into more than one college! After celebrating your success and the hard work it took to get here, it's time to determine which school you'd like to attend. If you don't have an obvious top choice, compare each...
Advice for Class of 2025
The last few years have seen some major shifts in SAT/ACT testing and college admissions. Before the pandemic, over half of colleges required SAT or ACT scores. However, during the 2022-23 admission cycle, only 4% of colleges required SAT or ACT scores to apply. The...
Do SAT/ACT Scores Matter in a Test Optional World?
If standardized tests aren't your strength, have no fear! Many colleges will remain test optional the next few years. If you want to keep all your options open, plan to prepare for and do your best on either the SAT or ACT. The college admissions landscape has...