Standardized Testing

It is that time of year when seniors are beginning to fill out applications for college. Part of the process is sending in either your ACT or your SAT scores. If you are a senior, you should know that most colleges will accept either the SAT or the ACT. Don't be afraid to send in all your scores. Generally, an admissions officer will use the higher score from either test. This may be from one sitting if you take the ACT or from multiple sittings from the SAT. If you have not yet registered, then do so quickly. Application deadlines are getting earlier and earlier.

Time to look at applications

It is the first of August, which means for many colleges and universities, Fall 2011 freshmen applications are now available. Don't wait. Take a look now at your college choices. You may also want to take a peek at the Common Application or the Universal College Application. Both of these are accepted at many colleges and universities and will save you time, and sometimes money. For all you seniors, the time is now to get started!

Just a thought

Thinking about college? Make sure if you are at all interested in a college or university, that you show them that you are. How do you do that? Visit the campus. Write the admissions office. Come to visitations on your high school campus. Fill out a "request for information" card. There are many ways to demonstrate interest, find at least one. Colleges want to admit (and award scholarships to) students who have shown that they WANT to be a part of that campus.

College Application Essay Topics

Want a look at some of the most common essay prompts? Take a look at this list.

Common App Sneak Peek

Want to preview the Class of Fall 2011 Common Application? Take a peek here. You may also want to see what schools accept the Common Application.

Thinking IVY?

If you are thinking of applying to an Ivy League school, here is a fact sheet about admissions statistics at each of the eight schools. This site has additional information about SAT/ACT scores from the class that began in Fall 2009.

Looking for gifts for graduates?

How about getting your favorite graduate something they may need for college! Here is a list of items to help you get started with ideas:

Mattress pad and/or mattress topper
Sheets 2 sets ( check if need extra long)
Comforter or bedspread
Pillow or pillows
Towels( at least 2)
Washcloths (at least 2)
Dish towel(2)
Room decorations/Pictures from home
May want a rug for room
Microwave(check with your school and roommate)
Refrigerator( check with your school and roommate)
Coffee pot/coffee/tea/hot chocolate(check with your school)
Hand can opener/bottle opener
Small collapsible cooler
Paper or plastic eating utensils/cups/bowl/plate/water bottle
Shower caddy
Shampoo comb
Conditioner brush
Lotion hair dryer
Deodorant Qtips/cotton balls
Shaving cream toothbrush
Razor toothpaste
Hairspray
Hair styling gel
Soap or shower gel
Shower shoes
Medical needs( optional) Insurance cards
Bandaids
Tylenol, ibuprofen, and or aspirin
Vitamins
Cold medicine
Clothing
Robe/PJ’s/jeans/other as desired
Shelf unit or drawer unit as needed
Shoe tree or door shoe caddy
Computer/Printer/paper/ink
Television/DVD or VCR
Cords as per school
Multi outlet surge protector
Phone for room unless using cell phone only
Check your cell phone plan to see if more minutes needed
Alarm clock
Dry erase bulletin board/dry erase markers
Double stick foam for putting pictures on walls(check with your school for approval)
Room freshener/surface cleaner/dish soap
Laundry bag and/or basket
Laundry detergent
Fabric softener(optional) I use the Downy ball/or dryer sheets.
Many schools now have laundry cards or laundry included. Check with your school.
Iron and table top ironing board
Spray starch
Hangers
Futon(optional)
Lap desk
Lamp and/or desk light
Vacuum
Book bag/satchel/backpack
School supplies
Paper: notebook and computer
Notebooks
Scissors
Tape
Stapler/staples
Pens/pencils/printer ink