College Application Mistakes

Many of us make mistakes everyday. But none of us want a mistake that can keep us from attaining our dreams. St. Andrews Presbyterian College has posted a list of the 10 Most Common College Application Mistakes. So, take a look and hopefully avoid a costly mistake!

PSAT-Take it!

Did you know that the PSAT really does count! The Preliminary SAT(PSAT), if taken during a student's junior year, counts plenty toward college and scholarship opportunities. It is the qualifying test for several scholarships and programs. Although the National Merit Scholarship is the most widely known, there are others including the National Achievement Scholarship Program (for African American students) and the National Hispanic Recognition Program for students who identify themselves as at least 1/4 Latino orHispanic. For more information on each of these, click on the links.

So juniors, take the PSAT! Deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 23 at lunch. It will cost you a fee, but if you are on free lunch, see Mrs. Schilit for a fee waiver. Take your fee to Mr. Eberlin and sign up with Mrs. Todd in guidance.

One last advantage of taking the PSAT, it allows you to use the College Board's My College QuickStart Program. That program can help you set up a personalized SAT prep program, search for colleges, look at timelines, etc.

Sign up today for the PSAT!

Update on SAT registration

The date for regular registration for the SAT in October has been extended until Sept. 23. That means you can still register without paying a late fee. And if you need a little more practice, check out this page on the college board website.

SAT registration

Tomorrow, September 9, is the regular deadline for registering for the October 10 SAT. Don't wait any longer. If you are a senior, planning on attending four-year college, and haven't taken either the SAT or ACT yet...register now. The October 24 ACT deadline is September 18. Although you can register for either test after the regular deadline, you shouldn't....unless you just enjoy spending extra money.

Early?

Trying to decide what option to use when applying to a college or university? Schools have a variety of choices. Here are the most common:



Early Decision

• apply early (often prior to Nov. 15)
• notified of admission early (usually prior to winter break)
• Binding: if accepted, requires student to remove all other college applications
• if accepted, requires student to attend this college or university
• May not have financial award package information

Early Action

• apply early
• notified of admission early
• non-binding
• can apply to multiple schools
• can wait to see financial aid awards to help make final decision

Regular Decision

• apply prior to priority deadline (varies)
• notified on set date or on rolling admissions (notified when decision is made)
• non-binding
• can apply to multiple schools
• can wait for financial aid award to make a decision

Frugal SAT and ACT practice

In these difficult economic times we are always excited when we find cheap, or better yet free, ways to help you in the college process. One of the premier providers of college entrance test preparation is Kaplan. They often offer free events for students. In the Columbia area, there will be a free full length practice SAT given on Saturday, October 3 at the Kaplan Center located downtown. Sign up online at the Kaplan website. Check their website for other free events! If you don't live in Columbia, just put in your zip code under free events and find a session close to you.

*Kaplan also offers fee serviced test preparation that you may want to take advantage of.

ACT and SAT Test Dates

Have you registered? Don't end up paying late fees! Check the dates for both at the following links and register today! Remember, for each test you can send your scores to up to four colleges for free. Make sure you register the schools you want your test scores sent to at registration. If not, you will have to pay a send fee later. Schools are looking at your best scores. That means if you aren't happy with the first set of scores, take the test again and send them to the colleges again.

SAT TEST DATES

Fees for the SAT, if you register on time, are $45 and up to four colleges get your reports free. Additional reports sent to colleges cost $9.50

ACT Test Dates
The ACT costs $32 without the writing portion. The ACT including the writing portion costs $47. Most schools want the writing portion, but check your college or university to be sure. Four colleges may receive scores free with your test. Each additional college you want it sent to costs $9.