2018-2019 SCHOOLS THAT SUPERSCORE ACT

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 Example of Superscoring:

February 2018: English 27, Math 28, Reading 28, Science 28—Composite 27

April 2018: English 27, Math 30, Reading 31, Science 26—Composite 29

July 2018: English 29, Math 27, Reading 29, Science 30—Composite 29

If a student were to submit all three scores, the institutions below would pull the highest subtest scores from each date:

English 29, Math 30, Reading 31, Science 30 – a Composite score of 30

Colleges and Universities

Abilene Christian University (TX)

Adelphi University (NY)

Agnes Scott College (GA)

Albion College (MI)

Albright College (PA)

Alderson Broaddus University (WV)

Allegheny College (PA)

Amherst College (MA)

Antioch College (OH)

Appalachian State University (NC)

Austin College (TX)

Averett University (VA)

Babson College (MA)

Bard College (NY)

Bates College (ME)

Baylor University (TX)

Becker College (MA)

Beloit College (WI)

Bentley University (MA)

Berea College (KY)

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Boston College (MA)

Bowdoin College (ME)

Brown University (RI)*

Bryant University (RI)

Bucknell University (PA)

Butler University (IN)

California Institute of Technology

California Polytechnic University at Pomona

California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo

California University of Pennsylvania

Central Michigan University

Claremont McKenna College (CA)

Clark University (MA)

Coastal Carolina University (SC)

Colby College (ME)

Colgate University (NY)

College of Charleston (SC)

College of Saint Benedict (MN)

College of the Holy Cross (MA)

College of Wooster (OH)

Colorado State University

Columbia University (NY)

Connecticut College

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (NY)

Cornell College (IA)

Culinary Institute of America (NY)

Davidson College (NC)

Delaware Valley University (PA)

Denison University (OH)

DePaul University (IL)

DeSales University (PA)

Dickinson College (PA)

Drexel University (PA)

Duke University (NC)*

Duquesne University (PA)

Earlham College (IN)

Eckerd College (FL)

Elmira College (NY)

Elon University (NC)

Emerson College (MA)

Endicott College (MA)

Eugene Lang College of The New School University (NY)

Fairfield University (CT)

Fashion Institute of Technology (NY)

Flagler College (FL)

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Florida Southern University

Florida State University#

Franklin College (IN)

Franklin and Marshall College (PA)

Furman University (SC)

Gannon University (PA)

George Washington University (DC)

Georgia Institute of Technology#

Gettysburg College (PA)

Gonzaga University (WA)

Gordon College (MA)

Grinnell College (IA)

Grove City College (PA)

Guilford College (NC)

Hamilton College (NY)

Hampden-Sydney College (VA)

Hampton University (VA)

Hanover College (IN)

Harvey Mudd College (CA)

Haverford College (PA)

Hawai’i Pacific University

Hendrix College (AR)

High Point University (NC)

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY)

Hofstra University (NY)

Hollins University (VA)

Hood College (MD)

Hunter College of the City University of New York

Illinois Institute of Technology

Indiana State University

Indiana University at Bloomington

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Iona College (NY)

Ithaca College (NY)

James Madison University (VA)

Johns Hopkins University (MD)

Juniata College (PA)

Kalamazoo College (MI)

Kenyon College (OH)

Kettering University (MI)

King’s College (PA)

Knox College (IL)

La Roche College (PA)

La Salle University (PA)

Lafayette College (PA)

Lake Forest College (IL)

Lawrence University (WI)

Lehigh University (PA)

Lemoyne College (NY)

Loyola University of Chicago (IL)

Loyola University of Maryland

Loyola University of New Orleans (LA)

Lycoming College (PA)

Lynn University (FL)

Macalester College (MN)*

Marist College (NY)

Marlboro College (VT)

Mary Baldwin College (VA)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mercer University (GA)

Merrimack College (MA)

Messiah College (PA)

Miami University of Ohio

Middlebury College (VT)

Monmouth University (NJ)

Montclair State University (NJ)

Mount Holyoke College (MA)

Nazareth College (NY)

New College of Florida

New York University

Niagara University (NY)

North Carolina State University

Northeastern University (MA)

Northern Arizona University

Northwood University

Occidental College (CA)*

Ohio Wesleyan University

Olin College of Engineering (MA)

Parsons School of Design of The New School University (NY)

Pitzer College (CA)

Point Loma Nazarene University (CA)

Pomona College (CA)

Presbyterian College (SC)

Providence College (RI)*

Radford University (VA)

Randolph College (VA)

Randolph-Macon College (VA)

Reed College (OR)*

Robert Morris University (PA)

Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)

Roger Williams University (RI)

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (IN)

Rutgers University Camden (NJ)

Sacred Heart University (CT)

Saint Anselm’s College (NH)

Saint John’s College (MD and NM)

Saint John’s University (NY)

Saint Michael’s College (VT)

Saint Olaf College (MN)

Salve Regina University (RI)

Samford University (AL)

San Diego State University (CA)

Sarah Lawrence College (NY)

Scripps College (CA)

Seton Hall University (NJ)

Shepherd University (WV)

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Simmons College (MA)

Soka University of America (CA)

Spelman College (GA)

Stanford University (CA)*

State University of New York College at Geneseo

State University of New York College at Purchase

State University of New York University at Albany

State University of New York University at Buffalo

Stony Brook University (NY)

Susquehanna University (PA)

Swarthmore College (PA)

Syracuse University (NY)

Taylor University (IN)

Temple University (PA)

Texas Christian University

Texas Lutheran University

Texas Tech University

The Citadel (SC)

Trinity College (CT)

Trinity University (TX)

Tufts University (MA)

Union College (KY)

Union College (NY)

United States Air Force Academy (CO)

United States Coast Guard Academy (CT)

United States Merchant Marine Academy (NY)

United States Military Academy (NY)

United States Naval Academy (MD)

University of Arkansas

University of Chicago (IL)

University of Colorado

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware#

University of Denver (CO)

University of Georgia

University of Idaho

University of Illinois*

University of Mary Washington (VA)

University of Maryland Baltimore County

University of Maryland College Park

University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Miami (FL)

University of Michigan*

University of New England (ME)

University of New Haven (CT)

University of New Mexico

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina Charlotte

University of North Carolina Greensboro

University of North Florida

University of Pennsylvania

University of Portland (OR)

University of Puget Sound (WA)

University of Rhode Island

University of Rochester (NY)

University of Saint Thomas (MN)

University of South Florida

University of Tampa (FL)

University of Tennessee

University of the South (Sewanee) (TN)

University of Tulsa (OK)

University of Virginia

University of Washington

Ursinus College (PA)

Valparaiso University (IN)

Vassar College (NY)

Villanova University (PA)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

Wabash College (IN)

Wagner College (NY)

Wake Forest University (NC)

Warren Wilson College (NC)

Washington and Jefferson College (PA)

Washington State University

Washington University in Saint Louis (MO)

Webb Institute (of Naval Architecture) (NY)

Wesleyan University (CT)

West Virginia University

Western New England College (MA)

Westmont College (CA)

Wheaton College (IL)

Wheeling Jesuit College (WV)

Whitman College (WA)

Willamette University (OR)

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Williams College (MA)

Winthrop University (SC)

Wofford College (SC)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)

Xavier University (OH)

*– indicates that college does not recompute composite but will consider all subscores from any test dates sent

 

#– indicates that college will super-duper score, combining best subscores from BOTH SAT AND ACT submitted (we really love these schools)

test on blackboard in chalk

ACT to SAT Conversion Table

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This is the official table given by ACT.org and the College Board. Some colleges may use a slightly different table.

College Application Tracker

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Application Tracker

College Application Checklist
Keep Track of Your Applications
Stay on top of your application tasks, e-mails, and deadlines.
College 1 College 2 College 3 College 4 College 5 College 6 College 7 College 8 College 9 College 10
Applications
Download info/application
Common application
Coaltion application
Early application deadline
Regular application deadline
Essays
How many essays?
Proof essays for spelling and grammar
Send me your essay
Interviews
Interview at college (optional)
Alumni interview
Send thank-you notes to interviewers
Test Scores
SAT/ACT required?
SAT Subject Tests™ required?
Send SAT/ACT scores
Letters of Recommendation
Request recommendations
Send thank-you notes
Grades
Request high school transcript sent
Request midyear grade reports sent
Send and Track Your Application
Make copies of all application materials
Apply online
Include application fee
Sign application
Confirm receipt of application materials
Send supplemental material, if needed
Financial Aid Forms
Priority financial aid deadline
Regular financial aid deadline
E-mail FAFSA
E-mail PROFILE, if needed
Email institutional aid form, if needed
Email state aid form, if needed
After You Send Your Application
Receive letter from office of admissions
Receive aid information
Let me know
Send deposit
Congratulations!

11th Grade College Planning Timeline

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Eleventh grade is very important in the college planning process, with standardized testing, defining your college list, connecting with teachers for strong letter of recommendation, and keeping your grades high. 

This Fall – This year the college search process really gets going.

Make your time productive
Students should be participating in constructive activities during the year, colleges care. If your child has a career goal in mind, see if you can help arrange a day where he or she can “shadow” someone who works in that field.

Take practice SAT & ACT to determine your best test
We will compare your scores on the SAT & ACT practice test to determine which test is the best for you. Please take a Practice Test for both the SAT and ACT by clicking on the link. You can also do it through other test companies or directly their sites. Look at these Test Prep Options. Here is a Conversion Table to see the different scores.

Do some early research
Look at these articles Finding a College that you Love and Researching a College to see what is important. Then use Scoir to look at colleges that might be of interest. The website provides good college entrance information, as well as information about what schools offer. Find time for you to check out some of the websites and pick colleges that you are interested in exploring. Reach out to the admissions office and ask them to send you information. Most colleges track all contact that you have with them to determine how interested you are in the school.

Focus on getting the best grades that you can, and getting help where needed
Monitor your grades throughout the year and find ways to keep them high. Talk to teaches when you don’t understand a concept, and ask for extra work at the end of a semester when you grade is a on the edge of a higher one. Showing an interest and communicating with your teacher can make a difference in your grade.

Research colleges
Continue to add schools which you learn about and may be of interest. Use Scoir to help define your college list to include schools that meet your most important criteria (academic majors, size, location, cost, or activities). Build a list of about 10 colleges which really excite you.

Organize your college information
Set up a filing system on your computer or use file folders for each college’s correspondence and printed materials. This will make it easier to locate the specific information you’re looking for.

Try to find time to visit colleges on your days off
Seeing colleges in session is more useful than during the summer. It gives you a chance to see the students and the vibe of the campus.See my article Visiting Colleges. There may be Options for College Visits so check on them. Take a tour and attend the information session. You may also be able to talk to students or sit in on a class which interests you.

Be an active participant
Go to college fairs at your school or other venues, speak with college representatives who visit your high school, like colleges’ Facebook pages after you have enhanced yours, see Colleges Look at your Social Media. Be open-minded as many students change their criteria significantly during this process.

Be prepared by practicing
We will determine which tests you will take (ACT, SAT, SAT subjects tests) and the dates for them, please register for them and mark those dates on your calendar. You will need to prepare by taking practice tests and getting comfortable with the material.

This Winter – Stay involved, organize college lists, and prepare for standardized tests

Make a difference with your extracurricular activities
Colleges look for consistency and depth in the activities you pursue. Taking on leadership roles or starting a new venture and making a commitment is significantly more important than just being a member of an activity. I will be sending out an article on this shortly.

Discuss colleges with family and friends
Have discussions about the colleges you’re interested in and learn more about them. Talk to students about what college life is like, especially if they attend a school you’re interested in. Although it’s important to hear what the admissions staff has to say about a school, it’s also important to get the students’ perspective. Your family and friends can learn about what you want to pursue and you can hear any concerns or suggestions they might have. Also feel free to e-mail me with any questions or information that you need.

Use your summer wisely, plan ahead

Summer employment and internships in fields you’re interested in is ideal and powerful on a college application or resume, but there are many other options, Summer Activities that Give you and Edge, and Summer Activities part 2. Be involved in something that interests you. One needs to start looking into this in the winter as some programs and opportunities have early deadlines.

Next Spring – Take the standardized test at least twice and keep your grades high
Continue to prepare for standardized tests.
Practice makes testing easier, less stressful, and you more successful. Take either the SAT or the ACT at least twice in junior year. If you need SAT subject tests schedule them for June. Know that you can take the ACT or SAT again in the fall of your senior year if you’re unhappy with your scores.

Pick classes for senior year.
Touch base with me before you pick your classes, don’t load up on easy electives. Colleges do review your senior year courses and grades, so challenge yourself and take classes that are in your areas of interest. See this article for more information, How Many AP’s to Take.

Some high schools want you to ask teachers for letters of recommendation before the summer
Teachers and guidance counselors are often asked to write recommendations for lots of students. Consider whom you want to ask now and let them know so they’ll have time to prepare before the fall. Ask teachers who know you well and who will have positive things to say. Please read this article to get the best letter possible, How to get a Great Recommendation.  If you have a coach, activity leader, or a boss who knows you well outside of school and can speak to your accomplishments and character that is also valuable.

Plan campus visits during Spring break

You should plan ahead and sign up for the tours when visiting colleges. Spring break can be a very busy time for colleges, so make sure there is room. You can sign up on-line or call the admissions office. There may be Options for College Visits so check on them.

 

Cross-Registration Options for Colleges

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Attending a school with great cross-registration options can be a terrific way for you to take classes beyond those offered at your home institution, expand your horizons and experience academic life in a completely different setting.

The Claremont Colleges, for example, allow students to take classes at any member institution (Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona, Scripps). Students at Occidental can also take engineering classes at Caltech, while Wellesley students can take business classes at Babson or engineering courses at MIT. From coast to coast, our list includes several popular colleges from our coverage universe, the consortium/consortia they belong to and the available cross-registration options. Be sure to click on the included links for detail on cross-registration policies—for example, some schools will only allow you to cross-register for courses that not offered at your home institution, while others may only allow to cross-register on a space-available basis.

Colleges with Great Cross-Registration Options

College Kickstart LLC

Institution Consortium Cross-Registration Options
Agnes Scott College Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) Brenau, Clark Atlanta, Clayton State, Emory, Georgia Gwinnett, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, SCAD-Atlanta, Spelman College, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia
American University Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Washington, George Mason, Georgetown, Howard, Marymount, Montgomery, Trinity Washington, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland – College Park
Amherst College 5 College Consortium Mount Holyoke, UMass Amherst, Hampshire, Smith
Babson College Babson/Brandeis/Olin/Wellesley Brandeis, Olin, Regis, Pine Manor, Wellesley
Barnard College Barnard/Columbia/Juilliard Columbia, Juilliard
Boston College Boston Area Consortium Boston University, Hebrew, Hellenic, Pine Manor, Regis, Tufts
Boston University Boston Area Consortium Boston College, Hebrew, Hellenic, Pine Manor, Regis, Tufts
Brandeis University Multiple Babson, Bentley, Boston College, Boston University, Olin, Tufts, Wellesley
Brown University RISD/Brown RISD
Bryn Mawr College Tri-Co & Quaker Consortium Haverford, Swarthmore, UPenn
Caltech Caltech/Occidental/Art Center Art Center College of Design, Occidental
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) Carlow, Chatham, Duquesne, LaRoche, Point Park, Robert Morris, Pitt
Catholic University of America Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area American, Gallaudet University, George Washington, George Mason, Georgetown, Howard, Marymount, Montgomery, Trinity Washington, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland – College Park
Claremont McKenna College Claremont Colleges Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona, Scripps
Clarkson University Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam, St. Lawrence
Colgate University New York 6 Liberal Arts Consortium (NY6) Hamilton, Skidmore, Union, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, St. Lawrence
Columbia University Barnard/Columbia/Juilliard Barnard, Juilliard
Emory University Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) Agnes Scott, Brenau, Clark Atlanta, Clayton State, Georgia Gwinnett, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, SCAD-Atlanta, Spelman College, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Babson/Brandeis/Olin/Wellesley Babson, Brandeis, Wellesley
George Mason University Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area American, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Washington, Georgetown, Howard, Marymount, Montgomery, Trinity Washington, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland – College Park
George Washington University Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area American, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Mason, Georgetown, Howard, Marymount, Montgomery, Trinity Washington, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland – College Park
Georgetown University Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area American, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Washington, George Mason, Howard, Marymount, Montgomery, Trinity Washington, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland – College Park
Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) Agnes Scott, Brenau, Clark Atlanta, Clayton State, Emory, Georgia Gwinnett, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, SCAD-Atlanta, Spelman College, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia
Hamilton College New York 6 Liberal Arts Consortium (NY6) Colgate, Skidmore, Union, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, St. Lawrence
Hampshire College 5 College Consortium Mount Holyoke, UMass Amherst, Amherst, Smith
Harvard University Mulitple MIT, Tufts, Brown, Episcopal Divinity School
Harvey Mudd College Claremont Colleges Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, Pomona, Scripps
Haverford College Tri-Co & Quaker Consortium Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, UPenn
Hobart and William Smith Colleges New York 6 Liberal Arts Consortium (NY6) Colgate, Hamilton, Skidmore, Union, St. Lawrence
Howard University Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area American, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Washington, George Mason, Georgetown, Marymount, Montgomery, Trinity Washington, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland – College Park
Lafayette College Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) Cedar Crest, DeSales, Lehigh, Moravian, Muhlenberg
Lehigh University Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) Cedar Crest, DeSales, Lafayette, Moravian, Muhlenberg
Lewis & Clark College Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities (OAICU) Concordia (OR), Corban, George Fox, Linfield, Marylhurst, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Northwest Christian, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Pacific University, Reed, University of Portland, Warner Pacific, Western States Chiropractic College, Willamette
Linfield College Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities (OAICU) Concordia (OR), Corban, George Fox, Lewis & Clark, Marylhurst, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Northwest Christian, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Pacific University, Reed, University of Portland, Warner Pacific, Western States Chiropractic College, Willamette
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) MIT/Wellesley, Harvard/MIT/MassArt Wellesley, Harvard, MassArt
Mount Holyoke College 5 College Consortium Amherst, UMass Amherst, Hampshire, Smith
Muhlenberg College Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) Cedar Crest, DeSales, Lafayette, Lehigh, Moravian
Occidental College Caltech/Occidental/Art Center Art Center College of Design, Caltech
Pitzer College Claremont Colleges Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pomona, Scripps
Pomona College Claremont Colleges Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Scripps
Reed College Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities (OAICU) Concordia (OR), Corban, George Fox, Lewis & Clark, Linfield, Marylhurst, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Northwest Christian, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Pacific University, University of Portland, Warner Pacific, Western States Chiropractic College, Willamette
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Hudson Mohawk Association Albany College of Pharmacy, SUNY Cobleskill, College of Saint Rose, Empire State College, Maria, Skidmore, Union, Siena
Rhode Island School of Design RISD/Brown Brown
Scripps College Claremont Colleges Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona
Skidmore College Hudson Mohawk Association, ‘New York 6 Liberal Arts Consortium (NY6) Albany College of Pharmacy, SUNY Cobleskill, College of Saint Rose, Empire State College, Maria, RPI, Union, Siena, Colgate, Hamilton, St. Lawrence, Union, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Smith College 5 Colleges Consortium Amherst, Mount Holyoke, UMass Amherst, Hampshire
Spelman College Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) Agnes Scott, Brenau, Clark Atlanta, Clayton State, Emory, Georgia Gwinnett, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, SCAD-Atlanta, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia
St. Lawrence University Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley, ‘New York 6 Liberal Arts Consortium (NY6) Clarkson, SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam, Colgate, Hamilton, Skidmore, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Union College
Swarthmore College Tri-Co & Quaker Consortium Bryn Mawr, Haverford, UPenn
Trinity College Hartford Consortium Central CT State, Charter Oak State, Goodwin, UCONN – West Hartford, Saint Joseph, University of Hartford
Tufts University Boston Area Consortium Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis
Union College Hudson Mohawk Association, ‘New York 6 Liberal Arts Consortium (NY6) Albany College of Pharmacy, SUNY Cobleskill, College of Saint Rose, Empire State College, Maria, RPI, Skidmore, Siena, Hamilton, Colgate, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, St. Lawrence
University of Georgia Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) Agnes Scott, Brenau, Clark Atlanta, Clayton State, Emory, Georgia Gwinnett, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, SCAD-Atlanta, Spelman College, University of West Georgia
University of Maryland – College Park Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area American, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Washington, George Mason, Georgetown, Howard, Marymount, Montgomery, Trinity Washington, University of the District of Columbia
University of Massachusetts – Amherst 5 College Consortium Amherst, Mount Holyoke, UMass Amherst, Hampshire, Smith
University of Pennsylvania Quaker Consortium Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Swarthmore
University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) Carlow, Carnegie Mellon, Chatham, Duquesne, LaRoche, Point Park, Robert Morris
University of Portland Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities (OAICU) Concordia (OR), Corban, George Fox, Lewis & Clark, Linfield, Marylhurst, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Northwest Christian, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Pacific University, Reed, Warner Pacific, Western States Chiropractic College, Willamette
Wellesley College Babson/Brandeis/Olin/Wellesley, Wellesley/MIT Babson, Brandeis, Olin, MIT
Willamette University Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities (OAICU) Concordia (OR), Corban, George Fox, Lewis & Clark, Linfield, Marylhurst, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Northwest Christian, Pacific Northwest College of Art, Pacific University, Reed, University of Portland, Warner Pacific, Western States Chiropractic College

Your Checklist for Senior Year

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Staying on top of the college process is key to your success. Here is a month by month listing of what you need to do. Please stay current and communicate with us.

SEPTEMBER

❑ Start to fill out your Common App, Coalition App, or Specific College Apps. Make sure that we see your essays before they are added.

❑ Check Naviance and sign up for college visits at your school. Read this article, it will make a big difference, Know your college representative.

❑ Decide if you will apply Early Decision or Early Action to your top choice school. If so make sure everything is sent on time. Let us know.

❑ Tell your counselor and recommenders when you need letters written by. They need at least three weeks’ notice.

❑ Look at the fall calendar — plan final campus visits/interviews.

❑ Take a look at your social media and clean it up!

❑ Request interviews at colleges that you are interested in, where available.

 

OCTOBER

❑ ED and EA candidates prepare to submit applications by the deadline, Nov. 1st or 15th!

❑ Attend local college fairs and college visits at your high school. Connect with the people who will be reading your application.

❑ Check Naviance to follow up with recommenders to make sure that they have written their letters.

❑ Fill out the FAFSA and CSS Profile if you qualify to receive financial aid. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now available as is the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (required by many private schools and a few flagship state universities).

❑ Take advantage of priority deadlines — get your application considered sooner and increase eligibility for merit aid.

❑ Use my tracking form to stay on top of what’s due when. Plan to submit applications before the due dates, preferably before winter vacation!

❑ Confirm that counselor and teacher recommendation letters have been uploaded into the Common Application and request transcripts be sent to the schools you’re applying to (there may be a small fee for each transcript).

❑ Decide which test scores (SAT, ACT) to send and order score reports.

❑ Follow up with colleges to make sure all application materials were received.

 

NOVEMBER

❑ Continue to “demonstrate interest” in schools — open emails from colleges, call the admission office to request an alumni interview, etc.

❑ Make sure all essays are approved by us before they are sent to colleges. The deadline to have the draft in to us is Thanksgiving.

❑ Finalize your college list and finish all essays.

❑ Follow up with colleges to make sure all application materials were received.

 

DECEMBER

❑ Note financial aid application deadlines, which may differ from admission application deadlines.

❑ Proof any remaining applications one final time and “submit”!

❑ Let me know about any acceptance you receive.

 

JANUARY

❑ Make sure mid-year grade reports are sent to all schools you’ve applied to.

 

FEBRUARY

❑ Beware of Senioritis…stay on track academically!

❑ Begin planning for summer (work, travel, volunteering, etc.).

 

MARCH

❑ Decisions arrive in the mail and/or online by the end of the month, so get ready to handle and share “the news.”

❑ Celebrate!

 

APRIL

❑ Attend “admitted student” events on campus and compare/contrast other aspects of the schools where you were accepted (including financial aid awards).

❑ If you were wait listed, express interest to the school.

❑ Send a deposit by May 1st to accept a spot at the college of your choice!

❑ Continue to do your work in class so grades don’t “droop” too much.

❑ Start planning the graduation party!

 

MAY

❑ Thank teachers, counselors, and coaches who helped you apply to college.

❑ Open and respond promptly to communications from the college — information about housing, orientation, course registration, etc.

❑ Study for finals and AP exams — end the year strong.

❑ Solidify summer plans (work? travel? study? volunteer?).

❑ Connect with future classmates (and perhaps find a roommate) through the college’s official social media sites.

❑ Enjoy time with your friends and family and bask in the glow of your accomplishments at graduation!

More Questions to Ask on Your College Visit

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The more you know about each college, the better your ultimate decision will be. Ask questions and weigh your options.

General Academics

How much time do students typically spend on homework?

How much writing and reading are expected?

What is the average class size of introductory classes?

How widely used are teaching assistants on your campus?

What is the average class size of upper-division courses?

 

Academic Perks (These are programs that you want available)

Is the a first year experience program?

Are some of the classes interactive or project based?

Where can one study abroad?

Do you offer service learning?

What opportunities are there for undergraduate research?

How many students participate in undergraduate research?

Is there a culminating senior year experience?

Do you have an honors college?

 

Graduation Rates

What is your four-year graduation rate?

What is your five-year graduation rate?

What does it take to graduate in four years?

What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?

 

Academic Support

What type of tutoring program do you have? Is it free?

How do you provide academic advice to students?

Do you have a writing center and how do I access it?

What kind of learning disability resources do you have?

 

Other Opportunities

How many students at the college get internships? When do they start?

What percentage of students study abroad? Where can they go?

What type of career services do you offer? Can one start in Freshman year?

 

Student Life

What kind of dorm choices are there for Freshman, Sophomores, etc.?

What percentage of student live on campus?

How long are housing accommodations guaranteed for students?

Do most students go home on the weekend?

What percentage of the study body belongs to a sorority or fraternity?

What activities are offered to students which differentiate your college?

What clubs are popular on campus?

 

Questions for the Financial Aid Department

What is your average financial aid package?

What is the typical breakdown of loans versus grants?

What percentage of financial need does the school typically meet?

What is the average merit award?

What percentage of students receive college grants?

What is the average college debt that students leave with?

What work-study opportunities are there?

ACT & SAT Test Dates and Registration

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College consultants are seeing the more popular colleges’ test scores rising each year. This means that the test score that would have gotten you in the previous year may not be enough next year. Also the new SAT test scores are higher than the old SAT scores (inflation).

Please take whichever test you are better at twice during this school year. This will give us a good indication of which colleges sould be on your list. If you are not satisfied with the scores you will be able to retake the test in the fall before early decision and early action dates.

Below are the dates and links to register early so that you can go to the testing center of your choice.

ACT DATES 2018 – 2019

 Register at www.ACT.org 

Here are the anticipated test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates for 2018-2019. The test dates are confirmed by ACT, Inc., the others are our projections based on historical data.

Test Date Deadline Late Deadline Score Release*
Sept 8, 2018 Aug 3, 2018 Aug 17, 2018 Sept 18; Oct 2, 2018
Oct 27, 2018 Sept 21, 2018 Oct 5, 2018 Nov 6; Nov 20, 2018
Dec 8, 2018 Nov 2, 2018 Nov 16, 2018 Dec 18, 2018; Jan 1, 2019
Feb 9, 2019 Jan 4, 2019 Jan 18, 2019 Feb 19; Mar 5, 2019
Apr 13, 2019 Mar 8, 2019 Mar 22, 2019 Apr 23; May 7, 2019
June 8, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 17, 2019 June 18; July 2, 2019
July 13, 2019 June 14, 2019 June 21, 2019 July 23; Aug 6, 2019

*= Refers to online score release. The first date is when multiple choice scores come out, and the second one is when complete scores are available.

SAT Test Dates 2018-19 (US)

Register at www.CollegeBoard.com

As of 2018, there’s no longer a January test date. This date has been replaced by an earlier August test date, which is only available in the US.

Test Date Normal Deadline Late Registration* Online Score Release
August 25, 2018 July 27, 2018 August 15, 2018 September 7, 2018
October 6, 2018 September 7, 2018 September 26, 2018 October 19, 2018
November 3, 2018 October 5, 2018 October 24, 2018 November 16, 2018
December 1, 2018 November 2, 2018 November 20, 2018 December 14, 2018
March 9, 2019** February 8, 2019 February 27, 2019 March 22, 2019
May 4, 2019 April 5, 2019 April 24, 2019 May 17, 2019
June 1, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 22, 2019 July 10, 2019

*The late registration deadline is about one week earlier if you are registering by mail.

**Regular SAT only.

            Not all Subject Tests are offered on a given date!  For example, Languages with Listening are offered only in November.  Please be sure to check with the College Board as to what Subject Tests are offered on which dates.

College Interviews

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Preparing for college interviews makes an enormous difference in the ability to get the right messages across to the admissions staff. Students can make a strong impression, which may significantly improve their candidacy. Preparation and practice are key. Some colleges have difficult and thought provoking questions while others just want to see if you would fit into their school’s culture. We can teach you these skills which will help you throughout your life.

Colleges that Require or Strongly Recommend Interviews

Class of 2022  from: College Kickstart LLC

Institution Interview Importance Demonstrated Interest
Adelphi University Strongly recommended Considered
Agnes Scott College Strongly encouraged Considered
Allegheny College Strongly encouraged Important
Berea College Required Considered
Bowdoin College Strongly encouraged Not Considered
Brown University Required Not Considered
Bryn Mawr College Strongly recommended Not Considered
Case Western Reserve University Strongly suggested Considered
Christopher Newport University Strongly encouraged (required for PLP or Honors Programs) Important
Claremont McKenna College Highly recommended Not Considered
College of the Atlantic Strongly encouraged Considered
College of the Holy Cross Highly encouraged Considered
Connecticut College Highly recommended Considered
Cornell University Required for Architecture and available for Hotel Administration Not Considered
DePauw University Highly recommended Considered
Drew University Strongly recommended Considered
Florida Institute of Technology Highly recommended Important
Georgetown University Required Not Considered
Hampden-Sydney College Strongly encouraged Considered
Hamilton College Strongly recommended Considered
Hamline University Strongly encouraged Considered
Hillsdale College Highly recommended Very Important
Hobart and William Smith Colleges Strongly recommended Considered
Juniata College Highly recommended Considered
Knox College Strongly recommended Considered
Marlboro College Required Important
Mills College Highly recommended Not Considered
MIT Strongly recommended Not Considered
Morehouse College Required Very Important
Muhlenberg College Strongly encouraged (required in some cases) Considered
Point Loma Nazarene University Strongly recommended Considered
Sacred Heart University Strongly encouraged Important
Saint Johns College – MD Strongly recommended Important
Saint Johns College – NM Strongly recommended Important
Skidmore College Strongly recommended Important
Smith College Highly recommended Not Considered
St. Lawrence University Highly recommended Considered
University of Rochester Highly recommended Considered
University of Tulsa Strongly suggested Important
Wake Forest University Strongly encouraged Considered
Washington and Lee University Strongly recommended Considered
Wesleyan University Highly recommended Not Considered
Wheaton College – MA Strongly recommended Important
Whitworth University Required for applicants with 3.0+ GPA who do not submit test scores Considered
Yeshiva University Required Considered
girl blogging on computer

Colleges Check Your Social Media

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What does that mean to you?

Carolynn Crabtree, President of Cornerstone Reputation shares these statistics:

  • 67% of admissions officers surveyed searched for applicants on Facebook during the 2014­ – 2015 admissions season
  • 40% found content about the applicant that left a negative impression
  • 53% found content about the applicant left a positive impression
  • 81% of schools surveyed have no formal policy on searching for applicants on social media
  • 22% of admissions officers believe that an applicant could gain an advantage in the admissions process by building a positive online presence

Be careful what you post and check if your social media accounts are open to the public.

Are you tagged on friends’ posts?

Are you drinking? You are underage.

What are you posting and reposting on Twitter?

Are you “following” a college’s social media accounts? If so, your account is open and easy for colleges to access.

Pay attention to what your friends write on your accounts. That also says a lot about you. Change your settings so that you have to approve every comment.

Aggressive language and unpleasant comments reflect badly on you. Avoid posting with this tone.

Use social media to your advantage during the college application process.

Admission officers are impressed when they see your talents on social media. You could showcase an article, performance, or award, or show your involvement through community service or as part of a team.  Some colleges allow you to send links with your work directly to them. Whether you blog, are a photographer, play an instrument or sing, make sure the content is high quality. See the article on Music and Art Supplements for more information.

These days many colleges assess your interest in them before deciding whether to admit you. See my article Demonstrate Interest for details.

Athletes are checked most often to discern their character and lifestyle.

Most coaches are already online looking at profiles and accounts that you’ve sent to them.

Coaches want to know about your personality and if you will be a good addition to their team socially, as well as athletically.

You can make your social media accounts work to your advantage. Think before you post or tweet! Promote yourself. Show your best characteristics.

Connect with colleges that you like on social media to show your interest. Be very careful to never say anything negative on your social media about a college. Colleges track this carefully and it can take you out of the running.

Start an About.me homepage and when schools Google you this will come up. No friends can comment on it. You have full control. 

Start a LinkedIn page and connect with the college’s admissions rep for your area. That sets you apart in multiple ways.