When students start learning about the college admissions process, typically during their freshman year of high school if not before, there’s a lot of uncertainty around what their admissions journey might look like.

While every student will have the support of their friends, family, and teachers, it can also be beneficial to receive personalized guidance from a trusted source who knows the admissions process inside and out⁠—which is exactly what your counselor can help you with.

Get a Head Start on Planning for the New Year

With the new year right around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about your test prep goals for 2020. Whether you’re a freshman who is just beginning to think about college, a sophomore gearing up to start test prep, or a junior who is already in the thick of it, there are concrete steps that you can take in 2020 to get closer to achieving your test prep goals.

Learn More About this Top College Before Applying

Duke University is a renowned university in North Carolina with a rich history, top-tier academics and lots of school spirit. Consequently, it is an extremely popular choice amongst high school seniors with a variety of different interests and specialties.

No matter how much test preparation and studying you have done, it’s normal to feel a little nervous on the morning of an important exam like the SAT or ACT. While a full-proof morning routine might not eliminate this anxiety, it will certainly help boost your confidence on test day.

Cost a very important factor to consider for most students applying to college, especially for those interested in schools in both the U.S. and the U.K. In order to adequately budget for a college degree, applicants need to not only account for tuition costs, but also related expenses such as application fees, tuition, the cost of living in certain cities, and more. U.S. colleges can be pricey, however, it’s not a guarantee that attending university in U.K. will be less expensive in the long run.

Colleges want to see what students are doing outside of the classroom, so high school students should seek out extracurricular opportunities that they’re passionate about and match their interests. For high school freshmen and sophomores, it can be hard to figure out exactly what their interests are and the activities that best suit those passions. Luckily, there are a number of resources for high school freshmen and sophomores to help them identify their core interests and find opportunities that support them.

School reevaluates awarding college credit for high school courses

Students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses throughout high school, in a variety of subjects, for many different reasons. AP courses can positively weight a student’s GPA, are challenging and are viewed favorably by college admissions counselors on transcripts, and they offer a student with a particular academic curiosity more knowledge and work in that interest. Additionally, most colleges award students who have earned a particular score on the AP exam, usually a 4 or 5,  college credit or exemption from core requirements. Gaining credit before enrolling in college courses can lighten students’ workloads, give them the option of graduating early, and may save them money on tuition.

This week, our IvyWise intern, Becca, shares what she loved about attending Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.

I have always believed that attending college in New Orleans is like studying abroad for four years. The food, music, and Mardi Gras make living in the “Big Easy” an experience unlike any other. “Lessez les bon temps roulez” (let the good times roll) is a city mantra ever apparent throughout NOLA, including on the campus of Tulane University. 

Determining which test is best for you (based on format, timing, and content) is an important step in ensuring testing success. At IvyWise, we recommend taking one practice SAT and one practice ACT test under realistic testing conditions, scoring both tests, and comparing initial scores.