questions & answers

A Guide to Legacy Admissions and Acceptance Odds

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on October 30, 2024

Some colleges and universities in the United States have what’s known as legacy admissions. Legacy admissions is preferential treatment for student applicants who have had a parent, sibling, or other family member attend the school in the past. Not all colleges consider legacy in their admission practices, and some states are starting to outlaw the …

ACT & SAT

ACT / SAT Tips for Students Who Don’t Test Well

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

If you’re nervous or unsure of yourself when it comes to the ACT or SAT, you’re not alone. Many students don’t test well, but, for most, one of these standardized tests is required for college admission so it’s something high school juniors and seniors can’t avoid. These tips can help you better prepare for your …

ACT & SAT

How To Study for ACT/SAT Math You Haven’t Covered in Class

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 7, 2023

It’s entirely possible there may be questions in the ACT or SAT math sections that you have no idea how to do. Many students don’t take geometry or trigonometry until their senior year, so this is a common issue. However, there are ways to prepare yourself for the math sections. Here are three ways to …

ACT & SAT

What NOT To Do During the ACT/SAT Exam

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

You know what to do during the ACT or SAT and you know how to prepare, but do you know what NOT to do during the exam times? Here are three examples of things you should steer clear of. Don’t Bring Prohibited Items There will be a list of items the SAT or ACT websites …

questions & answers

How Much Academic Rigor Should I Put Into My High School Schedule?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When choosing your courses for high school, it can be tough to decide just how many classes or which classes you should take. Between your core and elective courses, it’s important to take outside influences into account. Here are some things to consider before selecting classes to determine how much academic rigor you should put …

college search

Reasons to Save Your Dream College Visit for Last

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

While you may be anxious to see your dream school in person as soon as possible, you may actually want to move that college to the back of the list when it comes time to visit each campus. There are quite a few reasons to do just that. You’ll Know How To Have a Successful …

college admissions

3 Reasons to do Your College Interviews

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on November 28, 2023

Many schools offer applicants the chance to do college interviews as part of their admissions application. These sessions are often with a faculty member or professor in your intended field, but they can also be the alumni network of the school. They ask questions to see if you’re the right fit for their school and …

college search

People You Should Meet During a College Visit

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

During a college visit, you will most likely be meeting with a member of the admissions team or even an alumnus that will help you and your group view the school. While you probably have a ton of questions for them, you should also be designing questions for other people. These are just a few …

ACT & SAT

How to Improve your SAT “Weak Spots”

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on December 22, 2022

When preparing for the SAT, you may have found you have particular weak spots that you could improve on before the test date. While you may feel confident in the subjects, you may not be particularly strong in time restrictions or the format of the test. Or it could work the other way around; You may be fine …