So I really want to get a “headstart” so to speak at all this college admissions stuff so I’m not left in the dust when the time comes. Anyways, When can you actually first apply to a college? I’ve heard that during your junior year you can. Does that mean that if you get rejected then you can apply again you senior year?
Another question I have is about the ACT/SAT. Do I have to take both of them? Which one is preferred. I have no clue where the closest SAT testing spot is to me because I don’t know of one senior from my school in the last 5 years that has taken it.
I really want to get into a college like Yale or Dartmouth, but I doubt that is possible becasue everyone who I’ve seen on this forum has like 348493 APs and all that jazz, but where I live (Small Town, North Dakota), my school doesn’t offer anything like that, so I’m guessing I have no chance? If it matters my rank is 1/22, my gpa is 3.9/4.0 (they don’t weight it), I’m taking the hardest classes that are offered, but I slacked a little last year (freshman year). Would that hurt my chances, or do most colleges not look at that year?
Well, I sound really dumb probably, but it’s 12AM, what can you expect
Edit//Oh yes, if it matters my “projected” ACT score according to the PLAN test is a 28-32. I had high 90 percentiles for everything except the Geometry section =X I had a 99 on the science and reading portion =)
<p>Since most of the students who regularly post on this board are a little busy with decisions, I'll tackle this.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Unless you are graduating early from high school, you do not apply as a junior. Generally, college applications are not available until sometime during the summer before your senior year. If you want to do the applications then, go for it. Get them over with! I do know the Common Application for next year will not be available til midsummer.</p></li>
<li><p>ACT/SAT. This is pretty much up to you. Most colleges will take either (this is where you need to research what is required by the colleges in which you are interested). You can find SAT testing centers on the collegeboard.com website. Take practice tests (there are plenty of books out there) to determine which one is better suited for you.</p></li>
<li><p>Selective colleges request your high school profile and counselor recommendations. If you have been taking the hardest curriculum offered by your school, this is where it will be indicated. Colleges understand that not every high school can offer 30 AP classes. Also note - if you are interested, you can self-study for an AP exam either by using a preparation book/textbook or by a distance learning class and then take the AP exam. Check the College Board website for more information.</p></li>
<li><p>Being from North Dakota may be an advantage - it's an underrepresented state at most colleges.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Advice: Keep reading this website - you'll learn a LOT.</p>
<p>CoreyS, don't forget to take SAT II Subject Tests (take 3, as most colleges require 3). I was sort of in the same position as you a few months ago, but thanks to collegeconfidential.com, collegeboard.com, and "A is for Admission" (a book written by a former admissions officer at Dartmouth; you should get it!!), I know more about the admissions process than most at my school (including the unimformed counselors..)</p>
<p>Also, during your junior year, make sure you take the PSAT. You should study for it, because if you score high you may qualify for the National Merit award (which is awarded per state first, then nationally). Also, if you take 3 AP tests and get a 4 average on all 3, you will get the AP award (there are many to get...check <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com%5B/url%5D">www.collegeboard.com</a> for more info).</p>
<p>Ooh thanks, I'll have to make a list of books to get. What are some good study guides for the PSAT? I have The ACT For Dummies and also Peterson's ACT ASESSMENT SUCCESS book.</p>
<p>"The Official SAT Study Guide For the New SAT" has PSAT tips, and if you can study for the SAT, then you're basically studying for the PSAT. I would take both the ACT and SAT, since you may score higher on one than the other, and colleges usually use your highest score for comparison purposes. If you wanted extra practice for the SAT/PSAT after completing the official guide, you could always get Princeton Review's, Barron's and/or Peterson's one. Take a lot of practice test (you'll find them inside the prep books). Also, studying for the critical reading part of the SAT/PSAT is hard to do; basically, you just have to read a lot, analyze what you are reading, and make sure to look up words you don't know.</p>
