A few points:
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regarding taking both the SAT & ACT to see which score is higher, you need to remember a 35 on the ACT is about 1/2 of 1% of all test takers. If you get a 35, you are done. For mere mortals (the average is 21) they might do better taking the SAT and vice versa?
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I believe the cost of college is very important consideration and why I listed it as part of the college fit. If you can’t afford the college, it’s a non-starter. Move on to different schools you can afford.
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Is it not helpful to know your guidance counselor well as this person will be submitting information about you to the colleges? For example, the GC will list your kid’s course load as “very rigorous” or not, which brings in subjectivity. If you have been working diligently with your GC on choosing and refining your course load during high school they may give you the benefit of the doubt when checking the box? If this is incorrect, please explain.
I can see another benefit of having a great relationship with the GC; they know your peers very well, and whether we like it or not, they are competing with you for college freshman spots. I can also see the GC helping with interpreting the Naviance results for your particular HS and guiding and tailoring your classes and target schools accordingly. While the quality of the GC varies from school to school, I have to believe they have some wisdom, inside information, and unique perspective on college admissions from their high school that can benefit the college applicant.