What’s a good PSAT Score? Can my junior scores on the October PSAT help me get merit aid? Is the scoring scale the same between the PSAT and SAT exams? How does the PSAT help me become a National Merit Scholar (NMS) Finalist or Semi-Finalist?

Should your student take the SAT or ACT—and is test prep worth the time and investment? With more colleges returning to test-required admissions while many remain test optional, the decision can be confusing. Learn when students should test, how to choose between the SAT and ACT, when to start preparing, and how a strong score can strengthen a college application.

First Dartmouth, now Yale? What does “test flexible” mean? This post will help you decide whether or not to test prep in 2026. Remember to check the score ranges as well as what % of applicants submit scores using each school’s Common Data Set. another factor is which major you’re selecting: some majors in each school require test scores for automatic (or direct) admission including popular programs like the Kelley business school at Indiana University.

There isn’t any set number of hours or type of service you need to do for your college applications. What will be most impressive to a college will be consistent, long-term service. Even better is if you are using your talents and/or fulfilling a clear need in your community.

Learn about upcoming changes to the ACT college admissions exam.

Of the 1.6 million juniors who sat for the PSAT in October 2023, only about 15,000 will go on to be named national merit scholars. How does the PSAT help me become a National Merit Scholar Finalist or Semi-Finalist? What scores are required to become a state finalist or a national scholar?