It seems like the school year just ended, but it's already time to apply for college! Many schools open their applications on July 1st which is this Sunday. Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Christian University, and Oklahoma State are among some area schools that will open on July 1st. It is often an advantage to apply early. So, now is the time to get that application in order and write those essays. I will be hosting another application essay workshop on July 17th, and several spots still remain. This week's College Tip Tuesday video addresses college applications and whether or not to apply Early Action or Early Decision if the school offers these application options. 

Best of luck class of 2019! If you would like help with the essay or looking your best throughout your entire application, give me a call.

No SAT requirement? No problem! At least that is what most high schoolers today would probably say! The elimination of standardized test scores as a required part of the application process is not so far-fetched though. Since 2013, when the SAT was revamped, more than 100 colleges and universities have done away with the test scores as a requirement, and according to fairtest.org, more than 1000 accredited colleges and universities are now considered "test optional" or "test flexible" schools. In fact, according to a press release from January 2018 on the fairtest.org website, "half of the U.S. News 'Top 100' liberal arts colleges are on FairTest’s list of test-optional schools. So are a majority of all colleges and universities in New England and more than 50% in such states as Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia." Last Thursday, the University of Chicago became the most selective institution to eliminate the requirement for SAT or ACT scores for its applicants. I've included an interesting video on this announcement below.

While the trend is undeniable and a welcomed shift in academic perspectives on testing and its validity in measuring college potential, I do not think we will see the SAT going anywhere anytime soon in the state of Texas. 

If you would like help with the admissions process and how to make yourself stand out, get in touch! Regardless of SAT scores and class rank, there are many great options out there for a high quality education and satisfying college experience. 

When I taught seniors in high school, I would spend much of the latter part of the school year helping to prepare them for college in the fall. One of the ways I did this was by my weekly "College Tip Tuesday" lessons. Sometimes I would show a YouTube created by a current college student. Other times I might share an article by a professor, but oftentimes I would just share from my own personal experiences as a teacher, mom to college kids, and former college student myself. My students enjoyed these days and were always very interested in learning more about what college life will be like and how they can be prepared to do well. So, with that being said, I am bringing back my "College Tips Tuesdays" throughout the summer to help prepare the class of 2022 as they head off to college this fall. I'm not sure I'll post every Tuesday, but look for posts here and there on the Gateway Facebook page and Gateway Twitter (links to the right). For now, here is today's post about how to be prepared for your first advising appointment this summer. Enjoy!