Contact Us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right. 

         

123 Street Avenue, City Town, 99999

(123) 555-6789

email@address.com

 

You can set your address, phone number, email and site description in the settings tab.
Link to read me page with more information.

Prepare

Strengthening & Preparing your Application

Essay Writing

Check out Essay Mentors for a variety of materials and tools for a writing a strong college essay!

Check out this great article on "Advice for Students on College Essays"

Recommendation Letters

Stop by Project Launch to see examples of how to request a letter of recommendation!

SAT/ACT Studying and Practicing

Should I take the SAT or the ACT? Here is an explanation of some of the differences:

1. ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay): • SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value? • ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?

2. The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary. If you're an ardent wordsmith, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.

3. The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not. You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.

4. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts. In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.

5. The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools. The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 40-minute ACT writing test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score — schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying before opting out.

6. The SAT is broken up into more sections. On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized?

7. The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam. College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.

Important Information About SAT Subject Tests

1. Check the colleges you want to apply to, they may require the SAT subject tests. If you take honors or AP courses, you should look into taking them.

2. You should take the Subject Test in any subject where you can show mastery. No college requires more than three SAT Subject Tests, and most require none. However, if you can do well on one or more of the exams you should take them. They will often help with course placement and even credit once you enter college. Take a few practice tests prior to taking any exam, and if you are scoring in the 600s for example, you should strongly consider taking the test.

3. The selective colleges that require SAT Subject Tests often suggest a math and then one or two other exams, such as a science, history or language. Again, if you can do well in several areas, you should try the tests. Yes, you can retake the tests, and colleges will usually use your highest score for evaluation purposes.

4. You may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date, but you cannot take the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT on the same test date. If you are eligible for a fee waiver than you may use to take the subject test. 

 

Important Information About ACT

1. The ACT is accepted by all 4-year colleges and universities in the United States.

2. The ACT multiple-choice tests are based on what you're learning.

3. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. The test questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Every day you attend class you are preparing for the ACT. The harder you work in school, the more prepared you will be for the test.

4. Your ACT score is based only on what you know. The ACT is the only national college admission test based on the number of correct answers—you are not penalized for guessing.

5. When you register for the ACT, you can choose up to four colleges to which ACT will send your scores as part of the basic fee for your test option. If you take the test more than once, you choose which test date results the colleges will receive. ACT sends scores only for the test date you select.

6. Optional Writing Test: Because not all colleges require a writing test for admission, ACT offers you the choice of whether or not you want to spend the extra time and money taking the writing test. Writing is an important skill for college and work, but schools use different methods to measure your writing skills.

FEE WAIVERS

Many colleges accept fee waivers in lieu the application fee if a student demonstrates financial need. The easiest way to know if you will qualify for a college application fee waiver is by confirming you receive free or reduced lunch at your high school. In some cases, fee waivers are available to students who do not receive free or reduced lunch but may still experience financial hardship when applying to college.

Fee waivers are also available to students when registering for the SAT and ACT exams. When you register for the exam, you are given four free score reports to send to schools. It is important to submit your scores to four colleges that you intend on applying to at that moment because it is free! For the SAT, you have up to nine days after the exam to send out your four free score reports. All students who qualify for a SAT or ACT fee waiver will also qualify for a fee waiver to submit the CSS profile.

Alternative pathays: GPA Concerns & Improvement

Most four-year colleges/universities seek a GPA of 3.0 or higher. What if your GPA is a little lower, but you can demonstrate academic potential, academic growth and/or external circumstances that have impacted your grades? Did you know the minimum standard to be admitted to a Massachusetts state university is a GPA of 2.5? An alternative admissions program might be your ticket to a four-year college or university. Do your research with your mentor! There are many alternative admission programs to consider. 

Art & Design Portfolio Requirements

These programs have specific portfolio requirements based on the specific program -no two art schools are alike! Please click on the program name to visit the portfolio section of the particular schools websites. 

 

Art, design, & film schools