What are the parts of the application?

personal Essay Writing

A strong college essay can make a big difference — it helps colleges understand who you are beyond grades and test scores.

• Watch this helpful video!

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

• You can read the article, “Advice for Students on College Essays" for tips on getting started + writing in your own voice.

requesting Recommendation Letters

Want help asking for a letter of recommendation? Visit the Project Launch office or sign up for a one-on-one meeting on the homepage to see sample requests and get tips on how to ask teachers the right way.

accessing FEE WAIVERS

College Application Fee Waivers

Many colleges will waive (remove) their application fee if you show financial need. The easiest way to know if you qualify is to check whether you receive free or reduced lunch at your high school. Even if you don’t receive free or reduced lunch, you may still qualify if your family experiences financial hardship — always ask your school counselor or Project Launch for help.

SAT & ACT Fee Waivers

If you qualify for a fee waiver, students can take the SAT or ACT for free, plus get additional benefits:

Four Free Score Reports

When you register for the SAT or ACT with a fee waiver, you receive four free score reports to send to colleges.

• When you register for the SAT, you can select up to four colleges or programs to receive your scores at no cost.

• You have 9 days after the test date to add or change these four schools.

• If you wait longer than 9 days or don’t pick schools, there is a small fee (usually $12–$14) to send scores.

• Students using a fee waiver may qualify for extra free score reports beyond these four.

CSS Profile Fee Waiver

If you qualify for a SAT or ACT fee waiver, you also qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver, which many private colleges require to apply for financial aid.

What If My GPA Is Lower Than Average?

Alternative Pathways + bridge programs

Most four-year colleges and universities look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher. But what if your GPA is a little lower?

Colleges often consider more than just numbers. If you can show:

• Academic potential

• Improvement over time

• Challenges or circumstances that affected your grades

…you may still have a strong chance at admission.

Did you know that the minimum GPA for Massachusetts state universities is 2.5? If your GPA is below the typical range, alternative admissions programs can open the door to a four-year college or university. There are many programs available — talk with Project Launch and start your research to find the best fit for you!

SAT vs. ACT exams

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

The ACT has straightforward questions, includes a Science section, and covers some trigonometry in Math. The SAT emphasizes vocabulary, mixes Math, Reading, and Writing throughout the test, and has no separate Science section. Writing/essay sections are optional on both tests (check college requirements). Colleges focus on composite scores for the ACT and individual section scores for the SAT.

Test-Optional: Many colleges no longer require SAT or ACT scores to apply. If your scores don’t reflect your strengths, you can choose to apply test-optional and focus on other parts of your application, like your GPA, coursework, essay, and extracurriculars.

Pick the test (or skip it!) based on your strengths and types of programs you want to apply to.

what to expect with SAT exams

Question Style: Sometimes tricky, need to figure out what’s being asked

Vocabulary: More emphasis on challenging words

Science: No separate section

Math: Algebra, geometry, problem-solving

Writing / Essay: Optional; check college requirements. Each area is scored on a scale of 2–8. Scores are reported separately and do not count toward your overall SAT score.

Scoring: Colleges look at individual section scores. Your Total Score can range between 400–1600.

Test-Optional: Many colleges don’t require scores.