• When do students usually take the SAT test?

• When do students usually take the SAT II tests?

• How many subject tests do students have to take?

• How do students pick which subject tests to take?

• When do students start college applications?

• What is the criteria for entrance into the Ivy League?

• How do students choose which colleges to apply to?

• What does Early Action and Early Decision mean on college applications? Should my children apply Early Action or Early Decision?

• How should my children prepare for the college interviews?

• What are the most important factors in a competitive application?

• Where can my children find scholarships?

• How many times can my children take the SAT test?

• Do my children need to prepare for the PSAT test?

• What PSAT score is required to become a national semifinalist?

• Are my children's elementary school and middle school scores important?

• What role do AP test scores play?

• How many recommendation letters do colleges need?

• Which two teachers should I ask for recommendation letters?

When do students usually take the SAT test?

Normally, students take the SAT test for the first time in the spring of their junior year of high school.  If they wish, they may take the test a second time in the fall of their senior year.

When do students usually take the SAT II tests?

Students usually take the SAT II test after finishing the corresponding course.  From our experience, if time allows, it is preferable for the student to do extra studying in the summer before taking the test in the fall.

How many subject tests do students have to take?

Most Ivy League colleges require two SAT II Subject Tests, but Harvard requires three SAT II Subject Tests.

How do students pick which subject tests to take?

Students choose the subjects they believe they can do well in.  It is important to do practice tests before taking the real test in order to estimate their performance and decide whether or not to take the test.  Typically, after good preparation, their scores can increase by 50 to 100 points.

When do students start college applications?

Students start working on college applications the summer after their junior year, but should ask for recommendation letters from their teachers before school ends, to give the teachers time to write good letters.  In order to help the teachers become more familiar with the student so they can write good letters, it is advisable to send the teachers a well-written personal resume.

What is the criteria for entrance into the Ivy League ?

There is no definite way to get into the Ivy League, but there are general guidelines and suggestions.  In addition to outstanding academic performance, students also need to be creative, demonstrate leadership capabilities, and be greatly involved in their community.  Please visit our membership page for a more detailed description of how to train a student to establish leadership skills and other qualities that top-notch colleges look for in applicants.

How do students choose which colleges to apply to?

According to the students' academic performance and extracurricular activities, students can usually classify colleges in three categories: reach, target, and safety schools.  "Reach" schools have average requirements that are higher than the students' performance.   "Target" schools have average requirements that match the students' performance.  "Safety" schools have average requirements that are lower than the students' performance.  Normally, students apply to three to five  "reach" schools, three "target" schools, and two or three "safety" schools whose average requirements are lower than their performance.

What is the difference between Early Action and Early Decision?

Early Action means that students can apply early to a college and receive a decision early, but can receive decisions from other schools before deciding which to attend.  Early Decision means that students can apply to a college early and will receive a decision early, but must attend if they are accepted.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying Early Action and Early Decision.

There are no drawbacks to applying Early Action, but to do so gives students the opportunity to receive a decision before sending out the rest of their applications, allowing them to modify their applications if needed.  There are two types of Early Action: Single-Choice and Multiple-Choice.  Single-Choice Early Action (such as Yale) only allows students to apply to one college with Early Action, but Multiple-Choice Early Action (such as MIT) allows students to apply to multiple colleges at the same time.  Early Decision usually gives students a slight advantage in getting into the college, but they should only apply if they are certain they would wish to attend if they are accepted, since it is a binding agreement to attend if they are accepted.

How do students prepare for the college interviews?

We offer a free guide to interviews, including sample questions and tips on our membership page.  If you need personalized college interview training, please contact us at info@ivytrack.org or call us at 888-494-0938 (toll free).

What are the most important factors in a competitive application?

Different colleges look for different qualities in their applicants.  In general, the most important factors in a competitive application are academic achievements, creativity, leadership, passion, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and community service.  On our membership page we have more detailed discussions and proposals on how to build a strong profile for students.

Where can students find scholarships?

Please visit our resource page for a compilation of scholarships.  There are two major categories of scholarships: local and national.  Local scholarships are easier to get, while national scholarships are more competitive.  Our membership page has more detailed instructions on how to find local scholarships and how to compete for national scholarships.

How many times can students take the SAT test?

Students may take the SAT as many times as they wish and most colleges will take the highest combined score for each subject.  However, if a student takes the SAT more than three times, colleges usually consider the average of their scores.

Should students prepare for the PSAT test?

The PSAT test is good practice for the SAT, so it is a good idea to do some preparation.  If students excel academically and can perform well on the PSAT, they often spend extra time preparing so that they may be able to become national semifinalists or finalists.  Many national semifinalists and finalists receive offers from elite colleges, which often include full or near-full scholarships, and finalists also receive a $2500 National Merit Scholarship.

What PSAT score is required to become a national semifinalist?

Each state is different.  For your reference, we have included a chart, but these scores are not absolute; they may change slightly each year depending on students' performance.

Are students' elementary school and middle school scores important?

Colleges do not look at students' middle school or elementary school performance.

What role do AP test scores play?

College applications ask for AP scores.  Enrollment in AP classes and good scores on AP tests are used as indicators of competitive academic achievement.  Some colleges will give credit to students with scores of 3 or higher. Check with each individual college for their policy regarding AP test scores and college credit.

How many recommendation letters do colleges need?

Most colleges require two letters from high school teachers, and a letter from students' high school guidance counselor.  For special programs, they may ask for additional letters.

Which teachers should students ask for recommendation letters?

Students ask teachers who know them well and are willing to write them strong letters.  In order to help the teachers become more familiar with the student so they can write good letters, it is advisable to send the teachers a well-written personal resume.