During your college research, it is important to look for qualities in the college that demonstrate how you and the school would be a great fit. These qualities could range from academic rigor to social life to campus culture to career prep opportunities, among others. Think of it as a puzzle: the more pieces that fit with what you’re looking for, the higher your chances of academic success and happiness once you start college. Therefore, it’s important to thoroughly research the schools on your college list. The internet should be one of your primary research tools, especially college website ..read more

Math 19, Science 18, English 24, Reading 23. Composite 21.  So what do all of these numbers mean? This blog will help you understand your scores, what goes into your composite score and how to use it! First, let’s break down what goes in to a composite score.  The number of correct answers is converted to a score that ranges from 1 to 36 from each of the four tests, the composite is the average.  Still doesn’t make sense? Let’s break it down further. Recently, at 8:30am on a Saturday morning, you sat for the three hour ACT test.  You open your score report and see the resul ..read more

Schools are so much more than just institutions for learning. Many students receive academic, social/emotional, and post-secondary support along with their education. Often overlooked, school counselors are a huge part of this support system, and forming a connection with your counselor is extremely beneficial to your overall educational experience. Your counselor will probably be the best resource during the college applications process, and as a student, there are a few things you can do along the journey to form a good connection, which will make a lasting impression.    Ask Quest ..read more

By: Brooke Carleton Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Apple Watch: welcome to modern technology!! If you are in the high school class of 2025, you will be the first to take the official digital SAT in the spring of 2024. But what can you expect? What will be the same? Or different?  This blog will help you understand the similarities and differences of the digital SAT in order to better prepare for the exam.   Let’s first start with what is staying the same: The SAT is still going to be scored on the 1600 scale. You will still be taking the digital SAT at a school or testing center in ..read more

As students complete their applications, it is important to understand the different types of aid they can receive. All students will fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see how much money they may qualify for from the United States Federal government. While students do have to report their parent(s)’ or guardians(s)’ income, income is not necessarily a determinant of receiving federal aid. Most often, however, federal aid will not cover the entire cost of schooling, so students turn to merit aid to also offset the cost. So, what is merit aid?  Where financial ..read more

Looking at the wide world of college admissions can be overwhelming in all aspects of the college search.  What are the most important characteristics of making your college list?  While location and size are some of the most important aspects to consider, your major should always be at the top of your list.  Finding the most prestigious college is only good for you, if it has a program that you want to study.  As you identify schools and programs, one thing to look for is a Direct Admissions program.   Direct Admissions (also known as Direct Admit) programs are s ..read more

Joining clubs, participating in extracurricular activities, running for governing boards, or applying for summer internships is essential when capitalizing on your high school experience. Colleges want to see that you are applying yourself, collaborating with peers, and building confidence. Colleges want to know that you were an integral part of your high school community and your drive and work ethic will transfer to their campus. When applying, colleges want to know how you were involved at your high school. Were you a bystander or did you lead through example? Were you a participant or were ..read more

One of the biggest changes you will face going from high school to college is a schedule that allows you more freedom than ever before. This also coincides with one of the biggest challenges you’ll face, which is how to manage and adapt to a schedule that doesn’t necessarily hold you as accountable anymore. With good planning and time management, you can successfully make this transition.    In high school, students typically have 7 classes each day for approximately 45 – 50 minutes. You may get homework assignments each night, as well as multiple assessments and opportunities to ear ..read more

Regular Decision, Early Action, Rolling Admission, Early Decision, and Single-Choice Early Action.  So many deadlines!  Do they really matter?  And are they worth researching and adhering to if there is a priority deadline?  Working as a high school college counselor, our college counseling curriculum requires that all students apply to ALL of their intended colleges by October 15th. Our hard deadline to apply to college is November 1st. The majority of colleges have a priority deadline of October 15th or November 1st. If students are required to apply by October 15th, we d ..read more

Schools are so much more than just institutions for learning. Many students receive academic, social/emotional, and post-secondary support along with their education. Often overlooked, school counselors are a huge part of this support system, and forming a connection with your counselor is extremely beneficial to your overall educational experience. Your counselor will probably be the best resource during the college applications process, and as a student, there are a few things you can do along the journey to form a good connection, which will make a lasting impression.    Ask Quest ..read more