Picking the right college is one of the most important decisions a high school student can make, but when should they start researching? Although most students typically don’t start until junior year, they should start earlier than that. In fact, the earlier your child starts their college hunt, the better equipped they’ll be to make informed decisions that steadily move them toward their goal.
How Early Should You Start Looking at Colleges?
Your child should start researching potential colleges in their sophomore year. They shouldn’t worry about finalizing their list just yet, but they should make note of colleges that appeal to them. By starting in their sophomore year, they’ll have a full year to decide which colleges they want to visit in person, research their average student profile, decide when they want to finalize their application, and more.
This time is mostly for your child to discover what they want from a college and to look for schools that can offer that experience and much more. They should pay close attention to the testing policy for each school on their list—unless they’re applying only to University of California or California State University schools, which remain test blind—as they’ve changed a lot over the last few years.
While test-optional schools don’t penalize applicants who opt out of submitting an ACT® or SAT® score, those who submit their scores have a higher chance of being admitted. Test-flexible schools let your student choose to submit any of the following test scores to fulfill the standardized test requirements in their application:
- Advanced Placement® (AP®) scores
- International Baccalaureate® (IB) scores
- ACT scores
- SAT scores
And many schools have returned to requiring SAT or ACT scores for admission, including Harvard, Cornell, Dartmouth, Brown, MIT, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins. If your child will graduate in 2028 or beyond, it is likely that more schools will join this growing list. It’s far better to prepare for a test your child may not need than to learn at the last minute that policies have changed!
Standardized Test Planning
Standardized tests are evolving. Rather than choosing from only the traditional paper-and-pencil ACT or SAT, your child has the option to take the:
- Digital SAT®
- Digital Enhanced ACT®
- Paper Classic ACT
- Paper Enhanced ACT
The ACT is in the process of transitioning to a new Enhanced ACT. Starting in September 2025, national test-takers will take this new test regardless of whether they opt for digital or paper-based administration. Students who test during the school day will continue to see the Classic ACT until Spring 2026.
The biggest choice to make is really the choice between the SAT and the ACT. The tests cover similar topics and skills but have many subtle differences that could make one test better for your child than the other. It’s also worth considering whether your child will take the SAT or ACT as a required test at school.
Once you and your child have decided on a test, it’s time to create a plan for test prep. High school classes alone do not adequately prepare students for these tests, so additional work will be necessary.
Early Decision vs Early Action: Which Is Right for You?
Another perk of having your child research colleges in their sophomore year is they can take the time to decide if they want to apply through early decision or early action.
Both early decision and early action allow your child to submit their college applications before the regular admissions cycle. This comes with a catch, though. If your child is admitted to a school through early decision, they enter a binding agreement that requires them to attend that institution. In other words, the first early decision school that extends an offer to your child is the college they’ll attend. They’ll have to rescind any outstanding applications from other schools. Early action isn’t binding, so your child has more say in which school they choose to attend.
For a detailed breakdown of these two early admissions options, check out this blog.
Create a Long-Term College Plan
A harsh reality most parents may not realize initially is that their child’s high school guidance counselor doesn’t have a ton of time to devote to their individual goals. Counselors are juggling a ton of students and can mostly provide a bird’s eye view of what your child needs to do if they want to get into college.
Working with a college admissions counselor can give your child the personalized advice they need to create a competitive application for more selective colleges. College admissions counselors are experts in the college admissions process and can provide invaluable insights into the latest trends and expectations. They can help your child decide how many AP classes to take, which extracurriculars would be most meaningful both to the child and their long-term goals, and help them stay on top of ACT, SAT, or AP prep.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a College?
Academics and Class Size
When it’s time for your child to start narrowing down their options, it can be helpful to start with their desired major. While many colleges offer a wide range of majors, some schools are well-known for certain fields or academic specialties. A few questions your child should consider when narrowing their college list are:
- Do they have the major or area of study your child is passionate about?
- Are there opportunities for research, internships, or connections with professionals in this field?
Many students don’t yet have an ideal major in mind when applying to college, and that’s okay, too! A major shouldn’t be the primary factor in deciding which college to attend.
It’s also important to think about class sizes and the student-to-faculty ratio. The size of the classes can affect your child’s overall learning experience. Some students thrive in large auditorium-style lecture halls because they are able to independently guide their studies; other students much prefer smaller seminar-style classes that allow for greater student-professor interaction. Your child should carefully consider their particular learning style and the kind of learning environment they will thrive in.
Campus Life and Location
Another major factor in deciding where to apply is the school’s campus life and location.
Beyond academics, your child should consider what environment can help them grow the most. Is a strong sense of community important to them? Would they rather stay close to family or explore a new location? These factors can significantly influence your child’s college experience.
While academics are important, your child will have a life outside of the classroom. They should consider whether the schools on their list offer clubs or organizations aligned with their interests. Are there opportunities for networking, volunteering, or leadership roles that will help your child grow both personally and professionally?
To truly understand a school’s culture, we recommend attending guided campus tours for colleges on your child’s list. You may not be able to attend every school on the list, but try to prioritize those that interests your child the most.
When Should You Finalize Your College List?
For most students, the process of finalizing the college list happens during the summer before their senior year. This is especially important for those applying to schools with early deadlines, such as early decision or early action since, by this time, your child should have a pretty clear sense of which schools they want to attend based on your research and campus visits.
Your child’s junior year is the time to start seriously narrowing your college list. If you haven’t already, this is when your child should start visiting campuses, attend college fairs, and really dive into the specifics of each school. If they’ve been researching colleges for a year or more, they should already have an idea of what they want. By the time your child reaches senior year, they should be in a position to apply confidently to a handful of schools that meet their needs.
How Do You Finalize a College List?
Once they’ve done their research and visited campuses (in-person or virtually), it’s time to make those final decisions. Finalizing their college list is about matching their goals with the right academic and social environment.
Revisit Your Priorities
When it’s time for your child to finalize their list, they should take a step back and revisit their priorities. Think about the academic programs that matter most to them, the campus culture, the cost, and the competitiveness of each school. Are they still drawn to the schools they originally considered, or have their preferences shifted as they’ve learned more about themselves?
Stay Organized
This process can feel like a lot to manage, so it’s important to stay organized. Your child can use tools like college comparison charts, checklists, or spreadsheets to track the key aspects of each school. This will help them make a side-by-side comparison of their top choices and see which schools best match their needs.
Work With a College Counselor for Personalized Advice
Finalizing their college list can be challenging, but they don’t have to do it alone. Working with a 宝博体育 Education college counselor can make this process much easier. Whether your child prefers to meet in person or online, 宝博体育’s counselors are experts in the college admissions process. They’ll take the time to understand their unique goals and help them navigate the changing landscape of college admissions.
宝博体育’s counselors can assist them in building a high school plan that will give them a competitive edge when applying to their dream colleges. They’ll help them stay on track with SAT prep or ACT prep, AP class selection, and their overall admissions strategy. With the right guidance, you’ll feel confident in your final list.
Is It Ever Too Early to Start Researching Colleges?
No, it’s never too early. In fact, the earlier your child starts, the better prepared they’ll be. Even as a freshman, your child can begin exploring options by attending college fairs, browsing school websites, or talking to older students about their experiences. This early exposure helps your child develop a clearer understanding of what they want from a college and builds confidence as they move through high school.
Exploring early also helps reduce the pressure when it’s time to apply. If they start researching colleges in their first or second year of high school, they’ll have a clearer picture of what they’re looking for by the time senior year rolls around.
In the end, researching colleges early allows them to make decisions based on what’s best for them—not just what’s popular or convenient. With time to think things through, they’ll be able to craft a college list that matches their academic goals, personal interests, and future aspirations. Whether they’re starting their search in sophomore year or already in their junior year, there’s no better time to begin their college journey than now.
And remember, with the right guidance—like 宝博体育 Education’s personalized counseling services—they’ll have all the tools they need to make the best choices for their future.
College Lists Made Simple: Factors Every Student Should Consider
College Adm, COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, HIGH SCHOOLDeciding which colleges to apply to is one of the most important—and overwhelming—steps in the admissions process. It is the culmination of all your child’s hard work and a testament to the person they’ve become in the process. But with so many options out there, narrowing down their options can feel nothing short of daunting.
Not only are there academics and extracurriculars to consider, but the schools your child applies to must also nurture their personal growth and future career aspirations. The good news? The process is more manageable than you may think.
Here are the essential steps in choosing the colleges that best meet your child’s needs and goals.
Narrow down a geographic range
Geography might not be the first thing that comes to mind when building a college list, but it can make a big difference in your child’s experience. Start by talking to them about what kind of setting they’re drawn to and how comfortable they are being away from home.
Do they like the hustle and bustle of a major city? Or do they want a college campus immersed in nature? When it comes to college environments, there truly is something for everyone: urban, suburban, and rural. Consider the climate, possible internship or job opportunities in the region, and their local support system of friends and family.
Someone who hates the cold probably won’t enjoy winters in upstate New York. And someone who thrives in a tight-knit community may not feel at home in a large city. There’s no wrong answer—just preferences that determine which schools would help your child thrive.
Sort by likelihood of acceptance
Likelihood of acceptance is another essential consideration. Your child’s college list should include a mix of:
What determines the likelihood of acceptance? GPA is a big component of your student’s academic profile, as are test scores and class rankings. You can see how your child matches up against the average by checking each school’s webpage on admitted student statistics, the College Board’s Big Future website, or the NCES College Navigator. Including schools from each category ensures that your child has good options no matter how the admissions process shakes out—keeping doors open and stress levels low.
If your child is just on the cusp of reaching a school’s average scores, there are still ways to get closer to their dream. They can raise their GPA through a combination of hard work and specialized tutoring. They can also take AP classes, which are weighted higher than regular classes and can provide a big GPA boost if they do well. AP prep helps students ace these specialized courses, as well as the AP exam in May, if they choose to take it.
And if they’re having difficulty improving their standardized test scores, ACT or SAT training is an excellent way to understand and address their testing strengths and weaknesses. For example, 宝博体育 offers both ACT prep and SAT prep, as well as summer boot camps, that help your child build skills and confidence.
Compare academic opportunities against your goals
One of the best ways to narrow down a college list is by focusing on schools that offer strong programs in your child’s areas of interest. Whether they’re set on engineering, passionate about the arts, or still exploring, it’s important to look at what each school offers academically.
Start by checking if a school has the major your child is considering—or the flexibility to explore different paths if they’re undecided. Look into special course offerings, faculty expertise, research opportunities, internships, graduate programs, and even study abroad options. Some colleges have a strong reputation in certain fields like business, medicine, journalism, or computer science, which can make a big difference in the quality of your child’s education and post-grad opportunities.
The goal is to find a place where your child will be challenged and inspired to grow. The schools on their final list should include ones that satisfy their intellectual interests and career aspirations.
Explore the school culture through campus tours
College isn’t just about academics—it’s also about growing outside of the classroom. When building a college list, it’s worth looking into the extracurricular opportunities each school offers, potentially shaping your child’s social life, leadership skills, and even career path.
A vibrant campus life helps students feel connected and engaged, which can make a big difference in your child’s overall experience. Encourage your child to think about what they enjoy now—sports, music, debate, volunteer work, student government—and whether they want to continue those activities in college. Look for schools that support those interests with clubs, sports teams, or other student organizations.
Campus tours are a great way to give your child a feel for the school’s culture and activities. Being on campus helps them determine what life as a student would be like and whether they could see themselves there. They can also learn about or even connect with the different clubs and groups on campus. And if they find that a school doesn’t offer an extracurricular they’re interested in, they can always start it themselves.
Weigh the cost of attendance
Finances are a major part of any college decision. It’s important to be realistic early in the process, so you can narrow down the college list to purely viable options. Before your child falls in love with a school or pays the cost of an application, take time to understand the full cost of attendance—from tuition and housing to textbooks, meal plans, and travel—and what your family is prepared to contribute.
Colleges may have different financial aid policies, so it’s worth doing research into each individually. Some offer generous need-based aid, while others may provide higher merit scholarships based on your child’s academic profile. Consider also the cost of living in each location, with city schools often coming with higher costs and rural areas lower.
Trust your instincts
At the end of the day, your child’s college decision won’t come down to just extracurriculars or school rankings. After they research programs, visit campuses, and compare opportunities, it’s time for your child to consider where their instinct is pulling them.
How did they feel about the prospect of attending for the next four years? Did they like the campus? Could they see themselves walking to classes, making friends, or joining clubs? Even little things like how students interact shape whether or not your child thinks it’s the right fit. By trusting their instincts, alongside their other practical considerations, they can pick out the places where they will succeed.
Find a school that helps your child soar
Choosing the right college is a big step—for students and for parents. Beyond rankings or name recognition, it’s about finding schools where your child can grow, learn, and feel at home. By looking at your child’s unique goals and personality, you can build a thoughtful, balanced list that reflects who they are and where they want to be.
The college admissions process is as much about self-discovery as it is planning. That’s why 宝博体育 has spent over 25 years helping students and families navigate this complicated and exciting process. Our tailored college admissions counseling provides both in-person and online advising from certified counselors, including guidance on course selections, admissions essays, and interview skills.
Financial aid, standardized tests, extracurriculars, recommendations—the admissions process is stressful enough without any extra confusion about your choices. Make sure the next step in your child’s college journey is the right one for them by scheduling a consultation today!
What Makes a Strong College Application?
College Adm, COLLEGE ADMISSIONSHolistic reviews have become a common practice for colleges and universities across the US. As such, a strong college application contains a mix of strong academics and extracurriculars that add depth to your child’s overall profile. Even though most students don’t begin taking their college profile seriously until their junior year, the truth is that creating a strong college application starts the moment they begin high school.
What Looks Most Impressive on a College Application?
With testing policies changing almost yearly, college admissions teams are looking for well-rounded applicants now more than ever. They want to see depth in an applicant’s experience and a demonstrated interest in their school. This can help them better gauge your child’s interest in certain areas of study and how likely they are to enroll should the school extend an acceptance letter.
Unless your child is applying to a test-blind school, their standardized test scores are a great way for colleges to determine how well they’re likely to do in higher education. In fact, recent research has demonstrated that standardized test scores predict college performance far more accurately than high school grades do.
High School Coursework and GPA
Honors and advanced placement (AP®) courses are more rigorous than a typical high school course, so they have more impact on your child’s overall GPA. Taking (and doing well in) honors and AP courses throughout high school shows colleges your child can rise to academic challenges and do well with more advanced coursework. Passing the corresponding AP exam at the end of the year can help your child earn college credit before graduation, and, if they apply to a test-flexible school, your child may be able to use AP exam scores in place of ACT® or SAT® scores.
While your child may be tempted to stack their schedule with as many AP classes as possible, it’s important for them to be realistic about what they can and can’t handle. Doing well in AP courses can boost their college profile, but doing poorly in them can have the opposite effect. More importantly, academics alone aren’t the only factor college admissions teams consider when deciding members of their incoming class—overloading on AP classes can reduce the time your child has to dedicate to other important activities, such as extracurriculars or community service.
Standardized Test Scores
Prior to the widespread implementation of test-flexible policies, the main standardized test scores colleges considered when deciding incoming students were ACT scores and SAT scores. Test-flexible policies, such as those of NYU and Yale, expand this scope to also include AP scores and International Baccalaureate® (IB) scores. Applying to a test-flexible school allows your child to choose which scores they want to submit, allowing them to further customize their application and stand out from their competition.
Extracurriculars
This could include joining a school club or sports team, getting a part-time job after work, shadowing employees in a field your child wants to enter after college, participating in volunteer opportunities, and much more. Rather than dabbling in one activity then quickly moving onto something else, focus on opportunities your child can see themselves advancing in over time.
Seeing how your child rose through the ranks of a single school club can be more impactful to admissions teams than seeing how they’ve bounced between multiple clubs each year.
If your child prefers part-time work to joining a club or sports team, this can be a great way to showcase their work ethic. This could also offer bonus points if the role is related to their desired career path or another interest they have that wouldn’t be represented in their academic profile.
Personal Statement
Just like extracurriculars, personal statements are another way your child can add a personal touch to their application. In fact, the essay is considered to be one of the most important factors in admission decisions, following course rigor and GPA.
Your child should take advantage of this opportunity to tell a unique, compelling story about themselves to help themselves stand out from other applicants. While your child may be tempted to rehash their academic feats, this statement should focus on their experiences, how they’ve overcome challenges to become who they are today, and what makes them a great choice over the competition.
This statement should add depth that demonstrates your child’s character, motivations, and goals. If your child is having trouble creating a winning personal statement, our College Essay program can put them on the right track.
How Can I Make My Application Stronger?
Creating a strong college application starts in your child’s freshman year of high school. Working closely with their high school guidance counselor and a college admissions counselor can help your child map out their coursework, choose the best extracurricular opportunities for them, revise their college application essay, and more.
If your child didn’t meet with their guidance counselor in freshman year, that’s okay too! The sooner they can schedule an appointment with their counselor, the more efficiently your child can use their remaining time in high school. We also strongly encourage your child to work with a college admissions counselor since they can offer more specialized support and advice than a guidance counselor. College admissions counselors understand what it takes to be a competitive applicant for more selective schools, and can help your child create a game plan with this in mind.
High school coursework alone isn’t enough to prepare your child for the ACT or SAT. Unless your child is applying for a UC school, plan to enroll them in either an ACT Prep program or SAT Prep program to help them earn high marks on their first try. ACT and SAT scores are still incredibly beneficial in our current test-flexible and test-optional environment.
If your child plans on attending a test-flexible school and submitting an AP score instead, enroll them in an AP Prep program. Out of the 2,500,000+ students that take AP exams each year, only 15% actually earn a 5. Completing an AP Prep program before taking what could be a once in a lifetime exam can help your child be part of that exclusive 15%.
Including a compelling personal statement alongside impressive scores could be the deciding factor for an admissions team. As such, your child should spend time creating a captivating response that takes their application to the next level. Working with experienced writing experts can ensure your child presents a polished, authentic, and riveting narrative to admissions teams.
If your child hasn’t participated in extracurriculars, our college admissions counselors can work with them to discover their interests and choose the best activities for them.
Does Applying Early Increase the Chance of Acceptance?
Yes, applying to college through Early Decision or Early Action can increase your child’s chances of being accepted to a four-year college. This is because a comparatively small percentage of students actually apply through these methods, which means your child is competing with less than half of the regular applicant pool, often for the same number of spots. However, simply applying through these methods doesn’t guarantee your child a spot.
Students who usually apply through Early Decision or Early Action have strong qualifications and would be attractive options regardless of when they choose to apply. Rather than rushing to apply before your child is ready, make sure they weigh their options, carefully research the colleges on their list, and create the strongest application they can.
Remember, the quality of their application outweighs whether it’s sent early or through regular decision. 宝博体育 can help your child build a stellar college profile that secures a spot at their dream college. Whether they need help crafting essays, preparing for a standardized test of their choice, or support mapping out their high school experience, our experts can help.
Reach out today and let’s get started.
When Should You Start Researching Colleges?
College Adm, COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, HIGH SCHOOLPicking the right college is one of the most important decisions a high school student can make, but when should they start researching? Although most students typically don’t start until junior year, they should start earlier than that. In fact, the earlier your child starts their college hunt, the better equipped they’ll be to make informed decisions that steadily move them toward their goal.
How Early Should You Start Looking at Colleges?
Your child should start researching potential colleges in their sophomore year. They shouldn’t worry about finalizing their list just yet, but they should make note of colleges that appeal to them. By starting in their sophomore year, they’ll have a full year to decide which colleges they want to visit in person, research their average student profile, decide when they want to finalize their application, and more.
This time is mostly for your child to discover what they want from a college and to look for schools that can offer that experience and much more. They should pay close attention to the testing policy for each school on their list—unless they’re applying only to University of California or California State University schools, which remain test blind—as they’ve changed a lot over the last few years.
While test-optional schools don’t penalize applicants who opt out of submitting an ACT® or SAT® score, those who submit their scores have a higher chance of being admitted. Test-flexible schools let your student choose to submit any of the following test scores to fulfill the standardized test requirements in their application:
And many schools have returned to requiring SAT or ACT scores for admission, including Harvard, Cornell, Dartmouth, Brown, MIT, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins. If your child will graduate in 2028 or beyond, it is likely that more schools will join this growing list. It’s far better to prepare for a test your child may not need than to learn at the last minute that policies have changed!
Standardized Test Planning
Standardized tests are evolving. Rather than choosing from only the traditional paper-and-pencil ACT or SAT, your child has the option to take the:
The ACT is in the process of transitioning to a new Enhanced ACT. Starting in September 2025, national test-takers will take this new test regardless of whether they opt for digital or paper-based administration. Students who test during the school day will continue to see the Classic ACT until Spring 2026.
The biggest choice to make is really the choice between the SAT and the ACT. The tests cover similar topics and skills but have many subtle differences that could make one test better for your child than the other. It’s also worth considering whether your child will take the SAT or ACT as a required test at school.
Once you and your child have decided on a test, it’s time to create a plan for test prep. High school classes alone do not adequately prepare students for these tests, so additional work will be necessary.
Early Decision vs Early Action: Which Is Right for You?
Another perk of having your child research colleges in their sophomore year is they can take the time to decide if they want to apply through early decision or early action.
Both early decision and early action allow your child to submit their college applications before the regular admissions cycle. This comes with a catch, though. If your child is admitted to a school through early decision, they enter a binding agreement that requires them to attend that institution. In other words, the first early decision school that extends an offer to your child is the college they’ll attend. They’ll have to rescind any outstanding applications from other schools. Early action isn’t binding, so your child has more say in which school they choose to attend.
For a detailed breakdown of these two early admissions options, check out this blog.
Create a Long-Term College Plan
A harsh reality most parents may not realize initially is that their child’s high school guidance counselor doesn’t have a ton of time to devote to their individual goals. Counselors are juggling a ton of students and can mostly provide a bird’s eye view of what your child needs to do if they want to get into college.
Working with a college admissions counselor can give your child the personalized advice they need to create a competitive application for more selective colleges. College admissions counselors are experts in the college admissions process and can provide invaluable insights into the latest trends and expectations. They can help your child decide how many AP classes to take, which extracurriculars would be most meaningful both to the child and their long-term goals, and help them stay on top of ACT, SAT, or AP prep.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a College?
Academics and Class Size
When it’s time for your child to start narrowing down their options, it can be helpful to start with their desired major. While many colleges offer a wide range of majors, some schools are well-known for certain fields or academic specialties. A few questions your child should consider when narrowing their college list are:
Many students don’t yet have an ideal major in mind when applying to college, and that’s okay, too! A major shouldn’t be the primary factor in deciding which college to attend.
It’s also important to think about class sizes and the student-to-faculty ratio. The size of the classes can affect your child’s overall learning experience. Some students thrive in large auditorium-style lecture halls because they are able to independently guide their studies; other students much prefer smaller seminar-style classes that allow for greater student-professor interaction. Your child should carefully consider their particular learning style and the kind of learning environment they will thrive in.
Campus Life and Location
Another major factor in deciding where to apply is the school’s campus life and location.
Beyond academics, your child should consider what environment can help them grow the most. Is a strong sense of community important to them? Would they rather stay close to family or explore a new location? These factors can significantly influence your child’s college experience.
While academics are important, your child will have a life outside of the classroom. They should consider whether the schools on their list offer clubs or organizations aligned with their interests. Are there opportunities for networking, volunteering, or leadership roles that will help your child grow both personally and professionally?
To truly understand a school’s culture, we recommend attending guided campus tours for colleges on your child’s list. You may not be able to attend every school on the list, but try to prioritize those that interests your child the most.
When Should You Finalize Your College List?
For most students, the process of finalizing the college list happens during the summer before their senior year. This is especially important for those applying to schools with early deadlines, such as early decision or early action since, by this time, your child should have a pretty clear sense of which schools they want to attend based on your research and campus visits.
Your child’s junior year is the time to start seriously narrowing your college list. If you haven’t already, this is when your child should start visiting campuses, attend college fairs, and really dive into the specifics of each school. If they’ve been researching colleges for a year or more, they should already have an idea of what they want. By the time your child reaches senior year, they should be in a position to apply confidently to a handful of schools that meet their needs.
How Do You Finalize a College List?
Once they’ve done their research and visited campuses (in-person or virtually), it’s time to make those final decisions. Finalizing their college list is about matching their goals with the right academic and social environment.
Revisit Your Priorities
When it’s time for your child to finalize their list, they should take a step back and revisit their priorities. Think about the academic programs that matter most to them, the campus culture, the cost, and the competitiveness of each school. Are they still drawn to the schools they originally considered, or have their preferences shifted as they’ve learned more about themselves?
Stay Organized
This process can feel like a lot to manage, so it’s important to stay organized. Your child can use tools like college comparison charts, checklists, or spreadsheets to track the key aspects of each school. This will help them make a side-by-side comparison of their top choices and see which schools best match their needs.
Work With a College Counselor for Personalized Advice
Finalizing their college list can be challenging, but they don’t have to do it alone. Working with a 宝博体育 Education college counselor can make this process much easier. Whether your child prefers to meet in person or online, 宝博体育’s counselors are experts in the college admissions process. They’ll take the time to understand their unique goals and help them navigate the changing landscape of college admissions.
宝博体育’s counselors can assist them in building a high school plan that will give them a competitive edge when applying to their dream colleges. They’ll help them stay on track with SAT prep or ACT prep, AP class selection, and their overall admissions strategy. With the right guidance, you’ll feel confident in your final list.
Is It Ever Too Early to Start Researching Colleges?
No, it’s never too early. In fact, the earlier your child starts, the better prepared they’ll be. Even as a freshman, your child can begin exploring options by attending college fairs, browsing school websites, or talking to older students about their experiences. This early exposure helps your child develop a clearer understanding of what they want from a college and builds confidence as they move through high school.
Exploring early also helps reduce the pressure when it’s time to apply. If they start researching colleges in their first or second year of high school, they’ll have a clearer picture of what they’re looking for by the time senior year rolls around.
In the end, researching colleges early allows them to make decisions based on what’s best for them—not just what’s popular or convenient. With time to think things through, they’ll be able to craft a college list that matches their academic goals, personal interests, and future aspirations. Whether they’re starting their search in sophomore year or already in their junior year, there’s no better time to begin their college journey than now.
And remember, with the right guidance—like 宝博体育 Education’s personalized counseling services—they’ll have all the tools they need to make the best choices for their future.
Should Your Child Take the ACT® in the Summer?
ACT, Test Prep, TEST PREPTaking the ACT® on a less traditional timeline offers unique benefits many students typically overlook. While it’s understandable that your child would want to spend their summer unwinding with friends or dabbling in their hobbies, deciding to take the ACT during this time could help them get a head start on their college application plans. Moreover, it can give them more time to enjoy their final year in high school without stressing over retakes and having to earn a perfect score the first time around.
Can You Take the ACT in the Summer?
Yes, your child can prepare for and take the ACT in the summer. The ACT is offered seven times a year in the United States: February, April, June, July, September, October and December. While most states offer summer test dates, the July ACT is not available in New York due to state restrictions.
With the introduction of online ACT testing, students nationwide can now have the option to take the test in either paper-and-pencil or digital format. This added flexibility allows test-takers to choose the format that works best for them.
Is the June ACT the Easiest?
There’s a common misconception that the June ACT is easier than other test dates. Currently, there is no statistical evidence to suggest that any test date is easier than the other. The ACT is designed to be consistent in difficulty across all administrations. That said, upcoming changes to the digital ACT might make summer test dates feel different.
Starting in April 2025, ACT Enhancements will be available for national online test-takers. With this change comes an adjustment to the required sections and scoring system. One big change is that the science section will now be optional, which leaves English, math, and reading as the only required sections.
The ACT will still be scored 1-36, but the exclusion of the science section might make the test feel different from the traditional one. Some college admissions officers have already suggested they’ll place less weight on Enhanced ACT scores as they believe these new changes make the test easier.
If your child is taking the digital ACT this summer, they should know about these changes and how they impact their college application strategy. For more info, check out our blog Is the Enhanced ACT® Harder Than the Regular ACT to learn more about ACT Enhancements and what they mean for your child’s test-taking experience.
Is It Better to Take the ACT in the Summer?
Taking the ACT in the summer has many benefits that can help your child maximize their test prep, minimize stress levels, and have more time for college applications.
More ACT Prep Time with Less Distractions
Unlike the fall and spring test dates–which require your child to split their focus between schoolwork, extracurricular commitments, college research and prep, essay writing, and more–summer ACT dates limit these external factors, giving your child more time to focus on ACT prep. If your child is also preparing for an AP exam, they’re juggling a very heavy workload.
Studying for the ACT on top of these responsibilities can be an easy way for your child to burn out and perform poorly on their exams.
By preparing for and taking the test in the summer, your child can focus on ACT prep without the added stress of homework, exams and school projects. Another advantage is the flexibility to choose a prep program that fits your child’s needs. Some students opt for intensive summer boot camps while others prefer a steady, less demanding–but equally impactful–study schedule.
宝博体育 Education offers both, so your child can prepare at their preferred pace while still having time to enjoy their summer break.
A Less Stressful Testing Experience
Summer test dates are typically less crowded than their fall, winter, and spring counterparts. Testing centers have fewer students, and a more comfortable and less distracting environment. With more available seats and a slightly less tense atmosphere, your child may feel more at ease while testing, which can contribute to better performance.
Another benefit of summer testing is the flexibility for retakes. If your child takes the ACT in June but isn’t satisfied with their score, they have plenty of time to retake it in July, September, or later in the year without feeling rushed. Your child has multiple opportunities to improve their score before college application deadlines, which can also reduce the stress they feel when testing.
As an added bonus, if your child’s summer score meets or beats their target, they’ll have more time to finalize college lists, draft and revise their personal statements, and create application strategies before the school year starts. They may even be able to apply early giving your child a head start on the application process.
Get a Head Start on Scholarships and College Applications
Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and college applications can be overwhelming during senior year. By taking the ACT in the summer, your child can alleviate some of that stress and focus on perfecting their college applications. With their ACT score in hand before the school year starts, they can spend more time writing strong essays and tailoring their applications to each school’s requirements.
Scholarship applications also become more manageable when your child has an ACT score in hand. Many merit-based scholarships consider ACT scores as a key factor, so taking the test in the summer can put your child in a better position to qualify for financial aid opportunities.
Enjoy the School Year Without ACT Stress
Taking the ACT during the school year can add so much stress to an already busy schedule. By taking the test in the summer, your child frees up valuable time during their junior or senior year to focus on extracurriculars, leadership roles, and personal growth. Instead of worrying about last minute ACT prep, your child can spend their time focusing on meaningful activities that strengthen their college application such as internships, volunteer work, or advanced coursework.
Additionally, reducing academic pressure allows your child to enjoy your last years of high school without feeling overwhelmed. They’ll have more time for social activities, family and self-care, all of which contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling high school experience.
When Should You Take the ACT?
The best time to take the ACT depends on your child’s goals and college application timeline. If they’re looking to finalize their scores early and have a strong college application ready before senior year, a summer test date might be a smart move.
If your child is considering summer testing, make sure their ACT prep plan prepares them to earn their ideal score the first time around.
Taking the ACT in the summer has many advantages, from reduced stress and increased prep time to early college application readiness. With fewer distractions, less crowded test centers, and more scheduling flexibility, taking advantage of summer ACT dates can help your child maximize their scores and set themselves up for success.
Whether looking to boost your child’s college applications or help them have a less stressful testing experience, summer testing is an option worth considering.
Looking to enroll your child in a structured ACT prep program? Contact us today to get started!
ACT Prep vs. ACT Boot Camp: Which Is Better?
ACT, Test Prep, TEST PREPOutside of the University of California (UC) system, the ACT® is still a key factor college admissions officers consider when deciding who will join their incoming classes. The ACT is one of the two admissions tests that colleges typically consider. Despite this, many high schools don’t incorporate ACT prep into their curricula. Which leaves parents trying to decide which program and prep method could be the best fit for their child.
While regular ACT prep would seem like the default option, an ACT boot camp could prove to be a great alternative as well. Before we dig into which one could be a better fit for your child, let’s start with the basics.
What Is ACT Prep?
ACT prep programs do exactly what the name suggests: prepare your child for ACT. These after school programs are typically flexible enough to fit into your child’s regular routine, so they can prepare for the ACT while still having time for homework throughout the school year. ACT prep teaches your child common test-taking strategies and how to better manage their time using practice tests. They cover commonly asked questions on the English, math, reading and science sections while helping your child adjust to the testing environment.
By September 2025, the science portion will be optional on all versions of the ACT. Since the new core components will be math, reading, and English, most ACT prep programs may not include science as part of their core curricula. If your child is interested in the science section, make sure to ask if it’s included as part of the program.
ACT prep offers a supportive environment for your child to experiment, learn, adjust to exam content, and create a game plan for test day.
Traditional ACT prep programs may be ideal for:
What Is an ACT Boot Camp?
ACT boot camps do the same thing as an ACT program only on a shorter timeline. Rather than having ACT courses sprinkled throughout the year, an ACT boot camp offers a cluster of courses in the summer. They cover commonly asked questions, test-taking strategies, and learning opportunities to help your child prepare for the big day.
ACT boot camps may be ideal for:
Which Is Better: Regular ACT Prep or an ACT Boot Camp?
One ACT prep method isn’t inherently better than the other.
Both provide unique benefits while still helping your child work toward their ideal score. Both incorporate a mix of practice tests, test-taking strategies, and immersive testing environments, so your child isn’t caught off guard when they take the ACT.
Which ACT prep method your child chooses depends on what they can handle throughout the school year, their learning style, and how much they want to improve.
How to Choose the Best ACT Prep Method for Your Child
Junior year can be a stressful time for any student since that’s when they start taking college admissions seriously. During this time, they’re likely learning about the college admissions process, narrowing down their college list, juggling AP courses, planning school visits, working on personal statements, and much more.
Ideally, your child would begin ACT prep in the fall of their junior year and take the ACT the following spring. If your child is taking multiple AP courses and wants to prepare for the corresponding exams in May, they may have some difficulty finding a balance between AP prep and ACT prep. This could lead to added stress, burnout, and less than their ideal performance. In this instance, an ACT boot camp could be a way to reshuffle priorities and reduce the stress your child is under, while still staying on track to meet college application deadlines.
If your child wants a structured, long-term program that allows them to steadily improve their scores, they may find regular ACT prep is a better fit for them. It breaks ACT prep down into smaller, more manageable sessions that are flexible enough to accommodate commitments your child may have. Because they have a longer timeframe in which they can prepare, your child may see their scores improve much more than someone only taking a boot camp.
Understanding your child’s learning style is another great way to decide which method could be a better fit for them. For example, if your child thrives in structured environments that progress at a steady place, regular ACT prep could be great for them. They’ll be exposed to material over a longer period of time, allowing them to improve their expertise in different areas, improve understanding of more complex concepts, and better retain information.
If your child works well in a time crunch and has prior experience taking the ACT, a boot camp might be a better option. They cover a ton of material in a short amount of time. If your child doesn’t handle stress well or becomes quickly overwhelmed, a regular ACT prep program would be a much better fit.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to deciding which one is a better fit for your child. If you’re unsure which works best for them, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help your child create an ACT prep plan and college application timeline that works with their goals.
Make the Most of Your Child’s ACT Prep with 宝博体育
The right ACT prep option for your child ultimately depends on their learning style, goals, and preferences.
Regular ACT prep programs offer sustained learning and graduate improvement over months, while an ACT boot camp offers quick results in a few short weeks. Regardless of which method your child chooses, the goal remains the same: ensuring your child has the skills and confidence to earn their target score.
At 宝博体育 Education, both our regular ACT prep program and our ACT Boot Camp are led by some of the brightest subject matter experts around. We know what it takes to help your child succeed, and we can’t wait to help them get started.
What To Expect on the Digital PSAT®
PSAT/NMSQTThe digital PSAT® offers a user-friendly format to minimize test taker fatigue, and maximize your child’s performance on test day. Much like the digital SAT®, the digital PSAT is available through the College’s Board’s testing application, BlueBook™. This revamp has caused some to wonder if one format is easier than the other, what’s different between the two, and if it can still prepare their child for the digital SAT.
What Is the Digital PSAT?
The PSAT is a standardized exam that is available in three levels of difficulty:
All three levels can help your child prepare for the formal SAT. While the material on the PSAT 10 is identical to what’s covered on the PSAT/NMSQT, your child cannot use PSAT 10 scores to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Only scores earned on the PSAT/NMSQT as an 11th grade student can determine whether or not they are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.
By beginning PSAT test prep early and taking these modified practice exams through the years, your child can gauge how prepared they are to take the SAT in their junior or senior year.
What Makes the Digital PSAT Different?
The College Board revamped both the PSAT and SAT to improve accessibility for all test takers. With built-in features like zoom, annotation, and highlighting, the digital PSAT still consists of two segments – one Reading and Writing section and one Math section – each containing two timed modules. Although the digital PSAT is shorter than the traditional paper format, your child will have more time per question.
The Reading and Writing section on the digital PSAT evenly divides 54 questions across two modules. The questions in this section are grouped together based on skills being tested, and go from easy to hard within each skill. Your child has a little over a minute to complete each question.
The Math section covers 44 questions across two evenly divided modules. Your child has about a minute and a half per question, but can use a calculator throughout this entire section. Much like the Reading and Writing section, the difficulty level of questions goes from easiest to hardest, however, the questions are not grouped by skill.
Although the digital PSAT is conducted online, your child cannot take it at home. They can only take the digital PSAT at a qualified testing center or their school. Your child will have a 10-minute break between sections.
Is the Digital PSAT Harder Than the Paper PSAT?
The content covered on the digital PSAT isn’t harder than what was included on the paper PSAT. What differs between these formats is their approach to the test taking experience.
The digital PSAT offers shorter reading passages, fewer questions, and a multistage adaptive design to help your child perform their best on exam day. Once your child progresses through the first module in each section, the difficulty of questions in the second module will reflect performance on the first module. For example, if your child performs well in the first module, the second module will include more challenging questions, unlocking the potential for a higher score. Likewise, if your child earns a low score on the first module, they will see easier questions on the next module, limiting the maximum score they could earn.
These changes aim to reduce the fatigue many students experience when taking traditional standardized exams.
When Are Digital PSAT Scores Released?
When digital PSAT scores are released can vary depending on which level of the exam your child took. Generally, scores for the digital PSAT are available four to six weeks after tests are administered.
In 2024, those who took the PSAT 8/9 generally received their scores within two weeks of their test date. However, in 2025, those taking the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 can expect to receive their scores within four weeks of their test date.
Those taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024, can expect to receive their results on October 24, November 7, or November 14, depending on when their school administered the test.
When PSAT scores become available, students can find them online through their personal BigFuture® School account.
Get Ahead with 宝博体育’s Digital PSAT Prep Program
While various test prep resources are available through the College Board website, personalized support can give many students the foundation they need to succeed.
Three-to-one and small-group instruction allow students to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses rather than follow a one-size-fits-all approach. They’ll start with a comprehensive practice test to obtain their baseline PSAT scores. Then, highly qualified tutors strategically craft customized lesson plans to address areas of improvement. Your child can monitor their progress and build confidence as their exam date approaches.
宝博体育 offers numerous options, including intensive summer boot camps and small-group lessons, to meet the needs of your child.
Next Steps
The digital PSAT/NMSQT is the ultimate way for your child to prepare for the SAT, which they’ll take during their junior or senior year of high school. Additionally, those who achieve high scores on the PSAT are automatically entered into the applicant pool for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship.
At 宝博体育 Education, we’re committed to helping your child master the art of test taking, familiarize themselves with exam materials, and feel adequately prepared on test day. Parents and guardians can reach out today to get their child on track for success!
FAQs About the Digital PSAT/NMSQT®
PSAT/NMSQT, TEST PREP, Test PrepThe digital PSAT/NMSQT® is an excellent opportunity for students to prepare for the formal SAT® and to qualify for prestigious college scholarships. With that in mind, it’s no surprise you and your child may have plenty of questions regarding this test.
If your child is preparing for the PSAT, you can help set them up for success by understanding the purpose of the exam, what to expect on test day, and how they can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT Used for?
The PSAT/NMSQT serves two purposes. First, it’s a practice test for the SAT that allows students to familiarize themselves with the digital SAT format. However, it’s important to note that PSAT scores cannot be used to satisfy testing requirements on college applications.
Additionally, the PSAT/NMSQT is a critical qualification component for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students’ scores determine whether or not they qualify for this prestigious scholarship.
How Do You Qualify for the National Merit Scholarship?
To qualify to compete for the National Merit Scholarship, your child must:
Of those 50,000 high scorers, roughly two-thirds (or 34,000) will be notified that they qualified as a Commended Student by their school. These scorers are no longer in the running for a National Merit Scholarship, but may qualify for Special Scholarships. Becoming a Commended Student is a valuable asset to college admission as this can be listed as an honor received on applications.
The one-third of high scorers notified they qualify as Semifinalists are still in the running for the National Merit Scholarship. These 16,000 Semifinalists have scored within the highest percentile of test takers. After submitting additional application materials, those who meet academic and other requirements will advance in the competition. Colleges actively seek National Merit Semifinalists during the admissions process, so reaching this stage of the competition offers a big boost to college applications.
The National Merit Scholarship winners will come from the 15,000 Finalists. Of these finalists:
National Merit Scholarships can fall into one of the following categories:
How Hard is it to Get a National Merit Scholarship?
The National Merit Scholarship competition is very competitive. While 1.3 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year, only 6,870 become Merit Scholar® awardees. In order for your child to be competitive, they’ll need to score within the top three percent of test takers nationwide.
How Much Money Can You Get from the National Merit Scholarship?
There are three kinds of scholarships students can receive if they become a Merit Scholar:
What Topics are on the PSAT?
The digital PSAT/NMSQT consists of one Reading and Writing section and one Math section, each of which is divided into two modules.
The Reading and Writing section covers comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, reasoning, sentence structure, and other topics to measure each student’s command of the English language. The Math section includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, advanced mathematics, problem-solving, and data analysis.
How Often is the PSAT/NMSQT Offered?
The PSAT/NMSQT is usually offered once a year in October. Each school schedules PSAT dates through the College Board, the organization overseeing the exam. Your child can ask their school counselor for more detailed information.
How Many Times Can a Student Take the PSAT/NMSQT?
While students can take the PSAT/NMSQT up to three times, only the score earned in their junior year will count towards the National Merit Scholarship.
How Long is the Digital PSAT/NMSQT Test with Breaks?
Students have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section of the PSAT and 70 minutes for the Math section. Altogether, students have 2 hours and 14 minutes to answer 98 questions. There is a 10-minute break between sections, so your child should expect to spend roughly 2.5 hours on the exam.
How is the PSAT/NMSQT Scored?
The digital PSAT’s score report will contain your child’s section scores, total score, and selection index score.
Each section score falls within a range of 160 and 760, and the total score is the sum of both section scores. These scores are helpful in predicting student performance on the SAT.
The selection score index is arguably the more important number as it determines eligibility to compete for the National Merit Scholarship. The score index falls within a range of 48 and 228. To calculate it, double the sum of your child’s score in the Reading and Writing section, add it to their score in the math section, then divide the answer by 10. Note that this calculation lends greater weight to the Reading and Writing section than the Math section—students who are particularly verbal oriented have a slight advantage in the National Merit Scholarship competition.
What is a Good Score on the PSAT/NMSQT?
According to the College Board, the top 10% of students score between 1210 and 1520 on the PSAT/NMSQT. The average total score is around 920.
While we can’t guarantee that earning a 1400 on the PSAT will earn your child a National Merit Scholarship, performing well on the digital PSAT can be an invaluable indicator of how they’ll perform on the SAT.
What Score Do You Need to Compete for the National Merit Scholarship?
The required selection score index to compete for the National Merit Scholarship differs from state to state. At 宝博体育 Education, we generally recommend aiming for at least 1400 on the PSAT to be competitive, but, depending on your state, your child may need a higher score.
When Can You Start Taking the PSAT?
Your child can take the PSAT as early as the eighth grade, but only scores earned on the PSAT/NMSQT can count toward the National Merit scholarship.
The PSAT has three different levels, each adjusted to suit the abilities and knowledge of specific grade levels. The PSAT™ 8/9 is for students in the eighth and ninth grades, the PSAT™10 targets those in tenth grade, and the PSAT/NMSQT targets those in the eleventh grade. All three levels can help your child familiarize themselves with the digital SAT’s content, testing conditions, and exam format.
Sophomores who feel equipped to tackle the PSAT/NMSQT are welcome to take the exam. However, those who would like more experience before the formal PSAT can take the PSAT 10, which is identical to the PSAT/NMSQT but doesn’t qualify students for scholarship awards.
The PSAT/NMSQT is geared towards high school juniors. Some high schools allow sophomores to take the PSAT/NMSQT, but unless your child plans to graduate early, sophomores are not typically qualified to compete for the National Merit Scholarship.
Where Can You Take the PSAT/NMSQT?
Most students take the PSAT/NMSQT at their high school. However, if your child is homeschooled or unable to attend the test date offered by their school, they can take the exam at another nearby institution.
To find a qualified location, use the College Board’s in-school assessment search tool.
What Do You Need to Bring on Test Day?
On test day, your child should bring:
Other items your child can bring, but aren’t necessarily required to, include:
Your child can request to borrow a device from the College Board when they register to take the PSAT if they don’t have access to one.
宝博体育 Can Help Your Child Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT.
At 宝博体育, we offer individualized and small-group instruction for students preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT. Our world-class tutors test within the top 5% for their chosen subject matter, so you can trust that your child will receive valuable guidance from knowledgeable instructors.
Find a nearby 宝博体育 location or request information today to learn more!
Is the Enhanced ACT® Harder Than the Regular ACT?
ACT, Test Prep, TEST PREPStarting in April 2025, the national online ACT® will roll out new enhancements that improve the overall testing experience. This updated, shorter format offers your child more flexibility and time without compromising accuracy for college admissions teams.
Key Takeaways:
What Is the Enhanced ACT?
The Enhanced ACT is a more customizable version of the traditional exam. Rather than having four predetermined sections that everyone has to complete, your child is only required to complete the English, math, and reading sections. Science and writing will be optional for Enhanced ACT test takers. Your child can also choose whether to take the test online or, starting in September, with paper and pencil.
Since students will have more control over how they test, they can reduce fatigue while testing and put their best foot forward.
Key Differences Between the Enhanced ACT and the Regular ACT
Although both the Enhanced ACT and Regular ACT cover English, math, and reading, they don’t place the same weight on each section.
Regular ACT English vs. Enhanced ACT English
On the regular ACT’s English section, roughly 32% tests your child’s ability to identify the main purpose of a text and the relevance and flow of supporting arguments. About 17% gauges their comfort maintaining style and tone while inferring the meaning of unfamiliar words. The remaining roughly 55% of this section tests your child’s knowledge and use of English grammar when editing tests.
Whereas the regular ACT dedicates 32% of the English section to production of writing skills and 55% to English grammar usage, the Enhanced ACT places about 43% on both sections. This means your child is more likely to see content related to identifying the purpose of a text, grammar usage, and clarity. There’s also a slight increase in the amount of questions related to tone and vocabulary. In this section, your child will have 25 fewer questions than they would on the regular ACT.
Regular ACT Math vs. Enhanced ACT Math
Roughly 60% of the math section tests how prepared your child is for more advanced math courses. Although this 60% is divided into five subcategories – numbers and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability) – each one gauges how well students can solve complex equations using the information provided. About 43% of the math section covers how well your child can interpret information and draw logical conclusions between different data sets.
The biggest change your child will see on the Enhanced ACT will be in the math section. 80% of it focuses on how prepared your child is for more advanced math courses by gauging their comfort with algebra, functions, and geometry. About 15% tests their comfort calculating probabilities, while about 12% focus on real and complex number systems. In this section, your child will have 15 fewer questions than they would on the regular ACT.
Regular ACT Reading vs. Enhanced ACT Reading
About 60% of the reading section tests how well your child identifies key themes, while roughly 30% tests their comfort analyzing texts to understand word choice, other character perspectives, and the writer’s intent. Roughly 23% also tests how well they can draw connections between multiple texts and differentiate between facts and opinions.
The Reading section places less emphasis on key ideas than the regular ACT, but places more emphasis on how well your child can differentiate between facts and opinions and draw connections between different texts. In this section, your child will have four fewer questions than they would on the regular ACT.
Regular ACT Science vs. Enhanced ACT Science
Finally, about 50% of the science section tests how well your child can analyze and form conclusions using scientific data. About 30% tests how well they understand the design of experiments and their comfort adjusting them for a desired result. Roughly 35% tests their ability to judge the validity of and make predictions based on the information provided.
If your child chooses to take the science section, they can expect to see roughly the same content they’d see on the regular ACT. Neither the online Enhanced ACT nor the online regular ACT use an adaptive model, so question difficulty remains roughly the same throughout the exam.
Field test items, which previously existed in a fifth section on the regular ACT, are worked into the Enhanced ACT. These experimental questions serve to help refine future versions of the test. On the Enhanced ACT, students will have no way of knowing which questions are experimental, and therefore do not contribute to their score, and which questions are actual test items.
Is the ACT Composite Score Changing?
The Enhanced ACT is still scored on a 36-point scale, but instead of being created from the average of four scores, it’s the average of three. Although there’s one less section, your child won’t see much of a difference in their composite score.
For example, let’s say your child takes the original ACT and scores the following:
Their composite score would be 28. If they had the same scores in math, reading, and English their composite score would be around 27.
When Can You Take the Enhanced ACT?
The first rollout of the Enhanced ACT will be available to national online test-takers in April 2025. In September 2025, the Enhanced ACT will be available in online and paper-pencil versions for both national and international test takers. The Composite score changes will be rolled out for all ACT tests. By spring 2026, the Enhancements will be available for state and district testing.
Which Version Should My Child Take?
After speaking with college representatives, we recommend your child prepare to take the regular ACT instead of the Enhanced version. Some colleges believe the Enhanced ACT has a lower degree of difficulty than the regular ACT. In other words, the Enhanced ACT may not be the best way to accurately represent your child’s capabilities.
At 宝博体育, we can make sure your child has the skills and confidence to perform their best on test day. We offer ACT prep and summer boot camps, so your child can prepare for the exam when they’re ready. Every tutor is a subject matter expert who can bring out the best in your child, and will tailor their instruction to meet your child’s needs.
Don’t take any chances with your child’s future. Enroll them in 宝博体育’s ACT prep program today and give them the best chance for success on both versions of the test. With our proven strategies and personalized approach, we guarantee results that will impress college admissions officers.
Ready to get started? Call us at 866-466-1479 or submit this form for more information.
When Should You Start Studying for AP® Exams?
AP, Test Prep, TEST PREPTaking an advanced placement (AP®) exam at the end of the school year can be a huge decision for high school students. Doing well on these exams can help you amass college credits at a much more affordable price than college courses and validate your grades in an age when grade inflation is a growing concern. As wonderful as the benefits sound, without a proper study plan, your chances of earning a high enough score to qualify for college credits can be quite low.
Before we dig deeper into how to create an AP exam prep plan, let’s first look at some commonly asked questions about these exams.
How Often Are AP Exams Offered?
AP exams are typically offered every year during the first two weeks of May. Each exam is usually offered on a specific date, and – unless you have a valid reason for needing to test late – this will be the only time you can take it that year. While the once-a-year exam structure may seem restrictive at first, AP classes are more intensive than regular high school classes. Having the exam only once a year gives you more time to prepare for the exam during the school year.
2025 AP Exam Dates
The College Board often releases the AP exam schedule months in advance, so you can plan ahead, minimize potential scheduling conflicts, and stay on top of your studies leading up to test day.
If you want to earn credit for AP Art and Design, you’ll need to submit and finalize all three parts of your portfolio by Friday, May 9, 2025 no later than 8 p.m. eastern time.
* As of 2025, the African American Studies exam can only be administered by schools in the U.S.
If you want to take the AP Art and Design final, you’ll need to submit and finalize all three parts of your portfolio by Friday, May 9, 2025 no later than 8 p.m. eastern time (ET).
** AP Seminar students must submit and finalize their performance tasks by 11:59 p.m. ET on Apr. 30, 2025.
*** AP Computer Science Principles students also have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Apr. 30, 2025 to submit and finalize their Create performance task.
Many students often wonder if late-testing is allowed for AP exams. It is allowed, but only if you’re unable to participate on the regular test dates due to circumstances beyond your control. If you need to take an exam at a later date, reach out to your school or AP coordinator as soon as you can. They can answer any questions you have, and explain any necessary next steps.
The late-testing dates are as follows:
Can Anyone Take AP Exams?
AP exams are usually reserved for high school students – homeschooled and in public or private school – taking the corresponding AP course. They’re not mandatory to pass the class, but they’re a great way to earn college credits and save money on tuition well before your high school graduation. That said, each high school has its own policy regarding when students can begin taking AP classes.
If you’re unsure of your school’s policy, contact your guidance counselor or AP exam coordinator for more specifics.
How Many Times Can You Take an AP Exam?
You can only take an AP exam once a year, so it’s important to make sure you’re well prepared before test day. If you don’t earn your desired grade, the good news is this score won’t bring down your GPA. You can always request for the College Board to withhold your score if you don’t want it sent to any colleges when you begin applying.
Is It OK If You Fail an AP Exam?
Though it might feel like the end of the world, failing an AP exam isn’t as bad as you think. Earning a less than ideal AP exam score doesn’t mean you automatically fail your class. In fact, this grade won’t impact your GPA at all. If you do well on this exam, you could submit those scores as part of your application package to skip the corresponding classes. This could help you skip material you already know, and have those credits count toward the total credits needed for graduation.
If you don’t do well, you can always ask to have your score withheld.
Can You Take an AP Exam the Next Year?
This would depend entirely on when you took the AP exam the first time. Let’s say you took an AP exam in the spring of your sophomore year. You could retake that same exam the next year if you want to try for a higher score. Now, let’s say you took an AP exam in the spring of your senior year. Since AP exams are usually for high school students, you wouldn’t be eligible to retake the exam the following year.
But is it even worth retaking an AP exam?
Retaking an AP exam is only worth it if you’re confident you have the extra time to prepare for this exam alongside your new coursework. Remember, just because you don’t do well on an AP exam doesn’t mean you’ve failed that class. If you passed the class but not the exam, you’ll have to prepare for that exam independent of that class. You’ll have to create your own study materials, make time to review previous chapters, create your own practice tests, and much more.
This can take a huge toll on you, especially if you’re juggling extracurriculars, ACT® or SAT® prep, and your regular courseload at the same time. At 宝博体育 Education, we generally don’t recommend retaking an AP exam since we can help you earn your target score the first time around.
Is Two Weeks Enough To Study for AP Exams?
Two weeks is nowhere near enough time to properly prepare for AP exams since they cover a full year’s worth of material. AP exams cover complex concepts and require you to dig deeper into the material than a more traditional high school exam. Waiting until the last minute to begin studying so much material can lead to burnout, extra stress, lack of motivation, and a general disinterest in the material.
Three Tips To Get a Head Start on AP Prep
Preparing for an AP exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Studying and reviewing material a little bit each day can help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content you’re covering.
Start Early
We generally recommend starting no later than two months before the exam. However, the earlier you start, the more time you have to familiarize yourself with the testing process, content, and format of the exam. You’ll also have more time to identify and work on knowledge gaps, and enhance your strengths. You can develop active learning techniques during this time to relate the content to topics that interest you. This personalizes normally complex material, making it easier for you to recall at a later date.
Work with a Tutor (and Practice, Practice, Practice)
Tutors can bring consistency and structure to your AP prep plans. They can help you establish a study schedule and stick to it, making sure you cover all the necessary topics in a timely manner. A tutor can also provide personalized instruction, identifying your strengths and weaknesses and adapting their teaching methods to best suit your learning style.
More importantly, they can administer practice tests in conditions similar to those you’ll encounter on test day. This not only allows you to gauge how you may perform on the real exam, it also creates a low-stress environment for you to practice new test taking techniques.
At 宝博体育 Education, our subject matter experts have extensive experience helping students just like you prepare for AP exams. They can guide you through the material, make sure you fully understand each topic, and provide valuable resources to aid in your studying. Our tutors can also help keep you motivated and on track towards your goals, especially if you’re preparing for more than one exam.
Don’t Overextend Yourself
It’s tempting to take as many AP exams as you can to earn as many credits as you can. Make sure to take a realistic look at your school schedule and extracurricular commitments before signing up for multiple exams. Taking on too much can lead to burnout and ultimately hurt your performance on all the exams you take. Instead, focus on a few subjects that are relevant to your future academic or career goals.
Another strategy is to stagger your exam preparation by studying for one exam at a time. This allows you to fully concentrate on each subject and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Remember, quality over quantity when it comes to AP exams.
AP exams can be challenging, but with the right preparation, they’re an excellent opportunity to earn college credit and demonstrate your academic abilities. By starting early, creating a solid study plan, and utilizing available resources, you can approach these exams with confidence. Whether you’re taking your first AP exam or considering a retake, remember that preparation and perseverance are the keys to success.
Ready to get started? Have a parent or guardian reach out to 宝博体育 today to schedule an appointment!