Superscore?

I was recently surprised to learn about Superscoring on ACT and SAT tests.
My daughter took the ACT twice hoping to raise her scores.
Although she got higher scores in a couple subjects, it was not enough to bump up the average, so her overall score stayed the same. This 1 point difference could really impact some of the scholarships she might be eligible for.
What I did not realize was that some schools will take both test scores, and take the higher scores from each subject area and average those out.
I checked out the schools my daughter was thinking of applying to, and the 3 private schools did Superscore! When I recalculated the scores, my daughter would now get that critical 1 point higher.
Well, needles to say we are very happy. I learned something I did not know (just proving my point that there is so much to know about all this college stuff!).
I would recommend taking a test twice if you think your child can improve even in one subject.
For SAT info: www.collegeboard.org
For ACT info: act.org

Good luck!

Textbook Time!

Textbooks can be a huge expense every semester. I know this year my son's books would have been over $600 in his college bookstore (bought new).
I probably spent 10 hours looking around for the best deals on textbooks. Sometimes you can find used books, but other times you just have to shop around.
I found cheap textbooks @ http://www.affordabook.com
This website checks multiple suppliers and will show you all the prices available for a textbook you need.
This tool is exceptional and such a timesaver!
Seeing all your choices on one page is so helpful and makes it so much easier to find the best deal for your student.
It is definitely worth your time to Visit Affordabook.com .

Brought to you by our friends at www.affordabook.com

Financial Aid and Costs

College can be so expensive! Tuiton and Room/Board are obvious costs, but there are tech fees, books and miscellaneous expenses as well. I don't think anyone would dispute the absolute value of a college education, but the average student needs help to pay for school.

Financial aid is a must in this day and age. Most students will have to look at student loans to help finance their education. Some loans are offered automatically when a student works with the Financial Aid office, while others have to be sought out.

Always be on the lookout for information about financial aid and student loans.
Good luck!

brought to you by our friends at http://www.snhu.edu

Dorm in a Box

I will soon be posting a checklist of items to take to college. There are quite a few companies that will sell you a "Dorm in a Box". The college will usually send you flyers in the mail, and at orientations there is usually a table or booth with representatives from these companies.
Most dorms use an XL twin bed, so you have to get new sheets. Some of the package deals can be pretty good for sheets, comforters, etc.
Some of the packages are more expensive, but can be worth it. I found that I did not need all of the items these packages included. I did buy a sheet set from the company that the college recommended, and I bought a shower caddy set.
Just take a good look at what you are being offered. Do you need all of the items in the package? Could you buy the items cheaper yourself? Take into account all the running around you may have to do to make these purchases. Then decide!

ACT vs. SAT test

Well, test season is just over, but this is my two cents on college admissions tests. Your student would normally take these tests in their Junior year of high school. My daughter just took both this month. I do recommend having your child take both, because you don't always know which test they will do better on. Most colleges will accept either test score.
If your child knows the college they want to go to for sure, then check to see their requirements. I also recommend (for most kids), to take the June tests, as there is material that schools cover during the Jr. year and if you take a test in Feb/Mar. they may not even know all the material.
If your child does not do as well as they'd like, there is still time to retake one of the tests in the Fall.
There are great tips and practice test on the websites as well:
http://act.org/     and     http://www.collegeboard.org/

11th grade action plan

Junior year is so critical. This is the year that grade transcripts and volunteer or job info. will go with your college applications. We have had some drama with my daughter's grades being incorrect due to an illness, but it is finally getting straightened out!
I wanted to share some good information from Big Future (formerly collegeboard.com).
Check out this action plan for High School Juniors and parents:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents/parent-action-plan-11th-grade?ep_ch=CO&ep_mid=10539007&ep_rid=2065094

Great High School Graduation Gifts REpost for 2013

There are so many graduations coming up, and we are always trying to think of useful, but wanted, gift ideas. Later this month I am going to publish a 'what to take to college" list, but here are some grad gifts that they can also use when they move to college:
Shower Tote filled with body wash (girls and guys!), lotions, shaving items, shampoo and conditioner.
Towel set with washclothes
Laundry Tote with laundry supplies (I LOVE the Purex 3 in 1 sheets for a college student)
Rolls of quarters (if needed)
NetFlix membership
Portable speakers
Noise-canceling Headphones (students LOVE these)
Underbed storage
Locked box or lockable filing cabinet (especially when sharing a room)
Small set of washable dishes
small wastebasket and garbage bags
Fan (the majority of dorms are NOT air conditioned)
small microwave
small fridge (be careful here, as many colleges only allow a certain size)
Tide to go, sewing kit
Money and gift cards are always appreciated, of course. If you know where the student is going to school, check to see what restaurants are in the town, as all kids get tired of the school food options after awhile.