There's plenty to do early on in your high school career to help you prepare for college applications and admissions. From choosing the right high school courses, Whether or not to prepare for the SATs, ACTs, and AP/IB exams, What activities to engage in, Relationships with teachers and mentors, and College research.

Should I answer that optional writing question on Common App about COVID? Do I really need to write a resume? The Additional Information section confuses me-- is that for problems or for bragging? We covered all these topics and more in our twice-monthly small virtual coach group for seniors, CTK College Access. Next month we’ll be tackling how to track all those submitted applications and how to schedule and prepare for interviews.

You may be ready to take admissions tests as early as freshman or sophomore year if you have completed the math through Algebra II (including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II) and are a strong test taker. If you are sitting for a test soon, review my test-day checklist.

This blog post explains the difference between test optional and test blind. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT remain important for many students, but the goal post has shifted a great deal in the last 18 months.