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Barbara

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PSAT, ACT, SAT...those acronyms can be pretty intimidating when you know that they're a factor to college admission and, in some cases, scholarship opportunities. With so much on the line, it's important to know the basics of each test and how you can prepare for them.

PSAT  — the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is a mini version of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Many schools administer this test for juniors in the fall, so you can check with your guidance counselor for information specific to your school. The PSAT is a great way to practice for the SAT. Plus, top scores can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships.

SAT  — the Scholastic Aptitude Test includes Math, Critical Reading, and Writing sections. SAT scores are reported on a scale from 200 to 800, with additional subscores reported for the essay (ranging from 2-12) and for multiple-choice writing questions (on a 20-to-80 scale).

ACT  — the American College Test includes four skill areas: English, Math, Reading and Science. Composite scores range from 1-36. There is also an optional writing test which some colleges require. 

As you gear up for these standardized tests, here are some to-dos to get you started:

• Decide which test you're going to take. Examine all the schools you're considering applying to and determine which test(s) they require. Many schools now accept both the ACT and the SAT, but check with the school of your choice. Each test lasts about three hours but it's important to remember that the SAT has a penalty for wrong answers.
• Keep the registration timeline in mind. Don't miss the deadlines! Register for the test you're taking at least six weeks ahead of time to give yourself time to prepare.
• Find a study method that works for you. Back in the day, I took a series of classes offered by my high school to get ready for the ACT. They helped me prepare for the types of questions I'd encounter and also how to budget my time throughout the test. Along with various classes  you could take practice tests online or grab a book  designed to help you prepare.

How did you prepare or are you preparing for these standardized tests? Please share any tips you have for success with us and the SLD community!

Caroline

If you're a high school senior, how are you going about exploring the colleges that interest you?

Are you searching online? Talking to your parents or guidance counselor? Reading up on the literature colleges send you?

These are all good approaches, but when it comes to choosing you college, nothing really beats an in-person visit to the campus. Many campuses host special "Senior Days"  where you can get a personal tour, lots of good information and maybe even some cool freebies like game tickets.

It's great to visit on a Senior Day because of all the pre-planned sessions just for you. But if you can't make it to a pre-scheduled day like that, check out this link  for some help for planning your own campus visit.

If you've already attended a Senior Day, let us know how it went!

Caroline

As a high school senior, you've got a busy year ahead of you. While you might be mentally ready to set things on "coast," now is not the time for that! Besides keeping up your grades, you've got a bunch of prep work to do to get ready for college. It's all pretty deadline oriented, so if you haven't created a master calendar yet, it's a good idea to start one.

Here is a basic timeline of things you'll need to remember to stay on top of college planning:

September

• Meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your choice of colleges.
• Start a scholarship search.  Look online and tap your guidance counselor to get help with local scholarship options. Note all scholarship application deadlines on your master calendar.

October

• Decide which schools to which you'll apply. Make a note of all the application deadlines and put them on your master calendar.
• Secure recommendations from teachers, employers, or other adults. Give them at least a month to write their letter.
• Start thinking of topics and drafting outlines for college application essays. 

November

• Submit your college application information on time.
• Schedule campus visits and interviews.

December

• Keep an eye on scholarship deadlines and continue your scholarship search.

January

• File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon after January 1 as possible. File online at fafsa.ed.gov. 
• Attend a financial aid night to learn more about paying for college.

February

• Provide your counselor with the necessary mid-year grade forms, if your schools require them.
• Register for advanced placement tests.
• Complete scholarship applications.

March

• Watch for your Student Aid Report (it should arrive about four weeks after submitting your FAFSA).
• Check your mailbox! You should begin receiving your admissions decisions from colleges.

April

• Compare financial aid awards  from different schools and keep these in mind as you weigh your options.
• Look for additional funding if your financial aid package is not enough to cover your costs.
• Think about private student loans.
• Use Wells Fargo's online tools and calculators help plan.
• Make the final decision and notify your schools.

May

• Enjoy the last few weeks of high school, but remember to keep your grades up!
• Make sure your final transcripts are sent to the college you'll attend.

Summer

• Save money from your summer job and gradually buy things for school.
• Know your freshmen orientation dates.

Any other ideas to add to the senior year calendar?

Caroline

Yeah, yeah, your bags, boxes and laundry baskets are packed. You've got all the goods for college : a couch, TV, dorm fridge, new towels, laptop. What else could you possibly need?

There are a few more things to bring to college with you, but don't worry, they won't take up any more room in your parents' already loaded-down minivan! This is a more non-traditional packing list, but vital stuff to have with you as you embark on your new adventure:

1. An open mind. You're going to meet all kinds of people and study all kinds of subjects in college. Be ready and willing to listen to new people and new ideas.
2. Consideration for others. This is especially important if you've never had to share your room, your clothes or your car. Remember that your roommate  may not appreciate your taste in music or housekeeping habits. Try to respect that and come to an agreement.
3. Curiosity. A healthy curiosity about life will take you far in college. Pay attention, ask questions and get involved. You'll be amazed at what you learn when you actively look for the opportunity.
4. The ability to speak up. You'll have to be your own advocate in college, so if you're not used to speaking up, now's the time to start practicing. If your roommate didn't remember to bring #2 on this list, you'll probably have to say something. If your professor grades  on class participation, you'll have to be ready to jump in the discussion. If you're struggling with a class, or need some academic advice, your advisor isn't going to come looking for you — you'll have to speak up.
5. A sense of responsibility. Going to class, managing your money, doing your laundry  — it's up to you now. As you head off to school, know that it's your job to tackle it.

For those of you already in college, anything else the freshmen need to pack?

Caroline

Garage sales are one of the things I love about summer — right up there with swimming, sweet corn and sandals.

If you're in the process of collecting supplies for your dorm room, or you're a recent college grad looking to outfit your first apartment, be sure to check out your local garage sales. While they may seem quaint in the days of eBay , Craigslist  and Freecycle , I still think hunting for bargains at garage sales is tons of fun, if you do it right.

So, allow me to illuminate for you the Art of the Garage Sale in five simple steps:

1. Keep a list of what you need. Know exactly what you're looking for at garage sales. Don't go shopping willy-nilly or you might be lulled into buying random stuff just because of its cheapness.
2. Check out garage sale listings in your local paper's online classifieds. Plan to visit only those sales that list a category of stuff you need (like "household items"). My newspaper's website  lets me automatically map the sale locations as well. Easy!
3. Look over the merchandise carefully. Once you find something you want to buy, check it out carefully: plug it in, make sure it works, etc. I once bought a brand new little bike for my son at a garage sale. Still in the box! Cool, right? Well, I didn't take it out of the box until I got it home, and realized there were no handlebars. What a birthday bust that was!
4. Don't overlook potential. Particularly if you're buying furniture, like dressers and tables, don't underestimate what a simple coat of paint or new hardware can do. If you need some inspiration, check out this DIY website.  What this woman can do with spray paint completely blows me away.
5. Bargain? Up to you. I usually pay the asking price for whatever I'm buying. Sometimes if I'm buying a whole bunch of stuff (like back when I would buy lots of baby gear) I might ask them to knock $5 off the total. I've definitely had people offer me a lower price without my even asking, but maybe that's just Iowans being nice. If you're good at bargaining, by all means, go for it.

Are you a secondhand bargain-hunter? Let us in on your strategy!

Caroline

If you're heading to college orientation  this summer, you'll want to make the most of your visit. You'll probably be registering for your classes  and possibly taking your placement tests during orientation, but there is a lot more you can accomplish as well, if you're prepared.

Here are a few thoughts of things you might want to do:

• Prepare ahead for class registration. Before you get to orientation, browse your school's course catalogue and have a list of classes you want to take. Then make a list of backup classes. Chances are some of the courses you want will already be full. If you're ready with alternative courses, you won't panic and take some random class that you don't need or want, just to fill out your schedule.
• Visit with key people. If you have any questions or concerns about your financing, be sure to visit the financial aid office. Questions or concerns about your major or coursework? Try to schedule a visit with your academic advisor or the department head in your major.
• Visit with other students. Upperclassmen are there to help at orientation, so take advantage of their experience and ask questions. Find out about extracurricular activities that interest you and ask any other questions you have about campus life.
• Check out a dorm room. See if you can check out a dorm in your building. It's a great chance to take measurements and see how the room is arranged  (most dorms have some built-in shelving and such). This will no doubt save you some scrambling on move-in day. Also if you need to rent a loft bed, this may be the time to do it.
• Tour the town. No doubt you'll check out the campus closely while you're at orientation. Don't forget to see the town as well—learn what fun things there are to do in the area for those times when you want to take a break from campus life, or for when you have visitors.
• Parents, let go a little. These days, college orientations offer activities for parents as well as students. Parents, try your best to stick to your own sessions , and give your student plenty of breathing room. Don't be offended if your kid wants to explore his or her new world without you.

If you've been to college orientation, what did you think? Any helpful suggestions to share?