• 1. Sign up for the Tests:
    Helpful hint: After signing up, students have 9 days to send the scores for free. If a student chooses to wait to send the score, it will cost $11.50 per score.
    Sign Up Now:
    SAT:
    https://www.collegeboard.org/
    ACT:
    www.actstudent.org

    2. Study for the Tests
    Students should go into these tests as prepared as possible. Local libraries offer free practice tests, and more SAT help can be found under the link SAT.

    3. Take the Tests          
    I suggest taking both tests. Some students score better on one over the other.

    4. Ask for College Recommendation Letters
    Students should ask teachers and counselors early, preferably by the end of junior year, the summer before senior year, or the beginning of senior year. Teacher recommendations are either mailed or submitted through Schoolinks.

    Students should ask teachers in person to write a recommendation letter before requesting that the teacher upload it in Schoolinks. Students should notify teachers about which schools they specifically request a letter of recommendation, which they will then submit electronically in Schoolinks, mail the letters directly to the school, or submit using the Common Application.

    Students should provide a resume, using the resume builder in Schoolinks, and an address/stamped envelope to the “stamp schools” that do not receive electronic communication in Schoolinks.

    If students use the Common App, they should have linked their Common App account in Schoolinks. For Common App schools, must complete an additional Common App evaluation form and a letter of recommendation.

    Communication is key. Remember that this is a learning curve for both you and the teachers. Be patient, helpful, and give reminders.  

    5. College Search
    Summer is a great time for students to visit colleges. This is the time when students should narrow their college applications down to 3 or 4.
    Use the College Search tool in Schoolinks to begin searching. You can view admissions, majors, and other information about the school.

    6. Write the college essay
    You should start early. Go online to view which essay topics your college is asking you to write. Read samples of good writing. See the resources below.

    7. Volunteer:
    This is especially important if a student hasn't done much volunteering in the past. It is helpful to include this on the resume. Colleges like consistency. Students should focus on one or two organizations with which to volunteer.

    8. Write the College Resume:
    To help students start, a student sample can be downloaded from the CCR website. Schoolinks also offers a resume-building tool.

    9. Students should make a checklist with school-specific deadlines

    10. Apply:
    This is actually easy if everything else above has already been done. Complete and submit the application including essays.  ApplyTexas is for state colleges and some privates.  The Common Application is used by many in and out-of-state private colleges.  Some small private colleges still use their own online applications. Check with the individual college's website if they are not on ApplyTexas or The Common Application!

    11. Send Scores & Submit Transcripts
    Send SAT Scores:
    http://sat.collegeboard.org/scores/send-sat-scores
    Send ACT Scores:
    http://www.actstudent.org/scores/send/

    Transcript requests are completed in Schoolinks. (see transcript request tab)

    Fee Waivers:


    Eligibility: 
     To be eligible for fee waivers, students must be eligible for free and reduced lunch. Another nice perk of the fee waiver is that students can register for a test without a late penalty. 
    If you know you are eligible but are not on free or reduced lunch, you can complete the form here: Online Meal Application.


    How Many?
    Willowridge High School provides 2 waivers for the general SAT test and 2 additional waivers for SAT subject tests.


    How do I get them?
    Students should see Ms. Green in the CCR Center (Rm B124) for fee waivers.


    How do I get fee waivers for college applications?
    After a student uses one waiver to take the SAT test, College Board downloads electronic waivers in your student account to be used to apply for college. Students are only given 4 fee waivers to apply to college.


    To sign up for the SAT test or to find your fee waivers go to College Board:
    https://www.collegeboard.org/