College Admissions Tips
How to Get into College with a Low GPA
If you’re looking up how to get into college with a low GPA, you’re already ahead of the pack — and you’re committed to a challenging goal. Of course your high school GPA is important, but it’s not the whole story. In the best case scenario, your GPA reflects consistent success due to hard work during […]
College Admissions: The Complete Guide to Social Media
As you prep for college, admissions officers are watching. According to a 2016 Kaplan Test Prep survey, 40% of college admissions officers browse social media profiles to learn more about admissions candidates*. That means it’s pretty likely that decision-makers at colleges and scholarship-granting organizations are taking a peek at your profiles. Some students take control by shutting […]
Why You Should Take High School Clubs Seriously
Joining high school clubs is a great way to jump start your professional and academic success. Don’t underestimate the importance of high school clubs and extracurriculars when it comes to getting experience that will help you in high school, college, and beyond. There’s a wide range of extracurriculars available at most high schools, from sports […]
Advice for Parents
What to Expect When You’re Expensing College Education
Many students will feel an emerging sense of independence as they forge ahead in the direction of their aspirations for higher education. Surprisingly, the realization of the ongoing need for family support throughout the college financial planning process becomes an unexpected revelation. How does college tuition get paid? What length of time are parents obligated […]
Tips for Motivating Your Child to Start Studying for the ACT/SAT
The SAT and ACT tests are important pieces of the college application puzzle. Even “test optional” schools will consider scores, if submitted, meaning less weight (and pressure) on the other parts of the application (like GPA and essay). There are colleges that do not use these tests as part of their application process, but it […]
The Transition from Living at Home to College
It can be difficult to watch your child/children leave home for college, especially when it seems like kindergarten was yesterday. The transition from living at home to living at college is a big one for both parents and children, filled with many mixed emotions. Here are some tips to help you and your child get […]
Should I Take the SAT Essay?
/in SAT /by emmacalderwoodThe SAT Essay has changed in recent years. When it was first added to the general SAT in 2005, it was an opinion-based essay. However, when the SAT changed in 2016, the SAT became an analytical essay. In the current version of the SAT, students are given a source text and asked to provide an […]
How Long Should I Study for the SAT?
/in SAT /by emmacalderwoodThe SAT is just one of the many things that high school juniors and seniors have on their plates. Along with completing schoolwork and being involved in extracurriculars, students have to set aside time to prepare for the SAT. As SAT experts, the question Kaplan hears the most from our students is, “How long should I […]
What is the PreACT?
/in ACT /by emmacalderwoodThe PreACT is mostly a practice version of the ACT, but it could help connect you with colleges and scholarships. The PreACT can be administered on any date between September 1 and June 1. Contact your school to find out if you’ll be taking the PreACT and when. The PreACT was designed to help […]