College admissions consultant with CardinalCollegePlanning

Top college advisor? While some students first take the PSAT in October of their sophomore year, it is important to know that only the junior year administration of the exam counts for National Merit Scholarship consideration. More importantly, taking the PSAT will allow you to see where you stand and which areas you will need to address through extra study prior to taking the real deal. Speaking of the genuine test, you’ll want to register for the March, May, or June administration of the SAT or the April or June testing dates for the ACT (Hopefully this spring’s test dates will be less impacted by COVID-19 than in 2020). Taking the exam as a junior will allow you to engage in targeted study over the summer prior to retaking the test in the fall of your senior year. Students who take the SAT in spring of their junior year and elect to retake the test the following fall improve their overall score by an average of 40 points on the SAT; those who put in 20 hours studying on Kahn Academy increase their scores by an average of 115 points. This can be immensely beneficial, especially in light of what is known as Superscoring — where colleges take the best combined subject scores across multiple test administrations.

Read at least 30 minutes every day, beyond study and homework. Read what interests you – magazines, novels, whatever. People who read more know more. And when you take PSAT/NMSQT™, ACT, and SAT® tests, knowing more will really pay off. You take the PSAT/NMSQT or ACT as a junior (or even as a sophomore). So you have a few semesters before then to take the solid math and other courses that get you ready. How do you know all the right moves to get into college? Ask someone who’s done it. Get to know your counselors. Ask a career planner at a local college, or a trusted teacher. Do Web research.

With almost a decade of experience in the field of education, I have worked with hundreds of students and their families. Formally a high school English teacher, I noticed the need for more support throughout the crazy college search and application process! I want every student to end up at the school that is the best fit for them- academically, financially, and socially. Each student is unique, so I will work to create a customized plan of action. Get in touch to learn more about my college advising process and build a custom college plan! Read additional info at Custom college plan.

Strategize and create funding plans that assist you finding the best way to pay for college while enhancing retirement and other financial goals. Advice on advanced tax strategies, estate planning and financial planning related to the higher education system. Continued guidance and support throughout each year of college ensuring you remain in the best position to receive maximum financial aid, regardless of circumstantial changes. Additionally, all packages include access to a personalized online portal that will have clear deadlines, keep the student organized, and allow for regular communication between us. Contact me if you’d like to see a demo of this invaluable tool!

My experiences as a first generation college student and high school teacher for seven years are what led me to my passion of helping students and their families in the college selection process. College is the second largest investment a typical family will make, right after a house, so the stress that comes with making the right decision is understandable! My job is to ease the anxiety and burden and make this process as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved through efficient and effective college planning services. Read more information on here.