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Course: Digital SAT Math > Unit 1
Lesson 2: Preparing for the SATBeyond the SAT: resources for college
Google ClassroomA guide to the SAT's role in the college admissions process
The college search and application process can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate it.
Researching and applying to schools
There are thousands of colleges and universities out there, so it can be helpful to start by narrowing down your options based on factors like location, size, and majors offered.
Check out BigFuture on College Board for more information and resources about searching, applying, and paying for college, and staying organized throughout the process. There, you can research and build a list of colleges to apply to, find scholarships and complete the FAFSA, and explore career options and how they relate to different college majors.
Once you’ve identified some schools you’re interested in, it’s time to start working on your applications. Many schools use the Common Application, which allows you to apply to multiple schools using one application. You’ll need to write essays, request transcripts and letters of recommendation, and fill out financial aid forms. Which brings us to…
The elements of your application
While the SAT is an important part of the college application process for many schools, it’s not the only thing that colleges consider when they’re reviewing your application. In fact, many colleges have moved away from requiring standardized test scores altogether. If you’re not feeling confident about your SAT scores, don’t worry—you still have plenty of options.
Here are some other key elements of your application:
- Your academic record: Colleges will be looking at your high school transcript to see how you’ve performed academically. Make sure you’re taking challenging courses and doing your best to maintain good grades.
- Extracurricular activities: Colleges want to see that you’re involved in activities outside of the classroom. This could include sports, clubs, volunteering, or part-time jobs. But, don’t just join a bunch of activities to round out your college application! In general, admissions officers are looking for depth, rather than breadth, of activities—find what you are passionate about and pursue it.
- Essays and personal statements: These are your chances to showcase your personality and explain why you’d be a good fit for the school you’re applying to.
- Letters of recommendation: These are letters from teachers or other adults who know you well and can speak to your strengths and character.
Other resources
Make sure to check in with your high school guidance counselor throughout the search and application process. They can be a great source of information and support!
In addition to College Board’s BigFuture, there are plenty of online resources to help you. Khan Academy offers a College Admissions course with articles, videos, and resources to help you navigate the process—including how to find and compare different schools, how to approach the different elements of your application, how to pay for college, and much more. There are also other websites and services that can provide additional information, guidance, and support.
The college search and application process can be stressful, but remember that it’s also an exciting time in your life. Congratulations on getting started—you’ve got this!
Want to join the conversation?
I have been thinking about what to do for extra
curriculars since the place where i live has no ap classes neither do they have school clubs or anything. If i could have some suggestions it would be much
appreciated . I'm in grade 11 btw Andi don't have any major achievements like Olympiad or being good at sports(20 votes)
Make a list of what you like doing, however ridiculous, then try to find what you could do that gets close to that. Volunteering can help a lot, or you can try to talk to leaders in your community and start something new. A lot of the time they'll be glad to help your project. You can get your friends to help present you project too, and that might help too. Colleges would love you creating opportunities for yourself and others.
You can also try to find something you like (a particular sport or topic) in the school curriculum and really focus on that. If you like math, for example, you could just keep up in other topics but find fun facts about math ; a deeper understanding of math will come on its own after a few months. But this is probably lower-effect than the first strategy.(8 votes)
I'm gonna start my 9th grade this fall and I'll have to join in so many important test this year. I really wanna study college in the us so I'm preparing for it now(12 votes)- Best of luck !(9 votes)
I'm gonna start my 9th grade this fall and I'll have to join in so many important test this year. I really wanna study college in the us so I'm preparing for it now but sometimes it's just too overwhelming since we have a transformation test to can get into high school😭😭( im from Vietnam)(8 votes)- Well, wish you luck.(8 votes)
- About the academic record, how it works for homeschoolers?(5 votes)
For homeschooled students, making a transcript that lists the classes taken and grades earned is important. It should also include course descriptions and a clear grading scale. Additionally, sharing standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and any unique projects or achievements can help colleges understand your homeschooling.(4 votes)
- if i dont pass do i fial(5 votes)
Don't worry. The SAT isn't a pass-fail test. It just shows college readiness. :) Best of luck!(1 vote)
I'm worried about the letter of recommendation. As a homeschooler, most of my time for schoolwork is online and I learned through video records, meaning I've never met or talked to the teacher on video. So I don't know who I will ask for a recommendation letter. Can my dad or my cousin write a recommendation letter for me instead? Does anyone have any idea?(4 votes)- what if i'm gojng to trade school, do they still check my SAT scores or no(4 votes)
what are the advantages and disadvantages of giving SAT at 9th standard?(3 votes)- Sorry, meant to post as an answer. I guess some advantages would be colleges would see that you are giving it at a lower grade than normal which shows how you are serious about college and your future and things like that. Another advantage would be if you are getting a good scor such as 1500 and higher, it shows on your record and colleges can see that you have a lot of talent from such a young grade level. A disadvantage would be you don't have so much experience and practice time like other highschoolers in grades higher than yours. I can't be talking though, Im preparing for SAT's in 8th grade so :) Hope that helps!(2 votes)
I won a couple Olympiads when I was young (grade 3-5), but that was in India. If I manage to show these achievements to colleges or universities, will that be an advantage?(2 votes)
It depends.
1. What is the region of olympiad? Like international, or simply regional.
2. How long was it ago? Grade 3 - 5 awards is definitely not significant in comparison to awards got around grade 9 - 11 (University). They would consider it, but it won't give too much of an advantage.
3. What kind of olympiad is it? I'm sure when applying for subjects like arts, math olympiad wouldn't help that much.
But this so-called advantage is simply an extra on your SAT score, so you still have to get a decent SAT before them considering your awards.(2 votes)
- what happen if you fail the test.(2 votes)
- If you fail the test, you can always retake the test in the spring or fall.(1 vote)