Applying to College
Two Year
Four Year
Public & Private colleges and universities typically require an application, essays, test score reports, teacher recommendations, secondary school and/or mid-year reports, and possibly more. Since requirements may vary, please visit the college's website for more detailed information.
Common Application - a uniform college application used to make the process much easier without having to complete individual college application forms
The Coalition - application platform accepted by 140 colleges
ESSAYS AND INTERVIEWS
SUPPLEMENTS (FORMS, PORTFOLIOS, AUDITIONS, ETC.)
Some college and programs may require students to include supplemental information in addition to the application forms. Please review the college websites for further instructions.
College Admissions Testing
PSAT - PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
The PSAT/NMSQT measure critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills
The NMSQT portion uses the scores from the math, verbal reasoning, and writing to find the top 1% of the nation's juniors for eligibility in participating in Merit and Achievement programs.
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
To see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11).
To help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
To receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service.
The PSAT is administered on the Windsorr HS campuses once a year in October. Talk to your school counselor to find out how to sign up for the test at your school. For more information about the PSAT, click the link below.
ACT - AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST
These are four, 35-60 minute tests in academic areas of English, mathematics, social studies, reading and science reasoning. Scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high) for each of the four tests and the Composite. The Composite score is the average of the four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. There is an optional writing assessment which is required by certain colleges; check the ACT website or the college website to determine if you will need this section.
For more information about the ACT and how to register, click on the link below.
SAT REASONING - SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST
The SAT Reasoning Test is a college admissions test comprised of a verbal, math and writing section. The SAT assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college—skills that students learned in high school. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in and outside of the classroom—including how they think, solve problems, and communicate.
Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice questions and the essay. It is administered seven times a year at various sites off campus. Students can register though The College Board.
For more information about the SAT and how to register, click the link below.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, and your ability to apply that knowledge. These are one hour tests and students may register for up to three tests on one date. The SAT subject tests are usually offered on the same days as the SAT, but there are exceptions. Check the calendar carefully to make sure the test you need to take is offered on a particular date. Not all SAT subject area tests are offered every test administration.
Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.
Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas:
English literature
Foreign Languages
Mathematics
Science
History
Most students take Subject Tests toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year.
Take tests such as World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind. For foreign language tests, you'll do better after at least two years of study.
For more information about the SAT Subject Area Test, visit the following website:
AP - ADVANCE PLACEMENT
AP tests are placement tests taken after completing a college level course. These are high school examinations based on college level courses. AP exams are given once a year in May. The scores are primarily used for college placement, credit or advanced standing. The most highly selective colleges may also consider AP scores as part of the admission decision. Universities grant either advanced placement and/or credit with qualifying score. Tests are administered in May to students completing appropriate courses.
Unlike honors courses, students may earn college credit, depending on their AP test scores and the colleges' requirements. To find out more about AP tests, click HERE.
TOEFL
TOEFL is a college admission/placement test to evaluate English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. It's generally required of undergraduates seeking a first degree and graduate students seeking an advanced degree. The TOEFL is offered at over 300 test centers around the world and the computer-based test may be scheduled at the convenience of the student.
To learn more about the TOEFL test and how to register for the test, visit the following TOEFL website.
TEST PREP INFORMATION