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Sending Your ACT Scores To College

Sending your ACT scores to the colleges of your choice is extremely easy once you understand what to  expect. Assuming you studied for the ACT or the SAT, you already know that preparation almost always involves careful planning, and sending your scores to college is no exception.Test

Every ACT registrant has a few different options when it comes to sending their scores to college. Let’s have a look at the 3 different kinds of score reports a student can request:

1. ACT free report:
When you register for the ACT, you are able to choose sending four free score reports. This means, however, if you do not perform as well as you had hoped, the school is still going to see this score. Most would advise against choosing the ACT free report because of the lack of control over whether you will be sending your best (or worst) score to the college of your dreams. That being said, there are some schools that require all ACT scores to be sent to their admissions. Some selective schools including Stanford, Yale, Georgetown, and University of Pennsylvania, among others, require all ACT scores to be sent. There is not a fully comprehensive list available of schools that require all ACT scores sent, so it’s recommended to double check on the school website, as their stance is generally laid out clearly regarding ACT scores. Rest assured, however, that most schools comply with the ACT Score Choice, which we are about to discuss.

2. Regular Report:
The ACT Score Choice allows you to send only scores from specific testing dates to the college of your choice. Note that this does not include individual section scores, however. This is nice because you have the chance to highlight only your highest scores to admissions.  The cost to send one test score to each college is $12, so depending on your situation, this can add up quickly. Let’s imagine you have 7 schools you’d like to apply to. All of these schools allow the ACT superscore, which means they take the best scores from each section of the ACT to form a new “super” composite score.  You’d like to send three tests to each school because on test 1 you scored highest in Reading and English and on test 2 you scored highest on Math and on test 3 you scored highest in Science. The cost to send these 21 tests to 7 schools adds up to $252. This can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. The key here is that you have the choice.

3. Rush Report:
If time is of the essence, the ACT has got you covered here as well, but, per usual, it’s going to cost you more.  These rush reports will set you back $16.50 each. Regular reports take up to a week to be processed, whereas rush reports are processed within 2 days and are received by the school of your choice within 3-4 business days. It’s important to keep organized with admissions deadlines to avoid requiring rush reporting.

Now that you better understand the ACT Score choice, here are some tips to better plan your testing:

Take The Test At Least Twice:
It’s in your best interest to take the ACT more than once because your scores can improve with familiarity and additional focused practice. Assuming you study between the tests, there is no reason your score should not improve. In addition, if you apply section-specific studying strategies for ACT superscoring, you could focus on studying and improving specific sections at a time and eventually reach a higher composite superscore after taking 2-3 tests.

Relax:
None of the ACT tests you are taking are make or break in regards to your admissions into your top school (assuming you don’t need to send in all tests). However, you should not use this as an excuse to not study or prepare for the test. The advantage of taking the ACT multiple times is to improve upon pinpointed weaknesses and/or reach higher section scores, not to slack off.

Aim to hit your target score within 4 tests:
You should go into the ACT with a solid studying plan and rest assured that you can reach your target score. If the schools you are applying to superscore, then they can pull the highest section scores for a higher overall score. But with the costs of sending these scores as well as the time spent studying and taking the test, it’s best to go into this with an idea of the maximum amount of times you’d like to take the ACT.

Now that you understand the ACT Score Choice, your next step will be to make the purchases! On your online ACT account, you simply click on “Send Your Scores.”  A list of all tests you’ve taken will appear and you will select the date you’d like to send as well as input the school code that you would like to send it to. You have the option to select standard or priority reports.

If you’re not into technology and stuff, you have a few other ways to get your score reports to your school choices:

Hopefully this has helped shed some light on how to get your ACT scores to your preferred schools. Rest assured that if you take the time to strategize your studying and score reporting, there is little stopping you from getting into your top school!

Good luck!

About the Author:
Kristine Thorndyke works for Quesbook, an ACT test prep service that offers students free personalized studying as well as comprehensive study resources.

Are you studying for the ACT? Quesbook offers ACT scholarships of up to $20,000 for high schools preparing for the test. What are you waiting for? Earn some free cash for studying!

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That College Decision By May 1

Making that college decision by May 1 is one of the most important deadlines to remember.  It has been a whirlwind up to this point — applications, essays, campus visits, research, and those long SAT’s or ACT’s.  Nothing feels more right than to finally put your feet up and take a break, after all, you have worked hard to get here!  But unfortunately, there is no time to rest for the weary.  May1DeadlineIt’s decision time and it’s an enormous decision!

This is the time of year when colleges and universities are waiting on you!  But even though they are waiting, they only allow a specified amount of time before those coveted spots are released for others seeking a college to call home.

The May 1 deadline, also known as National Deposit Day to some, is the official day by which current seniors must make up their minds on where they plan to enroll.  Sounds easy, right?  It is a difficult decision for many and unless you are prepared it can become more stressful than getting admitted.

Here are a few things to consider to assist in making this a “no-regret” decision.

  • Like any large purchase, cost is a major factor — take a look at the money.  Hopefully by this point you and your family have completed the FAFSA.  Be sure to know when the Financial Aid Application deadline is at each school on your “make a decision” list.  It is important not to make a decision based on the “sticker price” because any financial aid – (grants, loans, scholarships, etc.) will offset this bottom line.  Be on the lookout for the college to provide you with a Financial Aid Award Letter soon!
  • When it comes to the things you love most, how does the college measure up against those things that interest you?  Whether it be hiking, snow-skiing nearby, certain clubs or organizations on or off campus, shopping, fishing or the such — look more in-depth than just the surface into how the college can satisfy this need.
  • If you are confident on your academic focus, how does the colleges compare as it relates to their program’s reputation, quality and outcomes?  It would be super if all programs were equal, but they are not.  Do as much insightful research into the programs as possible — it’s amazing how much you’ll come to learn.
  • Did I mention opportunities?  Opportunities to engage with professors and the community are critical to building your readiness for the “real-world” with experience through internships or by volunteering.
  • Consider the Big Picture!  When you take a look at the big picture, it is likely no one school will fit everything on your wish list perfectly.  Take a look at the big picture to see what is most important, what weighs more or less and apply those things to what value would be added to both your personal and professional growth.

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Last Minute Gift Ideas

Are you looking for some last minute gift ideas for a family member, neighbor or special someone?  Consider gifting a career assessment, personality type indicator, learning style inventory or multiple intelligence assessment!  They are great and quick options and provide the student or adult valuable information and insight into their world and journey.  Each instrument is filled with details specific to the individual and comes with a personalized report and an *one-hour interpretive session from a certified practitioner.

Here is a brief description for each instrument:

MBTI Certified Logo (PMS)_hiresMyers Briggs Type Indicator – The MBTI® unleashes the knowledge for each person to understand more about themselves and the depth of their own preferences.  It has the ability to unlock personal potential with the keys to awareness of personality types through it’s use in the workplace, career choice and professions, learning styles, relationships and personal growth.

“Good type development can be achieved at any age by anyone who cares to understand his or her own gifts and the appropriate use of those gifts.”    -Isabel Briggs Myers
Strong Certified Logo (CMYK)Strong Interest Inventory® – The Strong is an incredible instrument used in both high school and college settings for students uncertain as to what major and/or career for which they are best suited.  It’s one of the world’s most widely respected career planning tools.  Are you trying to figure out what might be a good fit?  Or maybe you’re in the middle of a career transition and need some ideas!  
logo_lsiLearning Styles Inventory – The LSI is a fantastic way to identify the absolute ideal environment that suits how you learn best, ultimately learning how to study smarter.  Supported by over 30 years of research, the LSI unleashes the student’s unique learning style “to boost confidence, self-esteem and academic achievement.”
logo_miMultiple Intelligence Advantage™ –  When it comes to intellect, there is nothing more powerful than discovering that which is unique about the individual student in order to strengthen all intelligence, boost confidence and explore career possibilities.  There is nothing better than unlocking the understanding of a student’s whole intellect.
Would you like to learn more?  Complete the form below and Mark will contact you!
[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’I Am Interested In:’ type=’checkbox-multiple’ options=’MBTI®,Strong Interest Inventory®,The Learning Styles Inventory,Multiple Intelligence Advantage’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’/][/contact-form]
*The one-hour interpretive session can be done in person, via-video conference or phone conference.

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Mark Cruver Earns CEP Designation

Mark Cruver of Capstone Educational Consultants in Fayetteville, GA is part of a growing group of educational consultants and school counselors in the nation to earn the designation of Certified Educational Planner (CEP).

Mark Cruver Earns CEP Designation
Mark Cruver is located in Fayette County Georgia and provides college planning assistance throughout the greater Atlanta area.

“We are proud to have Mark Cruver receive this certification,” said Judy Bass, Chair of the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP). “We believe this certification sets the standard for professional college counselors not only in knowledge and experience, but in ongoing professional development.  There is no higher mark of distinction in the profession,” she noted.

Capstone Educational Consultants is a growing practice serving the greater metro-Atlanta area and beyond, providing excellent service through professional expertise to college-bound students and their families in the college selection, admissions and financial aid process.  “[Capstone] is an excellent choice when your loved ones are facing the important college decision,” said Blueprint Automations and Robotics’ former president, Peter Schneider.  Mark Cruver’s consulting practice is an active member of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.  More information can be found by visiting www.capstoneeducationalconsultants.com.

Certified Educational Planner Distinction
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The profession of college counseling is growing in importance and recognition, as the need for a post-secondary education increases in today’s society.

Certification is granted to those consultants and counselors who meet stringent application requirements including a Master’s degree, specialized training, significant professional experience, and involvement in professional activities and organizations.  Mark Cruver had to pass a board certified examination which covered both institutional and professional knowledge; provided a list of professional references; and signed a pledge to adhere to stringent ethical practices.

CEP’s are recertified every five years on the basis of college visits, continuing education hours and other professional endeavors. All applicants are reviewed by their peers.

“The group of certified educational consultants and counselors is a remarkable one,” noted Bass. “Never before in the profession of educational consulting have persons been asked to demonstrate such a high level of professional knowledge and experience,” she concluded.

The CEP Program began in 1994 under the sponsorship of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), an association representing full-time experienced professionals in private practice in the field of college guidance and school/educational program placements. “The CEP designation assures families that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining the highest quality of service to their students,” said Mark Skarlow, Executive Director of IECA.

Information on the CEP program is available through the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, 617 W. Montecito Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, www.aicep.org.

 

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Mark Cruver Honored in Planting School

Dayton, TN – Rhea County Academy (RCA) of Dayton, TN, today, recognized Mark Cruver of Fayetteville, GA, one of its founding members for his dedication, guidance and vision in establishing Rhea County’s first private school (K-12).  The founding members of Rhea County Academy represented a diverse balance across academia.  To include retired educators, Admissions professionals and invested parents, the founding members cast their vision began from the ground-up.Mark Cruver

Mark Cruver has been an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) since 2012 and assists high school students throughout Fayette County and the greater Atlanta area with all aspects of their college journey.   Mr. Cruver earned a bachelor of arts degree in Christian education with a youth emphasis from Bryan College (TN).   He received a master of education with a focus on college student affairs from Azusa Pacific University several years later.

Mr. Cruver earned an Independent Educational Consultant Certificate from the University of California – Irvine in 2014.    Mark Cruver has served as director of admissions for Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, where he developed an insiders perspective from applications to essays, understanding the elements most attractive to university or college admissions departments and served on Rhea County Academy’s inaugural board.

Mark continues to expand his education as it relates to college and career.  He is a Strong Interest Inventory® and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator certified practitioner.  Mr. Cruver attends multiple national IEC conferences and workshops each year.  He holds active Professional Membership with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and works primarily with students on their journey to college.

Rhea County Academy of Dayton, Tennessee was founded in 2003 and deemed Rhea County’s first private school for students K-5.  RCA continues to provide an excellent education, graduating their first class in 2015.  Today, RCA has a strong student body of 90 students K-12 with a continued vision focused on quality and excellence.

For many years following RCA’s launch they called Grace Bible Church of Dayton, Tennessee their home.  Due to overwhelming support, they now have their own space to call home on California Avenue in Dayton, Tennessee.  This full-sized facility, consists of classroom space for all grade levels.   Recreational activities are held outside on their well-equipped playground and athletic fields.  RCA has partnered with Rhea County’s local homeschool network to offer classroom experiences.  Bryan College provides dual-enrollment options for RCA’s high school students.