Student Planner Questions

It is best to begin thinking about college no later than junior high or middle school. A student who decides to go to college before high school is able to use all four years to help reach his or her goals. If you know the courses you need to take in high school, you can start satisfying college admission requirements as early as the 8th grade. The decisions you make about your high school studies can influence whether the college you choose will also want you.

Sometimes it is difficult to decide, especially for students who enjoy many different things and have the ability to do lots of things well. One strategy that can help is to begin thinking about your career choices early and to consider all the different aspects of a job. Do some research, find out what jobs are available, and talk to people who work in an area that you think sounds interesting. It may not be necessary to decide on a specific career immediately, but it is a good idea to narrow your choices as much as possible. Use the Career Matching Assistant module to assist your search.

Even if they are not required for high school graduation, most colleges require at least three, and preferably four, years of studies in the following subjects:

• English
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies

In addition, many colleges require at least two years of the same foreign language. Computer science courses or courses that require students to use computers in research and project preparation are often essential for college performance. Courses that require study and time outside the classroom (debate, band, communications, and drama) indicate a teamwork and "get it done" personality.

For more detailed information, check out our College Entrance Requirements section that outlines the minimum requirements for the different types of institutions in Georgia. When you populate the High School Planner, you can use the Planner Comparison to compare your coursework with the entrance requirements of your college of choice.

Your grades are important. However, the difficulty of your coursework can also be a significant admissions factor. In general, most colleges prefer students with average grades in tougher courses than students who opt for easy A's.

Class Rank
College admissions counselors usually consider class rank. By doing so, colleges are looking at the grades you make in relation to your peers.

Standardized Tests
In addition to coursework, grades, and class rank, scores on standardized tests (such as the SAT and ACT) are included among the criteria for admission to some colleges and universities. Make sure to use our Test Prep section to help you prepare to take these tests.

College Credit Before You Start
Often high school students are eligible to receive college credit while they are still enrolled in high school. Advanced Placement and technical-preparation courses offer students the chance to gain college credit and save on tuition.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in more than 20 subjects. Students scoring high enough on AP exams can receive college credit and save time and money by taking fewer college courses. Ask your high school counselor if AP courses are available in your school.

Students interested in attending college should become familiar with three exams associated with college admissions. Check with your high school counselor, the admissions officers at the schools you are interested in attending, or the online information in the GA Colleges section of this site for test requirements and score ranges. Be sure to go to the Test Prep section of this site for tutorials and sample tests. You may also wish to check your local bookstore for test preparation books.

PSAT
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship programs if taken in the junior year. The PSAT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. Talk to your high school counselor for more information.

SAT
The SAT is one of two standardized tests used by colleges as part of their admissions criteria. The SAT is a four-hour exam that measures the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. Scores on each section range from 200-800 points. The SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II) are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. Colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Check with your counselor and the admissions office of the school you are considering to determine whether or not to take these tests. General inquiries regarding the SAT can be made to the College Board through e-mail SAT@info.collegeboard.org or by phone at (609) 771-7600 (Monday through Friday).

ACT Assessment
Another standardized test used for admissions by colleges is the ACT Assessment. The test is designed to measure achievement in English, math, reading, and science. Scores for each section are averaged to create a composite score. A perfect score on the ACT Assessment is 36. Contact your high school counselor for test dates, locations, and study materials to familiarize yourself with test content and questions, or call the ACT information line at (319) 337-1000 (Monday through Friday).

Some students do choose to take both the SAT and the ACT, and some test takers do perform better on one than the other. Talk to your counselor or an admissions officer at a college or university before deciding which test to take and whether or not to take them both. There really isn't any way to know whether you will do better on one or the other until you take them.

Both the ACT and the SAT allow test takers to send their scores to several different organizations, including scholarship programs, colleges, and universities. Even if you aren't certain which school(s) you will apply to, you can send your scores to those that you think are your most likely selections. If you decide on one that isn't even on your list of possibilities, you can pay to have another report sent there later.

Yes, both the ACT and the SAT allow students to take the test multiple times. Sometimes scores do improve enough to make a difference, but there is no guarantee that scores will improve. Spending time in the Test Prep section of this site may help you improve your scores. Talk to a counselor for advice on retaking the test.