CATES Blog

Does eating healthy help me in the admissions and testing process?

The short answer to this question is yes.  In the doldrums of Junior year when you are burdened with SAT test prep, college visits, and a mountain of school-work keeping yourself healthy is essential.

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What is the PSAT, and why do I need to take it?

The Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, is taken by juniors during the third Thursday in October.  (Some schools actually offer the PSAT to sophomores as well, and if yours is one of them, take advantage of it.)  The test is basically a practice run for the real SAT, and since you won’t submit it to colleges, it won’t have any direct impact on whether or not you’ll be admitted.

Still, not only should you take the PSAT seriously, you should join the hundreds of students who get a jump on SAT prep by studying for the PSAT.

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If I’m from outside of the United States, what do I need to know about applying to colleges within the U.S.?

The United States has some of the best colleges and universities in the world, and it’s not surprising that many international students want to apply to them.  If you’re one of those students, however, you may be feeling a little intimidated.  What’s the process of applying to colleges and universities in America, and how is it different for international students?

First, make sure not to put off your applications until the last minute.  This is important for anyone applying to college, but it’s especially important for international applicants.  Do your research early, and don’t be afraid to call or email the admissions office, if there are questions you have about applying that aren’t answered on the college website. There are many wonderful colleges in the U.S. you may not have heard of, and its worth consulting US News and World Report, or the Fiske Guide. If you’re from another country, even something as straightforward as a high school transcript is more likely to be in a format–or language–unfamiliar to college admissions officers in the United States.  Give yourself plenty of time to adjust for any confusion.

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How can I prepare for my first year in college?

Summer’s already drawing to a close, and you’re on the verge of heading into your freshman year of college.  After years of AP classes and college board exams—not to mention writing admissions essays and visiting various campuses—you’re probably relieved to be done with high school, and also a little terrified of what challenges college may have in store.

Here’s the good news.  The same skills you’ve developed in preparing for the ACT and SAT, in juggling classes and extracurricular activities, and in putting together college applications are going to serve you well

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What should I do after the end of the school year?

It’s summertime!

If you’re a junior, you’ve finished what was probably one of the most intense academic years of your life.  Chances are, you’ve made it through some challenging AP or Honors classes, and (after weeks of anxious waiting) you’ve gotten your ACT or SAT test results back.

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