Hey there, future college students! Heard some rumblings about the PSAT (also called the PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)? It might sound fancy, but it's basically a practice test for the SAT, the big college entrance exam, with some awesome perks thrown in. Let's break it down.

The post PSAT: The First Step to Acing Your College Prep appeared first on Going Merry.

Many college applications require standardized test scores, but most offer students a choice: ACT or SAT. Some students choose to take both tests, but that’s not an option for everyone. After all, testing can be time-consuming and expensive — especially once you factor in tutoring services and practice materials. So, how do you decide to take the ACT vs. SAT? While the two tests serve the same function, they’re vastly different. Some students who earn top marks on the SAT flunk the ACT and vice versa. When college acceptance can depend on your scores, it’s important to choose wisely. Here’s how to tell which test is right for you.

The post ACT vs SAT: Which Test Should I Take? appeared first on Going Merry.

Should rankings be a part of your selection process? College ranking lists are a popular tool for choosing a college or university, but many prospective students think college rank is objective and official. In reality, these lists can be highly subjective. Here’s a look behind the scenes — plus, how to use a rankings list the right way.

The post Can You Trust College Rankings? appeared first on Going Merry.

Applying early for college could make it easier to get into your top-choice school. But how do you know which deadline to target to improve your chances? It starts with understanding the different types of college application deadlines and decision plans. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice.

The post Early Action vs Early Decision: Which Should I Choose? appeared first on Going Merry.

An outstanding college essay can be the x-factor that gets you accepted to the school of your choice. The Common Application, with its variety of essay prompts, can help you showcase your personality, achievements, and aspirations. Here are our best strategies to select and answer the Common App essay questions for the 2024-2025 admissions year.

The post How to Answer the 2024-25 Common App Essay Questions appeared first on Going Merry.

If you’re a college counselor, coach, teacher, or mentor looking to support your college-bound students, chances are you’ve been asked to write a strong letter of recommendation. With so much competition these days, it can take a lot to help your student stand out. Here’s how to write a college letter of recommendation that will blow the admission committee’s socks off.

The post How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College appeared first on Going Merry.

If you’re one of the many smart, hard-working students who don’t test well, you might hear the words “test-optional” and imagine the sound of angels singing. But what is test-optional, really? Should you still submit SAT or ACT scores even if a school doesn’t require them? Will admissions officers evaluate you differently if you don’t have standardized test scores? Here’s what you need to know.

The post What Does Test-Optional Really Mean? appeared first on Going Merry.

Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn credits toward both their high school diploma and a postsecondary degree at the same time. It doesn't matter if you go to private school or public school – dual enrollment is available to almost all U.S. high school students. If you want to graduate college as soon as possible, save money on tuition, and better prepare yourself for university curriculum, dual enrollment could be for you.

The post What is Dual Enrollment and How Does it Work? appeared first on Going Merry.

As you navigate the college application process, you may have heard the term "test-optional" in relation to SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional admissions policies allow students to choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. Going Merry has compiled answers to common questions that students and parents have on how test-optional policies work, and how they impact you.

The post A Guide to Test-Optional Colleges appeared first on Going Merry.

If you’re a high school student considering your next step, traditional four-year colleges are probably on your radar. Junior colleges can be a great place to start your higher education. They’re affordable, accessible, and most allow you to transfer your credits to four-year universities. Before you decide where to pursue your education, take a closer look at community colleges and how they stack up against four-year institutions.

The post Community College vs. a Four-Year University: 8 Key Differences appeared first on Going Merry.