A few years ago, the question wasn’t whether a student would take the SAT or ACT; it was how many times. Today, with most colleges offering test-optional admissions, students are understandably confused. Is testing still necessary? Helpful? A waste of time?

College readiness is about far more than grades and test scores. Students who thrive in college also demonstrate independence, emotional maturity, practical life skills, and academic preparedness. Understanding the full picture of college readiness can help families support their students in meaningful, realistic ways while they are still in high school, equipping them to be ready for the next step in their educational and life journeys.

Here are some key signs that a student is truly ready for the academic and personal demands of college.

Planning for a purposeful summer begins well ahead of the last day of school. What is meant by “purposeful”? Well, it’s not about being busy with activities you think colleges might like. It’s about exploration, personal experiences that foster growth and independence, and developing curiosity.

Many students have never heard of honors colleges. I am a big fan of these opportunities, especially if a student is considering attending a large public university.  Are honors colleges only for "genius" students? What are the benefits? Is being an honors college student worth the extra work?

Learn how honors colleges work, their benefits, admission requirements, and whether they could be an option to consider for your college education.

Visiting colleges in person is one of the most valuable ways to get a feel for a school. While researching colleges is definitely important, seeing a college campus in person and talking to students is essential in helping you discover good fits for you.  Here’s how to make the most out of your college visits.

At some point after you’ve submitted your applications, admissions decisions will be made, and each college will notify you. The notification timeline varies depending on the type of application: Early Decision/Early Decision 1/Early Decision 2, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admissions. 

For Rolling Admissions, applicants hear quickly, sometimes within a few days of applying. Early Action notifications vary-this year, some have heard within a few weeks of applying, but typically decisions are posted from early December to mid-February. Early Decision applicants usually find out in mid-December about that outcome. Regular Decision applicants hear in March-early April.

This post outlines the primary types of college admissions decisions, enabling you to understand what to expect and the implications of each outcome.

Now that you’ve submitted college applications, what are the next steps? What should you be aware of and pay attention to? Here are productive and positive steps seniors can take while waiting for college admissions decisions.

Demonstrated interest is an important factor for some colleges as they assess applicants. Showing your interest in a college can be handled in several ways. It is a factor that some colleges measure and track in their applicant pools.