Knowsys provides instruction on content for standardized tests such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. However, an impressive test score alone is not a guarantee of admission. When applying to college, remember that a college's admissions officers look at all of the following:

1) your SAT and/or ACT scores
2) your high school GPA
3) your high school program of study
4) your recommendation letters
5) your extracurricular activities

Knowsys recommends . . .  

If you're a high school student, keep an eye on the following:

• Your Test Scores:
  
  Research what test scores your top university choices are looking for and target above their average scores.
  
  Your goal is to have your ideal test score before you leave for the summer before your senior year!
  
  PSAT: Take the PSAT in October of your sophomore and junior years as practice for the SAT.
  
  SAT: Take the first SAT offered in the spring of your junior year. If need be, retake the test in May or June.
  
  ACT: Take the first ACT offered in the spring of your junior year. If need be, retake the test before the semester ends.
  
  Contact Knowsys for Test Preparation! You should prepare for the SAT and/or ACT before you take an exam that will go on your permanent testing transcript. Remember! Your SAT score report is cumulative (so all the results from any SAT exam you take will be sent on the same report).
  
  
  
• Your Course Work:
  
  Your goal is to earn your best possible GPA in the toughest possible classes. Avoid "office assistant" and other fluff courses!
  
  Select rigorous courses in English, grammar, math, science, and composition.
  
  Take as many advanced courses as possible.
  
  Remember that schools evaluate not only your grade in a course, but also the quality and level of the course itself. An easy A does not carry the same weight as a well-earned B!
  
  
  
• Your GPA:
  
  Again, your goal is to earn your best possible GPA in the toughest possible classes, so keep your grades up!
  
  Think of your GPA as the one part of your admissions package that you have the opportunity to improve on a daily basis. Study hard and always perform your best.
  
  
  
• Your Extracurricular Activities:
  
  Your goal is to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual who can balance school work and extracurricular activities.
  
  Community service work shows that you are a community-oriented individual and are likely to continue the pattern of contributing in the college environment.
  
  If you are not yet involved in community service work, find a worthwhile cause or causes and get involved!
  
  Keep an up-to-date record of your community service work, extracurricular activities, honors, awards, presentations, and anything else that would be of interest to an admissions counselor. Remember--everything counts!
  
  
  
• Your College Selection Process:
  
  Your goal is to know which universities you would like to attend and what you need to do to be competitive.
  
  Investigate the universities, their locations, their student cultures, their reputations, their alumni networks, and, of course, their admissions requirements.
  
  If at all possible, visit the university campuses, talk to students, and visit some classes.
  
  For advice, talk, talk, and talk some more to your high school counselor.
  
  
  
• Your College Application:
  
  Your goal is to prepare the best possible application package -- one that makes you stand out from the other applicants and spotlights all your great and unique features.
  
  Don't miss those deadlines! Create your own College Admissions Calendar with all the vital admissions and financial aid application dates. Check that calendar frequently so you don't miss anything important!
  
  Contact Knowsys for Admissions Consulting. We'll help you work through every stage of your application -- from essays to interviewing -- to ensure you make your best impression!