For those of you reading along, here are the dates for the next SAT and ACT tests are:

ACT September 15, 2007 
SAT October 6, 2007
ACT October 27, 2007 
SAT November 3, 2007

Just posted a list of important college admissions dates as well as some general tips when thinking about applying to college. Many of the dates posted, (ie: UC application deadlines) do not change from year-to-year, but you should ALWAYS be sure to check with the school(s) to be sure the information is correct.

When you go on your college visit, make sure to call in advance to tell them you’re coming. It lets them know that you’re making the effort to see their school. Whether it’s 300 miles or 3000 miles away, it flatters them. Sign up for a campus tour as well as an interview with someone in admissions. If you’re interested in drama, a sport, a particular program of study…make sure to speak with someone in that department too. If you’re an athlete, be prepared in case the coach asks for a sports resume or a tape, but don’t be presumptuous and give it when he hasn’t asked for it. Have it tucked in your bag or your mom’s purse. You don’t want to appear overly confident. You can also let him know that you can send him anything if you don’t want to lug it around.

If you decide to go on your own tour around campus (you don’t feel like doing the entire scheduled tour, or the timing doesn’t fit with your schedule), take notes on the unique qualities of the school. The weather, the buildings, etc don’t need to go in this group of notes. Notice the kiosks…what are the papers and flyers saying…are they very politically focused, are they talking about the upcoming concerts, upcoming sports games, lectures, are they about topics such as racism, gay/lesbian issues, is religion predominant, or is everything very Greek (sorority/fraternity) focused? Can you get a feel for the student body walking around…or does everyone seem to be in the library? Does it feel southern? eastern? midwestern? Do the students seem sophisticated? Too dressed up or too casual? Do you see teachers walking around or giving outdoor classes? Do you like the food in the eating halls/food centers? Does it seem healthy or is it all fast food? Are there good options? Do students stay on campus on the weekends or is it more of a commuter school? Are the athletic facilities close to the student dorms?

These questions will help you to distinguish between schools. You may see 8 schools with brick buildings, green grass, and great weather…be able to go beyond those descriptions.

Juniors and Seniors…now is a good time to start thinking about writing a personal statement. The main question (500-600 words) for most college applications will ask you about a significant experience, person, book, or event in your life that has helped you to become who you are today. Often the short question (150-200 words) will ask you about your most meaningful extracurricular activity. Start making a list of ideas that could be topics for these essays. The long essay should show (not just tell) a lot about you. The short question is your chance to explain how or why a sport, club, class, camp, or a community service activity has been meaningful to you.

Students: spend some time this summer learning SAT vocabulary words. Even if you learn a word a day, you better the odds at finding that word or a similar word on the actual test. Collegeboard has been known to use the same vocab words on different tests.

The PSAT is usually given in October for sophomores and juniors. While it is not necessary, students should take the opportunity to brush up on their PSAT/SAT skills before taking the test. Students may receive a National Merit Scholarship by scoring a high score on their PSAT. Each year some 55,000 high school students are honored in NMSC programs and more than 10,500 of the most outstanding participants receive scholarships worth a total of $50 million for college undergraduate study. Students can sign up at their individual high schools for the October PSAT.

Remember to sign up for the September ACT by August 19th on www.act.org For students applying to the UC’s or most private universities, you need to sign up for the “optional” ACT 30 minute essay. Unlike the SAT essay, the ACT essay will be given at the end of the test. The overall time of testing for the ACT is actually shorter than the SAT. Most every school in the nation accepts both tests.

Remember to sign up for the October SAT test on www.collegeboard.com by September 7th at a location near you/your high school.

It is official, the DanielleBianchi.com website is under construction. Hopefully, we will have the first draft or two up in the next couple of days. Be sure to check back this week for updates.