Your math score, science score, writing scores and more can enhance your profile among college admission teams, and can set you apart from the thousands of students who are also fighting for a seat at orientation. That means that it's critical to think about taking the SAT or ACT more than once.

Many elite schools saw a dramatic increase in applications, especially early applications, with Princeton up 18 percent and Columbia, Duke, Dartmouth, and Cornell reporting the largest early application pools in their histories.All Ivy League institutions and many other selective colleges have released their early admissions stats*. We've compiled them below and will continue to update the numbers applying to, and accepted by, these elite institutions.

The benefit of early SAT preparation has never been higher. Students who get down to the business of college planning well before the usual "crunch time" have a heaping advantage in the college admissions game and will likely have more educational options as they investigate college programs. Traditionally, guidance counselors meet with students in January or February of their 11th grade year (usually after the seniors have finished their January applications). By this time, a large percentage of junior year grades are in, and many students have missed out on taking courses that could burnish their college resumes.

Before a student even begins the college search, he or she will have to deal with things like taking college preparation classes in advanced mathematics and language arts, including foreign languages, visiting college fairs and college campuses, and determining a course of university study. The list offered here is the result of experience with thousands of  college-bound students and their parents who have been through the process. We hope that, as you apply to college and then bask in the joy of college acceptance, you'll see the process as a journey that is manageable -- and maybe even enjoyable -- with the right resources.  

Though many colleges are going "optional", a student who CAN post a score that's above the college's median should test. A score that helps you is better than a "no-score", so unless you have a 4.0 (a perfect GPA) a good ACT or SAT is increasing your chances for admission and increasing your PARENTS' chances for scholarship

Children respond well to various types of incentives and encouragement and a great majority of them enjoy being creative. So, how can we use this trait of theirs to reach the result we strive for?

Since we have all been there, from a more mature point and with the experience we accumulated, we can now try to help our offspring develop a genuine interest in chemistry and consequently, have no problem dealing with their homework and tests.

From a young age, students are told how important it is to score well on the SAT and ACT. Achieving high standardized test scores can be the difference between getting into a great school or settling for a safety option. Yet test scores are not the only criteria for admissions officers. The term "well-rounded" is often used to describe the ideal candidate for a college’s incoming class. If you want to stand out among other students vying for a spot at a top school, take the following steps to look more appealing.

Students preparing to attend college can often get confused by the test-optional policies at certain college and universities. When a student takes the SAT or ACT, it becomes a question how college admission boards use those scores to determine whether a student is considered a worthy candidate.

Success on many tests, especially standardized exams, has a lot to do with memory. When you’re faced with multiple choice questions, your ability to remember the correct answer from the available options depends on how well your memory works. Some people are gifted with better-than-average memories, while others have to work to achieve the focus that will allow them to succeed. Here are a few tips that can help your memory skills.

When it comes to college acceptance, there’s no doubt impressive SAT and ACT scores are important. Many universities use test performance to narrow down applicants, wait list or reject students who score below a certain level. However, standardized test scores are just one of many criteria colleges look for in a candidate. Playing sports, community involvement, recommendations and application essays are some of the other factors that can help students stand out to colleges. What else can you do?

Obtaining a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) is a beneficial step towards success in business. While there are exceptions, most people in senior leadership positions at large corporations have an MBA and companies looking to fill high-level jobs often include this distinction in the requirements for potential candidates.

High school can be very stressful for students who are juggling their academics with sports, extracurricular activities, jobs and volunteer work. Waiting until senior year to give serious thought to your college education heightens that stress! At Ivy Bound, we believe it’s never too early to start planning for college. While the tests and application process can be hard work, campus visits can be the most enjoyable aspect of the whole journey. How can students take advantage of these visits for their benefit?