Texas A&M University has a saying for all high school seniors:  "No pumpkin pie before you apply", meaning, you should have your college applications filled out and sent before Thanksgiving!

I would agree with that advice.  The sooner you send in your applications, the more likely you are to receive scholarships from the specific universities.  Please let me know where you want me to send your child's transcripts.  Even though they receive the transcript in a few days, it usually takes them about three weeks to actually upload it in to their system.

PLEASE, PLEASE, if you have not already signed up to take the ACT or SAT, sign up TODAY for the next available date.  Time is running out for scheduled test dates!

Register for the SAT and ACT!  The SAT is given by the College Board.  You may register at www.collegeboard.com.  Your child will need to set up an account if they don't have one already.  For the ACT, you will need to set up your account at www.actstudent.org.

For both, the process to register takes about 20 minutes and you pay the fee using a credit/debit card.  You will choose the date you want to take the test, the place, and you can assign up to 4 colleges to automatically receive the scores for free.  Since colleges prefer to receive the scores directly from SAT or ACT, I suggest you use this free service, even if you think they may not score well the first time.  If you decide after the test to have them send the scores, it costs money and takes longer!

We administer the ACT here, and the SAT is usually given at Lamar and West Brook.  All universities accept both tests, so it is up to you which to take.  I would also urge your child to take the writing portion of the ACT.  Some colleges look at the writing score for both acceptance and scholarships!

Please let me know if I can help any further!  Also, a piece of advice regarding your 2011 taxes:  please try to complete them next January/February as quickly as you can.  When you apply on FAFSA (all students need to apply for any grants/scholarship opportunities), you will need your tax info.