Written by Devin Miller, Relate Contributing Writer

(Photo by Sylvan Learning)

College applications, SAT tests, AP classes, meetings with your guidance counselor… junior year has it all! It is no wonder that this school year is pivotal for preparing for college. The entire college admissions process can seem extremely overwhelming, but Sylvan Learning is here to help.

Jim Hermens, vice president of Sylvan Learning College Prep, explains students need to create a system or plan when preparing for college-level courses. This preparation will cause a chain reaction: preparation will lead to boosted confidence, which will lead to higher SAT and ACT scores.

Here are some of Sylvan Learning’s steps you can take now in order to create your own plan of action:

• In January or February, register for SAT/ACT dates in March through May. Being that you can take the SAT/ACT more than once, you will want to take advantage of signing up early. According to the College Board, most students take their first SAT during the spring of their junior year, and then take it a second time during the fall of their senior year.
• Take SAT/ACT practice tests or sign up for a SAT/ACT prep course.
• Focus on your schoolwork and do your very best in class. Having a good GPA during your junior year is a vital part of your college application. If you are having trouble in a specific subject, ask for help!
•  Set aside a time to meet with your guidance counselor to discuss your college preparation plans. Guidance counselors are great resources when it comes to applying to colleges, so take advantage of the fact that they are there for you!
• Study for and take any AP exams. These classes can be very helpful because they will help you to get a feel as to how university-level classes are taught. Also, if you score high enough on the tests you may get college credit.
• Visit colleges that you are interested in. While a school may look perfect on paper, your opinion may change once you step foot on campus. Touring schools helps you to find the right fit for your needs and wants.
• Request applications from your top college picks, and pay attention to deadlines!

Important: Sylvan Learning stresses, “It is never too early– or too late — to begin preparing for college and lifelong economic success.”

Check out Sylvan Learning for more information about the college preparation process. With 900 learning centers across the country, Sylvan Learning has helped more than 2 million students to reach success. Instructors, trained and certified, give individual instruction to their students.

Sylvan offers SAT/ACT Prep classes that are taught in small group settings and range anywhere from five to 12 weeks. The courses zero in on the skills necessary to achieve success on the tests, in both the multiple choice and writing sections. If desired, students can receive specialized training in specific areas like college prep writing, advanced reading, high school math and study skills.

Want to find out more information about Sylvan Learning? Visit Sylvan or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.

Tags: ACT scores, AP classes, college prep, college-level courses, SAT scores, Sylvan Learning, Sylvan Learning College Prep