College Admissions - Signet Education

When to Start Planning for College Admissions

Parents of college-bound students often ask us when they should start thinking about the college admissions process. It’s a great question—so let’s dive in!

Dos and Don’ts of Talking to a High School Junior

High school juniors are inundated with questions about the future. Discover how to support your teen with the right questions and conversation starters.

Early Action or Early Decision: Last-minute Help for Seniors

Does your student benefit from applying to college Early Action or Early Decision? Learn why applying early may—or may not—increase their chance of acceptance.

The True Value of a College Essay

In this blog post, you’ll discover what the college essay is, why it matters, and what a good college essay can really do for students.

How the World of College Admissions Has Changed

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of higher education. Ask anyone who took the SAT or applied to colleges last year about their experience, and they’ll tell you just how stressful it was.

Are Colleges Moving Away from Standardized Testing?

To many families, the SAT and ACT are practically synonymous with college admissions. But there are more than a few problems with the SAT and ACT. Learn about the issues with standardized testing and what colleges are doing about it.

Admissions Consulting and School Counseling Go Hand in Hand

Learn why a private admissions counselor can complement a student’s relationship with their in-school guidance counselor.

Countdown to Summer: How to Make the Most of the End of the Semester

See how your student can finish the school year strong as we head into the end of the spring semester.

What’s a Good SAT or ACT Score?

Learn how to help your student evaluate scoring on the SAT or ACT.

What Should I Do With All This College Mail?

Discover what high schoolers should really do with all that college marketing material.

How to Study for the SAT or ACT in Just Eight Weeks

Learn how your student can prepare for their standardized tests in two months or less.

Considering a COVID-19 Gap Year Before College?

Discover why students are taking a COVID-19 gap year and whether a gap year may be the right choice for your student.

How Much Does Course Rigor Matter for College Admissions?

Learn why not every “A” is created equal. A student’s GPA counts, but the difficulty or strength of their curriculum matters just as much.

What Should I Wear to My College Interview? And Four Other Tips to Prepare for College Interviews

By preparing ahead of time and making smart choices about how to present yourself, you can make it easy for an admissions officer to see you as a positive addition to their campus!

SAT Subject Tests Are Cancelled. What Should You Do Now?

SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued. What does that mean for juniors navigating the college admissions process? Here’s what you need to know.

What Kinds of College Interviews Are There?

Do you remember your first job interview? Multiply the anxiety you felt then by ten, and you’ve got a sense of how your student is probably feeling about the prospect of their first college interview.

5 Tips for Successful College Applications

Learn what your junior can do to start the college application process off right.

College Admissions Advice for Sophomores

When it comes to college admissions, sophomore year is really about establishing the kind of student—and person—your child wants to become.

Junior College Admissions Jumpstart

Is it too early for juniors to start thinking about college admissions?

Is Your Junior’s Test Prep On Track?

Test prep takes some effort, but it could give your student a leg up at their dream school. And that’s worth a little extra studying.

Need to Finish College Applications Quickly?

A turkey hangover is nothing compared to the headache of finishing last-minute college applications.

Signet’s Guide to College Admissions

This guide covers everything you need to know about starting the college admissions process. You’ll learn how to break down each phase of the process into small, manageable chunks so that you stay on track.

Signet’s Guide to the Essay

The college essay, or personal statement, can be one of the most daunting pieces of the entire college application process, but it’s also one of the few pieces of the application that gives students an opportunity to share their own unique voice.

Should My Sophomore Study for the PSAT?

Does a sophomore need to study for the PSAT? Signet’s academic experts share their tips on PSAT preparation for sophomores.

Standardized Testing: Do You Know the Exams?

While the movement encouraging schools to de-emphasize testing in their admissions procedures has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, test scores may still be an important part of the college application process for many students.

Guiding Principles in College Admissions

College admissions officers consider students holistically, and your student needs to know that to ensure that their best self comes through in their application materials.

Are You College-Ready?

The most important skills that students need to develop before the college transition.

Top Tips for Taking a Virtual College Tour

Can’t take an in-person tour of that campus on your college list? How about a virtual college tour instead?

COVID-19: Effects on High School, Summer, and College Admissions

The coronavirus will continue to have a major impact on many aspects of high school. To help you feel a bit less overwhelmed, we’ve compiled resources and advice we’ve published related to COVID-19 so far.

How Has COVID-19 Affected College Admissions?

Learn about the new college admissions landscape in the era of COVID-19.

How to Make College Decisions Without In Person Visits

College decisions are always challenging, but they’re especially difficult when you can’t visit in person. Here’s how to choose a college without an in-person visit.

College Applications are in! Now What?

What to do once your college applications are in…

Contacting College Admissions Officers

Learn the right way to reach out to admissions officers at the top colleges on your list!

Selective Schools: Pros and Cons

Colleges with highly competitive admissions have some benefits–and some drawbacks.

The Common, Coalition, and UC Applications

Tips on how to use the Common, Coalition, and UC applications to streamline your college application process.

What Is the Test Optional Movement?

Standardized test scores have historically been a crucial part of college applications. But more colleges are joining the test optional movement, which doesn’t require standardized test scores.

The Problems With Standardized Testing

Students are under pressure to perform well on standardized tests, but there are concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of the role of standardized tests in college admissions.