Huntington Learning Center Offers College Application Tips

Fall is an important time for high school seniors applying to colleges, and Huntington Learning Center is proud to be a part of the college journey for so many students across the nation. Huntington encourages all students to reach for their goals and pursue higher education, which will equip them with skills and knowledge that will last a lifetime.

Co-Founder and CEO, Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center reminds parents of high school seniors that fall is not only prime season for finalizing those college application packages, it’s the best time to retake the SAT and ACT. “Teens who took the SAT or ACT in September and October have gotten their scores back now, and if they feel like they could have done better, there’s still time to try again before college applications are due,” Huntington says. “Many colleges consider students’ ‘superscore,’ which is the combined highest individual section scores across any test dates (check with individual colleges/universities to confirm their SAT or ACT score-use practice and whether they consider highest section scores across test dates, single highest test date scores, or something else).  So, even students who performed well on one section of the SAT or ACT but not on others should consider a retake in December.”

Huntington also encourages students who need individualized SAT or ACT prep help to contact Huntington about its highly successful test prep programs. “Every year, we work with thousands of students to help them raise their college entrance exam scores and get into the colleges of their dreams,” she says. In a study of Huntington students graduating high school in 2018, the average increase for students after completing a prep program was 226 points on the SAT (a 22% increase) and 5.3 points on the ACT (a 24% increase). Of the Huntington students surveyed the average scholarship offered was $57,200, and the total scholarships awarded to Huntington students surveyed was $140 million (results are based on a survey of 4,157 Huntington students graduating in 2018).

Huntington offers a few tips for teens getting their college applications ready this fall:  

• Review financial aid information. Seniors should have submitted their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after October 1 as possible and should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within three days to three weeks (depending on whether submitted online and how it was signed). Make sure this information is correct, as it is what colleges use to calculate your financial aid offer.
• Finalize the college essay. If the college to which your teen is applying requires an essay, now is the time to make it shine (and ask at least one person to review/edit it). Remind your teen that a first attempt should not be considered the final draft that he or she submits with an application.
• Complete applications if applying early decision/early action. Many schools have November deadlines for early decision/early action applicants, so if this is your teen’s plan, he or she should get those application packages in order.
• Register to retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Registration for the December 1, 2018 SAT is November 2. Registration for the December 8, 2018, ACT is November 2.
• Contact Huntington about an SAT/ACT prep program. Huntington offers customized premier, 32-hour and 14-hour programs, perfect for teens who need to brush up on one exam section or are seeking a comprehensive prep program.
• Make sure all materials are ready to go for each college. This includes the completed application itself, transcripts (sent directly from the guidance counselor to each college), letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors, SAT/ACT/Subject Test scores, the essay and any other supporting information required.
• Allow for sufficient review time. Applying to colleges requires a lot of effort. Make sure your teen takes the time to carefully review his or her entire application package to make sure nothing has been overlooked: signatures, supplemental material, fees paid, etc.

For more information about Huntington Learning Center’s SAT/ACT prep courses and one-to-one tutoring programs for high school students planning to go to college, contact Huntington Learning Center at 1-800-CAN-LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com to find a location near you.

 About Huntington

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.  Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.  Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible.  Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.  

©2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center®, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN® are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.