If you have solid math grades in school, you should be all right--grades are more important than test scores. If you think you can improve, then it's probably a good idea to re-take. The SAT II Math will also help reinforce that--the Math I's about comparable, I think, while the Math II is... considerably harder, so the Math I may be what you want to take in that case.

SAT scores will generally be considered in a range, because they can vary based on the problems you got and from day to day. So if you're in a particular range of, say, 580-620, then that's your bracket. So if you had, say, a 780, they'd probably assume that you could have gotten a full score. At least I'm fairly certain that's how it works.

It's great that you're thinking about college so early on! At this stage, you'll want to be preparing for high school. Good, solid grades are a must in high school, and activities are always good. While making the UNC sports teams may not be for certain at this point, keep on playing--sports are a great activity for your resume.

You shouldn't have to focus on any particular subjects unless there's a specific area you want to major in, in which case you'll want to take any advanced classes and AP classes that you can. Even if you're still not sure, it's good to take high-level courses--colleges prefer to see you get a B in an honors course than an A in a regular course.

Good luck!

One thing that was useful for me was having the opportunity to go to a camp on a college campus. It helped me make my decision to major in engineering. Program brochures should be coming in the mail for you soon, if you're a junior, so consider going to one to explore some possibilities.

I've found the College Majors Handbook useful. It's a book that you can buy that lists what you do to get each kind of major, what jobs you can get, and where most of those majors go.

And just remember, it's no big deal going off to college without knowing what you want to do five years down the road. After all, the most popular major across the board is "Undecided"! Your freshman year will be mostly core classes that everyone takes, and most schools will give you until the end of your sophomore year to decide on your major. You don't have to feel like you're in a rush.

Not so important. If you have a solid record throughout high school with good grades and high-level classes, a lower standardized test performance can be put down to test anxiety or an off-day. It might put you at a bit of a disadvantage at a highly selective school, but otherwise everything should be hunky-dory.

Very. If not just to get you into college, then to get you merit scholarships so that you won't be in a heap of debt after you graduate. A variety of activities, especially ones where you can take a leadership role, will greatly enhance your chance of getting in as well as your chance of getting money from schools and from outside scholarship groups.

1. The tests go back to the college board to be graded. The scores go up in about one or two months after--the scores will be up online before they mail them, but they will mail you a copy.

/All/ your test scores are recorded with the same record, so when you send them to a college, they'll see every test you've taken. However, almost all will take the top scores for any given test.

2. If you think you did badly, you can cancel your scores before leaving the testing center. After you leave, you can't cancel them.

3. I've never heard anything about this--they don't grade the tests on a curve.

Many public libraries have books of famous quotations in stock, and they're rarely ever checked out. They're generally ordered by topic, so it's easy to find ones that will fit common essay themes. Pick a few out, and then memorize them so you'll have a few in stock. Einstein will never do you wrong, I've found. Or Benjamin Franklin.

Many and varied. They want to see someone who is involved in their community--it's a good indication of someone who will be an active member in their college community. They like community service a lot, too, and they also like to see dedication to activities, as well as leadership positions.

ED applications are generally due around early or mid November, which means yes, you do need all your tests taken by then. October your senior year is the last testing time for ED, generally.

And yes, classes do count in your senior year. Colleges that aren't on rolling admissions will look at your first semester transcript for senior year in their decision, and whatever school you choose to go to will be sent your second-semester transcript. There's a legend that you can slide the second half of senior year--it's not true. Colleges can revoke admission based on a poor second-semester transcript, or put you on academic probation for your first college semester.

AP credits depend on the college. Most colleges will give you credit for a 4 or 5, although some will only give you credit for a 5. Many will send out a brochure that says what they will give credit for. I believe that you can send your test scores, and they'll figure out what to give you credit for, but again, that may vary at some schools.

Well, if you can turn out a really good essay, get good test scores, and show that you're no longer slacking, you've got a chance. You should take the SAT ASAP--many state universities will still take applications through the beginning of summer, though finding housing may be an issue at this point. It /is/ possible, although it will require a considerable amount of work.

Anyway, there's no harm in trying, right? Apply, and see what happens. You can always transfer from a community college later--plenty of people do that.

You might consider the Claremont Colleges (Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer). All of them are great schools with reputations for turning out alums with great leadership skills. Plus, it has one heck of a view and a nice little college town.

I'm Sunshine, and I like giving practical, helpful advice on a number of different topics. I'm especially knowledgeable about the college process, health and fitness, music, web design, spirituality, and relationship issues. Feel free to ask me a question!

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