The school year is well underway and whether you’re a junior, senior or college student, there’s always something you need to keep track.

Junior’s – SATs and ACTs

• Consider taking the ACT college entrance exam in addition to, or instead of, the SAT Reasoning Test. It’s true that in the not-so-distant past, the ACT wasn’t considered equal to the SAT, especially among colleges in the Northeast. However, things have changed. Now, they’re equally regarded by most, if not all colleges throughout the country, including schools in the Northeast. The ACT assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science. There’s also a writing component to the test, which is optional.

High School Seniors – Test and Grades

• Get started on your college applications, even if you’re still planning to take another SAT or ACT exam. Your standardized test scores can always catch up to your applications. If a better SAT or ACT grade allows you some new choices, just add those schools to your list. Even on the Common Application, you can always add more college choice.
  
  
• Make sure to work hard in senior year, especially in the first half. Many colleges will ask for mid-year grades no matter what, while others may only ask for them if you’re on the borderline of their acceptance criteria. In other words, if they like your mid-year grades, they may decide to take a chance on you, by offering you a spot in their incoming freshman class.
  

College Students - Campus Flu Shots

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that students at college (especially those who share close living quarters) consider getting the flu vaccine. Not for swine, but for the yearly flu virus. Getting the flu vaccine does not give you the flu. You may have a sore spot on your arm for a day or two, but it won’t set you back on your studies, work or fun. Most, if not all, college health services offer the flu shot to students for a nominal cost. Contact them to find out when and where they’re being dispensed, since flu season has officially begun.

Anita is a college essay consultant and freelance writer. She can be contacted at stoa4@aol.com.