When a college is "test-optional," it means that students aren’t required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application…However, test-optional does not mean "test-blind."

Preparing for the SAT or ACT can be a challenging journey, and even the best-prepared students can fall into common traps. From timing issues to careless errors, these mistakes can stand between you and your best possible score.

A great essay doesn’t need to cover every major event in your life. In fact, it’s more powerful to focus on a single experience or theme that reveals something important about who you are.

Colleges evaluate applicants through a holistic process, meaning they look at more than just your GPA and test scores. While academic performance is essential, schools are also interested in who you are as a person, how you spend your time outside the classroom, and what unique qualities you’ll bring to their campus.

Knowing the content is crucial, but so is understanding how to approach each question type strategically.