Even though a good SAT score doesn’t guarantee that you will get into a good school, it’s still a pretty big part of it. And, if you’re planning to score a high number on the test, you’ll need to start preparing months in advance.

But all those months of hard work won’t mean much if you’ve been using the wrong book to study. In this guide, you’re sure to find the best SAT prep book for you. All of the eight books mentioned here are challenging, thorough, and can definitely help you get into the school of your dreams.

1. The New SAT: 1,500+ Questions (The Tutorverse)

If you feel like you have all of the subjects down and just want to practice, you should consider getting The New SAT from The Tutorverse. The book features over 1,500 practice questions and answers. You’ll also get some helpful hints and suggestions next to the answers so that you can better understand them.

With The New SAT, you can practice your reading, writing, and grammar. Of course, the questions will progress in difficulty, so you won’t feel like you’re in over your head right at the beginning. Also, once you go through all of the questions, you’ll get a full-length practice test at the end of the book.

You can get a new or a used version of the book on Amazon in paperback.

2. SAT Math: Advanced Guide and Workbook (The College Panda)

Now, if you’re worried about doing the math part of your SAT, you should get the Advanced Guide and Workbook by The College Panda. It is one of the most comprehensive and possibly the best SAT prep book for math on the market right now. And, if used right, it is guaranteed to get you a high score.

In the book, you’ll first see explanations of every single math concept you’ll need for the SAT. Also, The Advanced Guide features over a hundred different examples to help you better understand the topic at hand.

Once you’re done reading the examples and explanations, you’ll get to do over 500 practice questions. At the end of the prep book, you’ll find the most common mistakes test takers make and how to avoid them.

3. New SAT Essay Practice Book (IES)

If you need some help learning how to write the perfect essay, the SAT Essay Practice Book from IES is going to be the best SAT prep book for you. Its 388 pages are chock-full of information on how to pass your essay with flying colors.

In this prep guide, you’ll find 100 practice, as well as 105 essay mastery exercises. Additionally, you’ll get 70 essential writing terms to use in almost every essay you write. You will even learn how to read and analyze all of the SAT prompts.

The book also covers how to brainstorm ideas for your essay and organize your thoughts. What’s more, the SAT Essay Practice Book will show you how to make coherent paragraphs and use classical rhetoric.

4. The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading by Erica L. Meltzer

If you’ve mastered the math and the essay part, but need help with reading, Meltzer’s Complete Guide to SAT Reading is the best SAT prep book for you. The book is in its third edition and features a complete breakdown of every reading question you’ll see on the SAT.

You’ll get in-depth explanations and countless examples so that you can see how to work through every type of question. Some of the techniques in the prep guide will help you understand complex passages. They’ll also teach you how to get key information from the passages in the most efficient way possible.

In the Complete Guide, you’ll even find different strategies that will better prepare you for the SAT. On top of that, you’ll get a list of synonyms for some common words and learn how to decipher vocabulary you’re unfamiliar with.

5. The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar by Erica L. Meltzer

The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar is in its fourth edition and features 267 pages of explanations, questions, and tests. In this prep book, each grammar concept gets its own chapter. Additionally, after each chapter, you’ll get to answer test-style questions to see how well you’ve mastered the concept.

The book has numerous different strategies to help improve both speed and accuracy. And, with the in-depth explanations, you’ll learn how to spot mistakes fast and the best ways to fix them.

As a bonus, the fourth edition includes an extensive index of different multiple-choice writing questions. The questions are arranged by both category and test so that you can better understand them.

Of course, you can find the book as a paperback on Amazon, where you can also see a short preview.

6. SAT Advanced Practice: Prep 1600 (Kaplan)

As the name implies, the prep guide from Kaplan is for those aiming to get the perfect scores on their SATs. The book features expert strategies and complex exercises to help you prepare for the toughest questions on the exam.

To start, you’ll get seven different practice sets with more than 700 questions, answers, and explanations. Also, after you’ve finished each section, you’ll get an extensive review that should help you better understand the chapters.

The prep guide has 456 pages, and you can find it on Amazon for Kindle and as a paperback. You can even take advantage of Kaplan’s app and online courses for a more interactive learning experience.

The only downside to Kaplan’s prep guide is that it doesn’t have any practice tests — just the Q&A sections.

7. The Official SAT Study Guide (The College Board)

Unlike Kaplan’s prep guide, the Study Guide from The College Board has eight, full-length, and realistic tests in it. In addition to the tests, you’ll find useful information, as well as targeted questions and answers for every SAT section.

But if all you care about are the tests, you’ll be happy to know that you can find them on The College Board’s official website as well. You can even download the official app to take the tests and get immediate results.

In the book, you’ll find evidence-based writing and reading sections, as well as detailed math explanations. College Board’s prep guide also includes some pointers on how to write the perfect essay. It even has a few practice essay questions and sample answers.

8. SAT Prep Plus 2020 (Kaplan)

Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus could be the best SAT prep book for you if you’re looking for some fresh strategies to help you get an excellent score. The new and updated version features five full-length practice tests, three of which you can even do online. What’s more, the book has over 1,400 questions and answers to help you better understand each section of the SAT.

You’ll find some old and new quizzes after every chapter that you can use to check what you’ve learned so far. Additionally, the book covers different strategies you should employ before and during the test. You can even rely on the Reflect section of this 927-page guidebook to figure out how well you’ve understood the topic at hand.

You can find the book on Kindle and as a paperback on Amazon.

In Conclusion

Prepping for the SAT can seem like a daunting task — especially if you don’t have the right books. Luckily, any of these eight well-written and extensive guides can help you achieve the high score you need to get into your dream school. If you need more help with grammar and writing, you can go for either of the books written by Erica Meltzer. On the other hand, if you just want to focus on completing quizzes and doing practice tests, the best SAT prep book for you will probably be from Kaplan

The post What Is the Best SAT Prep Book? appeared first on College Apps.

When you decide you want to apply to medical school, it feels like the start of an exciting journey. Arguably the biggest and most important part of that process is the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). The 7.5-hour test is quite difficult and can be extremely intimidating for some applicants. So, to make sure you’re ready for it — you’ll need the best MCAT prep book you can find.

Unfortunately, with so many different authors, topics, and writing styles, choosing the best guide can be quite overwhelming. Additionally, because it takes a lot of time to prepare for the MCAT —  you can’t waste it on trying to find a book. So, let’s see what the best MCAT prep book is and how it may help you ace your test.

1. The Official Guide to the Mcat® Exam, 5th Edition (The Association of American Medical Colleges)

This book is the only official guide to the MCAT, and it’s written by the Association of American Medical Colleges. It can help you familiarize yourself with the actual process of taking the exam by teaching you how the test is graded, how to prepare for it, what to expect, etc.

However, it somewhat lacks in practice questions, as it covers only 120 of them. You’ll get 30 questions and answers for each section of the MCAT, which might not be enough.

Thus, although the book is quite helpful, it shouldn’t be the only one you purchase while preparing for the test. Even though it provides you with a firm understanding of the process, you should also get a book that includes more practice questions.

2. MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2020-2021 (Kaplan)

This is arguably the best MCAT prep book set for visual learners — but it’s not for everyone. The books won’t offer you any tricks on how to get a good MCAT score with little effort. However, they will teach you everything you need to know. Kaplan’s books cover every part of the exam in great detail, and the writing style is suitable for most students.

The MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review includes diagrams, study plans, 3D illustrations, and three full-length practice tests. Perhaps the best part is that the book offers 24 quick sheets with a study guide and outlines the most important things to remember about each section.

3. MCAT Prep 2018-2019 (Test Prep Books)

Even though learning all of the technical aspects of every part of the exam is important, there is more to preparing for the MCAT than meets the eye. One of the things you need to know is how to prepare for the test mentally.

Luckily, this book can teach you exam strategies. It even offers a review of the main sections and solutions for a number of practice problems.

By mastering test-taking strategies, you’ll ensure that your studying doesn’t go to waste because of your nerves. However, as you can tell, this isn’t a book that you can purchase to prepare yourself for the entire exam. In addition to the MCAT Prep by Test Prep Books, you should also get a book that offers more practical questions and answers for each topic.

4. MCAT Princeton Review

The Princeton Review offers an excellent, in-depth book series on taking the MCAT. It’s somewhat similar to Kaplan’s books, as it also offers seven books with illustrations, practice questions, and three full-length practice tests.

Still, The MCAT Princeton Review goes even beyond that, offering extensive glossaries and chapter reviews. The glossaries will help you navigate through the book, while the chapter reviews will allow you to review everything quickly in the days leading up to the test.

The MCAT Princeton Review is the best MCAT prep book for in-depth learning. With it, you can be sure you’ve gone over every topic you might get on the test. Moreover, it will provide you with the most comprehensive knowledge and all of the confidence you need to take the MCAT.

5. MCAT AudioLearn

The MCAT AudioLearn is narrated by two medical doctors, and it’s the best book for auditory learners. It contains over seven hours of content and covers a great number of facts, theories, formulas, and equations. Another benefit is that you can learn how to pronounce all of the medical terms correctly.

If you prefer listening to reading, this might be the perfect book to prepare you for the MCAT. Also, unlike other books, you could read it and go over the subjects while you’re running or riding a bike.

6. The Premed Playbook Guide to the MCAT by Ryan Gray

This MCAT guide was written by the host of the MCAT podcast who has already helped thousands of people study for the test. You can expect to learn all about the registration process and what other books you should get based on your learning style. Moreover, the Premed Playbook Guide to the MCAT will teach you how to create a successful study plan.

Unfortunately, this guide isn’t as thorough as most others on this list and only contains 200 pages. However, it tells you everything you need to know in order to prepare a great studying strategy. Even though you’ll need to purchase an additional book or two, this guide will help save valuable time by telling you how to prepare for the MCAT.

7. Examkrackers MCAT Study Package

The Examkrackers Study Package is suitable for the majority of students preparing for the MCAT. The books tell you everything you need to know and don’t leave any details behind — without overwhelming you. They offer three quizzes after each lecture to ensure you get a firm grasp of the subject matter.

Additionally, you will get short 30-minute exams and mini-MCATs that should help you prepare for the actual test. The Examkrackers MCAT Study Package also comes with a lot of extra practice problems that you can’t find anywhere else.

8. Barron’s MCAT, 3rd Edition

Barron’s MCAT guide is quite popular among students all over the US. In addition to helping you with the scientific part of the test, it also helps you prepare for it mentally.

The book offers advice on strategically pacing yourself through the exam, how to approach different problems, and how to manage test-day anxiety. Apart from that, it provides you with a great number of practice problems and solutions throughout each chapter.

In Conclusion

Preparing for the MCAT can seem overwhelming and even impossible at times. Luckily, with the best MCAT prep book, you can go into the exam knowing how to handle each question. Hopefully, the right book will provide you with all of the knowledge and confidence you need.

The post The Best MCAT Prep Book in 2020 — The Ultimate Guide appeared first on College Apps.

If you’re looking to get into a good law school, you probably already know that getting a good LSAT score is the most crucial part of the equation. The test carries more weight than both your GPA and your college application. However, as unique as the LSAT is, it’s also relatively easy to master if you use the right guide. That’s why finding the best LSAT prep book for you is of the utmost importance.

What’s the Best LSAT Prep Book?

Choosing the right prep book for you is a very personal decision. After all, most people have wildly different styles of studying, especially when it comes to subjects they pick up quickly and ones they don’t quite get. The following recommendations should help you settle on a book that will enable you to get into the law school of your dreams.

Introducing the LSAT: The Fox Test Prep Primer by Nathan Fox

If you haven’t even begun to study for the LSAT, it’s best to begin with some light reading. Introducing the LSAT: The Fox Test Prep Quick and Dirty LSAT Primer by Nathan Fox is the perfect solution. This guide is ideal if you want to dip your toes into the subject matter before you decide if you want to take the test. However, it’s also great if you have a limited amount of time to study since it’s about 100 pages long.

Whether you need a quick LSAT primer or not, you’re sure to find this book both informative and entertaining. For as short as the book is, the way it’s written makes both law school, in general, and the LSAT much easier to understand. Clearly, the author wanted to make the topic more accessible to everyone.

Consequently, the Primer takes great care to explain the types of questions you might see on the LSAT. Furthermore, you’ll also pick up some study techniques that could help you ace the test — particularly, the Analytical Reasoning portion.

However, if you’ve got time to really dig into the subject, you should get a more comprehensive prep book to complement this one.

LSAT Logic Games Unlocked 2018–2019 from Kaplan Publishing

As you know, all of the LSAT questions fall into one of 3 sections, which present different kinds of problems. The logical reasoning and reading comprehension sections tend to be fairly easy to understand. However, most people get stuck on the logic portion of the test. That’s where the LSAT Logic Games Unlocked prep book from Kaplan Publishing comes in.

If you, like many other people, find it difficult to solve logic puzzles, this is the best LSAT prep book for you. Inside the book, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to the different games you might find in the exam. Furthermore, the book will also provide strategies you can use to solve the tasks before you. In the end, you should be able to recognize the type of logic game you’re dealing with and apply the correct solution. And to get you there, the book offers online resources as well as time management plans to help you reach your study goals.

LSAT Bible Trilogy from PowerScore

Many people study for the LSAT and similar exams by learning the questions and answers by heart. But if you want to ace the test, you’ll need to take a more comprehensive approach. Well, with the help of the Powerscore LSAT Bible Trilogy, you can be sure that you’ll truly understand the answers, rather than simply being able to recite them.

The Trilogy contains the LSAT Reading Comprehension Bible, as well as the Logic Games and the Logical Reasoning Bible. So this is the perfect set if you need to have all the facts. These three books break down each of the possible question types you might get and show you how to answer them. You’ll even learn about the most common mistakes people make when they’re answering different kinds of questions on the test. Furthermore, the books come with online study plans you can use to organize your time as well as set your LSAT prep goals.

LSAT Strategy Guide Set from Manhattan Prep

If you’re on the hunt for the best LSAT prep book, you might want to save up enough money to invest in a set. Like the previous PowerScore Trilogy, Manhattan Prep’s LSAT Strategy Guide Set includes books that cover all the different areas covered by the test.

The LSAT Reading Comprehension book will improve your speed and understanding, which will prime you to answer that portion of the test with agility. Soon enough, you’ll be able to find the gist of any text, which is an excellent skill to have even outside of law school.

There are two books that deal with the logic sections, LSAT Logic Games and LSAT Logical Reasoning. The former is full of timed visual exercises that are supposed to mimic the exam itself, while the latter focuses on argumentation. Once again, the primary goal of these books is to teach you to answer the specific kinds of questions that will be put before you during the exam.

The LSAT Trainer: a Remarkable Self-Study Guide for the Self-Driven Student by Mike Kim

If you’re the kind of person who appreciates a more casual approach to studying, make sure to check out The LSAT Trainer by Mike Kim. The book has an interesting origin story, as you can probably tell from its full title. Namely, the author, Mike Kim, was previously an LSAT prep course developer at Manhattan Prep.

Drawing on that experience, he spent eight weeks carefully devising a study plan that should make it easy to pass the LSAT with flying colors. Furthermore, the book even explains why each section of the exam exists in the first place. In addition to the comprehensive guide, The LSAT Trainer also includes over 200 practice questions and over 30 strategy drills.

Overall, this book definitely has an unconventional approach. However, that’s a welcome distinction in a sea of less imaginative prep books.

LSAT Prep Books 2019–2020 from Mometrix Test Preparation

As you can imagine, most LSAT prep books are fairly wordy. But what if you don’t want to lose your eyesight staring at the page for hours at a time? Well, if you’re more of a visual learner, Mometrix Test Preparation’s LSAT Prep Books 2019–2020 is the best LSAT prep book for you.

Don’t let this book’s appearance intimidate you. At 350 pages long, it’s pretty substantial, with hundreds of pages of strategies, explanations, and practice tests. In addition to the written guides, the book also gives you access to dozens of video tutorials from LSAT experts. Even if you don’t mind reading such a thick tome, give those videos a watch anyway. Some of the tips you’ll see are not even mentioned in the text. Watching the video guides will allow your newly acquired knowledge really sink in.

10 Actual, Official LSAT Preptests by the Law School Admission Council

Many students find it difficult to find LSAT example questions online. They do exist — however, they tend to be pretty expensive. In any case, there is something to be said about seeing the questions printed on paper. Well, 10 Actual, Official LSAT Preptests is the Law School Admission Council’s answer to that problem.

Unlike some other prep books, this one is chock-full of official LSAT questions from years past. The questions are left blank, but there are answer keys to help you if you get stuck. As affordable as this book is, there’s no reason not to get it. If nothing else, you could use it to simulate exam conditions. Aside from soothing your anxiety, practicing can improve your reaction time during the actual test.

However, this prep book doesn’t explain the thought process behind the questions and answers. So you should really only use it as the final step to practice taking the test. Still, you should only take practice tests after you’ve studied a more comprehensive guide.

The LSAT Tutor: LSAT Prep Books 2019–2020 from APEX Test Prep

If you want to get everything you need to pass the LSAT in one fell swoop, APEX Test Prep’s The LSAT Tutor: LSAT Prep Books 2019–2020 is the closest you’ll get. The book offers all of the familiar aspects of LSAT prep guides. There are individual sections for logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, as well as reading comprehension sections.

After delving into each of the sections, you can take a full-length practice test. But rather than making a simple answer key, the authors took the time to explain how to reach those answers. So The LSAT Tutor should actually take you through the exam from beginning to end.

More importantly, this guide also teaches you how to overcome test anxiety. The first section of the guide consists of tricks that will come in handy on the day of the exam. Those tips are then followed by a complete overview of the exam. Furthermore, the layout of the book makes it exceedingly easy to find whatever you’re looking for. If you like going over the study materials repeatedly, you’ll want a book with an organized layout.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Best LSAT Prep Book for You

As you can see, there are all kinds of prep books available to law school hopefuls. So now, all you need to do is figure out what type of student you are.

Ideally, you’d get a primer to get you inspired first. After you learn the basics, you can get a comprehensive guide to understand how to take the LSAT. Lastly, using test examples for practice would help you become faster and more confident. Of course, not everyone can invest that much time and energy into the test. Besides, your style of studying might even require a more unconventional approach. So, ultimately, the best LSAT prep book is the one that’ll get you across the finish line

The post 8 Best LSAT Prep Books [2020] appeared first on College Apps.

Without a doubt, passing the GRE is a daunting challenge. The good news is that there are many wonderful resources out there that can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to score a top result. In order to find the best GRE prep book for you, take a look at the reviews of the eight highest-ranking contenders below. This should spare you both time and money — and could help save a few trees too.

Comprehensive GRE Guides

1. GRE Prep Plus 2020 (Kaplan)

Kaplan’s GRE Prep Plus 2020 boasts over 80 years of expertise, and it certainly walks the talk. This book provides you with a detailed breakdown of every single section of the GRE from start to finish. It includes both a full-length practice test in the book and five full-length online practice tests in the same format as the real test. The online support further includes:

• A 500-question quiz bank
• Timed practice problems
• Personalized test performance reviews
• One-on-one tutoring on the Kaplan Grad Prep Facebook page
• Videos on learning techniques and stress-management skills

The guide also packs chapters on all GRE math skills and question categories, as well as options for testing different skills at various levels of difficulty.

Overall, more than 2,200 practice problems are covered and explained in detail. All things considered, GRE Prep Plus 2020 is easily the best GRE prep book currently on the market.

2. Official GRE Super Power Pack, Second Edition (ETS)

The Official GRE Super Power Pack is a bundle of the following individual guides:

• The Official Guide to the GRE
• The Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Questions
• The Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Questions

Their main selling point is that they are published by the Educational Testing Service — the masterminds behind the GRE. Therefore, you can trust that their advice is 100% on point and that the tests are the same as the real GRE.

The Super Pack comes with four full-length practice tests — two tests in the book and another two online. It also includes:

• 600 practice questions with detailed answers
• Problem-solving techniques
• Sample essays
• Other online resources

You can purchase the guides either together or separately, with the former being more budget-friendly. All three are available both in paperback and on Kindle.

3. GRE Prep (Magoosh)

GRE Prep by Magoosh is certainly the best GRE prep book for diving deep into testing strategies and learning techniques. If you are something of a hacker at heart, you should love this resource — it can help you master all the tricks of the trade.

Like most other guides, GRE Prep offers a full breakdown of the GRE that covers all test sections and question types. These are accompanied by over 150 practice problems and a full-length practice test, all with detailed answers. Unlike some other resources, however, this one:

• Discusses common mistakes and FAQs
• Reveals many test tips, tricks, and hacks
• Has an entire chapter on the GRE’s Analytical Writing Assessment
• Includes a suggested study schedule
• Contains statistics on all practice problems, such as the ratio of test takers who answer them correctly

The GRE Prep by Magoosh is available both in paperback and on Kindle. It is free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Furthermore, the guide comes with a discount coupon for Magoosh’s online GRE prep program, which features an additional 1,000+ practice problems, full-length tests, lessons, and video tutorials.

4. Cracking the GRE Premium 2020 Edition (The Princeton Review)

Cracking the GRE gives you access to exclusive online “GRE Insider” content. This includes useful, practical information on graduate programs, admission requirements, and financial aid. Another key point is that the 2020 edition offers a $100 discount on The Princeton Review’s Self-Paced GRE online course.    

This guide also includes:

• Six full-length practice tests (two in the book and four online) with detailed answers
• A comprehensive breakdown of each test section and question type
• Learning and test-taking strategies 
• A GRE vocabulary list with definitions, examples, and exercises

Further online resources include practice problems, video tutorials, study guides, and personalized score reports. The guide is available both in paperback and on Kindle.

GRE Math Guides 

5. Conquering GRE Math (McGraw-Hill Education)

Conquering GRE Math is unquestionably the best GRE math guide you could find. Written by a math teacher specializing in GRE prep, it focuses exclusively on the GRE’s math section.

This book includes three full-length GRE math sections, as well as comprehensive tutorials on all GRE math topics, from algebra to word problems. You will also get tips on tackling all GRE math question types and up-to-date information on the latest GRE math item formats.

Of course, all of this is accompanied by hundreds of practice problems with increasing difficulty designed to mirror real-life learning processes. All in all, those struggling with the GRE’s math component are sure to love this book. Conquering GRE Math is available both for Kindle and in paperback.

6. 5 Lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems (Manhattan Prep)

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, the answer to the one question that is surely on everyone’s mind is — yes, the 5 Lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems does weigh five pounds. While it is available on Kindle, if you get the paperback, you could fit in some light weight training in between study sessions.

This guide has some of the best GRE practice questions, drills, and quizzes on the market. These include more than 1,800 practice problems that cover all skill levels and question types with detailed explanations and analyses, as well as a cheat sheet with the most important mathematical formulas.

Furthermore, The 5 Lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems gives you access to Interact for GRE, an online platform with many valuable resources. These include a GRE question bank and a collection of particularly difficult questions.

GRE Reading, Writing, and Vocabulary Guides

7. Essential Words for the GRE (Barron’s)

Barron’s Essential Words for the GRE is undoubtedly the best vocabulary guide out there. It helps you learn and practice 800 key GRE vocabulary words. Some of its learning tools include:

• Definitions for all featured 800 words
• A word list to help you memorize them
• Example sentences and passages using GRE vocabulary in different contexts
• Practice problems with answers
• An entire chapter on word roots

In addition, Barron’s Essential Words for the GRE includes a pre- and post-test. These are meant to help you gauge your skills both before and after going through the guide. 

8. GRE Reading Comprehension & Essays (Manhattan Prep)

GRE Reading Comprehension & Essays is certainly a worthy candidate for the title of the best GRE prep book in the writing and reading comprehension category.

Naturally, it includes detailed analyses of the GRE’s reading comprehension and analytical writing components. These are complemented by speed reading and comprehension techniques for time-sensitive tasks. There are also tips on approaching different question types, avoiding common mistakes, and outlining and writing techniques.

Of course, you will also find many practice questions with answers, essay prompts, and relevant examples. What’s more, the guide gives you one-year access to online practice tests.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, when choosing the best GRE prep book for you, you should take into account your personal needs and circumstances. Things to consider include, for instance, your learning style, your current and projected skill levels, and your strengths and weaknesses. Two other major factors to keep in mind are, of course, your desired graduate program and educational establishment.

The post The Best GRE Prep Book to Get You in the Grad School of Your Dreams appeared first on College Apps.

So, you have decided to go to med school — that’s fantastic! However, there is one little obstacle you have to overcome — the MCAT.

The MCAT is, by no means, impossible to ace, but it does require serious preparation. After all, this exam tests your knowledge of multiple disciplines and lasts over seven hours!

Of course, getting a good score on this test requires more than just cramming. The best way to prepare for it is to do as many practice tests as possible. That way, you will know what to expect when the exam day arrives, and you’ll be ready for it. What’s more, doing practice tests will improve your stamina, concentration, and confidence.

With that in mind, take a look at some of the best MCAT practice tests that will certainly help you pass the exam with flying colors.

1. The Princeton Review MCAT

If you’re in need of a book that covers all aspects of the MCAT and provides some practical tests, look no further. The Princeton Review MCAT, now in its third edition, is one of the best MCAT practice tests you can come across. This comprehensive guidebook will give you access to four online MCAT tests that will help you brush up your skills and teach you what to expect on the exam day.

What makes this book so amazing is that it is a 2-in-1 resource. Besides practice tests, it covers all the topics that you can find on the test, including chemistry, psychology, biology, biochemistry, sociology, physics, and math. To make things even better, each chapter ends with a series of critical thinking tasks that will help you ace the Critical Analysis and Reasoning part.

Another great thing about this book is that it analyses all types of MCAT questions. You will learn different techniques and methods that will help you do the test much easier. In addition, the book includes a comprehensive index and a “cheat sheet” guide to make the revision of diagrams, formulas, and charts simpler.

2. The Berkeley Review MCAT

With The Berkeley Review, you will have a lot of test prep options. This MCAT prep program offers separate practice books for each part of the exam. So, you can buy only the books that cover your weakest areas or just go for the whole set.

If you prefer taking practice tests online, this prep program has you covered. The online tests aren’t sold individually. However, you can buy its computer-based MCAT tests in sets of three or four.

The Berkeley Review prides itself on being one of the few test preparation programs that focus solely on the MCAT. Thus, it comes as no surprise that it makes some of the best MCAT practice tests. In fact, it is known for creating some of the most realistic ones. Once you have covered these, you will know the exam inside out, and no question will surprise you.

3. Examkrackers MCAT Series

Are you looking for something a bit more challenging? Examkrackers offer the best MCAT practice tests for those who are aiming at above-average results. These tests are a bit more difficult than those provided by other test prep programs. If you go for this option, once your exam day comes, the whole test will seem quite easy. Not even the hardest questions will scare or confuse you.

Each Examkrackers MCAT test is purchased individually, and you will have six months’ worth of access to it. While doing the practice test, you will be able to check the answers as you go. This feature is incredibly useful, especially for beginners.

Besides the practice mode, there is a simulation test, as well. The simulation mimics real exam conditions, timing, and scoring. Therefore, you will be completely aware of your skills and weaknesses before you take the official test.

4. MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review by Kaplan

Kaplan’s MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review is a fantastic all-in-one resource for anyone who wants to ace the MCAT. The books cover all parts of the exam and introduce helpful strategies to teach you the best way to approach each type of question.

There is also a full-color summary of the most important information that’s incredibly useful for revision and visualization of charts and tables. Another fantastic thing about this book is that it highlights the content that is most likely to be tested so that you know which areas to focus on.

Of course, just studying is not enough to pass the MCAT, which is why this book comes with three full-length MCAT practice tests. These online tests will provide you with realistic practice, as well as with various instruction videos, quizzes, and examples.

Once you buy this book set, you will have access to online practice tests for a whole year.

5. 7 Full-Length Practice Tests for the MCAT by MCAT-prep.com

If you’re looking for the best MCAT practice tests while on a tight budget, 7 Full-Length Practice Tests for the MCAT might be the best option for you. There are over 1600 questions, which is quite enough for most MCAT candidates. What’s more, all questions and answers are thoroughly explained so that you can easily understand your mistakes and learn how to improve your score.

This book includes five full-length MCAT simulation tests, which is more than what most test prep books offer. But that’s not all! After you buy it, you will receive your personal PIN and gain access to two additional practice tests. The online platform also includes interactive discussion boards and multimedia background information.

Unfortunately, these tests don’t include old questions from the real MCAT. Still, they are realistic enough to provide you with more than enough practice at a reasonable price.

6. MCAT Official Prep Practice Exams by AAMC

Do you think that you have started preparing for the MCAT a bit too late? Do you feel like there’s not enough time to cover all the resources before the exam? Well, in that case, you should opt for the official MCAT practice materials made by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) — the very people who write the questions for the exam.

MCAT Official Prep Practice Exams by AAMCinclude questions that are almost identical to those that you will find on your test. Basically, they are the closest you can get to the real deal.

Each test has 230 questions, both independent and passage-based. What’s more, you will be able to use options that the real test includes, such as strikethrough and highlighting.

In the end, you will receive a scaled score and your percentile rank for each section. Thus, you will know what areas you need to focus on more.

7. Next Step MCAT Full-Length Practice Exams

MCAT has undergone several changes in the last decade, and it’s not easy for test prep programs to keep up with all the new material. Luckily, Next Step is there for you. This company is known for adapting its tests regularly and keeping them as similar as possible to the real exam questions.

While Next Step MCAT Full-Length Practice Exams include all MCAT sections, they are incredibly important for those struggling with the Psychology section. The company pays special attention to this area, and you will find all sorts of difficult and trick questions in their practice tests. Thus, you will know what to expect — and you’ll be prepared for the worst.

You can buy Next Step MCAT practice tests in bundles of four, six, or ten. Based on the bundle you go for, you may also gain access to various quizzes, additional questions, performance breakdown, and a diagnostic test.

8. Sterling Test Prep MCAT Practice Tests: Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

Are Chemistry and Physics giving you a headache? If so, the Sterling Test Prep MCAT Practice Tests will save you a lot of time and effort. The book includes four MCAT Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems practice tests, as well as all the details and strategies you might need to ace this part of the exam.

Each test consists of 59 questions with detailed answer explanations. In addition, once you buy this book, you will have a discount on all other Sterling MCAT prep materials. So, if you feel like you’ve got all exam parts covered except for the science part, these may be the best MCAT practice tests for you.

The Bottom Line

The MCAT probably seems scary to you right now. Still, with good preparation and the best MCAT practice tests, you are likely to achieve the desired results.

Bear in mind that your choice of a practice test should be based on your current knowledge and skills. If you think you’ll do well in certain sections but struggle with others, maybe your best option is a prep test book that covers only your weak spots. On the other hand, if you need to prepare multiple sections, go for one of the all-in-one tests.

Whichever practice test you go for, the most important thing is to study regularly and believe in yourself. Once you cover these tests and become confident in your skills, the MCAT will probably seem like a piece of cake.

The post What Are the Best MCAT Practice Tests in 2020? appeared first on College Apps.

When you’re in high school, you’ll probably start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up. But it’s almost impossible for most high school students to decide and plan for their entire future. Luckily, there’s an easy and fun way for you to explore your interests before picking a career. Internships for high school students allow you to learn, gain work experience, and network with professionals in almost any field.

In this article, you’ll learn what an internship entails, what you can learn, and why you should consider applying for one. Additionally, you’ll see what the best internships are for high school students in the US.

Everything You Need to Know About an Internship

An internship can help ease you into your future career. This type of program is designed to get you interested in a particular field and offer you some insight into it. You’ll also learn some useful skills that will help you get and perform a job in the future. But you won’t have to do as much as a regular employee, and no one will expect you to have any previous work experience.

Your mentor and colleagues will know that you’re starting from scratch, and will always be more than happy to help you. So, for example, if you get an internship in a law firm, you won’t be filing motions and arguing cases at any point in your internship. However, you will learn all about the daily tasks and familiarize yourself with the processes.

As you can tell, internships for high school students have a great number of benefits, and they can make your future career choice much easier. So, without further ado, let’s see what the best internships available in the US are.

A Guide to the Best Internships

The United States Secret Service

With this internship, you can get a firm understanding of the structure and nature of the US Secret Service. Additionally, you’ll get academic credit and learn a lot about how one of the best federal law enforcement agencies functions. To be eligible, you have to be at least 16 years old, and willing to volunteer for at least 12 hours a week for one semester. You can see all of the terms and conditions here, to ensure you’re eligible.

BRAINYAC

The BRAINYAC program connects high schoolers with scientists and offers them research experience in neuroscience laboratories at Columbia University. So, this internship could be the perfect opportunity for every aspiring scientist. However, it is somewhat exclusive, and it accepts only students from select partner programs in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan areas.

Air Force Research Library Scholar Program

An internship in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program allows you to get hands-on experience with highly-skilled scientists. Even though it requires you to be present for 40 hours a week over the summer — it’s well worth it. Moreover, you’ll be able to be on the front lines of cutting-edge technology and research. To learn more about the program and see if and when you can apply, you can check out this link.

Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

If you’re interested in resource management, you won’t find a better internship than this one. The program is perfect for juniors and seniors looking to explore the impact of land use on water quality all over the US. Also, you’ll be able to learn from seasoned experts in the field. To find out if you’re a suitable candidate, you can check out this link.

GeoSciences Bridge Program

The National Science Foundation offers a 6-week paid internship for all high school students with a passion for science. You can choose to focus on marine geology, marine biology, remote sensing/GIS, atmospheric science, etc. The program offers an amazing hands-on experience and is one of the best of its kind.

Plant Genome Research REU

The USDA, Cornell University and Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) offer an elite internship for high school students. By enrolling in the Plant Genome Research program, you will get a one-of-a-kind opportunity to research and explore a career in bioinformatics and plant science research. You’ll also receive a stipend and an opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant minds in science.

Production Assistant Intern

The Wanderlust Councils offers great internships for high school students who are interested in studying abroad. The goal of the program is to learn more about diverse cultures, and how to produce photos, videos, and social media assets. As you can tell, with this program, you will be able to learn a lot and prepare yourself for a job in production.

Naturalist/Field Research Intern

By enrolling as a naturalist or field research intern, you’ll get an opportunity to work with museum professionals. You’ll learn all about their roles and work and be able to expand your professional network. Additionally, you’ll get some extra perks, such as free tickets to all CMC exhibits, lectures, and special events — and many more.

Scripps Translational Science Institute Internship

The Institute offers internships for high school students interested in translational research. Your work would focus on personalized health care and mobile health (mHealth). Moreover, it’s an amazing way to gain some valuable work experience that will help you in your future career.

New York Historical Society’s Internship

If you’re interested in history and want to pursue a career in a museum — the Student Historian Program is the way to go. You’ll be able to meet history experts and work with other students to help you build your career. Moreover, the program will give you space to develop your leadership skills, as well as practice public speaking. So, if art and American history are something you enjoy — this might be the perfect internship for you.

Microsoft High School Internship

Microsoft wants to enroll students who are interested in STEM fields in their program and provide them with this amazing opportunity. The internship is hands-on and will allow you to learn about the company’s work culture while sharpening your skills. Also, you’ll be able to witness new technology and build work relationships that will help you in the future.

The Expanding Horizons Internship

The EHI provides interactive seminars that lead to a paid summer internship. Also, you can choose to be an intern at a non-profit, corporation, law firm, or government agency. These internships for high school students are perfect for those who want to build their leadership skills or just find a field they’re interested in.

Smithsonian Internship

As one of the largest museums and research centers in the world, the Smithsonian offers a great variety of internships. Moreover, you can choose from business, planetary science, web & new media, and other programs. In addition to allowing you to explore your career, this internship will look great on your CV.

The Library of Congress Internship

The Library of Congress offers many types of internships for high school students. In fact, you can choose between anything from field research to business development or library sciences. The Library of Congress gives you a lot of freedom in deciding on your future field, and the tools you’ll need to advance in it.

Final Thoughts

All of these internships for high school students are a great way for you to learn, network, and grow. Moreover, they can help you break into a difficult career field and explore all of the options available to you. Also, you’ll be able to learn more about interesting careers and build connections that will help you in the future.

Not to mention, many universities look for students with proven working experience —  and an internship will look great on your application. Now, the only trick is choosing the best one, and we hope this article helps you do just that.

The post Internships for High School Students appeared first on College Apps.

If you’re planning to get a college degree, your biggest worry right now is probably the SAT — a standardized test used in the college admission process. If you start preparing for the test on time, your chances of acing it will significantly improve. But what is the best way to prepare?

The answer is pretty simple — the PSAT. If you do the PSAT, you’ll be able to use the PSAT to SAT conversion table to see what score you’re likely to get on the SAT.

Before moving on to the conversion, let’s see what the PSAT is and what it looks like.

What Is the PSAT All About?

The PSAT, also known as the Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test administered by The College Board. This test follows the structure of the SAT, which makes it a perfect practice test for anyone aiming for a college degree. However, the PSAT content is less advanced than what you will find on the SAT.

At the moment, there are three types of PSAT:

1. PSAT 9 — designed for freshmen
2. PSAT 10 — designed for sophomores
3. PSAT/NMSQT — the best option for juniors.

While the PSAT 9 and PSAT 10 are great for introducing yourself to the test format, it is the PSAT/NMSQT that matters the most. That is the most advanced PSAT test, and it will give you an idea of where you stand.

Once you do the PSAT, you will be able to predict what kind of score you can expect to get on the SAT. What’s more, you will be able to identify your strongest and weakest areas and work on improving them.

But the crucial thing about PSAT/NMSQT is that it is your shot at qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship. In fact, that is why it is called NMSQT — the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Even though your PSAT score won’t be used in the college admission process, it can still boost your chances of getting into the best colleges. After all, the National Merit Scholarship qualification will surely improve your application.

What to Expect on the PSAT

When it comes to the content, there’s no need to worry. PSAT includes only the things that you’ve already covered in school. Thus, there will be no surprises.

The PSAT looks pretty much the same as the SAT. The test lasts two hours and 45 minutes. It comprises three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.

The Reading section contains several reading passages and tests how well you understand the context and apply that knowledge. Bear in mind that the genres of the passages vary. Therefore, you can expect anything from scientific texts to literary classics excerpts.

The Writing and Language section will test your grammar and syntax skills. You will need to correct sentences in a short text, identify mistakes, and fix paragraph structure.

The Math section covers basic math principles and mostly focuses on algebra. Still, there are other things that you may come across, such as data analysis and complicated equations. Luckily, you can use a calculator in certain parts of this section.

The PSAT Scoring

Both the Verbal part (the Reading and Writing and Language sections) and the Math part can bring you between 160 and 760 points. Therefore, your overall score can range from 320 to 1520.

Once you get your PSAT/NMSQT score, you can use the PSAT to SAT conversion charts to predict how well you will do the SAT the following year. That way, you will know what to expect and what areas to focus on to improve your score.

PSAT to SAT Conversion Table

The Bottom Line

The PSAT has many advantages. Not only will it give you a chance to win a scholarship, but it will also prepare you for what is to come on the SAT. Once you’ve done the PSAT, you will be familiar with the SAT structure and types of questions, which will certainly make things easier. What’s more, if you use a PSAT to SAT conversion table, you will know exactly what kind of score you can get on the test.

The post PSAT to SAT Conversion — How Good Is Your Score? appeared first on College Apps.

Applying for college is stressful enough as is, so you might not even be aware of your own values and achievements. However, you could be missing out on a world of opportunities, as many colleges offer full-ride scholarships for the most competitive students.

Now, full-ride scholarships suggest various benefits. With one of these, you could have all your college expenses paid. That includes not just tuition but food, housing, books, and transportation. On the other hand, some colleges only offer full-tuition scholarships, which are pretty self-explanatory — you’d have to cover your own cost of living and other expenses.

As you might have guessed, full-ride scholarships are a coveted thing in the world of higher education. Only the best of the best — and the most ambitious students — are able to get them. Some are awarded based on prestige and sports achievements, while others require students to prove their merit and academic prowess if they need help with financing their further education.

In any case, getting one of these full-ride scholarships should make student life a bit easier on both you and your parents. Do know, however, that the more famous the school is, the fewer full-ride opportunities there are. Without further ado, let’s see 50 universities (in no particular order) that could be the right match for you.

Top 50 Full-Ride Scholarships

1. Rollins College

The Alfond Scholars Program at Rollins College offers full-ride scholarships to ten exquisite first-year students each year. The scholarship is reserved for those entering the College of Liberal Arts and covers tuition, food, and accommodation.

2. Drake University

Through its National Alumni Scholarships, Drake University offers six amazing opportunities in total. Those who qualify and take part in one of the National Alumni Scholarship Days can get a $3,000 trustee scholarship. Additionally, Drake University offers two full-ride, as well as three full-tuition scholarships (George Carpenter Scholarships). The full-ride ones cover tuition, food, and accommodation.

3. Elizabethtown College

The Stamps Scholarship given to those attending Elizabethtown College covers the tuition for eight semesters in total. Furthermore, the lucky student will also get to work closely with a personal mentor and have $6,000 at their disposal through an enrichment fund.

4. University of Richmond

The University of Richmond offers one of the best full-ride scholarships in the US. The Richmond Scholars Program covers full tuition, food, and accommodation. Apart from that, you will get a member of the faculty as a mentor, on-campus housing, and priority course registration.

As if that weren’t enough, the program lets students pick an activity that’s covered with a $3,000 grant (one-time only). They will also be provided with advising and professional development opportunities, as well as ticket vouchers for various cultural events.

5. Southern Methodist University

The lucky ones who get the President’s Scholarship will be able to enjoy themselves until graduation without having to worry about tuition or fees. The scholarship covers eight consecutive semesters at the Southern Methodist University (but it cannot be extended past that).

On top of that, it will cover a summer spent studying abroad (optional) and a trip to SMU-in-Taos retreat (first-year scholars).

6. University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii offers two types of scholarships: Regents and Presidential.

The former will cover four years of undergraduate study, while the latter will only cover two years. Still, whoever gets the scholarships will be able to make use of some money, as well. Each scholar gets $4,000 annually, plus a $2,000 travel grant (one-time only).

7. University of North Carolina, Charlotte

The Levine Scholars Program offers plenty to students who are looking to improve not only their minds but their students’ lives as well. This is one of those full-ride scholarships that cover all expenses, including textbooks and mandatory fees. On top of that, the student will get an $8,000 service grant and experience four unique summers as a part of the program.

8. North Carolina State University

With the Park Scholarship, in-state students can make use of $110,000 in the form of supplies and books, travel and personal expenses, tuition, food, and accommodation. Out-of-state students get the same deal, but their expenses are valued at $200,000. In addition, both types of students can get early course registration, join the University Scholars Program, and get both personal and professional enrichment grants.

9. University of Louisville

The Brown Fellows Program is a full-ride scholarship that also includes a textbook allowance for those who are lucky enough to get it. Furthermore, if the student is looking for an individual enrichment plan, they can apply for funding and receive up to $6,000.

10. University of Kentucky

Within the University of Kentucky, you can apply for four different scholarships.

The first one is the Presidential Scholarship, which offers tuition paid in full for both out-of-state and in-state students. The Patterson Scholarship offers the same deal, but it adds a housing stipend into the mix.

Then, there’s the Otis A. Singletary Scholarship, which will provide you with a housing stipend and cover out-of-state tuition in full. In contrast, the fourth one, Governor’s Scholar Presidential Scholarship, includes in-state tuition only.

11. University of Alabama

Only eight lucky students may take advantage of the Academic Elite Scholarship, which covers on-campus housing (one year only and at a regular room rate), tuition, and two money-based awards: an $8,500 yearly stipend and $2,000 to spend on books (for all four years).

However, if you are the top candidate, you will get even more than that. The best scholar gets the regular offer plus $18,500 for years 2–4 and a $5,000 stipend for studying abroad.

12. Mercer University

At Mercer University, students may apply for the Stamps Scholarship, which covers attendance-related expenses in full (books, tuition, etc.). Additionally, there’s a $16,000 enrichment stipend students can use over the course of four years for research, studying abroad, or anything similar.

13. Oberlin College

If you’re applying to Oberlin College, you can get the merit-based Stamps Scholarship. It covers fees and tuition, as well as a $5,000 enrichment fund.

14. Illinois Institute of Technology

Duchossois Leadership Scholars Program is one of those full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, food, and accommodation in full, but don’t pay for your books or personal expenses. Still, it offers something more than pure money. You can also get a personal mentor, spend time in a unique fall retreat, and even get funds for a summer educational experience.

15. University of Wisconsin

At the University of Wisconsin, you can apply for the Chancellor’s or Powers-Knapp Scholarship Program.

The former grants you with tuition paid in full plus a $400-per-semester book allowance. The latter program promises you won’t have to worry about paying for the full tuition if you live in Minnesota or Wisconsin. If you live someplace else, you can get tuition remission.

16. Providence College

If you want to pursue a career in medicine, you can apply for the Roddy Scholarship. Winning it will depend on your high school achievements (they ought to be incredible). Still, if you do get it, it will cover fees, tuition, food, and accommodation.

17. American University

Although the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program was created for minorities who aren’t well represented in the society or in higher education, any student can apply to get this scholarship. With it, they won’t have to worry about paying for tuition, food, or accommodation. The award also covers compulsory fees and a U-Pass. However, to keep using it, you have to maintain an overall 3.2 GPA.

18. University of Rochester

If you’re applying to the University of Rochester, check out the Alan and Jane Handler Endowed Scholarship. Those who get it will enjoy having a personal mentor, a $5,000 professional and academic enrichment stipend, academic support, and a chance to join other Handler scholars within a special alumni network. Needless to say that the scholarship also covers undergraduate tuition for all four years.

19. Texas Christian University

Two hundred forty-nine lucky students can win a four-year scholarship through the Chancellor’s Scholars Program. The value of the scholarship is over $170,680.

20. Loyola Marymount University

At Loyola Marymount, you don’t have to choose from one or two scholarships — there are plenty of them for you to browse through. It’s best that you visit the university’s website for more information on its full-tuition scholarships for the brightest undergraduates.

21. University of Mississippi

Just like Loyola Marymount, the University of Mississippi, offers various full-tuition scholarships, including the Stamps Scholarship. Your eligibility depends on the set requirements, so visit the university’s website for more information.

22. University of Georgia

At the University of Georgia, you can choose between the Ramsey Honors Scholarship and Foundation Fellowship.

The former consists of various opportunities and stipends, including all-student retreats, mentoring, and $3,000 travel-study grants. There are even spring service trips, as well as housing supplements for both in-state and out-of-state students.

The latter includes the attendance cost and a post-first-year study abroad program at Oxford. In addition, you’ll get to enjoy travel-study grants, dinner seminars, mentoring, and more.

23. The University of Texas at Dallas

Among other things, the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program covers tuition and fees, as well as textbooks and some travel expenses. In addition, there’s a $12,000 fund for studying abroad, a $1,400 year-round monthly stipend, and a $3,000 fund for you to use for your professional development.

24. Indiana University Bloomington

With the merit-based Wells Scholars Program, you’ll get to enjoy four years of paid tuition and expenses. It is one of those full-ride scholarships that cover the whole cost of attendance. Additionally, the program doesn’t prohibit spending a year studying abroad — it will remain applicable even then.

25. UNC Chapel Hill

The four-year Robertson Scholars Leadership Program grants students with paid tuition, food, and accommodation expenses. It covers fees as well, not to mention allows you access to various development opportunities. Those include summer experiences (both global and domestic), supportive community, and more.

The Morehead-Cain Scholarship adds even more value into the mix. The award will cover tuition and fees, food, and accommodation. Furthermore, you will get funds for books, a laptop, and even funds to use for further education. On top of that, there’s a Summer Enrichment Program in place, as well.

26. Northeastern University

If you’re looking for the best-value scholarship, the Torch Scholars Program could be the right match for you. It is reserved for first-generation students and covers pretty much everything you can think of. It even includes a summer immersion program, professional and peer mentoring, social events, and academic assessments and plans.

27. University of Maryland, College Park

The Banneker/Key scholarship covers tuition, food, and accommodation, as well as book expenses for all four years. On top of that, you will get $5,000 to spend on internships, studying abroad, or research.

28. University of Buffalo

The Presidential Scholarship is an approx. $15,000-worth renewable award for undergraduate students. There aren’t any special requirements for renewing it, although it helps if your SAT scores are great and your GPA high. Still, in combination with other awards and grants, this scholarship may not exceed the overall attendance cost.

29. Boston University

Although there’s an essay requirement and you have to renew it each year by meeting certain criteria, the Trustee Scholarship is still worth vying for. It covers tuition in full plus any mandatory fees.

30. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Stamps President’s Scholars Program consists of annual awards that are valued at up to $75,000. On top of that, scholars can also study abroad, get leadership training, and take part in conferences, all by using the additional enrichment funds covered by the scholarship.

31. College of William and Mary

College of William and Mary offers two separate scholarships.

The first one, William and Mary Scholars, is for the underrepresented or those who have shown their academic prowess and courage when facing a challenge. With it, you won’t have to worry about fees or your in-state tuition. However, the award is renewable, so you have to maintain a good academic record.

The other award, College of William and Mary Stamps 1693 Scholarship, only partially rewards out-of-state students. In contrast, those who reside in Virginia get full tuition, fees, food, and accommodation paid. On top of that, students can register for courses early and receive $5,000 for personal projects, mentoring, and a chance to participate in various programs and events.

32. Boston College

Only fifteen Early Action freshmen can hope to receive a scholarship under the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program. The award covers tuition in full and also offers a summer GPSP-sponsored program.

33. Clemson University

According to the National Scholars Program, you can get a four-year full-tuition scholarship based on merit alone, plus funds each semester for food, accommodation, and school supplies. Besides that, the program includes a summer spent studying abroad (but not in the freshman year).

34. Ohio State University

The Morrill Scholarship Program is meant for students who thrive academically and have shown service and leadership potential, among other things. However, there are three levels of this scholarship. Excellence covers in-state tuition only, whereas Prominence covers that plus non-residential surcharge. The top-level, Distinction, covers all academic expenses of attending the university.

The Eminence Fellows Scholarship, on the other hand, covers the full cost of undergraduate study attendance for all four years. Apart from that, there’s a $3,000 grant as well, which the student gets if they’ve successfully finished their first year.

35. The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

The Forty Acres Scholarship will cover book expenses and your tuition. You will have some funds left for enrichment as well, which you can spend on professional development, global experience, or helping the community.

36. Wake Forest University

Ten freshmen students won’t have to cover the tuition, fees, food, and accommodation expenses by themselves if they get the Stamps Scholarship. Additionally, they can make use of the $3,400 personal expenses and book allowance, as well as up to $15,000 for travel and study experiences.

The Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship, on the other hand, is offered to five students only. It covers tuition, food, accommodation, and even personal expenses (you get $3,400). On top of that, there is $5,000 in grants you can apply for if you have a travel, study, or research project in mind.

37. University of Houston

With the Tier One Scholarship, you won’t have to pay for your tuition or any obligatory fees for four years. However, the scholarship only covers two years of meal plans and on-campus housing.

Still, it’s a great opportunity if you take into account the $3,000 in stipends and priority registration. Also, if you’re an out-of-state student, you can get the non-resident tuition waiver.

38. The University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)

If you want to avoid paying for most of your expenses at the university, the Stamps Scholarship could be a good fit. It covers the cost of attendance and even offers $12,000 for further professional and academic development. On top of that, you will enjoy various activities (related to your professional development), not to mention get to rub shoulders with other scholars.

39. Michigan State University

The Alumni Distinguished Scholarship is one of those full-ride scholarships that require you to meet strict criteria. If you want it to cover your tuition, food, and accommodation, you have to consider your class rank, GPA, and SAT scores, as these could determine whether you will get it.

There’s also the Distinguished Freshman Scholarship, which pays for tuition and fees of students who couldn’t get the first scholarship. Only twenty people can get it, and it covers all eight semesters.

40. Purdue University

The Stamps Scholarship will ensure that you have all your attendance expenses paid until you get your bachelor’s degree. Additionally, there’s an up to $10,000 enrichment fund you can use for academic development and learning.

41. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

With the Stamps Scholarship, you will not only get all attendance costs covered but also become a member of the Stamps Scholar Society. Besides that, there’s up to $10,000 available in experiential learning funds. You will also get to hang out with other Stamps Scholars from all over the country.

42. University of Virginia

With the four-year Jefferson Scholarship, you won’t have to worry about tuition — it will all be taken care of. The scholarship is valued at $150,000 for in-state and $280,000 for out-of-state students. Additionally, you’ll get some enrichment funds for professional and personal advancement.

43. University of Southern California

Trustee Scholarships don’t have a set number of awards, as every freshman is considered. Academic excellence, community service, and leadership are just some of the criteria. The scholarship covers tuition in full.

Stamps Scholarship, on the other hand, covers full tuition and even offers some enrichment funds to students.

Finally, there’s the Mork Family Scholarship, which covers full tuition for all four years plus a $5,000 yearly stipend. The recipient also gets to enjoy some special events and work closely with an academic advisor.

44. Washington University in St. Louis

Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program offers full-ride scholarships to students who have shown they have what it takes to succeed academically, possess leadership traits, and are keen on community service. Among other things, the recipient gets to attend special events and seminars, as well as enjoy academic support, advising, and orientation.

John B. Ervin Scholars Program offers a similar deal to the Annika Rodriguez program, but it highlights the importance of the community. The scholar will also get orientation and support, a chance to meet community and university leaders, etc. However, they are also expected to take part in the campus community and service projects.

Finally, although the Danforth Scholars Program doesn’t offer full-ride scholarships, it can cover tuition partially or in full. It is meant for students who believe in the importance of community and have shown leadership in service. Still, do know that it’s renewable, so you will have to uphold some standards in regard to your academic achievements and reputation.

45. Virginia Tech

At Virginia Tech, you can apply for the Stamps Scholarship, which covers four years of tuition and fees. The scholarship also includes paid food and accommodation, an experiential learning enrichment fund, and Honors College admission.

46. Emory University

The Emory University Scholar Programs consist of:

• Emory Scholars Program
• Goizueta Scholars Program
• Oxford Scholars Program.

The programs include different things. For example, the Goizueta program guarantees business school admission, while the Oxford program includes personalized faculty mentoring. Still, they are all based on merit.

47. University of Notre Dame

The Stamps Scholarship will cover attendance expenses for ten students (tuition + fees). The award also provides the students with faculty mentors and $3,000 as part of a yearly enrichment fund.

48. Duke University

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is one of the best full-ride scholarships, as it covers most of the expenses and offers multiple learning experiences as well.

The award will cover tuition, fees, food, and accommodation. In addition, you will get access to a variety of extracurricular and academic activities at both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. There are even leadership opportunities, global and domestic experiences, and a massive friendly community waiting for you.

49. Vanderbilt University

If your GPA is at least 3.0, you can get all four years of tuition paid with the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship. Furthermore, you can obtain some funds for an immersive summer experience (second and third year).

Ingram Scholarship Program, on the other hand, covers a summer service project and full yearly tuition. Again, your GPA has to be high, at least 3.0, and you have to meet service requirements.

50. University of Chicago

With the UChicago Stamps Scholarship, you will get enrichment grants in your final two years of studying. These should support experiential learning, such as research projects, internships, and more.

Final Thoughts

All these full-ride scholarships seem like a dream come true. However, you shouldn’t blindly follow the money trail. All of them offer a lot more than just paid expenses. They will allow you to immerse yourself into a community of like-minded scholars, experience studying abroad, and hone your skills for a better future.

The post Full-Ride Scholarships: 50 Universities and What They Offer appeared first on College Apps.

High school seniors have a lot to be worried about. At that age, it seems like every decision could make or break your entire life. All you can do is keep your head above water until graduation. Keep attending classes and striving for a good GPA and studying for your SATs. Even then, there’s so much space for confusion. What is a good GPA, and what score should you aim for when you’re taking your SATs? Sadly, the answers to those questions are completely dependent on your personal path — and the schools you’re going to aim for. So really, it’s best to sort out your list of potential colleges before you decide on anything else.

However, after stressing about everything else, having to decide which college you’re going to apply to seems like another burden you don’t need. Fortunately, nobody is forcing you to apply to only one. In fact, applying to multiple colleges is expected and even encouraged. Still, you might find yourself thinking: how many colleges should I apply to? How many is too many?

As luck would have it, that’s the very question we’re here to answer. Unlike those other questions you might be asking yourself right now, this one is relatively easy to answer. Basically, we’re going to take a look at the national average to get to the final number.

How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

In order to answer your question, we’re going to need more information. If you’ve been wondering how many colleges should I apply to? — you’re in luck. We have several answers for you, so we’ll begin by talking about the average number of applications most students send out.

On the other hand, you don’t need to blindly follow what other people are doing. So we’ll also try to answer the question of whether you have to apply to as many colleges as other students. So without further ado, let’s see how many colleges most people have on their lists.

How Many Colleges Do Other Students Apply To?

The best way to answer your question is by looking at the average number of schools most students apply to. Generally, most people send anywhere between 7 and 10 applications. After all, even if you already know what you want to study, you’ll probably know of several colleges that offer courses for the major you’re looking for. And if that 7–10 number seems like you’d be going a bit overboard — think again.

As a high school senior, and even as a junior, you’re likely aware of your faults and virtues. That is to say, you know which schools you’re most likely to be able to get into. Well, those schools are what we’ll call your target schools — meaning that you’d likely be in their top 50% of admitted students. You should have about 3–4 candidates in that group.

Presumably, you may also know which schools would be a safe bet for someone with your GPA and test scores you’re likely to get. The schools in that category are your safety schools. Ideally, you should list at least 2 of those, but no more than 3. Remember, you’re expecting to get into those colleges easily.

Lastly, you can also include about 2 or 3 reach schools as well. These are incredibly selective colleges where you’d only be in the bottom 25% of applicants. Still, you should add those schools to your list even if you think you probably won’t get in. After all: what if you do get that acceptance letter?

If you’re not entirely sure which of your potential options belongs in which category, you ought to do some research before making your list. You can find how high your SAT scores and GPA should be for each of your possible schools online.

When Should Your Number of College Applications Change?

But let’s get back to your original question: how many colleges should I apply to? Obviously, not everyone sends out only 7–10 applications. For example, if you’re hell-bent on going to an Ivy League school, you would do well to hedge your bets. After all, many of these universities only accept a handful of people, so you shouldn’t rely on being accepted to any one of them. Besides, schools like Harvard or Stanford often have very specific kinds of candidates in mind even before the applications start pouring in.

In that case, you’ll need to send applications to all of the schools that would be a good fit. But remember to include some safety schools on that list as well. If your performance is good enough for Yale or Princeton, your pool of safety schools is probably fairly deep.

Should You Send Out Fewer College Applications?

On the other hand, there are plenty of reasons why someone would be unable to send out as many applications as they wanted to. Naturally, the financial reasons are near the top of that list. After all, some students pay as much as $75 per application. Even though most vulnerable groups can waive the fee, the cost can still be substantial, when you take into account the fact that you have to pay for your SAT and ACT scores. It’s not a stretch to say that many students end up paying over $1,000 when all is said and done.

Even if money is no object, you may still have to race against the clock to apply to all of the schools you want to pursue. If you don’t sort out your list of potential schools on time, you’d have to apply to all of them simultaneously. You may have to churn out 10 essays or more if the schools are asking for supplemental essays as well.

The time constraints are even more demanding if you’re trying to apply for early decision, which has to be done by November of your senior year in high school. If you are applying to get into a school early, you’d only get to send a single application. And if you get in, you have an obligation to attend.

Lastly, other restrictions may affect the number of applications you end up sending. For example, you could be interested in a rare field of study that only a few colleges offer. Alternately, if you’re unable to move away from home during your college years, you might have to look for schools close to home.

Closing Arguments on the Number of College Applications You Should Send

So, you see, answering the question we started with — how many colleges should I apply to? — really isn’t so cut and dried. On the one hand, most people send out an average of 10 applications or fewer. However, there are plenty of reasons why you might not get to that number, or why you might need to overshoot.

Ultimately, there’s no reason to waste your resources applying to schools you’re not enthusiastic about. After all, the colleges you apply to should all be schools you actually want to attend.

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Having a bad calculator can really set you back during your ACT. If it malfunctions or stops working, you probably won’t have enough time to calculate everything yourself. And in turn — you won’t do so well and you’ll probably have fewer points than you normally would.

To avoid stressing out during your ACT, you need to find a good calculator that won’t let you down, but one that follows the ACT guidelines, of course. Before we get into the best ACT calculators, let’s see what you need to consider when buying one.

Which Calculators Are Approved on the ACT

For a calculator to be ACT-approved, it has to be a 4-function, graphing, or scientific one. Before the test starts, you’re responsible for making sure it works and to bring a backup one, just in case.

What’s more, if the calculator is battery-powered, you should bring another set of batteries with you in case the first one fails. To ensure the best results, the ACT always recommends getting familiar with the calculator beforehand.

Prohibited Calculators

During the ACT, you won’t be allowed to use calculators that have a downloaded or built-in computer algebra system. Also, you can’t use tablets, handheld computers, or laptops. What’s more, the ACT prohibits using any calculator that’s built into a cellphone or any other communication device.

There are also a couple of specific models from the three most popular calculator manufacturers that the ACT forbids using.

From Casio, you can’t use:

• ClassPad 300, 330, or 400
• Algebra fx 2.0
• Any model that starts with CFX-9970G

From Hewlett-Packard:

• HP 48GII
• HP Prime
• Any model that starts with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G

Finally, from Texas Instruments:

• TI-Nspire CAS
• Any model that starts with TI-89 or TI-92

Modified Calculators

There are some types of calculators that you can modify to get them to be ACT-approved. For example, if you have an HP 38G with an infrared port, all you have to do is cover the port with some heavy-duty tape.

You could also use calculators that can hold documents or programs; you just have to delete everything from them. If your calculators have power cords or paper tape, just remove them and you’re ready to go. Also, make sure to turn off the sound on your calculator if it has that option to avoid distracting others during the ACT.

1. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator

The TI-84 Plus comes with expanded graphing technology and about a dozen applications. Some of the applications include: real-world data collection and analysis, interactive geometry, and inequality graphing.

Texas Instruments also claims that this calculator is perfect for all high schoolers because of its MathPrint technology. With it, you can enter equations and fractions and the screen will show you graphic representations of them.

The calculator also has 14 interactive zoom features and it can store up to 999 elements. What’s more, the TI-84 Plus can convert decimals into fractions. It is also pre-approved for the ACT, SAT, PSAT, IB, and AP tests.

On the Texas Instruments official website, you can find different guidebooks, product tutorials, and a software service center. Also, you can reach their customer support system via phone, e-mail, and live chat. What’s more, you can access the self-service knowledge base for any warranty and service questions, as well as troubleshooting and product usage.

2. Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator

If you’re looking for a reliable, sturdy graphing calculator that’s half the price of the TI — Casio’s fx-9750GII is the way to go. The calculator has a 10-digit, 8-line LCD screen, perfect for all of your graphs and equations. What’s more, it features a simple icon menu and is pretty easy to use.

Casio’s calculator also comes with a built-in hard case and in three different colors. But possibly one of the most impressive things about it is its battery. Once you put 4 AAA batteries, Casio claims this calculator can last up to 200 hours. You’ll also be happy to know that the batteries are included when you order from Amazon.

Now, the Casio does come with a bit of a learning curve. Since nowadays most high schools recommend using the TI, it might be difficult figuring this one out at first. But the calculator does come with a manual and you can find plenty of tutorials on how to use it.

3. Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator

The TI-83 Plus model from Texas Instruments is easy to use, durable, and works great for both science and math applications. With it, you can do data plotting and analysis. What’s more, it’s one of the best ACT calculators for comparing functions and making graphs.

Since it has FLASH ROM memory, you can update the software from time to time and install some apps. Also, the TI-83 can store up to 10 matrices and display the tables and graphs on its LCD split-screen.

Now, the calculator comes with four AAA batteries, so you can start using it right out of the box. But it also has one lithium battery for backup and saves energy with its automatic shutoff feature. Also, just like the TI-84, this model comes with 14 zoom features and you can use it for calculus, algebra, and much more.

4. Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS 2-Line Scientific Calculator

As one of the cheapest and best ACT calculators, the TI-30X is one of the most popular models for high schoolers. It’s a scientific calculator that features a robust and sturdy design. You can use its 2-line display to see your entries and the calculated result at the same time.

The TI-30X can easily handle one- and two-variable statistical calculations. You can also use it to work with angle modes, including grads, degrees, and radians. What’s more, the calculator can work in both engineering and scientific modes.

The model comes with a protected case and you can get it in two different colors. If you buy it on Amazon, you’ll get a lithium battery included with your purchase. But if the battery ever fails you, you’ll be happy to know that this model is also solar-powered.

5. Casio fx-115ES Plus Scientific Calculator

The scientific calculator from Casio is one of their most popular and possibly best ACT calculators. It’s extremely versatile and you can use it for algebra, statistics, chemistry, and so much more. The calculator also has a natural textbook display, making it easy to read your results.

You’ll be happy to know that with this model, you can do over 280 different functions. For example, you can do fractions, arithmetics, and computer science, to name a few. The fx-115ES also has a table function and 40 different metric conversions.

Moreover, you can use the Multi-replay function on the calculator to see and edit expressions and recalculate your answers. The calculator has a 2-line display and needs one LR44 battery to work. But in case the battery fails, you can charge it using solar power.

In Conclusion

Even though the standardized test laws state that you don’t need a calculator for the exam, it’ll be much easier for you if you use it. But getting the right one is of the essence. So, when looking at which one to buy, think of the classes you’ll be using it for and the functions you’ll need to use.

Also, to avoid wasting time during the ACT, make sure to familiarize yourself with the calculator beforehand. If you can, always bring it with you to your math and ACT prep classes.

All of the models you’ve seen here today are precise, reliable, and durable. No matter which one you choose, you won’t be making a mistake, as these are the best ACT calculators on the market right now.

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