What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT? If you are wondering whether or not you have to take these tests, then you should know that you don't really have to take them at all. There are some colleges out there that do not require any of the tests and simply go by your GPA. Keep in mind, however, that most of these colleges would require an extremely high GPA if that is all they would go by in terms of scores.

Scores are very important to universities. Higher scores mean a higher ranking for them. Top universities such as Harvard and Yale won't even glance at your application unless you have scores that meet their minimum scores. Both the ACT and SAT scores can and most likely will be used as part of their application percentiles which means, if you scored on the seventy-fifth percentile, which is a decent score, that score will be looked at by the college.

College students changing majors should think long and hard if this step is indeed in their best interest. Granted, the list of college majors initially looked forbidding and it may have been the easiest pick at the time, but now that the student is an ‘old hand’ at all things college-related, she might feel it is time to spread her wings and explore other options. Although not a rarity, it is fiscally and procedurally wise to think through the process.

When you think of how hard a college graduate has worked---the late night studying, preparing for midterms and finals, and the hectic college life in general where most students hold down jobs---they deserve a gift when they graduate!

Before you begin shopping for that graduate, check out some of these unique gift suggestions for college graduates. Our list here includes not only practical gifts but some unique gifts as well.

High school grades and the college success rate are intimately intertwined. In 1967(1) the Ford Foundation sought to determine the actual relationship that appeared to exist between high school grades and the potential for future college success. The results were not very encouraging for those with bad high school grades. It appeared that students whose grades were lacking had difficulty blossoming in college initially, and throughout the years of study.

In fact, the study showed that the College Board scores were by far less reliable than the actual high school grades when it came to determine who was most likely to succeed. This understanding is echoed by a 1996 to 1999 study by the University of Berkeley.(2) This study suggested that standardized test scores are far too influenced by students’ socioeconomic backgrounds as opposed to work ethic and ability to perform consistently to standards. This study outlines that high school grades are a fairer and more equitable predictor of future success.

There is an ever-growing number of job websites available today on the Internet. However, there are some sites that are especially useful for college grads. Before using a site, look for advanced search settings that may help you narrow down your results. Also, check out the application process. Some websites will have you submit your resume directly through the site, while others give employer contact information to send out your resume via email or postal mail. Either way, college grad job sites can be a great tool for finding jobs after graduation that you might never have known

Foreign exchange students often suffer from anxiety, despite their desires for a new culture and new experiences. Ease this anxiety by communicating with your host family before you arrive. Send letters, emails and instant messages, especially if a student in the family will be attending school with you. Befriending a family in advance will help the transition go more smoothly.

Brush up on your language skills. It's important to be fluent in the host family's language. Perhaps one of the goals of the foreign exchange program is to become fluent in the language, which doesn't mean that you should be relaxed about your language skills before you go. Work on them every day for months before you leave. It will be easier for you to live in the country when you can openly communicate with others in the native language. Although countries around the world speak English, you still want to be respectful of the proper language for the country.

College students today are graduating into one of the most competitive job markets in recent decades. With more and more young people attending college, the fact that you have a bachelor's degree isn't enough to make you stand out from the crowd anymore. Students need to do more during their college years to prepare for the job competition they'll face after school is over. The importance of career planning in college can be overwhelming to some students, but in the end you'll benefit from the extra work you put in to plan ahead to get the job you want.

Choosing a college essay topic can seem simple at first; after all, the school you’re applying to often provides the topic for you. Surprisingly, however, simply answering the essay prompt isn’t the best way to approach a college essay. College admissions committees are looking for passion, creativity, idealism, and similar personality traits in their applicants. In order to show them these aspects of your personality, you’ll want to write about a topic that truly speaks to you, and you’ll want to give over a message that you believe in strongly.