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One of the central parts of the college application process is the application essays. While grades and test scores give some hint at a student’s capabilities, the essay provides an opportunity for a student to present themselves on their terms. It can be used to show not only who they are but how they think […]

As a high school student, have you ever wondered what exactly is considered a good ACT score? Are you confused about where to set your target score? Do you feel intimidated by the thought of taking the test and not knowing what score to aim for? What is a Good ACT Score? The ACT is […]

There’s roughly 10 weeks of summer vacation each year. It’s good to use that vacation to relax, to enjoy time with family and friends. However, this break can also be a time for other activities. It can be a chance to grow, to learn, to explore. It can be a chance to get ahead. One […]

The Common App, the undergraduate college admission application whose platform is used by most colleges in the United States, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. With that milestone come changes big and small, to the application questions, the forms, and the process itself.  In this blog, we’ll review a few of the changes that […]

Getting accepted into college is a huge relief, a sign that your hard work has paid off and your accomplishments have been recognized. Most students will be accepted into more than one college or university. You may receive acceptances from three, four, five, or even more of the schools you applied to. Having choice is […]

The college application process can seem far from straight-forward. With various forms, deadlines, and platforms to manage, many families can find themselves overwhelmed and confused. In this blog, we aim to reduce some of the stress by providing information on one aspect of the college journey—the College Scholarship Services Profile, better known as the CSS […]

Updated: Jan 2025 There are four sections on the ACT: English (75 question/ 45 minutes), Math (60 questions/ 60 minutes), Reading (40 questions/ 35 minutes), Science (40 questions/ 35 minutes) and then the optional writing portion. ACT Math Math is the easiest section to raise your score in. This section is the one where students […]

The last two years have seen no shortage of changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA. Delays. New questions. All of it has been confusing for families looking at college for the first time. But none of it should detract from the application’s importance. Since 1965, the FAFSA has […]

At Class 101, we understand that preparing for college can be overwhelming, but being organized and proactive can significantly ease that stress. This is not a post about mental health treatment or specific self-care tips. Instead, we’re here to discuss practical strategies for navigating the high school years—a time often filled with stress and anxiety […]