Colleges Move to Test-Optional Policy Amid COVID-19
Since the cancellation of SAT and ACT test dates, some colleges have decided to make the upcoming admission cycle test-optional, and consider test optional policy for good.Â
How I Got Accepted to UCLA
Read the first-hand account from former Empowerly student, Casey M., how she found her home and path to success at the University of California, Los Angeles.Â
My SAT Was Cancelled. What Do I Do Now?
You find yourself faced with the question: to take or not to take? Is it even worth my time and effort if some colleges no longer require it? Can I juggle the work that I need to put in to prepare, as well as the added pressure of studying online? Let’s dive in, and answer all those questions and more.
7 Must-Do’s to Ace Virtual Interviews
Should you prepare differently? What’s the etiquette like? Where should you sit?
Keep reading to find out seven things you must know to ace your virtual first impressions.
How to Get to Know a College Campus from Afar
College tours canceled? Here are some tips to virtually scope out the campuses to finalize your college list from home.
What an Admissions Expert Has to Say About AP Tests
It’s AP season, so we talked to one of our wonderful counselors, Jennifer Liepin, about her own advice on AP tests. Read her thoughts below about: why you should take AP classes, how they help with college applications, how to prepare for the test, and what you should do if you don’t do well.
What to Expect from a Counseling Session with Empowerly
Sheelah explains what you can expect from a counseling session with Empowerly, and why each element matters so much.
We talked to Sheelah Bearfoot, one of our fantastic counselors, to get the scoop.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA and How Colleges View Them
The discussion of weighted vs. unweighted GPA has risen to the top of many minds. COVID has brought grading schemes under the microscope, once again.
1) in the classroom through letter grades, and 2) through Grade Point Average, or GPA.
You’re likely familiar the grading from A-F, but colleges are interested in overall performance—”with a quick glance of your unweighted GPA which will fall between 0.0 and 4.0. Colleges could also be interested in a weighted GPA which applies more proportional weight to more difficult classes.
However, more and more classes are also offering P and NP. Wondering what that means? Read on for a breakdown of how this plays out today.
When to Start on Your College Essays? Now!
The beginning of your summer, your rising senior year, is the perfect time to start planning your first college essay. Your mind is no longer full of the memorized facts, equations, and extracurricular scheduling of the school year. You also are likely to have more time to dedicate the process of brainstorming, writing, and editing that are necessary to write a thoughtfully organized and meaningful essay.Â
Do not sell yourself short in waiting to write this all-important piece that will be a deciding factor as to whether or not you are accepted to the school of your dream; start now!
