Often times, the closer it gets to your Best Small Colleges date, the more anxious you become. While this is understandable, you need to be aware that college admissions look at more than just your SAT score. About 35 to 50% of their decision is based on your high school records. They look to see how well you handled a rigorous workload, if your grades improved during high school and if you chose difficult courses. This often gives them an idea as to how well you would perform in your best small colleges studies, and if you would be an asset to their school.

They also claim that about 25 to 40% of their admissions decision is based on test scores. Both the ACT and SAT test are used to evaluate applicants, showing them how well you would handle problem solving, reading and other basic skills. This is one reason why SAT test preparation is vital if you want to do well and improve your SAT test score.

If you have been active in community services or activities, then be sure to include that information when applying. Approximately 5 to 20% of a best small colleges decision may be based on your activities and accomplishments while in high school, believing that if you were a leader in high school, then you are likely to continue to be so in college. College admissions may also look at essays and recommendations to learn things that SATS tests are not able to tell them. They want to know what is important to you and discover your greatest strengths and weaknesses.

Of course, to get into any college you need good marks and taking SAT preparation classes, along with practice SATs tests improves your chances of making a much higher grade. Best Small Colleges admissions tell us that high GPA's and good SAT scores will get a lot more attention than the average scores. Taking AP (advanced placement) courses shows them that you are serious about your education and that warrants extra attention.