Application Process

The college application process is specific to each and every college and university.  We will work with your student starting late in junior year to prepare the applications and the materials typically needed.  We meet with your student one-on-one through senior year to ensure that no steps are missed. 
 
Typical Documents for a College Application:
  1. The application itself: This can be college-specific or could be through the Common App or Coalition App.  
  2. High School transcript 
  3. Test scores: Please note, this must be sent directly from the testing site by the student 
  4. Essay(s) 
  5. Recommendation letter(s) 
  6. Resume

College Entrance Exams

Many colleges and universities require that a student take either the SAT or ACT at minimum. These tests are designed to be used as PART of the admissions process to help determine a student's college readiness. 
Below you will find helpful links, test prep and test optional information.  To discuss what options may be best for your son and to create a testing plan, please contact your college counselor. 
 
Helpful Links:
  • PSAT:  Practice test taken in real-scenario setting in ninth, 10th and 11th grade.  
  • SAT 
    • SAT I - the typical SAT 
    • SAT II - Subject tests, designed by the CollegeBoard.  These are not always required, please discuss with your counselor! 
  • ACT: Alternate test to SAT 
  • AP: Advance Placement testing for students who successfully complete an AP course during their time at HGP 
  • Information on the difference between the SAT and ACT
Test Optional:
In the last few years, there has been an increasing number of schools joining the test-optional movement.  Colleges and universities that are test optional allow students to forgo submitting test scores if it is in the student's best interest.  Please note that some test-optional schools will require additional materials if a student choose to not send tests. This decision should not be taken lightly and should be discussed with the college counselor to make sure that all factors are being considered. 
 
Test Preparation: 
  • Test preparation is included once a cycle for Juniors.  
  • KHAN Academy: Free online test prep, accounts created while at HGP 
  • Kaplan: Free online preparation; information is emailed home 
  • Kaplan classes: Typically offered in the winter of the student's junior year and done here on campus; information is emailed home.  
  • Other classes and test prep services are available.   
You should consider all options along with what methods allow your son to best learn before deciding on investing in any kind of test prep.