The journey to college can feel overwhelming, but setting clear and actionable goals will help you remain on track and make the process manageable. Whether you’re a student planning your next steps or a parent guiding your child, Cardinal Education can guide you every step of the way to ensure you approach college prep with confidence and success.
Build a Strong Foundation Early
Preparing for college success starts long before senior year. Research shows that being academically prepared increases one’s chances of completing a degree. Multiple measures to monitor readiness—such as academic performance, critical thinking, and extracurricular growth—not only inform but also increase one’s likelihood of thriving in college. Our admissions consultants specialize in early preparation, helping students build the essential skills they’ll need for long-term success.
Explore Colleges That Match Your Goals
Researching colleges early allows you to create a shortlist of schools to learn more about. The easiest and most convenient way to do this is to visit college websites and explore the school’s academic programs, campus culture, mission, and opportunities that align with your academic goals. Attending virtual or in-person college fairs is another excellent way to gather more information. We can also provide you with a curated list of colleges tailored to your personal and academic goals, and we’ll help you create a pros and cons list to find your best-fit schools.
Take a PSAT Practice Test
Standardized tests, like the PSAT, are significant in college admissions. A practice test will help you identify areas for improvement and prepare for the SAT. Cardinal Education provides specialized test prep resources, including personalized academic tutoring, to help you focus on areas you need to improve.
Get Involved with Community Volunteering, Summer Programs, or Internships
Colleges love to see applicants passionate about making a difference in their communities. Volunteering strengthens your application and helps you develop leadership and teamwork skills.
Summer is an excellent time to build stories, not just a college resume. Whether you participate in a program, internship, or independent study, use this time to pursue academic and extracurricular interests. We can help you research summer and volunteering opportunities early to meet application deadlines.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation give colleges insight into your academic rigor, character, and personal values. We can start this process early by helping you identify teachers and mentors who best highlight your character. We will then give them an outline of your goals to help them write a strong, personalized letter.
Register and Prepare for the ACT/SAT
Decide which test—ACT or SAT—suits your strengths and create a targeted study plan. Our educational consultants provide expert guidance in test preparation, practice exams, and scheduling advice to help you achieve your highest possible scores.
2025 ACT Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration | Multiple Choice Scores Available |
| February 8, 2025 | January 3, 2025 | January 20, 2025 | February 18, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | March 16, 2025 | April 15, 2025 |
| June 14, 2025 | May 9, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | June 24, 2025 |
| July 12, 2025 | June 6, 2025 | June 20, 2025 | July 22, 2025 |
| September 13, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 24, 2025 | September 23, 2025 |
| October 25, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | October 6, 2025 | November 4, 2025 |
| December 13, 2025 | November 7, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | December 23, 2025 |
2025 SAT Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration | Multiple Choice Scores Available |
| March 8, 2025 | February 21, 2025 | February 25, 2025 | March 21, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 | May 16, 2025 |
| June 7, 2025 | May 23, 2025 | May 27, 2025 | June 20, 2025 |
| August 23, 2025 | August 8, 2025 | August 12, 2025 | September 5, 2025 |
| September 13, 2025 | August 26, 2025 | September 2, 2025 | September 26, 2025 |
| October 4, 2025 | September 19, 2025 | September 23, 2025 | October 17, 2025 |
| November 8, 2025 | October 24, 2025 | October 28, 2025 | November 21, 2025 |
| December 6, 2025 | November 21, 2025 | November 25, 2025 | December 19, 2025 |
Don’t forget to register early for the ACT or SAT! Click here to register for the ACT and here to register for the SAT.
Finalize and Polish Your College Essays
Your essays allow you to show admissions officers who you are—beyond your grades and test scores. Our college admissions consultants work closely with students to brainstorm meaningful topics, authentically tell your story, and provide thorough, personalized feedback to help you write essays that stand out to admissions officers.
Evaluating the Benefits of Applying Early
Many colleges offer Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) application options, which may improve your chances of acceptance. Our admissions consultants can help you evaluate whether applying early is the right strategy based on your target schools, application readiness, and overall goals. We also assist in ensuring your application is polished and complete ahead of early deadlines.
Start Your Journey Today
Preparing for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Breaking the process into clear, manageable steps makes the journey less daunting and ensures you are on track. Start today, and let us help you turn your aspirations into acceptance letters from the best colleges in the world.
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At Cardinal Education, we specialize in preparing students for these exams. From PSAT strategies to AP subject test coaching, we create a personalized plan to meet your goals. Our expert tutors and consultants know which tests to prioritize and ensure you’re ready to excel.
Contact us to learn more about our private school admissions consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do colleges care about 9th grade?
Yes, colleges care about your 9th-grade grades, as they are a part of your overall academic transcript. Freshman year is the foundation for the rest of your high school career, and admissions officers consider it when evaluating your academic consistency and growth. While colleges may place more emphasis on grades from your later high school years, your performance in 9th grade sets the tone for your academic trajectory because a steady or improving academic trend throughout high school can positively influence how admissions committees view your transcript. If your freshman-year grades aren’t as strong as you’d like, focus on improvement in subsequent years by developing the skills needed for success in more advanced coursework.
- How will you plan for your college?
Planning for college begins with listing your goals individually and creating a roadmap to achieve them. Make a checklist of application requirements, including exams, essays, and recommendation letters, and take the necessary steps to accomplish them one by one.
You can also schedule a meeting with your school’s guidance counselor or seek guidance from a college admissions consultant. They can assist in simplifying the application process by identifying ways to enhance your student profile, and ensuring all deadlines are met. The key to effective planning is starting early, staying organized, and being proactive.
- How do you prepare for the transition from high school to college?
Transitioning from high school to college involves more than just academic preparation. Students must also focus on building the necessary skills to excel in college, including time management and organizational skills to handle a heavier workload. Strengthen your study habits, explore extracurriculars that help you build a support system on campus, and practice self-care to cope with new challenges. Transitioning well is about striking a balance between academics, extracurriculars, and personal growth.
- What standardized tests should you consider beyond the SAT/ACT?
While the SAT and ACT are widely recognized, other standardized tests can depend on your academic goals. The PSAT, for instance, is not only a preparatory test for the SAT but also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Other exams may also be relevant for students pursuing specialized fields. Those aiming for medical school will eventually need to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), while future law students will face the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Even in high school, AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) exams can showcase your academic ability and prepare you for college. Acing these exams can strengthen your application and can also earn you college credit.
