Quick quiz:  what are the three most important academic components of a college application?

I won't tease you. The answer:

1. GPA
2. Rigor (typically AP or IB courses)
3. Standardized testing

Yep.  The ACT or SAT is important. Still.

Why?

Because performance on the ACT or SAT is highly predictive of how well a student will do in college.

Note that I didn't say "perfectly predictive."  Nothing is a failsafe predictor.

But, given a choice, an admissions officer would rather see an ACT or SAT score than not.

But what about applying test optional, you inquire.

Harken unto me, and harken closely.  There Is a difference between APPLYING test-optional and being ACCEPTED test-optional. That not-so-subtle distinction gets glossed over more often than not.

If your standardized test scores don't cut the mustard, you shouldn't send 'em.  

But if the REST of your academic credentials  -- the aforementioned GPA and rigor -- are also relatively weak compared to your...

Good morning from overcast New York.

Over the past week we received 4-5 questions about the new, digital SAT as well as the upcoming ACT. That's why we ran a class walking you through each section (briefly), to highlight the differences and similarities, all with the goal of helping you figure out which exam to focus on.

Best news eva:  we recorded it! You can watch it here:

SAT v ACT

Our prep class for the ACT starts next week, the class for the SAT starts right after that.

Take $100 off either as a special New Year's promo!  Enter coupon code CRUSH2024 (wait for the price to update in the shopping cart), here:

TEST PREP CLASS INFO

- Andy Lockwood

P.S.  Yep.  The SAT and ACT still matter.  Strong scores help you get in and win fat, juicy scholarships. :)

P.P.S.  Please share this with other parents if they need this info.

Hidey ho, two brief notes this morning:

1. We had a bunch of people ask about a replay of yesterday's walk through of the new "improved", glitchy, hard-to-access FAFSA by financial aid expert (and dark horse Harvard University presidential candidate front-runner) Pearl Lockwood.  That recording is is posted here, hot off the presses.
2. Our ACT prep class for the February exam starts next week.  Our SAT prep class for the march exam starts later this month.  Sign up now and we'll knock off $100 -- use coupon code CRUSH2024 on this page

Let me know if you have any questions!

-Andy Lockwood

Hi, a quickie reminder:  we're about to go live with a new free class,, SAT vs ACT - Which Test is Best?

This is a section-by-section, brief walk-through to help you discover which is the "right" one for your child. 

It's about to start:  8:15pm EST! 

If you have a child who is strong in math...

...or one who Is weak in science...

...or one who is a slow-ish test taker...

...or have general questions the new digital SAT, the differences between the SAT and ACT, which one should your child take, etc., you'd be silly not to show up!  

Don't be silly, here's where to go:

Which Test is Best

-Andy Lockwood

At 6:24 PM last night, I appeared briefly on Fox TV to help its audience cope with the current "FAFSApocalypse"  -- the glitchy, frustrating, delay-ridden new and "improved" Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

But, as is always the case when I make it on the air, there's a TON that got left on the cutting room floor.

In this case, there was a lot more I wanted to yammer on about in order to help families with college-bound teens deal with the new regulations, tech problems and behind-the-scenes chaos that is hurtling toward them like an oncoming train.  

Good news!  This morning, live on our Facebook page, I'm roping in FAFSA expert and Lockwood College Prep Chief Snack Officer Pearl Lockwood to give you a "look over my shoulder." insider, real-time update on what she's been seeing so far in the few days since the "soft release" of the FASFA.  

And what she's been NOT seeing, which you may find to be a little scary.

Pearl helps families...

Hi, it's deja vu all over again, looking like this year is starting off in a confusing, crazy way -- major problems with FAFSA, another college president bites the dust, nonsensical college admissions for Class of 2024, lots o' fun.

So we're doing two live sessions tomorrow (1/3) to help you clear the clutter and confusion and succeed in financial aid, college admissions and more:

1. College Coffee Talk: Pearl will walk us through the new, kinda-sorta released FAFSA.  11am EST, on our Facebook page.  Tomorrow, Wednesday 1/3.
2. SAT vs ACT - Which Test is Best? Section-by-section, brief walk-through to help you discover which is the "right" one for your child.  8:15pm EST: register on this page. Tomorrow, Wednesday 1/3.

That's all I got --  a happy and healthy 2024 to you!

-Andy Lockwood

Financial Aid Warrior Promo

1-pay option (best deal) | 5 pay option

This is your official last call notice for our financial aid consulting promo.  This 10% off "scholarship" walks out the door at 12 midnight.

The FAFSA is kinda-sorta out -- with "planned maintenance" outages...

...but we want to make sure that you avoid stupid, money-losing blunders on the financial aid applications that could mean the difference between sending your kiddo to the college she deserves...

...versus having to quietly confide, "sorry, I just can't afford to send you to the college you deserve."

It doesn't have to be that way.

With us in your corner, we'll help you comfortably afford tuition without scrimping your lifestyle, loading up on debt (both on your child and on you) or being forced to sell a vital organ.  Specifically, you get:

• Strategies, including legal "loopholes" and shelters to get more grants and scholarships
• Preparation and filing of the CSS...

I'll be quick so you can get ready for another rockin' New Year's Eve...

We're running a limited time 10% off promo on our financial aid consulting service, which gets you our expert help in the following areas...

• Strategies, including legal "loopholes" and shelters to get more grants and scholarships
• Preparation and filing of the CSS Profile, FAFSA,  TAP and/or whatever other applications are required by each of the colleges on your list
• Handholding support for all of the annoying, various and sundry follow up questions from colleges AFTER you file
• Assistance negotiating your financial aid and merit aid awards
• Help with loan applications if necessary
• Anything and everything else that has to do with cash for college, so that you avoid deadly, self-inflicted mistakes that block you from getting the financial aid that you otherwise deserve...and need!

There's two ways to sign up, pick the one right for you - each link has a 10% off coupon code baked in:

1-pay option (best deal)...

The new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now "periodically available" (meaning, "not available because it's glitchy") and many parents wonder, "Should I even bother to fill it out?"

Our stock recommendation is to file, for the following reasons:

• You may actually be eligible for aid, even if you don't think you are
• If you're not eligible but want to show financial strength to your child's colleges to make him a more attractive candidate. Filing the FAFSA could help him get in.
• Some (not all) colleges require you to file the FAFSA in order to be considered for MERIT (non need-based) aid.  Check each of your college's requirements.
• In the event that you are considering borrowing any amount in federal loans, you should file the FAFSA
• If you are not currently considering borrowing any amount in federal loans, but want to be safe and preserve your options -- if, for example, you suffer a Black Swan economic blow such as loss of job or a huge customer leaving your...

It's Christmas Eve, so I thought I'd dust off this not-so-updated, yet borderline classic entry from the Lockwood archives:

Twas the night before FAFSA

And all through the nation

Parents were sweating bullets

Over the cost of higher education

“These forms are so annoying!”

One poor father cried

As he sat shuffling papers 

While a part of him died

“Honey, what’s the big deal?” 

The mother inquired

“Our daughter always gets the best

Even if you can’t ever retire!”

“I’m all for a great college”

The father sniffled and sobbed

“But I’d hate to pay for rock climbing and safe spaces

Unless they help her get a job”

The mom stopped and stared

And gave dad the stink-eye

So he turned back to his FAFSA

With a shrug and a sigh

But he just couldn’t let it go

Because in his assessment

College is a huge  rip off

With no return on investment

...