The SAT Reasoning Test, more commonly known as the SAT, has three parts: math, critical reading and writing. The math section tests math, the cr section tests vocabulary and reading comprehension, and the writing section tests grammar and editorial skills.

The College Board also offer SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT II subject tests). Many selective colleges in the United States require that you take two subject tests. Subjects offered include mathematics (level 1 and level 2), literature, biology, chemistry, US history, world history, etc. You can see a complete list of subject tests at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html

I hope this helps. Good luck.

To Mr. Malin,

1. Do you have any admission advice for homeschooled students? I’m currently a homeschooled student, so I was wondering if you could shed some light as to how I (or anyone else) could make my application “dazzling” for colleges. Please give me advice with issue towards Princeton as well!

2. Since I don’t attend a public high school, I lack a bit with my extracurricular activities. Here are a list of what I’ve done so far:

* Part time volunteer work at a nearby summer school (as of this summer).

* Volunteer/help with a nursery day-care at a private school (this was in 9th grade).

* One extracurricular activity I do at home but decline to mention here.

* I helped with a school’s fundraiser once (also in 9th grade).

* My homeschool’s Photography and Newspaper Club (will be joining soon!).

Will a lack of sufficient extracurriculars hurt my chances of acception? Are they really that important (like the SAT), or are extracurriculars just a small part of the overall process?

3. In your opinion, about how many colleges should one apply to? I’ve got two underway, but I’m trying to look for more that’ll suit me as well.

4. Are the SAT IIs considered just as heavily as the SAT Is in Princeton (or in any college). Or are they of less value since they’re just subject tests?

5. What criteria do you think an application needs to have in order to stand out from the usual crowd?

Mr. Betterson,

1. Do you have any financial aid tips (including Princeton) that you could give to homeschooled students? How does financial aid actually work? Is it like a loan – if one applies for financial aid and the college gives the student money to pay for the courses, classes, etc., would the student have to pay the college back later on?

2. What exactly is FAFSA (an application that has something to do with financial aid), and what does it do? Is it required by all universities (including Princeton) or just several of them?

Thank you!

Thanks alot Mr. Schellscheidt, this is a great idea.

I have a question for Mr. Seamus Malin regarding the early application process.

What was the original intent of the early application program?

Are there special factors that are considered by the admission officers when they review an early application?

Can my chances of admission be improved by applying under early application program?

Many top colleges are no longer offering such application process starting this fall. What is the reason for this?

Thank you.

Thanks