The best
College Entrance Test Guides:
Reddit reviews
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The best of College Entrance Test Guides by number of unique Reddit comments:
![HESI A2 Study Guide 2020-2021: HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review 2020 and 2021 with Practice Test Questions [6th Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51IiVwEpYbL._SL500_.jpg)
![The Study Skills Handbook (Palgrave Study Skills) [Paperback] [Jan 01, 2008] Dr Stella Cottrell](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JKY-kqsPL._SL500_.jpg)
Top Reddit reviews mentioning College Entrance Test Guides:
Personally, I didn't use any books for ACT reading, but I had read some SAT reading books. For the science though, I bought the For the Love of ACT Science. I didn't read much of it, just the section about science information. A lot of the science is just correctly interpreting the graph so practice that and the book may help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1796625841/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RWZ90T754SK2T01Z3PB3 This is the science book I used. The ACT Black Book https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997517824/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_9JDAG79RJTV7W2AP4Q3F This is a highly recommended ACT reading book. Hope this helps.
Honestly I wouldn't recommend many of those expensive courses. They're not great for grads especially if you've applied before.
For the UCAT just use YouTube, Medify, Medic portal (free resources online) or drop me a message and I can send you some stuff too.
For the interview if you can afford to do a course the only one worth doing is the Medic Portal crash course. I did it myself as well as some others and it was levels above any other company. FY1 doctors, top 1% medical students grill you and get you ready for any MMI, Oxbridge interview. Otherwise YouTube and the internet are your best friend.
The personal statement is a tricky one because it should be a little more 'mature' than an 18 year old personal statement - for this I would get help from a lecturer or senior medic/doctor who knows what they're doing.
A friend of mine suggested this book to me and found it useful for the personal statement/interview process, it's written by oxbridge students too.
This is such a good idea! I remember when I applied (back in 2019!) I did some prep with peers. Perhaps even find some medics to give you a hand - I found that really helpful. What resources have you been using to prep? There's plenty, UniAdmissions do a really good book addressing everything related to medical school applications, their interview section is really neat :)
All the best with applications!
Hey! Generally the majority of universities require some form of work experience. It shows that you've explored the profession and demonstrates an element of commitment. I remember during my application cycle there were some interview stations even asking about my work experience. I found it helpful to experience different aspects of healthcare - voluntary work in a carehome, admin jobs in hospitals and shadowing clinicians as well. It's also important to try getting directly involved. Perhaps show interest and try to grab opportunities. Also don't forget to reflect on all this!
Actually, UniAdmissions offer a really thorough overview of work experience and other aspects of the Med application process https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Medical-School-Collection-experience/dp/1915091527/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2K6IBAGXB8O8D&keywords=the+ultimate+medical+school+collection&qid=1658952397&sprefix=the+ultimate+medical+school+collectio%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-2
Hope that helps!
Before the test I did multiple practice ones, and I remember scoring 33, 36, and 34 in the science section. I remember feeling sluggish and zoned out throughout the section after literally perspiring the whole Reading section. II bought this book, but I foolishly didn't read it and focused and on the other sections. Thanks for the advice, and I will remember to update you in late June
There are some good ideas in this book that will help you stand out: How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0767932587/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-l6LFb3EEZKT6
See if you can think of an engineering-related project for your school or community (almost like a Boy Scout Eagle project). Something that could get you in the news would be great.
You could also intern for an engineer. There are lots of engineers at factories. Maybe talk to engineering managers and see if you could shadow someone or work on a project. They might not let you until you’re 18 because of machinery and insurance, but something like that could boost your resume.
I would assume you would have a solid shot at Cornell. Cornell is actually the most transfer-friendly of the Ivies. I just applied to Cornell as a transfer student with a 34 and am waiting on my decision. However, most of the other Ivy League schools take a more limited number of transfers. Not to say that it would be impossible to transfer somewhere like Yale, for example, but your shot would be significantly lower than that of a first year applicant's. I think you should check out Cal Newport's "How to Become a High School Superstar." The title may sound corny, but the author details the stories of many successful gap year students. Here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/How-High-School-Superstar-Revolutionary/dp/0767932587. Also, as a prospective transfer student I've read a lot of material on the tips and tricks of transfer admission so feel free to PM me if you'd like to ask me anything! Hope this helps!!
The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2019: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes
ISBN-13: 978-1617601309
PayPal/Venmo $5 USD
Sorry, this is the book I was referring to: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/MASTER-KEY-ACT-SCIENCE-crystal-clear/dp/1796625841/ref=sr_1_5?__mk_es_US=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=act+science&qid=1597024165&s=books&sr=1-5
You're basically guaranteed a 36 in science, even if you're not shooting that high.
Look up spaced repetition (Anki) and use it religously from the start, study 1 hour everyday no matter what instead of cramming for tests, try to find out what you want to do after school and start practicing in that direction (for example learning programming to become a CS-major). There are books worth checking out like this: https://www.amazon.com/How-High-School-Superstar-Revolutionary/dp/0767932587
As a first generation student, there are going to be a lot of scholarships you’d be eligible for. This is the NAU page for first gen students, and although I don’t see any scholarships you’d be eligible for on there, they do seem really committed to first gen applicants and it mentions their office is open virtually. You might see if you could talk to them or an admissions representative about any scholarships they know of for first generation, out-of-state freshman.
Until then, searching “first generation scholarships” on google yields a ton of results for all kinds of scholarships you could apply for. If you can get your hands on it, this book was an absolute game-changer in my scholarship search when I was a senior. Since you’re already in contact with you counselor about your college app, it might not hurt to reach out to them and see if they know of any local scholarships you could apply to since they’re usually a lot les competitive, and maybe ask if they’d be willing to help you with scholarship applications, too.
I’d recommend finding an in-state school you think you’d like, also. It’ll be less expensive than NAU since you’ll qualify for in-state tuition, and will probably have more scholarships you’d be eligible for. Small LAC’s could also be a decent option, depending on what your stats look like; they usually have more aid available if you can get into them.
Feel free to reach out if you want any advice, I went through this whole process twice and like helping :)
I just checked Amazon, Kaplan has a book of 8 Practice Tests for 13 dollars (was originally . One of the cheaper sources if you want to buy.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1506235190/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_explEb03GZM0G
Barron's is another one with a book of 6 practice tests for 15 ish dollars. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1438009968/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GyplEbN2SVXHR
Regardless though, at the end of the day there are a ton of sources for free practice tests. I have taken the Kaplan SAT prep course and I think their practice tests are appropriate in difficulty from experience.
This book has some good advice: How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0767932587/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_y1wODbFY1ZB5X
There are others like it on Amazon. Maybe go to a bookstore and scan a few books like this to see if they’d be worth buying, or check them out from the library.
You can apply for non-institutional aid (the stuff on, for example, scholarships.com) right now, but know that scholarships you get right now could lessen how much need-based financial aid you get. So if you got a $500 scholarship, your future school might just lessen your need-based aid by $500, too. I don’t think it subtracts from merit aid, though, so if you aren’t expecting much based on your FAFSA or can get more from outside scholarships than you’d get need-based aid, your best bet will be scholarships.com, unigo.com, or books like this one
We plan to use some of the strategies in this book to help our kids get into the colleges if their choice. It might be helpful to you. This book says it’s not so much about the GPA and test scores, but how you market yourself and the activities you do. Good luck! How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0767932587/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-OXwDbBD4B293
https://www.amazon.com/How-High-School-Superstar-Revolutionary/dp/0767932587
​
Read this book. Whilst I don't agree some of the methods in it, there is some genuinely good bits of advice. Maybe let him read it.
You still have a ways to go. Just keep exploring and getting good grades. Grades are essentially money when it comes to scholarship opportunities. Keep your eyes open and be open minded.
You are definitely not "fucked". You can easily turn things around. Even if you go to a "mediocre" college, you can still do incredible things.
I'd recommend getting this book: https://www.amazon.com/How-High-School-Superstar-Revolutionary/dp/0767932587/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JJZN9DVPA6KDVKY71SFS
Great guide about how to get into the college you want. In your situation, I'd recommend you get it ASAP. Follow it and results will happen.
Purchase and read through this book, thoroughly. Then do the practice tests in it: https://www.amazon.com/Official-ACT-Prep-Guide-2016/dp/1119225418/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475214343&sr=8-1&keywords=red+book+act
Approach questions with confidence after you read the book.
E: Learn the English grammar rules: http://blog.prepscholar.com/act-grammar-rules
M: Brush up on math with Khan Academy SAT Math Practice.
R: Practice tests!
S: Practice tests!
When taking practice tests, always take them in a realistic environment (preferably in the AM).
USE A TIMER. Practice setting the timer 5 minutes early. This will help you get used to 5-minute warnings. Try to finish AT the 5-minute warning so you have time to go back and check.
You'll do great!
I highly recommend reading this book for that essay. I read it when I was applying for transfer and I got accepted. It has lots of great essay tips that will answer that question and many more questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask.
Read How to be a High School Superstar.
Other than managing your grades and standardized test scores, the majority of the book is about building achievement in your extracurricular activities. It's certainly not too late as a rising junior, but you do have limited time, so get started on this endeavor immediately.
This is all assuming your grades are good (3.8+). Take a practice ACT and new SAT this summer. Figure out which test you prefer, which should usually be the one you find easier and score higher on. Find suitable resources (college confidential, as hated as it is, has a lot of test prep advice) to raise your score as much as possible. Sign up for the October administration of your chosen test and make sure to take practice tests in the weeks leading up to it. If your score meets the threshold of the universities you wanna attend (assuming 34+ and 1500+ for top tier schools), you're done with testing. If not, keep studying and try to get that done by the end of the semester. Take your subject tests in June.
Wish me good luck as a rising senior!
Also, if out of sources, order the the new red book.
This will have 3 additional recently administered exams. So make the best use of them!
This was a very useful book- both in general (improving my writing) and in specific (about college application essays).
> I have virtually nothing to put on college resumes.
Please read this insightful book. Good luck with everything in high school!