College Planning Quiz

The college planning process is full of myths and legends that confuse even the most college-savvy among parents and students. Are you ready to test your college admission IQ? Be careful, though, because some questions may have multiple correct answers. Here we're looking for the best answer to each question (sound familiar!?). When you are finished, click "View Results!" You'll receive an analysis of where you are in the process. Have fun!

Take the Quiz!

1. When is the best time to visit college/university campuses?

A. When schools are in session
B. After you have been accepted
C. When you can
D. Not a priority—you can find out what you need to know from the Internet
   

2. Which year in high school is the most important in the college admission process?

A. Senior Year
B. Junior Year
C. Sophomore Year
D. All of the above
   

3. The biggest difference between a college and a university is:

A. Universities offer more courses and academic flexibility
B. Colleges focus exclusively on undergraduate education
C. Universities offer big time athletic programs
D. Colleges are not as strong academically as universities
   

4. The concept of selectivity as it applies to the admission process means:

A. Only good students apply
B. Because of their popularity, colleges/universities tend to attract more applicants than they can accept
C. The best colleges/universities are more selective or harder to get into
D. Only the best students can get into colleges/universities that are selective
   

5. The best way to determine whether a college/university is affordable is to:

A. Apply only to schools with low price tags
B. Use on-line calculators to determine your family's financial contribution
C. Ask the financial aid officer to provide an early estimate of your family's expected contribution
D. Consult with a financial planner who can help you get the best deal
   

6. Among the following, the biggest reason that capable students might not get into selective schools is:

A. They don't have the right contacts
B. The admission committee failed to recognize the strength of their credentials
C. They made unwise choices regarding classroom performance
D. Their scores were too low
   

7. SATs are important in the selection process because:

A. They show who can do the work over four years of college
B. They are intelligence tests and schools want smart kids
C. They get you to focus on developing life-long learning skills
D. They are competitive credentials—schools like big numbers
   

8. The best time to go to college is:

A. After you have saved enough money to pay at least 50% of the expense up front
B. Right after high school so you don't lose focus
C. Only after you have determined the course of study you want to pursue
D. When you are ready
   

9. The best college fit is:

A. The one that values you for what you do well
B. The place that is closest to home
C. The one with the highest ranking
D. The place where a lot of your friends will be attending
   

10. What is the most important criteria for determining whether a student should apply Early Decision?

A. The student wants to have the best chance of getting into a great school
B. The student is convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that the college/university is the absolute best fit and first choice.  S/he will enroll if accepted
C. The student has good connections that will only make a difference in Early Decision
D. The student has a great academic record
E. The student does not need financial aid
   

11. A college/university is considered “need blind” when:

A. It doesn't consider financial well-being in the admission process for most students
B. It gives financial aid to everyone who asks for it
C. It does not have much financial aid to offer
D. None of the above - there is no such thing
   

12. In addition to your guidance counselor, whom should you ask for a letter of recommendation?

A. Your neighbor who attended the college
B. A religious leader who knows your family well
C. A teacher who knows you well
D. Your state senator or a local politician
E. Your employer
   

13. To a college applicant, a “gift” is:

A. Something you present to the admission committee to enhance your chances of getting in
B. An item of sentimental value that your parents give you at graduation
C. A characteristic or personal trait that distinguishes you from your peers
D. I have no clue!
   

14.  In choosing courses for the senior year, students should:

A. Move to the next logical level of rigor or challenge
B. Relax and take interesting electives
C. Try to take as many Honors and Advanced Placement classes as possible
D. Take a good mix of courses that are challenging and easy
   

15. The best way to prepare for college entrance tests (ACT/SAT) is to:

A. Read a lot
B. Eat a good meal and get lots of rest the night before
C. Become familiar with the test format through tutoring or test prep
D. Sleep with a copy of the test under your pillow
   

16. A college essay should:

A. Reveal a side of yourself that won't appear anywhere else on the application
B. Express an important social or political point of view
C. Describe the most important event of your life
D. Be short and easy to read
   

17. Which of the following is NOT true of a college education?

A. College graduates are able to increase their earning power regardless of their programs of study
B. You meet new and interesting people during your college years
C. Most students incur educational debts of more than $20,000 over fours of college
D. You need to come from money in order to afford a college education
   

18. When factors beyond your control affect your ability to perform academically, you should:

A. Make sure you have a good excuse for what went wrong
B. Take responsibility for telling your story in your application for admission
C. Tell your guidance counselor to present the facts of the situation to the admission officers
D. Get your parents to write a letter to the admission committee that explains everything
   

19. The best evidence of ownership in the college planning and admission processes is:

A. The applicant takes responsibility for making sure everything is where it needs to be according published deadlines
B. The guidance counselor is on top of all of the application deadlines and requirements
C. The parents handle all of the business angles so the student is not distracted from his/her academic work
D. The guidance counselor, the student and the parents agree to assign responsibility for managing the planning process to an independent educational consultant
   

20. Which of the following is NOT true?

A. State-supported universities are committed to serving students coming from within their state before any others
B. Most wealthy families send their students to private schools
C. State-supported and private institutions compete with each other athletically
D. It costs about the same to educate students at private colleges and state universities
   

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Click on the View Results! button to get your "College Admission IQ" along with an analysis of where you are in the process and an explanation of the correct answer to each question.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the purpose of the Quiz?

A. The Quiz is a great way for students to prepare for any of Peter's college awareness programs prior to his presentation. It's a fun exercise that helps to engage them in the college planning process. Parents enjoy taking the Quiz as well to test their understanding of the process!

Q. Will I see my answers after I click "View Results"?

A. No, you will not see how you answered each individual question. If you want to keep track of your answers please print them off before clicking through to the Results page.

Q. What will the Results show?

A. The Results will give you a personalized composite quality point score, as well as scores in four specific areas of importance.

Q. Will I be able to see the correct answers?

A. Yes, on the Results page you will be able to open a new window with the answers I believe are the most correct with their associated explanations.

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