SAT or ACT? When should testing begin? How many colleges should be on the list? What's the difference between Early Decision and Early Action? And who actually sends all those transcripts, recommendations, and test scores?

If you've wondered about any of these things, you're in good company.

In Episode 2 of The College Conversation @ EHS, Hope Toussant is joined by Ikechi Achilefu, Associate Director of College Counseling, to answer some of the questions the EHS College Counseling Office hears most often from students and families.

Hope and Ikechi talk about choosing between the SAT and ACT, when test preparation should begin, and how test-optional policies fit into today's admissions landscape. They also discuss what makes a balanced college list, why every school on that list, including the probable schools, should be somewhere a student would genuinely be happy to attend, and what families should consider before choosing an Early Decision strategy.

The conversation also gets practical: when to start visiting colleges, what the EHS College Counseling Office sends on a student's behalf, what students are responsible for submitting themselves, and why students need to pay close attention to their email and applicant portals throughout senior year.

And perhaps the most important reminder: your student's college process is not the same college process you experienced 15 or 25 years ago. Ask questions, stay engaged, and use your college counselor as a resource throughout the journey.

Mentioned in this episode:
Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You by Jeff Selingo

Net Price Calculators
Every college and university receiving federal financial aid is required to provide a net price calculator. Families considering Early Decision should use the calculator on the college's website to get an estimated cost before making a binding commitment.

The College Conversation @ EHS
A production of the Episcopal High School College Counseling Office

Executive Producer: Hope Toussant
Student Co-Producers: Sofia Buffone & Camryn Love

Have a question or topic you'd like us to discuss? Contact the EHS College Counseling Office at collegeconversation@ehshouston.org.

College Counseling Grade Level Liaisons

Freshmen: Mike Hodgson

Sophomores: Danielle Stadick and Ikechi Achilefu

Juniors: Jamie Kim and Hope Toussant

Seniors: Julie Rollins and Jamy Champenoy

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