School Specialty. Planning & Student Development

This guide provides an introduction to the steps of getting into college. It digs into the topics students worry about most—signing up for admission tests; studying; obtaining high scores in the PSAT, SAT, ACT and AP scores; fighting procrastination; and managing time. This guide is provides easy-to-remember strategies, useful practice exercises, and planning resources. Students can reduce their stress and feel confident about their decisions and themselves.

• Let's Get Started!

  This section explains how this guide integrates with the student planner.

• Why Kaplan?

  Learn how Kaplan came to be and why it is the leader for college-prep resources.

• Meet the Tests

  Students are introduced to college admissions tests.

• Online Resources

  Kaplan provides diagnostic and practice tests.

• Starting the College Search

  Students learn that it is never too early to begin mapping out colleges.

• Practice Makes Perfect: the PSAT and the PLAN

  Students are introduced to pre-tests options.

• Intro to the SAT

  Students are provided an in-depth look at this test.

• Intro to the ACT

  Students are provided an in-depth look at this test.

• Subject Test Specifics

  This section delves into specifics about taking subject tests.

• College: Admit One

  The guide provides an overview of how to look at and approach college throughout all four years of high school.

• Stress Busters

  Address the issue of stress with a proactive top five list of strategies.

• Grammar Matters

  Practice exercises and tips in grammar are provided.

• Building a Better Vocabulary

  Practice exercises and tips in vocabulary building are provided, including a five-step strategy.

• Avoiding Math Traps

  Typical trip-ups are explained and examined so they can be recognized and avoided.

• Priorities, Priorities: Managing Your Time Wisely

  Kaplan provides four steps for students to use their time wisely. This section also provides space for students to establish an anti-procrastination plan.

• Stopping the Senior Slide

  Five steps are provided to students to avoid senioritis.

• Kaplan Resources

  Additional resources are provided for students to further plan their futures.

While students work through the Kaplan Guides, educators can use the online teacher/advisor edition to lead students and provide additional direction. An overview of the student themes is provided, and several ideas for test-taking practice are included.

Make the idea of college a possibility. Many students never make it to college, because they don't know the steps to get there. This guide lays out the steps so that obstacle is removed.

Reduce stress. Discussing what comes next takes the guesswork out of college admittance. This lowers students' anxiety.

Gets students organized. Students are given a platform and directions for mapping out their college plans.

Start early. This guide can be coiled into planners for any grade of high school. This helps all students start thinking about and planning for college right away, which leads to more students staying on track and focused on academic success and sets them up for college.

Empower students. When students better understand the steps needed to get to college, they become more independent and responsible. This guide gives students the tools they need to be self-advocates who seek challenge and opportunity.

With 70 years of experience, Kaplan is the world leader in test preparations and has helped more than three million students prepare to take the tests necessary to achieve their educational and career goals.