How to: Choose a Major, Complete the CSS Profile, and Submit Standardized Test Scores

In the latest episode of Getting In: A College Coach Conversation, host Beth Heaton talks with her guests about considerations when selecting a major in the college application process, how to complete the CSS Profile®, and how to send standardized test scores to colleges and universities. In other words, this episode is chock full of highly relevant information for high school seniors and their parents, as well as 11^th grade parents and students who are planning ahead! How to Choose a Major Beth’s first guest, college admission expert Zaragoza Guerra, dives right into the first question most students have: “What does it actually mean when I list an intended major on my application?” He goes on to discuss how intended major may (or may not) affect your chance of admission, and how it can call attention to certain aspects of the application. He and Beth wrap up their conversation by discussing how important it is to be authentic on the application, and they offer some words of advice on the approach to take if you are undecided about your major. How to Complete the CSS Profile Beth’s next guest, yours truly, tackles the joys and challenges of completing the CSS Profile®, a financial aid application form required (in addition to the FAFSA®) by about 200 colleges and universities. Beth and I chat about why colleges use the CSS Profile, the differences between the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, how to complete the form, and what happens after it is submitted. If you are applying to one of the colleges who require the CSS Profile®, you’ll definitely want to tune in to learn more. How to Submit Standardized Test Scores Finally, Beth’s last guest, admission expert Emily Toffelmire, talks with Beth about the intricacies of submitting standardized test scores during the admission process. They talk through how to report test scores on the admission application, and how and when to request them from the testing companies. Emily and Beth finish with some clarification on the concept of “super scoring,” SAT Score Choice, and the importance of understanding each college or university’s test score policies. Join us for our next episode when Elizabeth Heaton and her guests will address Early Decision trends, Fast Apps and other college recruitment techniques, and your listener questions. Don’t miss it!