FAQ’s2024-01-19T15:08:24-05:00

FAQ’s

College PlanningACT/ SAT Prep

College Planning | ACT/SAT Prep 

College Planning Frequently Asked Questions

I see that all the Milestone advisors are members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Is this important?2021-11-22T12:59:36-05:00

Membership in IECA not only provides extensive opportunities for continuing counselor education, it also requires its members to maintain the highest standard of professional practices and ethics. The IECA philosophy, which focuses on helping students find their “best fit” college, aligns closely with the Milestone mission.

What if I do not need all of the college counseling services? Do you offer flexible packages and pricing?2024-01-19T15:44:54-05:00

All of our advisors are here to provide you with the services that you need to have effective college counseling. We offer hourly availability, as well as packages for in-state colleges and our comprehensive package that includes out-of-state as well as in-state colleges. We also have the ability for assisting with the main Common Application essay only, and for a final application review (what we call our Finishing Touches).

We are also flexible in where we meet with your student. Knowing that high school students have busy schedules, even on weekends, our advisors can meet via Zoom or in our office on Powerline Road, in the late afternoon and into the evening hours.

When should my student begin meeting with a Milestone college advisor?2024-01-19T15:46:37-05:00

Some students begin meeting with Milestone advisors as early as eighth grade to begin the planning process. Other students meet with an advisor at different points during high school, depending on their unique needs. We offer a range of services which include course selection, resume building, summer activity recommendations, standardized test preparation, college essay writing support, application assistance and college advising. As such, students from eighth grade to post-college graduation can benefit from meeting with Milestone advisors to address individual needs.

Why do I need a Milestone college advisor if I have a guidance counselor at school?2021-09-13T09:00:32-04:00

Milestone advisors do not replace high school guidance counselors; we work cooperatively to augment the services that in-school counselors provide. However, guidance counselors have significant responsibilities and are tasked with helping many students. According to an article published in the New York Times, the average counselor to student ratio in public high schools across the country is approximately 500:1.

Milestone advisors are able to get to know students and develop an individualized college plan that meets the needs of the student and the family as a whole. In addition, Milestone advisors visit college campuses, attend conferences and workshops, and participate in ongoing continuing education to provide the highest level of expertise and service, enabling us to help our students meet their unique academic and personal goals.

SAT/ACT Frequently Asked Questions

Should my student take the ACT or SAT since some colleges are currently test optional for admissions?2021-11-22T13:08:43-05:00

Absolutely! While some schools may offer the option for students to submit test scores, there are many that require scores as part of their admissions and/or scholarship evaluations. Additionally, all public universities in Florida and Bright Futures Scholarship qualification currently require either an SAT or ACT score.

How will Milestone’s test prep help my child?2021-09-13T09:18:47-04:00

Through a combination of either individual or small group tutoring and ongoing timed practice testing, Milestone tutors help students become familiar with the tests, develop necessary content knowledge, and learn important standardized testing strategies to maximize test performance. Milestone tutors and advisors also work with students to build confidence, manage test anxiety (when necessary) and set realistic goals, all of which are designed to help students find success on the ACT/SAT and ultimately, in a college classroom.

If a college requires the writing portion of the SAT and/or ACT, how is that score used?2021-09-13T09:17:28-04:00

Individual college policies vary widely regarding how the writing scores for the ACT and SAT are used, but, in general, colleges will use the writing score as a factor in the admissions decision, as part of the criteria for class placement, and/or as a standard of comparison for the college essay.

Does my student have to take the writing portion of the SAT and/or ACT since it’s optional?2021-09-13T09:13:44-04:00

The writing portion of the test is optional when it comes to taking the test, but it is not optional for every college.  Students should research the admission requirements for all schools to which they are interested in applying or speak to a Milestone advisor.  If a student is unsure where he/she will be applying, then we recommend taking the writing portion of the test just in case.

How do I register for the SAT and ACT?2021-09-13T09:10:58-04:00

Register for the ACT: http://www.act.org/ Register for the SAT: https://www.collegeboard.org/

When should my child start SAT/ACT prep?2021-09-13T09:08:48-04:00

Testing timelines can vary, but generally, most students test sometime during their junior year of high school. Factors such as a student’s math skill level, PSAT score, athletic commitments and extracurricular involvements can all influence the time table. It is best to meet with a college advisor early in the second semester of your student’s sophomore year in order to develop a plan that will allow for adequate preparation and maximize your student’s individual potential.

Should my child take the SAT, the ACT, or both?2021-09-13T09:06:57-04:00

Since most colleges do not prefer one test over the other, we recommend that students take the test with which they are most comfortable. Using a student’s previous standardized testing history coupled with diagnostic testing administered in our office, our advisors can recommend the appropriate test(s).

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