SCHOLARSHIPS | SAT & ACT | ISEE | HSPT | EXAM DATES | CAREER RESOURCES
Scholarships
What scholarships can I apply for?
There are a wide range of scholarships available for students based on a variety of factors for eligibility: subject studied, region, financial need, background, etc. We have compiled a comprehensive directory (left) as well as a shorter, up-to-date Scholarship List (below) that you can reference to find a scholarship that fits you!
When should I apply for scholarships?
Most scholarships start accepting applications in January, with the majority being due in March or April. We recommend that you start early to identify scholarships for which you qualify and create a calendar with the due dates, list of requirements, and essay topics you may need to address. In many cases, you can use parts of your college essays! Don’t forget to check for scholarships given by local organizations and businesses.
What if I don’t know where I am going to college?
Each scholarship will have its own requirements. If college acceptance is a requirement, the scholarship will ask you to submit proof of enrollment before they release the funds. Some scholarships will send the funds directly to your school while others will give you the award to use for school supplies, living expenses, and tuition.
Reference our “How to Find and Apply for Scholarships” guide here.
SAT VS ACT
The SAT and ACT are college entrance exams that are equally accepted by ALL colleges and universities in the USA. Students only have to take one of these exams, and we highly recommend that you only prep for one. We can help you decide which exam would be a better fit for you. Schedule a free assessment today! Please note that many colleges and universities have decided to make these exams optional for the Class of 2022. To see an up-to-date list of Test Optional schools, visit our blog post on Test Optional Policies during Coranavirus.
Some key differences between the two exams:
- The ACT includes a science section.
- SAT is scored out of 1600 points: 800 points for Reading and Writing and 800 points for Math. On the ACT, each section is worth 36 points, and the composite score is the average of all four scores.
- The SAT requires DEPTH of knowledge while the ACT covers more concepts.
- The ACT is a speed test, which means that you have to be quick and strategic.
- The SAT has a no calculator math section.
When should you take these exams?
The SAT is very Algebra-centric, so we recommend preparing the SAT after taking Algebra 2. The ACT covers more concepts, so prepping after Algebra 2 or Precalculus is ideal.
What is a good score?
Top 10%: 1340-1600 on the SAT and 29-36 on the ACT
Top 25%: 1220-1600 on the SAT and 25-36 on the ACT
Top 50%: 1080-1600 on the SAT and 20-36 on the ACT
About the ISEE
ISEE Levels
- Lower Level: applicants to grades 5-6
- Middle Level: applicants to grades 7-8
- Upper Level: applicants to grades 9-12
Exam Sections and Length
- Verbal Reasoning – 20 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning – 35 minutes
- Reading Comprehension – 35 minutes
- Mathematics Achievement – 40 minutes
- Essay – 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Why is the exam so difficult?
Because the exam is intended for students in different grade levels, the exam makers have to include material that may be out of your child’s scope. The ISEE can be taken once every testing period. Testing periods fall in August-November, December-March, and April-July. Many independent schools have decided to make the ISEE optional for the 2021-2022 application season. Please check with each school to determine if your child should still take the exam.
How is the ISEE graded?
Students receive a scaled score that ranges from 760-940. They will also receive a statine score of 1-9 based on their percentile ranking. The ranking is based on ISEE norms, which a compilation of scores for the last three years.
About the HSPT
The HSPT is a high school entrance exam administered by private Catholic high schools. You must take the exam at the school at which you are applying. Many schools will forward your scores, but please inquire. Some Catholic schools have announced that the HSPT will be optional for the 2021-2022 application season.
Exam Sections and Length
- Verbal Skills – 16 minutes
- Quantitative Skills – 30 minutes
- Reading – 25 minutes
- Mathematics – 45 minutes
- Language – 25 minutes
How is the HSPT graded?
Each section receives a percentage calculated by number of questions answered correctly over the total of number of questions in that section. The exam also receives an overall percentage score.
SAT Dates
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Saturday, December 2, 2023
ACT Dates
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Saturday, June 8, 2024
HSPT Dates
Saturday, January 13, 2024—Loyola High School
Saturday, January 20, 2024—Loyola High School and St. Francis High School
Career Exploration Resources
High school is a great time to get to know yourslef better and consider what path you might want your future to take! Follow our step-by-step career exploration guide here; or, if you already have an idea of what careers you’re interested in, check out our Career Series PowerPoints below: