Building a strong college application without standardized tests
How to impress colleges even without SAT or ACT results through strong coursework, essays, and extracurriculars.
Salah Assana
I’m a first-generation college student and the creator of The College Grind, dedicated to helping peers navigate higher education with practical advice and honest encouragement.
Do SAT and ACT scores still matter?
How colleges use test scores, when submitting them can help, and when your time is better spent elsewhere.
How to build a four-year high school course plan
How to create a four‑year high school course plan that balances graduation requirements, academic rigor, and college goals.
AP classes vs dual enrollment. Which is better for college credit?
How AP classes and Dual Enrollment differ in earning college credit and boosting applications.
AP classes vs IB programme. What is the difference and which is better?
Key distinctions between AP and IB to choose the best path for your academic goals.
How important are AP scores for college admissions?
How colleges view AP exam scores and what they really mean for admissions decisions.
How AP exams work. From question writing to college credit
Understand the AP exam process from test creation to score reporting and credit.