College Planning Checklist: 12 Things to Include In Applications

The college admissions process is a marathon—not a sprint—and the earlier you start the process, the better prepared you’ll be. In fact, you can start working on this college planning checklist as early as 7th or 8th grade, although most steps will be completed during high school.

Remember, the college planning process will look different for every student. For example, one student may spend hours every weekend studying for the PSAT, SAT®, or ACT® test because his or her college or scholarship goals require elite test scores. Another may need to dedicate more time toward athletic training and sports because the dream is to play for a D1 team. But in general, there are specific items and steps that every student should take to maximize their odds of attending a dream college.

This college planning checklist will explain the main components of the process and give tips for how to help students find success along the way.

College Planning Milestones: The 12 Main Steps of the Process

1. Major/Career Path

Some students have spent years of their lives already knowing what their dream career will be. But if that’s not you, there’s no need to fret. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now, despite the many well-meaning adults in your life who constantly ask, “So, what do you want to be when you grow up?” However, it is a good idea to start exploring the possibilities before you get to college so that you can choose a major aligned with your interests. (But remember, there are scholarships tied to certain majors, so knowing early on can benefit you.)

First, take an Aptitude Assessment to get a general sense of the types of careers you might be well-suited for. Then, do some research on the careers that appeal to you. You can start by checking out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook.

You can also chat with a college counselor to get career guidance, join student organizations relevant to careers that interest you, and pursue internship and job shadow opportunities for careers you are contemplating. Then, start seeing which colleges offer majors that align with those career goals.

2. Test Scores

While you’re developing a shortlist of potential college majors, you’ll also accumulate a list of possible colleges. (There are several factors that go into building a college list, but an important one to consider is the academic strength and reputation of your chosen degree program.) As you explore your options, research the target test score ranges for those schools. They’re typically available on college websites.

One helpful way to start preparing for the PSAT, SAT®, and ACT® tests is to take a practice test. Some schools offer practice versions by grade levels, but access to the early tests like the PSAT 8/9™, PSAT 10™, and PreACT™ tests varies by school district. There are also a limited number of official practice tests available online.

Students can also take a free diagnostic test at KD College Prep to establish a benchmark. From here, a KD advisor can go over the results and help students build a plan for their score goals. Schedule a free consultation with an advisor to find out how to take a diagnostic test.

3. College Counseling

Navigating the entirety of the college admissions process can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re aiming for highly competitive colleges or are going to be a first-generation U.S. college student. If you’ve decided that you could benefit from expert guidance as you work toward your goals, it’s a good idea to meet with a college counselor.

KD College Prep’s college counseling team takes the stress out of the process, providing personalized support and honest feedback to improve the strength of your application package. We can help break down the entire process down into strategic, manageable steps, like with our APPLY NOW! Advantage Program, which offers both small-group and one-on-one support.

4. Academic Profile

Getting into your dream college requires curating your academic profile. Your college counselor can help you identify an ideal middle school and high school courses needed to meet your goals. For example, competitive colleges will want to see that you’ve been taking challenging courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes. You’ll also need to ensure you can fulfill course requirements for specific degree programs or departments.

It’s a good idea to set goals for your individual class grades and overall GPA. You might also want to target a particular class rank. Re-evaluate your goals annually and adjust as needed. While you’re working on academics, build good working relationships with teachers, especially core class teachers. Be sure to ask them for help as needed.

5. Personal Profile

The next item on your college planning checklist is to curate your personal profile. That is, look beyond the classroom when turning yourself into a more enticing applicant. Look for clubs, sports, and other student organizations that interest you. It’s more helpful to stick with a few extracurriculars over multiple years than to participate sporadically in a dozen of them.

In addition, look for community service organizations to join and regularly volunteer for causes that you’re passionate about. (You might even consider starting your own passion project, like knitting clothing for the unhoused in your community.) Along the way, focus on building strong relationships. As you gain experience, look for leadership opportunities.

6. College Research

By this point, you should have an idea of which colleges you’re interested in. Now, it’s time to focus more on college research, turning your general list of possibilities into a shortlist of targets. Check out college websites and social media accounts, and explore their reputations and other data on third-party websites, such as:

Be sure to explore each college’s degree options to see if the school fits into your career plans. Next, start planning visits to campuses, where you can also attend informational sessions. Attend college fairs, as well, if available at your high school or in your area. If you’re a current KD student, be sure to attend the college fairs that we offer during the spring and fall semesters.

7. College Resume

It’s common, though not universal, for colleges to require a resume as part of the application. If a college resume is suggested, but not required, it’s still a good idea to submit one. (Some college applications ask for an Activity List, which is similar to a college resume.) Start by brainstorming a list of all of your extracurricular and community activities, work experience, special skills, volunteer positions, special achievements, leadership roles, and so on.

Sort through the list to decide which items to include. Shoot for one page that highlights your most impressive accomplishments and commitments, and remember to provide detailed descriptions for your involvement in each item.

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8. College List

At this point on your college planning checklist, it’s time to narrow down your list to where you want to apply. We recommend following the 3-3-3 Rule. Your list should include three reach schools (highly selective), three match schools (still selective, but a good fit), and three likely schools (for which you’re overqualified).

Every school on your list, including your likely schools, should be ones that you can see yourself attending. If you happen to not get accepted to your dream school in the reach category, or even your match schools, you’ll want to still be happy with your likely schools.

As you’re finalizing your list, it may be a good idea to collect information for the application process for each school, like deadlines, approved application portals (like Common App), required/recommended materials, number of essays, etc.

9. Letters of Recommendation

For many students, obtaining letters of recommendation is the easiest part of the college admissions process. This is because you don’t have to write them yourself. Instead, you’ll need to request them from others.

Generally, you’ll want a total of three letters of recommendation for an application (although each college will establish its own requirements). Aim for two from core subject teachers and one from your school counselor.

The most important thing to keep in mind regarding letters of recommendation is that you’ll need to request them as early as possible. Every year, teachers get overwhelmed by the volume of seniors requesting recommendation letters. We suggest requesting them in the spring of your junior year instead of waiting until senior year.

10. College Essays

These days, the number one rule of writing college essays is: Don’t use AI tools like ChatGPT. (You can read more about the “why” behind that here.) Instead, follow the time-tested process of brainstorming unique essay topics, developing an outline, and writing a compelling first sentence.

For many applications, you’ll only need to provide one personal statement of about 400 to 600 words. Some colleges may also require supplemental essays, such as an additional essay geared toward why you see yourself as a good fit for that specific school.

Start working on your essays early; you’ll want plenty of time to set them aside, reread them, and revise until they’re solid. You’ll also want other people to have time to read them and offer feedback.

Don’t forget about your scholarships. Many scholarships require an essay as part of the application process. Again, start early.

11. College Applications

By the time you reach your senior year of high school, you should have a pretty good handle on how to stay organized and on top of college application deadlines. Remember to add the deadline for each college application to your calendar. It’s best to submit your applications several days ahead of the deadlines, just in case of unexpected events like power or website outages.

Create a schedule to work on your applications so that you can have them done in time. (This is where KD’s college counseling team shines in helping hold students accountable.) You might also consider hiring an essay editor. Create accounts at the application portals you’ll need for your schools, such as the Common App, and start building out your applications and submitting them.

12. FAFSA and Scholarships

You’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available for each year that you’re in college. You don’t have to wait to start applying to scholarships, however. (In fact, you could have begun even before high school, as some scholarships target young students.)

You might start to receive some admissions notifications as early as December if you applied Early Action or Early Decision. Otherwise, you can expect to receive admissions decisions in March and into April. Once you’ve received all of your results from the schools you applied to, you can start to think about where you’d be the happiest.

Don’t forget to review your financial aid packages for each school. You’ll also want to compare student housing costs across different campuses.

13. (Bonus!) Final Decision

Congratulations on your acceptance letters! Now it’s time to figure out which school to attend. Making that final decision isn’t always easy. Even if you’ve had your eye on just one school in particular and you were accepted there, you’ll want to take another critical look at it.

Review the information you compiled and pay particular attention to the degree programs you’re interested in. Review the financial aid packages again. You should also check out KD’s College Decision Bracket, which helps you narrow down options March-Madness style.

When you’re ready, make your final decision and celebrate meeting this major milestone!

When should I start planning for college?

Most students begin planning for college as early as 9th grade. If you’re a high-achieving 7th or 8th grader, you can start right now. At this point, you’ll mostly want to focus on making yourself a more attractive applicant, such as by preparing for admissions tests, participating in extracurriculars and service projects, and getting good grades.

When should you start looking for scholarships?

It’s never too early to start looking for scholarships. There are scholarship opportunities available for children in preschool and kindergarten, as well as elementary and middle school. If you start applying to scholarships as early as middle school, you might not need to spend as much time on it as a junior or senior, which frees up more time for college applications.

That said, if you’re currently a junior or senior and haven’t started yet, don’t panic. You still have time, and rest assured that plenty of other students are in the same boat. Just get started as soon as you can and talk to a college counselor if you need a plan.

How can parents participate in the college planning process?

For parents, it can be tricky to walk a fine line between being supportive and encouraging, yet not overbearing and micromanaging. Open communication is always ideal. Have a chat with your student and let them know directly that you’re there to help and provide guidance as needed, and all they have to do is ask. If your student struggles with self-motivation, you might need to be a little more hands-on, but it’s still important to emphasize that the decisions (where to go, what to study) are ultimately up to them.

Some tasks that you can directly participate in include:

Providing transportation as your student participates in community service projects, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs
Having honest conversations about the financial resources available for college (and reminding your student that, in addition to tuition, there will be housing, textbooks, and other costs)
Signing up for a test prep program and a college counseling program
Arranging campus visits and participating in informational sessions
Proofreading your child’s applications and essays
Filling out the FAFSA
Acting as your student’s non-judgmental confidant as he or she tries to decide where to attend school

Need help with college planning?

KD College Prep is here to help you navigate each step of the college admissions process. In addition to our test prep programs to help you boost your test scores, we offer college counseling services that take the stress out of the admissions process. Request a free consultation today.

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“Very helpful. Gave him the motivation and discipline to study hard for the SAT® (test). Being able to review practice exams and understand why he got the question wrong (was helpful).”

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Pranav K. – Class of 2025

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Olivia B. – Class of 2024

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Meenakshi S. – Class of 2024

“My wife and I wanted to thank you profusely for working with (our daughter). She picked Texas A&M, and we are all delighted with the decision. We have visited the college a couple of times and feel it was the right choice for us... We appreciate your patience with her. She could not have gotten here without your help.”

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Arun K. – Daughter, Class of 2023

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Quynh T. – Class of 2023

“Ethan is a National Merit Finalist, so he received scholarship opportunities from a number of universities based on his National Merit status, including the University of Houston, where he will be attending tuition-free. He also scored an almost perfect SAT® score (1560), thanks in part to his preparation with KD College Prep.”

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C.J. S. – Son, Class of 2023

“This was perfect for our son! He needed the structure to get organized to study and did better than expected!”

Hillary B. – Son, Class of 2023

“KD has been very useful for me and has helped me become a better test taker. I don’t think I could’ve gotten the score I got without the countless hours I put in attending workshops, taking tests, and attending reviews.”

Samarth S. – Class of 2023

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“Taking KD College Prep has been one of my best choices in high school! All of the instructors definitely know their stuff and teach an extremely useful curriculum in an engaging and efficient manner. I recommend KD to anyone looking to... Read more...

Preston King – Class of 2023

“Overall, it was a good experience. It instilled the discipline to focus on test preparation through workshops and assignments. The review of each test was also very helpful.”

Sajitha N. – Daughter, Class of 2023

“Honestly, was really, really solid. Doing the program the summer before junior year — and I only did the one — actually got me a lot of experience and review of technical skills needed for the SAT® test. I only had to do it once because I got to relearn those pesky algebra skills that I forgot through the program.”

“Honestly, was really, really solid. Doing the program the summer before junior year — and I only did the one — actually got me a lot of experience and review of technical skills needed for the SAT®... Read more...

Katya G. – Class of 2023

“Working with KD was incredible! I truly enjoyed how experienced the counselors were and how deeply they cared about their students. I would recommend KD and especially their college prep plan to everyone who is looking to get professional college admissions advice!”

“Working with KD was incredible! I truly enjoyed how experienced the counselors were and how deeply they cared about their students. I would recommend KD and especially their college prep plan to everyone who is looking to get professional college admissions... Read more...

Ananya A. – Class of 2023

“Our son, Joseph, is our fifth child to go through the KD College Prep program and our fourth National Merit Finalist. He had another test prep program available to him through his private high school but chose KD because he felt like it made the biggest difference in his scores in the least amount of time. He found the program easy to follow and adapt to his strengths and weaknesses. As parents, we cannot say enough good things about the KD program and would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their scores and earn scholarship dollars!”

“Our son, Joseph, is our fifth child to go through the KD College Prep program and our fourth National Merit Finalist. He had another test prep program available to him through his private high school but chose KD because he felt... Read more...

Ellyn A. – Parent of 5 KD Students

“My daughter completed your program in the Plano location. In the fall, she is headed to Colorado School of Mines to study engineering. I asked her if KD had helped her with the SAT® and ACT® tests. She said they helped her know how to manage her time while taking the test as that is a huge aspect to the test.”

“My daughter completed your program in the Plano location. In the fall, she is headed to Colorado School of Mines to study engineering. I asked her if KD had helped her with the SAT® and ACT® tests. She said they helped... Read more...

Julie M. – Daughter, Class of 2022

“(I wanted) help with writing essays and getting into my dream colleges. (I was most concerned with) keeping up with everything I have to do and meeting all the deadlines. The constant and honest feedback about my essays regardless is what I really appreciated. There was a time that writing essays just clicked, and it was much easier after that.”

“(I wanted) help with writing essays and getting into my dream colleges. (I was most concerned with) keeping up with everything I have to do and meeting all the deadlines. The constant and honest feedback about my essays regardless is what... Read more...

Neha C. – Class of 2022

“It’s hard to believe we are finally done at KD Prep with our three children. We are incredibly grateful to you for all of your support over the years, which undoubtedly helped each of our children realize their college dreams. All three were accepted to colleges with single digit admission rates. Our eldest was selected as a National Merit® Finalist and was able to apply to colleges with a perfect SAT® score. Our other two were both named National African American Recognition Scholars and National Merit Commended Scholar. One of them applied to college in 2020 with an SAT score of 1520 (780 math and 740 verbal) and the youngest scored 1500 on the October 2021 SAT test (720 verbal and 780 math). Our... Read more...

“It’s hard to believe we are finally done at KD Prep with our three children. We are incredibly grateful to you for all of your support over the years, which undoubtedly helped each of our children realize their college dreams. All... Read more...

Nike A. – Parent of 3 KD Students

“Obviously SAT® test prep was NOT fun. The experience was difficult and exhausting, but learning through KD definitely made the experience much less stressful and definitely easier. It's a great system with tons of resources all aimed to give you what you need and more to reach whatever score range you set as your goal (I was able to get a 1540). My favorite part though, specifically with the Coppell campus, was the people! Everyone was so incredibly nice and always in impossibly good moods. It was a great environment to learn and improve in!”

“Obviously SAT® test prep was NOT fun. The experience was difficult and exhausting, but learning through KD definitely made the experience much less stressful and definitely easier. It's a great system with tons of resources all aimed to give you what... Read more...

Alex N. – Class of 2023

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping me get the score I needed to receive over $464,000 in scholarships, including two full rides. I started the program the summer going into my junior year. I had an excellent GPA but struggled on standardized tests. Taking the test prep classes throughout junior year and taking practice tests got me more prepared each time I took the test. I achieved my best score the summer going into my senior year. That score allowed me to apply to my top schools as soon as early decision opened. I am so grateful to Karen Dillard and the extra practice and proctored exams! My parents are grateful too—for the small investment they got a great return.”

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping me get the score I needed to receive over $464,000 in scholarships, including two full rides. I started the program the summer going into my junior year. I had an excellent GPA... Read more...

Saadia P. – Class of 2022

“I really enjoyed KD because the teachers helped me look at the SAT® test in a whole new angle. I really began analyzing the test and learned how to work math and reading problems in a smarter way, which was really helpful. I also really appreciated all the varied practice and detailed breakdowns from instructors, helping me see not just what answer was correct but why those answers were correct.”

“I really enjoyed KD because the teachers helped me look at the SAT® test in a whole new angle. I really began analyzing the test and learned how to work math and reading problems in a smarter way, which was really... Read more...

Pranathi P. – Class of 2022

“KD had a very streamlined process of learning the ins and outs of the reading and grammar part of the SAT® test as well as a very well-structured mathematics process that went through the subjects of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus in depth. Another great part of the KD experience was the wonderful staff giving me so many useful tips and strategies for the areas that I was specifically struggling with. The staff understands students have different strengths and weaknesses, and the fact that they tailor the info they give to each student is very useful. Overall, KD has helped me not only with SAT preparation but also with my normal school work.”

“KD had a very streamlined process of learning the ins and outs of the reading and grammar part of the SAT® test as well as a very well-structured mathematics process that went through the subjects of algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus in... Read more...

Armaan C. – Class of 2023

“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and I was able to get a really good score the first time I took it! Once again, thank you KD, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to earn a high SAT score.”

“I am very grateful that KD was able to offer so many resources and guides for the SAT® and PSAT tests. They really helped me get a good grasp on the types of questions that the SAT exam tested on, and... Read more...

Sri Vamsi Krishna Putti – Class of 2023, Frisco ISD

“My husband and I are so impressed with your course and the quality of guidance that you provide. It feels like you really want our son to succeed. Thank you!”

Debra H. – Son, Class of 2023

“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test at the beginning of 11th grade! I would recommend KD to anyone who wants a highly competitive SAT score.”

“KD taught me so many useful strategies for the SAT® & PSAT/NMSQT® tests. They helped me improve my SAT score by over 400 points, and I got done with the SAT test... Read more...

Praneel S. – Class of 2023

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped me with the various steps required for college admissions. At KD I enjoyed learning from amazing teachers, who cared for each of their students individually and were ready to help wherever it was needed. Being a student at KD has also helped me figure out which learning techniques work best for me. The opportunity to engage in different learning methods such as small group interactive learning, larger group discussions, or individual practice are all ways that helped me come up with a learning... Read more...

“My time and experiences at KD College Prep have efficiently guided and prepared me for my future educational career as a college student. Not only did KD help me with college entrance exams but also provided numerous informational seminars that helped... Read more...

Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into helping me write the best essay possible, especially reviewing my essays twice to polish them completely. In addition, I have noticed that writing my resume has released a lot of stress off my shoulder when it comes to making sure I have all the things necessary to apply to schools.”

“My feedback can only be positive, given how much you helped me get ahead with my application process. I really appreciated how much work both of you put into... Read more...

Claudia A. – Class of 2020

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of learning easier. I think that after you started going to a good amount of classes and the workshops, you knew every teacher, and they were always available to answer any questions that you had...Everyone was just so welcoming and made learning more engaging for the students, especially with the workshops. All of had their own unique style of teaching which never made a class boring.”

“My favorite things about KD were the mirroring it had to actual test questions, the availability, and the relationships you built with all the teachers and advisors who made the process of... Read more...

Rishab P. – Class of 2021

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or above... So many people told me it would be impossible to reach my desired score. After months of using KD's methods my scores definitely improved but hovered around 1350—still not near the score I needed but closer. After finally working with both of you during one on ones, my scores started to see heavy improvement and while I didn't get a score of 1520 or above as a single score, I got it as a superscore... Read more...

“I want to thank both of you so very much for making this dream come true. When I first came to KD, I wanted to get a score of 1520 or... Read more...

David P. – Class of 2022

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in awe at the consistent level of professionalism yet genuine concern for each and every person that walks through their doors. Thank you KD staff for being great mentors for our children!”

“It takes a village to raise a child—this is so true. KD College Prep staff have been nothing but uplifting to my child and to us parents through their eager attitudes to assist, in-depth guidance and unparalleled wisdom. I am in... Read more...

Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the summer. She liked being challenged academically, and she loved taking classes with high school students who were focused on their college goals. These students were also excellent role models! The lessons were especially important during the pandemic when it wasn’t a typical middle school experience.”

“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice