No matter how hard you study, how many extra pencils you pack or how punctual you are, standardized exams often have a way of causing even the best test-takers to be dissatisfied with their scores. Not loving yours? If you feel like the number you received doesn't accurately reflect your abilities, there are a few things you can do.

It's your junior year and believe it or not, the college-decision making process will be here before you know it. Start planning with these expert tips to make sure your college applications are as strong as possible. (Missed part one? We've got you covered.)

It may not be time to start filling out applications just yet, but it's never too early to get a head start on college planning. As a junior, you might appreciate a few actionable tips that can make your college search a little easier in the long run.

Senior year is about to begin! Excited? Anxious? However you're feeling right now, it won't be long before senioritis starts creeping in. When it does, you'll want to have a firm plan in place to keep yourself focused on the bigger picture...college! The next few months are perhaps the most crucial in the college planning process. Here, we've gathered tips and ideas from education consultants, authors, CEOs and more to help you prepare (even when it's hard to plan past Friday night).

Last month, we helped you prepare for college visits with a list of questions to ask professors if you get the chance to meet faculty. Now, we want to help you beef up your college-decision folders with the items you should be taking home with you post-visit. (If you don't have folders set aside for each of the schools on your list, get to it! It's the best way to keep your notes, applications and other materials organized.)

One of the absolute best things you can do during the whole deciding-where-to-go-to-college process is visit campuses. What you see on a website just doesn't compare to the real thing, and walking around a campus in person may be all you need to make that short list of schools you're interested in. In fact, so many students have told us that their campus tour was when they first realized Siena was right for them. 

As soon as high school lets out, you'll have so much more free time to do whatever you want—and you should relax! But if college is in your future, it's smart to use at least part of that time making money that you could use on books, housing, fall clothes and so on. Plus, being productive and working towards a goal can never hurt your resume. 

Summer is right around the corner, and trust us, we want you to enjoy it. But whether you're finishing up your junior year or are a soon-to-be high school graduate, there are a few things you can do in the months that lie ahead to stay on track and get ready for your college adventures. Check out our ideas.

Since September, we’ve guided you through the college search with tips and advice to help you stay on track and get closer to the college of your choice. Now that it’s April, we hope you feel confident in your ability to continue your search—or commit to your school! But, if you’re looking for a bit more guidance, here’s what you should do this month.

Whether you’re a senior getting ready to submit your enrollment deposit, or a junior just starting out on your college search, we’ve got tips to keep you on track throughout the process. Here are the things you should be doing this month: