The hardest part of college planning is not finding answers. There are plenty of answers out there — on websites, in guidebooks, from counselors, from that one parent in your neighborhood who seems to know everything.
The hard part is knowing which questions to ask.
Most students go through the college planning process reacting to whatever comes next — a test date, a deadline, a form to fill out. Very few students have someone sit them down and say, "Here are the things you do not know yet that are going to matter." So they learn things the hard way, often too late to do anything about them.
This post is that list. These are the questions nobody tells you to ask — but you should.
Questions About Testing
Should I take the SAT or the ACT — or both?
They are different tests. The ACT tends to move faster and has traditionally included a science section, while the SAT gives students more time per question and is structured differently. Because the tests reward different strengths, taking a practice version of each is often the best way to see which one fits you. Do not just take whichever one your school offers first.
What is superscoring, and does every school do it?
Superscoring means a college takes your best section scores across multiple test dates and combines them into your highest possible composite score. Most schools superscore the SAT. Fewer superscore the ACT. Some do neither. This matters because if a school superscores, retesting can improve the score they use for review. But policies vary, and some colleges still require or consider all scores, so always check each school's testing policy.
If a school is test optional, do my scores still matter?
Usually, yes. "Test optional" means you are not required to submit scores, but if your scores are strong relative to the school's admitted student profile, submitting them can help. If your scores are below the school's middle 50 percent, you may be better off not submitting. This is a strategic decision, not a simple yes-or-no.
How many times should I take the test?
Most students benefit from taking the SAT or ACT two to three times. Beyond that, scores tend to plateau. If you are happy with your score and it is competitive for your target schools, stop. Your time is better spent on essays and activities.
Questions About Applications
What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?
Early Decision is binding. If you are accepted, you must attend that school and withdraw all other applications. Early Action is not binding — you find out your decision early (usually December), but you still have until May 1 to decide. Some schools offer Restrictive Early Action, which means you can apply early to them but cannot apply Early Decision or Early Action to other private schools. These are very different commitments, and choosing the wrong one can limit your options.
What is demonstrated interest, and do schools actually track it?
Some do. Certain colleges track things like campus visits, information sessions, email engagement, or contact with admissions. Others do not consider demonstrated interest at all. You can often check this in the school's Common Data Set under "level of applicant's interest," but it is smart to confirm on the admissions website too. If a school does track it and you are interested, make sure they know it.
Does this school admit by major, college, or program?
At some schools, you apply to the university as a whole. At others, you apply directly to a specific college or program — like engineering, nursing, or business — and each may have different admissions standards. This means you could be a strong applicant for the university in general but get denied from your specific program because it is more competitive. Research how each school on your list handles this, especially if you are interested in a popular or "impacted" major like computer science, nursing, engineering, or business.
How many schools should I apply to?
There is no magic number, but most counselors recommend somewhere between 8 and 12. The goal is a balanced list with a mix of schools where you are likely to be admitted (likely schools), schools where your chances are good but not guaranteed (target schools), and schools that are a stretch (reach schools). Applying to 20 schools does not make you safer — it makes you exhausted.
Questions About Money
What is the difference between sticker price and net price?
The sticker price is what a college lists as its total cost of attendance. The net price is what you actually pay after financial aid, grants, and scholarships. These numbers can be very different. A school with a $75,000 sticker price might cost your family $25,000 after aid. A school with a $30,000 sticker price might offer less aid and end up costing more. Always look at net price, not sticker price.
What is the FAFSA, and when do I need to fill it out?
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form that determines your eligibility for federal financial aid — grants, loans, and work-study. Most families should fill it out as soon as it opens. The FAFSA traditionally opens around October 1 for the following school year, but the exact date can vary, so seniors should check StudentAid.gov and their state and college deadlines. Many state and school-based aid programs use FAFSA data too, and some are first-come, first-served. Waiting costs you money.
Does this school give merit aid, need-based aid, or both?
Need-based aid depends on your family's financial situation. Merit aid is usually based on grades, test scores, talent, leadership, or other strengths. Some colleges are generous with merit aid; others give little or none. Knowing the difference can help you build a list that is financially realistic — and avoid surprises when award letters arrive.
Can I negotiate financial aid?
Yes, although colleges call it "appealing" your financial aid package. If you received a stronger offer from a comparable school, or if your family's financial situation has changed, you can contact the financial aid office and ask them to review your package. Not every school will adjust, but many will — especially if they want you to enroll.
Questions About Fit
How do I know if a school is a good fit for me?
Fit is more than rankings. Think about size (do you want to know your professors or be anonymous?), location (urban vs rural, close to home vs far), culture (Greek life, athletics, research, arts), academic structure (core curriculum vs open curriculum), and support services (tutoring, mental health, career center). A school that is ranked #20 nationally might be a terrible fit for you personally. A school ranked #80 might be perfect.
Should I visit schools before I apply?
If you can, yes. A campus visit tells you things a website cannot — how the campus feels, how students interact, what the surrounding area looks like, whether you can picture yourself there. If visiting in person is not possible, virtual tours and student-created content (YouTube, TikTok, Reddit) can give you a more honest picture than the school's own marketing.
What if I do not know what I want to study?
That is more common than you think. Many students change their major at least once. If you are undecided, look for schools with strong general education programs, easy major-switching policies, and a wide range of academic options. "Undecided" is a perfectly valid answer — but some schools handle it better than others.
How to Keep Asking
This list is a starting point, not a finish line. As you move through the process, new questions will come up — about specific schools, specific programs, specific deadlines. The goal is not to memorize every rule. The goal is to build the habit of asking, "What am I missing?"
That is exactly what Scout is designed for. You can ask Scout any of these questions — and it will answer based on your actual profile, your actual college list, and your actual situation. Not generic advice. Advice that is specific to you.
The students who feel most in control of the college planning process are not the ones who know the most. They are the ones who are not afraid to ask.
Get your free Launch Pass and start asking the questions that matter.