Question,GroundTruth What is the best time to start preparing for college admissions?, "It's best to start preparing for college admissions by the beginning of your junior year in high school. This allows enough time for researching colleges, visiting campuses, taking standardized tests, and gathering application materials." What are the most important factors in a college application?, "The most important factors typically include high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews (if required)." How many colleges should I apply to?, "It's generally recommended to apply to 5-10 colleges. Include a mix of safety schools (where your chances of admission are high), target schools (where your chances are moderate), and reach schools (where your chances are lower but possible)." Should I take the SAT or ACT?, "Both tests are widely accepted by colleges in the U.S. Some students perform better on one than the other, so it may be beneficial to take practice tests for both to determine which one suits you better." How important are SAT/ACT scores in college admissions?, "The importance of SAT/ACT scores varies by college. Some schools place significant weight on these scores, while others are test-optional or test-blind, meaning they either don’t consider test scores or do not require them at all."