Birkman - The Birkman Method® is an assessment tool available to the Second Baptist School juniors and seniors to help guide them in the college-selection process and vocational calling as it measures productive behaviors, underlying needs and motivations, stress behaviors, and organizational orientation for the student. More information is located in the downloads section of the program overview on the College Guidance page.

College Application Handbook - You can access a couple self-assessment tools in the College Application Handbook, pages 3-4, in the downloads section of the program overview on the College Guidance page.

College Board - If you have taken the PSAT, you can login to My College QuickStart for more self-assessment tools. Try taking the "My Personality" and "My Major and Career Matches" tests. Your online access code is located on your PSAT score report. Contact the College Guidance office for further assistance.

Naviance is a Web site designed for SBS families to use for college research, scholarship search, self-assessment tools, and applications. For self-assessment tools try the "Learning Style Inventory" and "Do What You Are" tests. Current students should have their login information. If you need further assistance, contact the College Guidance office.

College Board - provides valuable college research resources for free. There are multiple ways to search. Try using the "College MatchMaker." If you have taken the PSAT, you can enter the code on your score report to use the research tools at My College Quickstart. Contact the College Guidance office for further assistance.

Naviance - is a Web site designed for SBS families to use for college research, scholarship search, self-assessment tools, and applications. Investigate schools in the College Research section. Try the "SuperMatch College Search." Current students should have their login information. If you need further assistance, contact the College Guidance office.

Colleges That Change Lives - a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process, highlights a distinctive group of forty colleges from across the nation that seeks to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Campus Tours - Over 1,300 360-degree college virtual tours.

YOUniversity - This site offers a wide variety of student-submitted and school-submitted virtual campus tours.

Adventures in Education - AIE is a Web site that provides a wealth of tools for researching schools.

College for Texans - This site provides specific information for Texas schools: applying and financing. Check out the "Get All the Facts" and "College Match-up" sections. 

PSAT/NMSQT - All SBS students take The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during the fall of 10th and 11th grade. The PSAT/NMSQT is a great way to practice for the SAT and can qualify students for National Merit recognition (11th grade only).

SAT - The SAT exam is designed to assess your academic readiness for college. We recommend that students take the SAT starting the spring of 11th grade. Click on the link to access practice questions, register, and send scores. Research demonstrates that the best preparation for the SAT is to review your previous PSAT exams. Go to My College QuickStart to access your "Personalized SAT Study Plan." Your online access code is located on your PSAT score report. Contact the College Guidance office for further assistance.

SAT Subject Tests - SAT subject tests are hour-long, content-based tests that cover specific subjects. We recommend that students who excel in a subject at school, take the corresponding SAT Subject Test at the end of the most advanced course in that subject. Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests. In addition, you can enhance your application, demonstrate knowledge you have gained outside the classroom, and potentially place out of introductory courses.

ACT - We highly recommend that students take both the SAT and the ACT for several reasons. SBS students generally perform better on the ACT; colleges use the score that is best for each student's admission profile. ACT and SAT practice booklets are available in the College Guidance office.

AP Exams - SBS offers a variety of challenging AP courses that prepare students for higher education and can provide college credit. Click on the link to learn more about AP exams. To search individual institution policies on AP credit click here.

College Guidance works collaboratively with students, parents, and institutions to ensure that all components of the application are completed properly. We guide families through the application process by providing support such as essay and résumé advising and help with scholarship research. The College Application Handbook is a comprehensive resource created to help families navigate the college application process. The College Application Handbook is located in the downloads section of the program overview on the College Guidance page.

College Application Handbook - The "Financing Your College Education" section provides a comprehensive guide to paying for college. The College Application Handbook is located in the downloads section of the program overview on the College Guidance page.

FAFSA -  Parents and students must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for need-based financial aid at most institutions. Families should file a FAFSA during the student's 12th-grade year as soon as they have completed their tax returns. 

CSS/Financial Aid Profile is an instrument utilized by many private schools in their determination of financial aid. Click on the link to see which schools require this type of profile.

Naviance is a Web site designed for SBS families to use for college research, scholarship search, self-assessment tools, and applications. The Scholarship section of Naviance lists links to a variety of scholarships. This list includes many third-party, local scholarships that may be more difficult to find on an Internet search, but that SBS students may have a better chance of earning (smaller applicant pools). Current students should have their login information. If you need further assistance, contact the College Guidance office.

College Board's "Pay for College" section provides a detailed overview of the process, complete with a scholarship and aid search, planning resources, financial aid calculators, and more.