The winter testing dates for the ACT and SAT are coming up soon:  the SAT will be administered on January 26th and the ACT on February 9th. For many students, practice can improve scores. But if you're listening to your iPod or not taking a timed practice test, you probably won't experience that improvement. Here's how to practice so it means something:

                Practice under actual test conditions. Both tests require students to perform in a fixed amount of time. Sit down in your kitchen with a test book and your No. 2 pencils and have a family member time you.

                Make sure you practice with real tests. The test services call these materials "disclosed" tests -- actual ACT and SAT tests from prior dates. Such tests are available free from the College Board and ACT, Inc. online and in the registration books. If you use a guide from the bookstore or local library, make sure it contains "disclosed" tests.

                Timing matters. Preparation is more effective closer to the test date so right now is perfect timing. Don't wait for the days right before you walk into the test center.

Over the weekend, New York Times columnist Frank Bruni published a terrific column on choosing a college. It's a great reminder that the value of finding a school that fits also means a college where there is room to grow with all the challenges inherent in that. You can read the whole thing here.

It's time to apply, apply, apply for financial aid! College advisor Alice Kleeman is back to kick off the New Year with advice for seniors on what you should be doing. Remember it is you, the student, who applies for aid. But families need to work together to obtain the best result. Here are this month's reminders. Read, save and use them!

*             Check with your high school counselor about financial aid evening workshops scheduled at your school or in the community and attend with your parents!  

*             Complete the FAFSA, reading all instructions CAREFULLY! You do NOT have to wait until you and your parents have filed your income tax returns; you may use estimates on the FAFSA and then update the information once you have filed your income tax forms. It is better to file on time with estimates than to file late!

*             Submit your FAFSA electronically as soon as possible! Once submitted, the colleges you have listed and coded will receive your information electronically.

*             Each state also has its own FAFSA deadline, which in many cases is different from the federal submission deadline each year.  Make sure to submit your FAFSA by your state's deadline or as soon as possible after the first of the year to get the most financial aid possible. Deadline information can be found here.

Are you visiting Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, on one of your college trips? If so, we now have the best bets for where to dine after you tour the campus of this private research university nine miles west of Boston.  There are recommendations for breakfast -- caramel crunch French toast; lunch -- pad thai, pizza and steak sandwiches; and dinner -- tapas, tostadas de ceviche and sushi, as well as the best places to stop by for coffee, ice cream and burgers, of course. Thank you to Brandeis Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel and students Reed Zukerman and Rachel Nelson! Check out their full reviews here.