If you've been dismissed or suspended from college for poor academic performance, you probably have an opportunity to appeal the decision and explain the reasons for your poor grades. Your best bet is to appeal in person (see these tips). If you need to appeal in writing, check out this sample appeal letter. In it, Emma describes her difficult home situation that led to her dismissal. She also talks about her plans for succeeding in the future.

Once you've read Emma's letter, read the critique to find out what she did well and what could use a little more work.

I recently published some ideas on how to spend your summer so that you impress college admissions officers and build your resume. For the flip side of the equation, here are 10 was to waste your summer. You'll find some great advice for wearing out your couch cushions and damaging your skin at a young age.

June is one of the more popular SAT testing times for juniors -- they will get scores in time to take the exam again in the fall should they need to. The end of the academic year is also a popular time for the SAT Subject Tests -- many students take the regular SAT in May and then schedule the Subject Tests for June. And yes, a few ambitious sophomores also take a stab at the SAT in June.

If the June 2nd SAT is part of your college admissions equation, you're running out of time to register. The regular registration deadline was May 8th, and late registration closes at the end of the day on May 22nd. If you register now, you'll need to pay a $26 late fee on top of the base $49 fee. Registration is easy on the College Board Website.

Related Reading:

• What's a Good SAT Score?
• What Colleges Require SAT Subject Tests?
• When Should You Take the SAT?
• Low SAT Scores? What Now?
• SAT Scores for the Ivy League

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