College Admissions Testing &

The College SearchJuniors - January 2015

Your PSAT Score Report

4 Major Parts of Your PSAT Results

Your Scores

Your Skills

Your Answers

Next Steps

3 Test Sections

Critical Reading

Mathematics

Writing Skills

 

Score

Unique scale of 20 – 80

SAT scale is 200 – 800

Your Scores  

Score Range

Your Scores (cont.)  

Percentile

If you are a junior, your scores are compared to those of other juniors.

Your Scores (cont.)  

National Merit Scholarship Corporation Information

The Selection Index is the sum of your critical reading, mathematics and writing skills scores.

The Percentile compares your performance to that of other college-bound juniors.

 

Your Skills

See how you did on each skill. The same skills are tested on the SAT.

 

Your Answers

We returned your test booklets to you, and you can also review each test question in My College QuickStart.

Your Answers: Student-Produced

Responses

Some of the math problems required you to grid in answers instead of selecting an option. For these questions, you will see the correct answer(s) written out.

 

Next Steps

What’s next?

Use the access code on your report to log in to My College QuickStart, a personalized college and career planning kit. There you can:

• Get a personalized SAT study plan• Search for colleges• Take a personality test to find majors and careers that fit you

www.collegeboard.org/quickstart

My College QuickStart

Log in to your personalized account at

www.collegeboard.org/quickstart

 

Purpose of College Admissions Testing

Historically, a way to level the playing field –allow colleges to compare students from different high schools with different curriculums and grading practices

Test scores are one part of the application process, the emphasis is on GPA and rigor of curriculum

Weight given to testing varies from college to college

Two Options: SAT and/or ACTBoth are widely accepted

Some highly selective schools also require SAT Subject Tests – You can sometimes substitute the ACT plus writing

Research individual college admission policies in order to determine requirements

When do I test?Initial round – spring of junior year (May/June)

Second round - fall of senior year (Oct/Nov)

Dates available on College Board and ACT web sites & bulletin board outside room 205

Establish a testing schedule based on your college application plans

A photo is required when you register and an ID is required when you take the test

SAT vs. ACTTest of reasoning ability

(solving problems and communicating)

Reading, Writing & Math, includes an essay

Test is curriculum-based (what you are learning in school)

English, math, reading & science, writing is optional (but strongly recommended)

SAT vs. ACTOffered at many local

district high schools (not Sturgis)

$52.50 (+$28 late fee)

3 hours, 45 minutes

Fewer testing sites, may require more travel

$38.00 (+$24 late fee)$54.50 plus writing

3 hours, 25 minutes

SAT vs. ACTScoring: 200-800 each

section; highest combined score 2400

National average - low 500 each section

¼ point deduction for wrong answer

Scoring: 1-36 each section; highest composite score is 36

National average - 21

No penalty for wrong answer (guessing is ok)

How can I prepare?www.sat.collegeboard.org

https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat

www.actstudent.org

Sturgis summer SAT prep class - 6 weeks

District and other local programs

Nationally recognized test prep programs (Kaplan, Princeton Review)

Sending scoresStudent is responsible for sending test scores –

they are not part of official transcript

ACT - each test date stands alone

SAT - test record includes all test dates OR you may elect to exercise Score Choice (single date) option

You may choose 4 colleges during test registration for free score reports (there is a fee for additional reports or reports sent later in the process: SAT $11.25, ACT $12.00)

What is a “good” score?A good score is one that is well within the range of accepted scores for the colleges you are applying to.

What if I don’t test well?Over 800 colleges are test optionalwww.fairtest.org/university/optional

Important to research each college’s policies – some colleges have alternative requirements

You should still plan to take the SATor ACT!

College Search

You are in the driver’s seat!

College search is conducted by you, with support from your family and guidance counselor.

The Informed Student/Consumer• Introspection

• Research

• College Visits

Finding a good FIT starts with you, not with name recognition.

FIT: Which College is Best for Me?• Assess who you are: abilities, goals, interests, learning style,

etc.

• Consider basic factors: location, setting, size, major, activities,

etc.

• Explore campus climate/culture

When asked “Why this school?” your answer will have substance

Research!There are over 4,000 colleges in the US with a vast array of study options.

Where do you begin?• Internet resources

• Visit college campuses

• Conversations with those who know you well

Goal: Apply Strategically

Solid Schools Financially Feasible Schools Probable Schools Possible Schools The Statistical Reach

Review Handout!

College VisitsColleges make substantial investments in their web sites and marketing materials. You need to visit to get a true sense for a school (added benefit - you demonstrate interest).

Beware of being lured in by marketing techniques!

Communication Channel

Strongly recommend that you establish a separate “professional” e-mail account to handle all correspondence with the colleges to which you apply, as well as communication regarding the CSS Profile, FAFSA and financial aid. It’s a good idea to share this account with a parent.

Upcoming Events Monday March 2nd, 7:00 PM

College Admissions Seminar for Parents

Tuesday, March 3rd, 8:20 AMCollege Admissions Seminar for Juniors

Friday, March 6th, 12:00 NoonWorkshop - Fine Tune Your Research

March, April, MayIndividual Transition Planning MeetingsBe prepared to provide the names of 3 teachers who you feel know you well – Will assist guidance counselor with overview