If you took the PSAT earlier this fall, you should expect to receive your scores sometime next week. The CollegeBoard says scores will be released to students Dec 9-11 (the exact date depends on where you live). Your counselor can access the scores on Dec 2 through the K-12 reporting portal. Be smart by using your PSAT scores to improve your score on the “real” SAT. Your score report explains what areas you need to review before taking the next test.
Viewing Your Scores
The CollegeBoard has aligned the PSAT scores with the SAT scores. You can use your PSAT test scores to learn more about how you might do on the upcoming SAT tests. But there are a LOT of scores on the PSAT test. Which scores should you to pay attention to?
Here are some tips. When viewing your score report, focus on:
Next week most Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving. In the upcoming holiday season, you will likely end up spending time with lots of family. Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve seen Grandma and Grandpa, or Uncle Mike and the cousins. What are you going to talk about? Most experts advise that politics is off the table, and you can only talk about the weather for so long. Don’t be surprised if the guests turn their attention to you and your college plans. What are your plans after you graduate, what colleges will you apply to, what will you major in, etc.? You may or may not have answers to these questions – so how do you deal?
SAT Subject tests are based on curriculum you have in class. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject. According to the College Board,
“The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do. Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.”
Only a handful of colleges require SAT subject tests from students, but many will use SAT Subject test scores as a part of your admissions profile or for placement purposes (especially in foreign language).
What subject tests can I take?
There are 20 subject tests to choose from. A majority of the tests are in foreign languages, with English, History, Math and...
Sports, clubs, academic competitions, music, work, social activism? Why do colleges care about how you spend your time outside of class? Your extracurricular activities are a reflection of your interests, your attitude, your work ethic, etc. Admission officers can learn a lot about you by your activity list – but they care less about what you do and more about how you do it. Colleges are looking for three basic qualities in your activities – longevity, leadership, and lasting impact.
When you think about the “Perfect College” what comes to mind? Bucolic hills, palm trees, or urban energy? Classes with 12 students or with 120? Going to a football game, a political debate, an art show – all of the above? How do you know which college is perfect? You need to know what is important to YOU.
Here are the Top 10 factors to consider for your “Perfect” college:
You are on your way! You’ve got your college list finalized, common app essay completed, recommendations requested, and with applications around the corner you’ll soon be finished the college application process. These 5 tips will help you stay organized and on track.
How do you measure your chances of admission for any given college? This is based on several factors. Some factors are more objectively measurable in the college applications process than others. The easily measured factors include:
Less measurable, but also important to your college application are:
Using Measurable Factors
Check admissions data for each college on your list. Look at the range of SAT or ACT scores, and GPA’s. Your test scores will put you in one of three zones for the college: green, yellow or red.
What puts a school in your GREEN zone?
Do you know your high school counselor? Maybe you’ve met with them to sign up for classes or to make a schedule change. Or maybe not. Depending on your school, your counselor may could be responsible for 30 students or 300+ students so some counselors are more accessible than others. Regardless, it’s important for you to know this person and know what they can do for you in the college search.
Your eligibility for financial aid will be based on the calendar year starting in January of your junior year. Now is the time to learn what information you and your parents will need in order to file a FAFSA.
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form students and parents must complete and submit to the federal government to determine their eligibility for financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Who files the FAFSA?
Since this is a federal application, it is for US citizens or students with a legal status in the United States. International students are not eligible for federal student aid.
What kind of aid does the federal government offer?
There are three types of aid offered by the US government: 1) Grants, 2) Student Loans, 3) Work-study. Colleges will also often use the FAFSA to award their own need-based financial...
You are signed up and ready to take the ACT or SAT test! Here are 5 test day tips to help you ace the test by starting off on the right foot. Have everything you need ready when you leave to take your test on a Saturday morning. 5 Test Day Tips 1) Get a good night’s rest Friday night. Make sure your brain is rested and alert before you take the test. Go to bed early so you can get enough sleep to perform your best. 2) Fuel yourself with a good breakfast. Make sure to include protein (eggs, yogurt, cheese, peanut butter). You will be testing for over 3 hours so you need a breakfast that can sustain you. 3) Perform the 48-hour Essentials check. Gather all the essential items to bring with you to the test in one place 2 days in advance.
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