USA: Things to consider What is my career orientation? Why the US and where? Costs: Residency,financial aid, student loans, scholarships, work What am I looking for in a University education? Community college = Associate’s degree College = Bachelor’s degree University = a group of colleges including post graduate schools (Masters and doctorate programs)

–for interviewing, what to pack, integration, helpful hints Visit colleges Talk to people: family, adult friends, counselors Discuss and define financial strategy with your parents USA: Ressources

USA: The Tests PSAT: Preparatory SATs SAT & Subject Tests: Standard Aptitude NMSQT: National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Tests AP: Advanced Placement CLEP: College Level Examination Program Testing Center AMERICAN SCHOOL OF PARIS School Code School Address 41 RUE PASTEUR ST CLOUD FRANCE

USA: SAT Reasoning Test The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. –The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200—800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice and the essay. –It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas. SAT Question Types –The SAT includes a Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content. Test Order –The 25-minute essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10- minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The remaining six 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20- minute sections.

USA: SAT Subject Tests Subject Tests are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year. Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. All Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests.

USA: Sophmore year action plan (1) Fall Plan for the Year Ahead Meet with your counselor to discuss your college plans. Review your schedule with him or her to make sure you're enrolled in challenging classes that will help you prepare for college. Colleges prefer four years of English, history, math, science, and a foreign language. Start a calendar with important dates and deadlines. Get more involved with your extracurricular activities. Use College Search to find out the required courses and tests of colleges that you might be interested in attending. Go to college fairs in your area. Consider Taking the PSAT/NMSQT® Sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT, which is given in October. Ask your counselor which date is offered at your school. Get free online PSAT/NMSQT practice. If you're taking the PSAT/NMSQT check 'yes' for Student Search Service® to hear about colleges and scholarships.

Winter Prepare for Tests Use your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report and to prepare for the SAT®. Talk to your counselor and teachers about taking SAT Subject Tests™ in your strong subjects this spring. Take Subject Tests such as World History, Biology E/M, and Chemistry while the material is still fresh in your mind. Learn about Colleges Learn about college costs and how financial aid works. Use the College Savings Calculator to see how much money you'll need for college, whether you're on track to save enough, and what you need to do to reach your goal. Talk to your parents about financing college. Visit colleges while they're in session. Find out about college firsthand from college friends who are home for the holidays.

USA: Sophmore year action plan (2) Spring Stay Focused Sign up for college preparatory courses. Consider AP® courses. Study for May AP Exams. Get free AP preparation. Explore Summer Opportunities Look for a great summer opportunity — job, internship, or volunteer position. Check with your counselor and search online for summer school programs for high school students at colleges. Summer Make the Most of Your Break Start a summer reading list. Ask your teachers to recommend books. Plan to visit college campuses to get a feel for your options. Start with colleges near you. Finalize your summer plans.

USA: Junior year action plan (1) Fall Take the PSAT/NMSQT At school, sign up early to take the PSAT/NMSQT® in October. Get PSAT/NMSQT tips and a free practice test. Start Your College Search Start with you: Make lists of your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities. List things you may want to study and do in college. Jumpstart your college planning by reading about majors and careers. Use College Search to find colleges with the right characteristics. Start Thinking about Financial Aid Talk to your counselor about your college plans and attend college night and financial aid night at your school. Use financial aid calculators to estimate your aid eligibility and college costs.

Winter Plan Your Spring Testing Schedule You can take either the SAT Reasoning Test™ -or- up to three SAT Subject Tests™ on one test day. Plan your testing schedule carefully if you want to take both types of SAT®. See the SAT schedule of test dates and register online for the SAT. Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report arrives in December. Use it to improve your skills and prepare for the SAT. Practice at collegeboard.com/psatextra.

USA: Junior year action plan (2) Spring Get Ready for the SAT Visit the SAT Preparation Center™ to take a free full-length official practice test and get a score and skills report. Be sure to sign up for The Official SAT Question of the Day™ for daily practice. Explore Colleges Start visiting local colleges: large, small, public, and private. Get a feel for what works for you. Develop a list of colleges that interest you. Search for colleges and use My College List. Prepare for AP® Exams Do well on AP Exams and receive credit or placement at most colleges. Get AP Exam preparation. Plan Ahead for the Summer & Senior Year Review your senior year class schedule with your counselor. Challenge yourself with honors and AP classes and stick with sequences you've begun, in the languages, for example. Read about how to select your courses. Plan summer activities early. Enrich yourself by volunteering, getting an interesting job or internship, or signing up for special summer learning programs.

Summer Keep Your Momentum Up This Summer Visit colleges. Take campus tours and, at colleges you're serious about, schedule interviews with admissions counselors. Be sure to bring your campus visit checklist. Request applications from colleges to which you'll apply. Check important dates; some universities have early dates or rolling admissions. Consult the College Application Calendar and the Financial Aid Calendar for a basic idea of the applications timeline.

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