IB11 Seminar SATs and ACTs and College Apps … OH MY! October 23, 2014 Mrs. Keating Director of School Counseling

Standardized Testing SAT An Aptitude Test that measures future predicted ability in Critical Reading, Math, and Writing The “old” scale (1600) only takes Critical Reading & Math into consideration At least 2, no more than 3 Start in the spring of Junior year (take AP & SOL testing into consideration) ACT An Achievement Test that measures what level of learning or knowledge have you achieved throughout high school. 4 sections: English, Mathematics, Reading (Social Studies, Natural Sciences, Prose Fiction, Humanities), Science + Optional Writing section (for an additional fee). Composite Score (21 is the National Average) Should I take the optional Writing section? One test – before the end of junior year or early fall senior year.

“What’s a ‘good’ SAT Score?” “What’s a ‘good’ ACT Score?” Katie scored a 600 on the Critical Reading Section of the SAT, and a 640 on the Math Section of the SAT. Katie’s composite ACT score is a 29. Katie wants to apply to UVA, William and Mary, and JMU. Are her test scores “good” scores? bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ (  Find Colleges  Compare Colleges)

SAT Subject Tests Student’s responsibility to know if they are required or recommended for the college of choice (bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ & the college or university’s admissions website)bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ Which? When?

Conduct a College Search bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

Campus Visits: Take a tour organized by the Admissions Office  Why is it important to take a tour from the admissions office?  Before your visit - call the admissions office to verify tour schedule and arrival time (start of tour vs. start of program).  When you arrive for the tour –  Get business cards and names of people you meet for future contacts.  Pick up financial aid forms.  Read the student newspaper.  Try to find other student publications—department newsletters, alternative newspapers, literary reviews.  *Participate in a group information session at the admissions office.

Campus Visits: Take a tour organized by the Admissions Office Things to look for while on the tour:  See a couple of different classrooms Ask about class size and who will be teaching the classes  Visit a Residence Hall Ask: - Safety and housing options (coed?, specialty houses?) - How are freshman roommates selected? - Is housing guaranteed all 4 years? … if not, how is it allotted? - Housing options & availability on campus (do “all” juniors live off-campus)? Note for your family’s financial plan.

Campus Visits: Take a tour organized by the Admissions Office Take pictures and download/caption soon after the trip to help your memory later. Read the bulletin boards and get a feel for life on campus. Ask your tour guide why he or she chose that school. Eat in a dining facility. Ask about meal plans, facility hours, nutritional options, off- campus options, residence hall cooking available Locate the library. Ask about computer policies and availability on campus, wireless/internet/cable availability, study hours, safety, study rooms.

Applying to College College Application Official Transcripts Secondary School Reports – Supplement to the Common App Common Application School Report Form (UVA, William and Mary, CNU) Supplement to the Common App – School form example 1 – JMU “Secondary School Report Form” School form example 1 – School form example 2 – VT “High School Counselor Supplemental Form” School form example 2 Test Scores Recommendations “Part II” items

The Secrets to Success in the College Application Process Read the directions! Know and adhere to deadlines. Use the tools the colleges provide for you – Know their sites, policies, and deadlines – Use their checklists and follow instructionschecklists – Use their free help tools like videos, Hot Tips, and other admission counselor outreach toolsvideos bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ (Find Colleges  College 101 … Explore Video Topics!)