Juniors - January 2015

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

My College QuickStart Log in to your personalized account at

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

Both 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

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

Test 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)

Offered 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

Scoring: 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)

Sturgis summer SAT prep class - 6 weeks District and other local programs Nationally recognized test prep programs (Kaplan, Princeton Review)

Student 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 if I don’t test well? Over 800 colleges are test optional Important to research each college’s policies – some colleges have alternative requirements You should still plan to take the SATor ACT!

You are in the driver’s seat! College search is conducted by you, with support from your family and guidance counselor.

Introspection Research College Visits Finding a good FIT starts with you, not with name recognition.

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

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

 Solid Schools  Financially Feasible Schools  Probable Schools  Possible Schools  The Statistical Reach Review Handout!

Colleges 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!

Strongly recommend that you establish a separate “professional” 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.

Monday March 2nd, 7:00 PM College Admissions Seminar for Parents Tuesday, March 3rd, 8:20 AM College Admissions Seminar for Juniors Friday, March 6 th, 12:00 Noon Workshop - Fine Tune Your Research March, April, May Individual Transition Planning Meetings Be prepared to provide the names of 3 teachers who you feel know you well – Will assist guidance counselor with overview