1. Sophomore Night JANUARY 14, 2015 6:30 PM

2. Welcome!

3. Mrs. Mary Novak Administrative Assistant Mrs. Karen Parise Student Assistance Counselor The College Counseling Department: Additional Support

4. Introductory Remarks

5. An Extended Apology to High School Sophomores …. Jon Boeckenstedt, Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management De Paul University

6. Introductory Remarks

7. College Application Overview Components:  Application & fee  Transcript  Standardized Tests  Extracurricular Record  Essays  Teacher and Counselor Recommendations

8. Scheduling Process Honors/AP Applications: Available onlineonline Social Studies &Science require applications from all students Due January 23 (or 1/16 for Science) Online Schedule Request/Electives Dates: February 12-19: Students enter elective preferences on Net Classroom Visit the Course Descriptions and be informed!Course Descriptions Counselor/Student Meetings: Feb 23-May 1

9. Standardized Tests  The Role of Standardized Tests  2014 PSAT Results

10. Changes to the SAT: March 2016 Score out of 1600 instead of 2400 ◦Writing will be optional and scored on a separate scale ◦Test will be shorter now ◦Score Report will include subscores and cross-test scores Wrong answers will no longer be penalized Questions based on real world context ◦Use published work and founding documents ◦No more obscure vocabulary words Preparation: Current sample questions are available onlineavailable online Students can practice with Khan Academy beginning in May 2015.Khan Academy

11. Changes to the PSAT – October 2015 Score out of 800 in each section, max score of 1600 ◦Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ◦Reading ◦Writing and Language ◦Math Wrong answers will no longer be penalized Longer test Knowledge tested will mirror that of SAT Preparation: ◦Sample questions are now available.Sample questions ◦A full practice test will be available in March 2015.

12. Standardized Tests: Timeline Junior Year: October: PSAT January – June: First SAT and/or ACT May or June: Subject Tests* Senior Year: September –December SAT or ACT *Subject Tests are only required by some highly selective universities. Sophomores currently in AP classes should consider AP tests this year.

13. How will you spend your summer?  College Visits?  Summer school?  Summer job?  Junior Justice Project?  Enrichment Programs?

14. This semester… Counselor meetings for Naviance Careers Roadtrip Nation Personality Test College Search Parents can use Naviance, too!

15. In the Future… JUNIOR YEAR ◦Group and Individual Student Meetings ◦College Rep Meetings @ Brophy: Juniors may attend 3 ◦Spring Essay Workshop ◦Spring parent meetings (optional) ◦Naviance navigation SENIOR YEAR ◦Naviance navigation ◦Nuts and Bolts Application Help ◦ Essay Review ◦ Application Workshops After School (Sept/Oct) ◦College Rep Meetings @ Brophy: Seniors may attend 5 ◦ Financial Aid Night

16. Upcoming Events… March 19: Coffee Chat, 7:45 AM, Great Hall August: Junior Parent Meeting at back to school night August: In-State University Night….Class of ‘16 is welcome! Fall College Fair @ Brophy