4 Major Parts of Your PSAT Results
Your Scores
Your Skills
Your Answers
Next Steps
3 Test Sections
Critical Reading
Mathematics
Writing Skills
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 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
www.collegeboard.org/quickstart
My College QuickStart
Log in to your personalized account at
www.collegeboard.org/quickstart
Purpose of College Admissions Testing
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
Two Options: SAT and/or ACTBoth 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
When do I test?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
SAT vs. ACTTest 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)
SAT vs. ACTOffered 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
SAT vs. ACTScoring: 200-800 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)
How can I prepare?www.sat.collegeboard.org
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
www.actstudent.org
Sturgis summer SAT prep class - 6 weeks
District and other local programs
Nationally recognized test prep programs (Kaplan, Princeton Review)
Sending scoresStudent 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 is a “good” score?A good score is one that is well within the range of accepted scores for the colleges you are applying to.
What if I don’t test well?Over 800 colleges are test optionalwww.fairtest.org/university/optional
Important to research each college’s policies – some colleges have alternative requirements
You should still plan to take the SATor ACT!
College Search
You are in the driver’s seat!
College search is conducted by you, with support from your family and guidance counselor.
The Informed Student/Consumer• Introspection
• Research
• College Visits
Finding a good FIT starts with you, not with name recognition.
FIT: Which College is Best for Me?• 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
Research!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
Goal: Apply Strategically
Solid Schools Financially Feasible Schools Probable Schools Possible Schools The Statistical Reach
Review Handout!
College VisitsColleges 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!
Communication Channel
Strongly recommend that you establish a separate “professional” e-mail 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.
Upcoming Events Monday March 2nd, 7:00 PM
College Admissions Seminar for Parents
Tuesday, March 3rd, 8:20 AMCollege Admissions Seminar for Juniors
Friday, March 6th, 12:00 NoonWorkshop - Fine Tune Your Research
March, April, MayIndividual Transition Planning MeetingsBe prepared to provide the names of 3 teachers who you feel know you well – Will assist guidance counselor with overview