Roadmap To College Elissa Morel Premier Tutor The

Roadmap To College Elissa Morel Premier Tutor The Princeton Review

Agenda • Choosing A College & Admissions Factors We’ll discuss • Academic & Non-Academic Credentials • Standardized Tests 2

Agenda • Choosing A College & Admissions Factors • Conquering the SAT & ACT We’ll discuss • Testing Strategies & Tips • Sample Test Problems 3

Agenda • Choosing A College & Admissions Factors • Conquering the SAT & ACT • Q&A • Answer any questions you may have • Provide you with information on Princeton Review and a special offer for your members 4

Fear or Anxiety? • About college admissions? • You are NOT alone! • 94% stated they find college admissions stressful. • TODAY - Ease the process & think about your options, needs and approach

Your dream college?

Dream School Exercise Fact #1: It’s never been easier to get into college than it is now.

Dream School Exercise Fact #2: It’s never been more difficult to get into college than it is now.

What’s Our Problem? Everyone is in love with the same schools! The point? It’s never been easier to get into college than it is now because there are thousands of colleges out there. But it’s never been more difficult to get into college because we are all applying to the same 30 schools!

Choosing Your College? • Excellent academic reputation • Family or counselor recommendation • Affordability/Financial Aid » State school – tuition much less than private • Location/Size • Specific program • Influential and well placed alumni • Career path positioning ü OVERALL BEST FIT

Choosing Your College? v v v Collect long list of schools Keep an open mind Know your academic credentials Eliminate schools that DON’T meet your needs Keep records Visit as many schools as you can Finding Information q q q College fairs Admissions collateral College authored material / TPR authored materials Average number of college applications Composite of a current high school student

Become a stronger applicant • Avoid mistakes that can weaken your chances • Know how an admissions committee evaluates applicants • Unpack your entire application • Stay on top of timelines • Choose a college that fits

Choose Your Schools ü Don’t think of college admissions as a game of winners and losers. ü Take your time and THINK about what you want out of a school. ü A school that fits means a better experience and a better future for you.

Will I get in? Success in college admission is directly linked to success in high school.

What is selectivity? A college uses an application process to admit some students and reject others. Why are some colleges so selective? It might not be the reason you think!

A competitive college

The applicant pool

The freshman class

First pass

First pass Not Accepted

Letters go out Not Accepted

Selectivity …is not a measure of… …the quality of a school. …the quality of an education. …is a measure of… …how many students apply. …how many students the college accepts.

High School Timeline 9 th Grade – grades and extracurricular activities 10 th Grade – grades, tough classes, activities, build relationships, take practice PSAT, try a Subject Test if needed Summer after 10 th Grade – start prep for PSAT and SAT or ACT, continue activities 11 th Grade – grades, tough classes, activities, take SAT and/or ACT, try a Subject Test if needed, explore colleges 12 th Grade – grades, take SAT or ACT again if needed, apply to college in the fall and for financial aid after January 1.

Standardized Testing Timeline & Considerations • When should I take my test? ü Time to prep properly: summer before Junior year or before end of Junior year • How many times will you take the SAT and/or ACT? ü Prep for one, Plan for two, Leave time for three • How much prep do you need? • Depends on your goals so however much is right…FOR YOU! • What extra-curricular activities do you have that will impact your prep schedule? • Are you taking AP tests? • Do you need to take SAT Subject Tests? • Will you be submitting any early applications?

A high school career - diagrammed High School Transcript Academic Credentials Standardized Test Scores Non-academic credentials Outside the classroom The individual College Application

The high school transcript • (Cumulative) grade point average • Classes • Grades • Ranking among classmates

The bottom line: Cumulative GPA Cum GPA A Dolores 3. 5 B Henry 3. 4 C Mack 3. 1

Beyond GPA 9 th 10 th 11 th Cum GPA A Dolores 4. 0 3. 5 3. 0 3. 5 B Henry 3. 0 3. 4 3. 8 3. 4 C Mack 3. 1

Beyond GPA 9 th 10 th 11 th Cum GPA A Dolores 4. 0 3. 5 3. 0 3. 5 B Henry 3. 0 3. 4 3. 8 3. 4 C Mack 3. 1 The Trend

Classes and grades 9 th 10 th 11 th Cum GPA A Miriam 3. 4 3. 5 3. 4 B Angel 3. 4 3. 5 3. 4

Classes and grades 9 th 10 th 11 th Cum GPA A Miriam 3. 4 3. 5 3. 4 B Angel 3. 4 3. 5 3. 4 Miriam Angel Advanced Algebra English Literature Earth Sciences World History Psychology Physical Education B+ AB+ A- Semester GPA 3. 4 Calculus English Literature AP Chemistry French IV European History Physical Education Art Semester GPA A B+ B AB+ B+ A 3. 4

Classes and grades 9 th 10 th 11 th Cum GPA Miriam 3. 4 3. 5 3. 4 Angel 3. 4 3. 5 3. 4 Miriam Angel Advanced Algebra English Literature Earth Sciences World History Psychology Physical Education B+ AB+ A- Semester GPA 3. 4 Calculus English Literature AP Chemistry French IV European History Physical Education Art Semester GPA Rigor A B+ B AB+ B+ A 3. 4

College preparedness • Dual enrollment programs • Summer enrichment programs • Classes from the local community college • AP credits

A high school career - revisited Academic Credentials Trend Class rigor HS transcript Rank HS profile GPA College credits Standardized Test Scores Non-academic credentials College Application

Why standardized tests? Test Used for… Sign up @ PSAT Practice Your high school PLAN Practice Your high school SAT Admissions collegeboard. com ACT Admissions actstudent. org SAT Subject Tests Admissions collegeboard. com

Why standardized tests? What does SAT stand for? ACT?

Why standardized tests? What does SAT stand for? ACT? • • • Standardized Admissions Test Student Ability Test Silly Annoying Test • • • American College Testing Another College Test A Crazy Terror • Nothing – it’s just the SAT! Or ACT!

Why standardized tests? What does the SAT and ACT really measure? How well you take the SAT or ACT

Why standardized tests? Why Do We Take The SAT or ACT? • It’s part of the College Admissions Package • It’s a way for colleges to compare all students on the same scale.

Why standardized tests? Why Do We Take The SAT or ACT? • $$$ MONEY $$$

Testing Misconceptions • Test scores measure your intelligence • A student with a high GPA will ace the exam • You cannot learn how to increase your scores • Best scores win in college admissions • Test scores are becoming less important

Testing Truths • Don’t take your scores personally • Scores DO NOT measure your intelligence • Proper coaching can increase your scores • GPA is most important in admissions • Test scores are still heavily relied on

Breakdown of the Tests Let’s take a look at the tests….

Current SAT vs. ACT SAT Frequency? Seven times per year ACT Six times per year (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan in current format) What is tested? Math, Reading, Writing, Science, Essay Optional Essay What is the test structure? Ten sections with a masked experimental Four sections. Optional experimental clearly marked Length (w/o breaks) 3 hours, 45 minutes 3 hours, 25 minutes (With Essay) Penalty for wrong answers? Yes No How is it scored? 800 per section, 2400 total 36 per section, 36 total Average Scores Math: 516 Critical Reading: 501 Writing: 492 English: 20. 5 Math: 21. 1 Reading: 21. 3 Science: 20. 9

Current vs 2016 Changes The Current SAT The Redesigned SAT (coming spring 2016) SECTIONS • 3 sections Math • Critical Reading • Writing Skills • 2 sections Math • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing SCORING • Composite score (600– 2400) • 3 section scores (200– 800) • Composite score (400– 1600) 2 section scores (200– 800) • 3 test scores (10– 40) • 7 sub-scores (1– 15) • 2 cross-test scores LENGTH OF TEST (Without breaks) ANSWER CHOICES INCORRECT ANSWER PENALTY FORMAT OF TEST 3 hours, 45 minutes 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) 4 answer choices per question 5 answer choices per question 1/4 point off for each incorrect answer No penalty for incorrect answers on multiple-choice questions Paper and pencil only Paper and pencil AND a computer-based option • Two tests: • Reading Test • Two sections: • Writing and Language Test • Critical Reading • No more sentence completions; focus on multiple • Writing Skills meaning words • Vocabulary tested by sentence • Passages will draw from significant historical or scientific READING AND WRITING completion questions; famous for "SAT documents – may include informational graphics, such as Words, " often considered obscure charts • Passage-based questions, with • The reading passages will include complex structure and passages drawn from random topics vocabulary • Passage-based grammar – including punctuation 45

Current vs 2016 (cont) The Current SAT The Redesigned SAT (coming spring 2016) MATH • Covers: Arithmetic • Algebra I • Geometry • Some Algebra II • Focuses on: Application-based, multi-step questions • Higher-level math, including trigonometry • One “extended-thinking” grid-in question (worth 4 points); • Core math competencies (translating math into English and English into math) • A deep understanding of theories behind mathematical principles, such as building equations CALCULATORS Calculators permitted in every math section Calculators only allowed in the longer of the two math sections Changes Required first section of the test (25 minutes, timed) THE ESSAY The essay is optional (50 minutes, timed) Students will be provided a substantial passage (600– 700 Students respond to a short prompt by words) and will then be asked to analyze how the author providing personal opinion with built their argument; students will need to understand the supporting evidence techniques authors used to write persuasively Visit www. Princeton. Review. com/SATChanges 46

Redesigned PSAT (New PSAT) § The PSAT is a great a way to get some early practice for the SAT and get comfortable with standardized tests. It does not count towards college admissions or your transcript, plus it's the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. § 50, 000 students (out of 1. 4 million) qualify for recognition based on their high PSAT scores. 34, 000 of these students receive Letters of Commendation. The remaining 16, 000 students whose scores put them in the top 99 th percentile in their state, become National Merit Semifinalists. Of these, around half win scholarships after submitting their high school records, as well as recommendations from teachers and a personal essay. § Test is currently offered in October. The College Board has discussed plans to add an additional test for sophomores in the spring.

ACT Changes In addition to the 1 -36 scores students now receive for each test (English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning) and a Composite score, the new scores will include: • A STEM score based on the student’s scores on the Math and Science Reasoning sections. • An English language score based on the student’s scores on English, Reading and Writing (Essay) • A “progress toward career readiness” score to “provide an indicator of future performance on the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate™ (ACT NCRC®), an assessment-based credential that certifies foundational work skills important for job success across industries and occupations. ” • A “text complexity progress indicator” based on all of the writing passages

ACT Writing Test Changes – Starting this Fall • The ACT Writing Test will be changing to a format that asks students to come up with their own analysis and evaluate multiple perspectives of complex issues. • Their analysis will need to be based on reasoning, experience and knowledge. The timing of the Writing Test will increase from 30 minutes to 40 minutes, but will remain optional and won’t have any impact on the composite score. • Students will receive a breakdown of their scores in the areas of ideas and analysis, development and support, organization, and language use.

SAT/ACT Scores Low Scores (Lowest = 200 or 1) High Scores (Highest = 800 or 36) Medium Scores (Middle = 500 or 21)

Why Students Struggle with SAT or ACT SAT/ACT High School Number of Questions on the exams Designed so you can’t finish or you really have to rush to finish Designed so you can finish Answer Choices Written to trick students and filled with common errors Goal is to assess strength’s and weaknesses, not to try to get a student to answer all questions incorrectly! Essay 30 min Hours & weeks Reading Under serious time constraints Read at home Science (ACT) Little science needed Science required Writing GRAMMAR! Grammar has little emphasis in most schools Math Intentionally hard and comprised of 4 years of Math Straight forward and generally focused on 1 year.

SAT and/or ACT? Which test should I take? • There is NO downside to taking both tests. We encourage it! • Free Practice Tests (SAT, ACT, New SAT)

SAT/ACT Optional Schools § Over 815 colleges and universities across the United States admit a substantial number of students without regard to test scores. § Some schools exempt students who meet GPA or class rank criteria white others require SAT or ACT scores but use them only for placement purposes or to conduct research studies. § Please check with the school’s admissions office to learn more about specific admissions requirements. But remember… • In many cases, SAT and ACT scores are very important in determining financial aid awards. • You may change your mind and decide to apply to a school that requires SAT or ACT scores. Better safe than sorry!

Subject Tests (SAT 2 s) § Required by some schools, whether you take the SAT or ACT § Required by some schools only if you take the SAT § Not required by some schools § If required, some schools require 2 subject tests, others require 1 test § Tests are multiple choice, last one hour, and are scored on a 200800 scale (with a penalty for wrong answers) § You can take up to three tests in one sitting § Tests are giving in Math (two different levels), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, US History, World History, and several languages § Tests are one hour and administered at the same time as the SAT (but not given in March)

AP Tests (Advanced Placement) § Not required by schools but impressive: shows stellar achievement and pushing yourself § Test are offered only in May and last three hours § Tests have multiple choice and essay components § Scoring scale is 1 -5 § There is no guessing penalty § Many colleges will give course credit for AP scores of 4 or 5 § Tests are offered in a very broad range of subjects

A high school career - revisited Academic Credentials Trend Class rigor HS transcript Rank HS profile GPA College credits Non-academic credentials Standardized Test Scores SAT Subject Tests SAT/ACT PLAN/PSAT Outside the classroom The individual College Application

Outside the classroom Delilah Dance Troupe: 10, 11, 12 Captain Big Sister Program: 11, 12 Brooke Yearbook: 9 (asst. photo editor) Mock Trial: 10, 11 (lead defense) Choir: 10 Amnesty International: 12 (secretary) Softball: 9, 10 Teacher’s Assistant: 12 Cross-country: 11 Does something, nothing. Commitment to what he/she does. Earned recognition. Earned a leadership position.

Listing extra-curricular activity 6 th grade teacher’s assistant – 11 Yearbook – 10, 11, 12 (photo editor) Delta Club – 9, 10, 11, 12 Service Award – 11 Tennis – 9, 10, 11, 12 (first doubles) Does something, nothing. Commitment to what he/she does. Earned recognition. Tennis – 9, 10, 11, 12 (first doubles) Yearbook – 10, 11, 12 (photo editor) Delta Club – 9, 10, 11, 12 Teacher’s assistant (6 th grade) – 11 Service Award – 11 Earned a leadership position.

The individual you are • Letters of recommendation • Essay or personal statement • Interview

Letters of Recommendation 1. Identify potential recommenders 2. Make polite requests well ahead of time 3. Provide ALL necessary materials: a) b) c) Instructions High school resume Addressed envelope, stamps 4. Follow-through a) b) Friendly reminders Thank you notes

Essay Topics Do NOT write about… Grades or test scores Cliché topics Religion or politics Boyfriend or girlfriend Rubric: could anyone else have written this essay?

Essay Topics Do write about… Something personal and authentic. Something that you’re excited to write about. Something that shows how you’ve changed or grown. Something that is important to you. Rubric: could anyone else have written this essay?

Essay Topics And don’t forget: • Follow the instructions. You must answer the question that is asked. • Provide specific details. • Proofread, proofread. No spelling or grammar errors at all. • Have someone else read it. They will be able to see things you can’t.

The Interview • Take the optional interview. • Prepare to talk about yourself, your high school, and the college. • Practice. • Think of it as a conversation, not an interview.

The Interview • “This school is perfect for me. I live less than 30 minutes away and my girlfriend will be a senior in high school next year. ” • “This is a fantastic liberal arts college with a great reputation. ” • “I’ve been thinking about preparing for a career in medicine. So if you have a pre-med program, this college and I are a match. ” • “I’ve had my eye on this school for a while, and I think it’s great. If I don’t get accepted to Brown, this is my next first choice. ” • “Well, I’m still learning about your school, but I just took a tour with Susan and everything I saw was wonderful. I really like the dorms and she showed me the science labs, too, and they were very impressive. ” • “I love science, and you offer quite a bit in that area. I hope I can be a part of Science Scholars program, which is why I’m taking AP biology and chemistry. And now that I’ve met students from the program, I am even more excited about the prospect of being here. I had lunch with two freshmen, and we spoke about…”

A high school career - revisited Academic Credentials Trend Class rigor HS transcript Rank HS profile GPA College credits Non-academic credentials Standardized Test Scores SAT Subject Tests SAT/ACT PLAN/PSAT Extracurriculars Essay Would this student make our community better for being here Interview Letters of Rec College Application

Application timelines September October November December January February Early Decision Early Action/ Single Choice Regular Admission Rolling Admission

The Common Application

Conquering the Tests Becoming a great test-taker means understanding who writes the test Let’s Play A Game!

Now Think of a Number (shhh, keep it a secret)

Are you an average Joe? • You could have picked any word but most of you chose jelly • You could have picked any number, but almost all of you chose a positive whole number (i. e. 2, 10, 17) • We’re all predictable and the test writers know it! • They know which wrong answer choices you’ll like and they put them in the test on purpose.

TIP: Process of Elimination What is the capital of Malawi? A. Washington, D. C. B. Paris C. Tokyo D. London E. Lilongwe • Narrow down choices • Increase probability

Sample Test Questions

SAT – Math Sample Problem 18. In the figure above, what is the greatest number of nonoverlapping regions into which the shaded region can be divided with exactly two straight lines? A) 6 B) 5 C) 4 D) 3 E) 2

SAT – Math Sample Problem 18. Go ahead & give it a try! In the figure above, what is the greatest number of nonoverlapping regions into which the shaded region can be divided with exactly two straight lines? A) 6 B) 5 C) 4 D) 3 E) 2 Strategy One: Rephrase the question in your own words. Using 2 straight lines divide this DOUGHNUT into the maximum number of shaded regions.

POLL – What answer did you pick? 18. In the figure above, what is the greatest number of nonoverlapping regions into which the shaded region can be divided with exactly two straight lines? A) 6 B) 5 C) 4 D) 3 E) 2 Who thought the correct answer was 2? 3? 4? 5? 6?

Current SAT – Math Sample Problem 1 1 2 4 3 The question basically asked you to divide this doughnut into the highest number of shaded regions possible using 2 straight lines!

Current SAT – Math Sample Problem 18. In the figure above, what is the greatest number of nonoverlapping regions into which the shaded region can be divided with exactly two straight lines? A) 6 B) 5 C) 4 D) 3 E) 2 Strategy Two: Test Writer Difficulty – Easy or Hard? Strategy Three: Use POE & cross off wrong answers.

Current SAT – Math Sample Problem 18. In the figure above, what is the greatest number of nonoverlapping regions into which the shaded region can be divided with exactly two straight lines? A) 6 B) 5 –> Correct! C) 4 D) 3 E) 2 50% chance greatest Strategy Four: After POE, guess when odds are good.

Current SAT – Math Sample Problem 1 3 2 5 4 Strategy Five: Practice, Practice and Practice, so you know what to expect!

Current SAT – Math Sample Problem 18. A woman drove to work at an average speed of 40 miles per hour and returned along the same route at 30 miles per hour. If her total traveling time was 1 hour, what was the total number of miles in the round trip? A. B. C. D. E. 30 30 1/7 34 2/7 35 40

More Test Taking Strategies • Don’t try to figure out the answer from scratch – it can’t be anything in the world, it has to be one of the answer choices provided! • Use logic and the answer choices to give you a head start!

TIP: Technique • Skills - step by step methods for specific problem types » Proven to work • Game plan – for each section

TIP: Triple P with A • Practice makes perfect - take numerous practice tests. It will: Ø Increase confidence & lower test anxiety Ø Increase endurance, overall speed & accuracy • DO NOT take it for the first time when it counts towards admissions! • Analyze your exams - Weakness first, strengths later • Stagger practice • Timing and Pacing are difficult aspects Ø Time it – use a watch Ø helps keep your pacing goals and tells you if you are spending too much time on one section or passage. Rock the Test: www. princetonreview. com/events

Succeed On Multiple-Choice Tests 1. Content 2. Strategy 3. Technique 4. Practice & Analysis 5. Confidence &Endurance

How we can help! Our Guarantee to You Our Better Scores Guarantee: • If your score does not improve, you have the option to prep one more time with us for free or to get your money back. • See www. princetonreview. com/guarantee for more details! 86

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What We Offer: Ultimate Classroom OUR MOST INTENSIVE AND POPULAR OPTION What you get: • 30 hours of in-person or online instruct-led prep • 150 -point score-improvement guarantee on the SAT† • Interactive Admissions and Financial Aid Seminars • Access to both our SAT and ACT Online courses with 40+ hours of video lessons • 4 proctored practice tests • Up to 17 additional practice tests • In-class mastery with extensive practice and drills • Highly trained and charismatic teachers *Small Group Instruction (no more than 4 students) available for Ultimate programs. **Live. Online courses available for are held in our Blackboard Collaborate virtual classroom 88

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