Note from Jeannette
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your patience as we get everything up and running smoothly. You might have received duplicate copies of the first e-zine and for that I apologize. We also had some glitches in the formatting, but we are close to getting everything figured out. Please bear with us!
This is a busy time in your life if your student is a junior or senior in high school. Just remember that this is a season that will pass (all too soon, I might add). Try to help your student stay focused on the goal and eliminate anything that is unnecessary. Whether that means dropping some extracurricular activities, streamlining the housecleaning, or learning to be more efficient, you need time as a family and time to make a plan (and time to work the plan) for the many things that have to be accomplished in these last two years.
The organizational skills my kids learned during these years were invaluable to them once they got to college. So, show them how to organize, but don't do it all for them. The training is just as important as the outcome of the organization!
Blessings,
Jeannette
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Feature Article: The Testing Gauntlet
While I refused to let standardized tests rule the lives of my children, they are a fact of life for students heading to top colleges. The real key is to understand what tests you need, which ones showcase your skills the best, and how to spread them out to make your life less stressful.
I encourage students to take their first AP class(es) at least by the sophomore year (you can start as a freshman) and take a SAT Subject test that year as well. Then take another SAT Subject test early in the junior year, followed by the PSAT in October, the ACT or SAT mid-year, then another SAT Subject test in the spring or summer with any AP exams in May. In the senior year that leaves only the AP tests, giving them plenty of time to work on college applications in the fall and visit schools in April.
For any standardized test, I recommend the student take a number of practice tests at home under exact testing conditions. About 5 months out (or as soon as they have the requisite knowledge) take a diagnostic test and evaluate it carefully. Buy a study guide, work on weak areas, and re-test at regular intervals. If they are weak on a test or in a particular area, you might want as many as 8-10 practice runs. For example, suppose your child is just struggling on the math section. Instead of practicing the full-blown test, just take multiple math sections. Students also need to practice writing timed essays - possibly 2 or 3 a week.
Hopefully, many of these tests are behind you but, just in case, I wanted to explain what all is out there and what will be required of your student at America's top schools.
SAT vs. ACT
Virtually all colleges require a reasoning test. Many will accept the ACT, but the SAT Reasoning Test is always accepted and generally preferred by college admissions officers (even though that preference is subconscious). So, I usually recommend the SAT, but there are some important considerations you need to keep in mind.
The ACT Test - There are a few states that base scholarships solely on the ACT. So, to be on the safe side, double-check what is available in your state and the requirements. You don't want to miss out on scholarship opportunities!
Another thing that makes the ACT attractive is that some colleges do not require additional SAT Subject tests if you have taken the ACT. If you take the SAT, they sometimes require 2 or more of the subject tests, making for a much bigger testing load. You can't count on this, but if your student is older and doesn't have time for all the extra tests (and is willing to limit the college choices to those with this policy) you can save much time and effort.
Finally, some students just perform better on the ACT. To find out which test showcases your student's skill, check out the SAT/ACT Combo Sample Test from Kaplan. It only takes 90 minutes. http://www.kaptest.com/satactpractice.
The ACT is a 3 hour test that includes English, math, reading, and science. It is offered 6 times a year. There is an optional writing test that many colleges require, so I recommend taking it just to be on the safe side.
To learn more about the ACT test and find official released exams, visit: http://www.act.org/aap/.
The SAT Reasoning Test does not go beyond what is reasonably expected of high school juniors. It is a four hour test offered seven times a year and covers critical reading, math, writing, and an experimental section that doesn't count against your score. However, if your student is not expecting it, the strange questions could throw them. So, just make sure they know that if they run into something really wild, they just need to keep moving and not let it blow their confidence. Chances are it is the experimental section and won't matter anyway!
SAT scores can be raised with practice (more so than the ACT test). Use timed, realistic practice tests from the Collegeboard as your primary preparation. This will help you get a feel for the test and find the strategies that work best for you. The summer after the sophomore year (about 5 months out), begin preparing, testing, and perfecting your skills.
The Collegeboard website (www.collegeboard.com) provides detailed test information, released exams for purchase (real exams used in past tests), registration services, daily SAT test questions, SAT and AP test prep books, and other resources. Collegeboard resources are generally to be preferred over those of other companies since they actually design the tests.
Knowledge Tests
It takes more than quick thinking to do well at college. A student needs self-discipline, study skills, and a large general knowledge base. Though knowledge tests do involve reasoning, the emphasis is more on knowledge of a particular subject than on speed. The two most common types are the SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams, but they cover very different level of proficiency.
These types of tests should be taken immediately after completing a class in the subject. Study with a good test prep guide to make sure that you know what the test will cover, even if you have had a good class in the subject. Again, multiple practice tests at home will ensure a more relaxed test day and better results.
SAT Subject Tests
Many top colleges require SAT Subject tests for admission. It is usually safe to take two, but homeschoolers are often encouraged to take more. These one-hour multiple choice tests assume a high school level knowledge of the subject matter. They are offered seven times a year on the same day as the SAT; however, you can only take one or the other on a single test day. You may take up to three SAT Subject test in one day, but I only recommend taking one.
Tests are offered in the areas of:
English Literature
U.S. History
World History
Math Level 1 - after 2 years of algebra and 1 year of geometry. Note: many schools will not accept level 1 as it is the same as the SAT math section.
Math Level 2 - adds elementary functions (precalculus and/or trigonometry)
Biology E - questions pertaining to biological communities, populations, and energy flow
Biology M - questions pertaining to biochemistry, cellular structure and processes, such as respiration and photosynthesis
Chemistry
Physics
Languages
Some language tests are offered only as reading tests, others with listening to measure your ability to understand the spoken language. Listening tests are offered only in November. As an aside, it appears that native speakers are taking the tests in languages and driving the scores up, making it difficult for those new to the language to score in the top percentiles. Just something to consider.
If you think there is any possibility at all that your student might major in engineering, they will want to take Subject Tests in Chemistry and Math Level 2 as these are required by many engineering schools.
Colleges want to see a range of tests, so don't take both math tests or both biology tests. That is not helpful to the school and does nothing to prove your abilities in multiple areas.
Preparation for the Subject Tests should involve both study and as many practice tests as you can take under timed, realistic conditions.
I recommend your student start taking these as early as possible to spread the test load out. If your students can start taking them the sophomore year, it will be much more manageable.
Fee Waivers - if you are a low-income family, you can request a SAT and SAT Subject test fee waivers. These can also sometimes serve as college admission fee waivers. Check college board for details.
AP
AP (Advanced Placement) tests are a second type of knowledge test, but they differ from the SAT Subject tests in that they cover a college level knowledge of the subject. They are never required by colleges, but can go a long way in proving ability, dedication, and intellectual vitality.
Even though they are not mandated by colleges, they are becoming so commonplace that competitive students must have them. Not only do AP classes prove your abilities, they allow college credit without jeopardizing your freshman status (which can happen if taking community college classes). Many admissions officers also like AP exams better since the test is standardized and they can use it to compare students across the nation. Because of grade inflation, grades from junior colleges are hard to quantify.
AP classes are a college-level course taught by instructors certified by Collegeboard. AP exams are offered only once a year on one specific date in May. They contain considerable essay sections that require substantial preparation.
If your school offers AP tests, you should be taking a good share of them. If you are homeschooled, there are terrific online options. One such option is Pennsylvania Homeschoolers.
You can learn more here:
http://www.aphomeschoolers.com/
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Resources
Score Choice
Many students are looking at Score Choice as a excuse to just take the SAT or SAT Subject tests without preparing, hoping that they perform well enough the first time that they won't have to put much effort into it. While many colleges will allow you to use Score Choice, be advised that some colleges prefer that you give them all test scores. Collegeboard advises you to honor the wishes of the school. Bottom line, to keep all doors open, prepare well and don't count on using Score Choice. You may have that option, but you might find that your first choice college wants you to report everything.
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Coming Soon!
Many of you have been asking for this and I'm thrilled to announce that within the next few weeks our first book will be available on our new website. Called to Influence: A New Approach to Life, Education, and College Admissions contains four years of our columns from Practical Homeschooling magazine. Watch for it!
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About Jeannette
Jeannette Webb is the founder of Aiming Higher Consultants, a firm dedicated to helping Christian students gain admission to great colleges. She has a heart for assisting parents as they train their children for excellence. Jeannette works to empower families to make thoughtful choices for their younger children, to confidently navigate the difficult high school years, and then ace the college admissions process.
If you liked today's issue, you'll love her personalized consulting services that help you map out a holistic plan for your student.
While Jeannette is best known for her clear-sighted counseling, her clients feel that her biggest gift to their family was permission to be themselves.
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