11th Grade How To Guide and Advise Your Junior

The junior year is when students should seriously begin examining their post-secondary options, take college test, make college visits, and start searching for scholarships. Continue to monitor academic progress. Since most college applications are completed in the fall of a student's senior year, the last grades on a student's transcript are usually his/her junior year grades. Continue to encourage your son or daughter to be involved in activities and to develop leadership skills. Make certain that your son or daughter registers for the PSAT/NMSQT in the treasurer's office in the beginning of October . This national test is administered by high schools in October. It is divided into five sections (2 verbal, 2 math, and one writing). College bound juniors should take this test for the following reasons: It is good practice for the SAT, as it gives students an idea of how they will score on the SAT. Students can see how their academic skills compare to those of college bound students across the country. Students whose scores are exceptionally high are recognized by the National Merit Foundation. This recognition can lead to scholarships. When a student registers for the test he/she is given a "Student Bulletin". This publication contains valuable test-taking tips and a practice test. Students who read the bulletin and take the practice test are better prepared for the PSAT. The results of the PSAT are available mid to late December. Students receive Verbal, Math, and Writing scores, with each score ranging between 20 and 80. (The average score for each section is approximately 49.) For National Merit purposes, the 3 scores are added together to determine the Selection Index. Students with Selection Index scores in the top5% are recognized by National Merit; students who have Selection Index scores in the upper one half of one percent become National Merit Semi-Finalist. TIP: The PSAT/NMSQT penalizes students for guessing by subtracting a fraction of a point for every incorrect response. If a student has no idea of what the correct response is, he/she should leave the answer blank. If a student can eliminate one or more answer choices, he/she should make an "educated guess." Talk about college options. There are more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States. As you start looking at colleges, consider the following: Location, Size, Cost, Facilities, Available Majors, Reputation, Competitiveness and Community. Early in the selection process, determine what is important to you and to your son or daughter. Are you looking for a college close to home? Does your son or daughter want a small or a large college? Once you have determined what you are looking for, you can begin to search for colleges that meet your criteria. Our office, as well as, libraries and bookstores have college reference books available. A wealth of information, of course, is available on the Internet. All colleges have their own web sites, and there are numerous sites that provide information on college related topics. TIP: Early in the college selection process, have a frank discussion with your son or daughter with regards to the amount of money you are able and / or willing to contribute to his/her college education. TIP: Once you have identified a college that you would like to investigate further, call the admissions office and ask to be placed on their mailing list. You will then receive information on visitation days and upcoming events. Have your son or daughter register for the ACT and / or the SAT early in the spring. Why take the ACT and / or the SAT? Almost all 4-year colleges require scores from either the ACT or SAT. Colleges generally accept scores from either test; however, to determine if a college requires or prefers the ACT or the SAT, check the college's catalog. Students may retake these tests as many times as they want. For admissions and scholarship purposes, colleges will generally use a students' highest score. (ACT reports that 80% of the students who retake the ACT score the same or higher.) Students who are applying to a competitive college or program should take both the ACT and the SAT

I. Students who are applying for scholarships should also take both test. It is important for students to take these tests by the spring of their of their junior year so that they'll have time to retake them if necessary. These tests are offered several times each year. Students can sign up for these tests in the counseling office or on line: www.act.org