The Mary Louis Academy
College Handbook
A convenient resource for students and their parents/guardians to
complement the college admissions curriculum of the
Counseling Department of The Mary Louis Academy.
Contents
Introduction
• From the Department of Counseling
5
College Exploration
• What do colleges look for in candidates?
6
• How do I create my college list?
6
• Narrowing my college list
7
• Is it the right school for me?
7-8
• Tips for college visits
8-9
• Interview do’s and don’ts10
The College Application
• Regular? Rolling? Early?
• Timetable
• Writing the College Essay
• Understanding Financial Aid
• NCAA Eligibility/Registration
• TMLA Application Procedure
Standardized Test
• SAT vs ACT • “Score Choice”
Reference
• Glossary
• Helpful Websites/Publications
11-12
12-14
15-16
17-18
19-21
22-24
25-27
28
30-33
34-35
From the Counseling Department
Dear Parent/Guardian and Student,
It is time to plan life after high school and your counseling department will be with
you every step of the way. We have prepared this handbook to help you as you face standardized tests, application deadlines and a host of other unfamiliar tasks. Taking the time
now to read through these pages will answer some of your immediate questions, and make
you aware of the information available to you in this valuable resource.
As a student, looking at all that needs to be done can be daunting, but remember
that you travel this exciting path to college with a team of constant companions to help you
at every turn. We will help you take things step-by-step and give you the information you
need to feel secure in your decision-making. Your guidance counselor, college counselor
and the entire counseling department are here to offer you and your parents or guardians
answers and encouragement. We look forward to working with you in the coming months.
Sincerely,
S. Joan Killen, CSJ, M.S.T.
Counseling Department Chairperson
S. Joan Killen, CSJ, M.S.T., Chairperson
Contact: [email protected]
(718) 297-2120 ext 240
Mrs. Kathleen McLoughlin, M.S., College Counselor
Contact: [email protected](718) 297-2120 ext 258
Ms. Jacqueline Kovach, M.S., Senior Counselor
Contact: [email protected]
(718) 297-2120 ext 241
Ms. Maria Venturino, M.S., Junior Counselor
Contact: [email protected] (718) 297-2120 ext 259
Ms. Janna Varela M.S., Sophomore Counselor
Contact: [email protected]
(718) 297-2120 ext 239
Mrs. Jennifer Rodgers, M.S., Freshwoman Counselor
Contact: [email protected] (718)297-2120 ext 238
Ms. Stephenie Rogers, Counseling/College Secretary
Contact: [email protected]
(718) 297-2120 ext 242
5
What colleges look for in candidates
(From the Independent Educational Consultants Association)
• A rigorous high school curriculum that challenges the student and may include Advanced Placement classes.
• Grades that represent strong effort and an upward trend. However, slightly lower grades in a rigorous program are preferred to all A’s in less challenging coursework.
• Solid scores on standardized tests (SAT, ACT). These should be consistent with
high school performance.
• Passionate involvement in a few activities, demonstrating leadership and initiative. Depth, not breadth, of experience is most important.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers and guidance counselor that give evidence of integrity, special skills, positive character traits and an interest in learning.
• Special talents or experiences that will contribute to an interesting and
well-rounded student body.
• A well-written essay that provides insight into the student’s unique personality,
values and goals. The application essay should be thoughtful and highly personal.
It should demonstrate careful and well-constructed writing.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, often exhibited by campus visits and an interview,
showing an interest in attending the college.
• Out of school experiences, including work and community service that illustrate responsibility, dedication, and development of areas of interest.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity through reading, school and leisure pursuits.
How do I create my college list?
You’ll be working on creating your list in guidance class through Naviance and in individual
meetings with the college counselor, so you will have lots of help. (On the following page
are some ideas and terms that may also help.)
When researching schools for your college list you need to focus on schools that meet your
needs, desires, and qualifications. Here are some criteria for selecting colleges:
• Major of Interest
• Academics
• Location
• Financial Consideration
6
• Size
• Extracurricular Activities
Narrowing my college list
Start crafting a list of colleges that fit your needs. Don’t include a school on your list
that you wouldn’t be willing to attend. Include 6-8 schools that fall into the following three
categories: target, reach and safety. The majority of your list should be made up of your
target schools.You should also have 1-2 reach schools and 2-3 safeties.
• A target school is one at which your academic credentials (GPA, SAT/ACT scores, rank) fall well within (or even exceed) the school’s range for the average freshman. There are no guarantees, but it’s not unreasonable to be accepted to several of your target schools.
• A reach school is one at which your academic credentials (GPA, SAT/ACT scores, rank) fall below the school’s range for the average freshman. Reach schools are long-
shots, but they should still be within the realm of possibility. (If you have a 2.0 GPA, Harvard would not be within the realm of possibility). Ivy League colleges and
others that accept 20% or fewer of all applicants should be considered reach schools
for everyone, regardless of credentials.
• A safety school is one at which your academic credentials (GPA, SAT/ACT
scores, rank) fall above the school’s range for the average freshman. You can be
reasonably certain that you will be admitted to your safety schools.
• Your list should also include at least one financially safe school. This is a college
that is likely to admit you and likely to be affordable even if you do not receive significant financial and merit aid.
Is it the right school for me?
The following questions should help you as you complete the final list of colleges to
which you will apply. You can find most of the answers in the college’s viewbook, catalogue
or website but there are some you might have to ask of the admissions office (by phone or
email). The answers to some of these questions will matter more to you than others, but
you should be informed about most before applying.
• How do my GPA and standardized test scores compare to the college’s average admitted students?
• Does the college offer the majors in which I am most interested?
• What is the size of the student population?
7
• What is the male/female ratio?
• What is the % of students returning after freshman year?
• Is housing guaranteed for all four years?
• What % of students lives on campus?
• What is the cost of tuition, room and board?
• What % of students receives financial aid?
• What is a graduate’s average debt?
• Might I qualify for merit scholarships at this college?
• Are there internships readily available?
• What % of students complete at least one internship?
• Are there personal and career counseling facilities available?
• What academic support is available?
• How far away from home is the campus?
• Is there convenient transportation?
• Is the college located in an urban, suburban or rural area?
• What is the climate like?
• What are the admissions procedures? (dates, required tests, essay, fee)
Tips for college visits
Locate colleges in the same area and if possible schedule two visits per day.
Check websites or call ahead to admissions for the days and times of tours. Allow
three hours for each visit, which should include a tour and an information session.
Dorms:
What do freshman dorms look like? (space, upkeep, laundry and kitchen facilities)
How are dorms supervised?
What security is in place?
Are the dorms coed? (by floor, building, room)
Are students forced to “double up”? (3 people in a double room, etc.)
8
Some Questions for tour guides:
Why did you come to school here?
Do you live on campus? Why or why not?
How safe do you feel on campus/ surrounding neighborhood?
What is your major? When did you decide?
Do you find the professors accessible?
How’s the food?
Some Questions for Admissions Officers:
Are any courses taught by teaching assistants?
Is this college especially well known for any academic field or fields?
What courses are required?
Are there any changes planned in the academic requirements?
What additions or changes to the campus facilities are pending, if any?
(Try not to ask questions which are answered on the website or viewbook.)
Observations:
Take particular note of the things of importance to you such as:
Lab facilities
Recreation and athletic facilities
Dining hall
Library
Additional suggestions:
Pick up a copy of the most recent school paper and check bulletin boards for the campus “vibe”.
Have lunch or a snack in the dining facilities.
Speak to random students about their experiences at the college.
Visit buildings where professors have their offices. Are doors open or closed? Are the corridors quiet or buzzing with students?
9
Do’s and Don’ts of the college interview
Most interviews are informational and will not affect your chances of admission,
however, some are part of the admissions process. Many colleges do not offer interviews
of any type, due to the volume of applicants. In most cases, you must make the interview
appointment with the admissions office. Don’t wait for the college to call you. In either case
you should follow the rules below.
Do
Be prompt
Be late
Be honest
Lie or exaggerate
Listen; take time to think
Be negative or sarcastic
Be energetic and enthusiastic
Yawn, slouch or stretch
Make eye contact
Chew gum, hair or nails
Offer a firm handshake
Recite a prepared speech
Dress comfortably and neatly
Interrupt your interviewer
Read the catalogue/view book
Criticize your teachers, school
before the interview
or parents
Ask questions, but not those answered
Bring an elaborate portfolio,
in the above publications
resume or display
Don’t
Remember to make note of the interviewer’s name and email address, (you can ask
for a business card) and send a thank you. That admissions officer could become a valuable
resource in further correspondence with the admissions office.
10
Regular? Rolling? Early?
Colleges have either “regular” or “rolling” decision.
Regular Decision: There is a deadline for the receipt of applications and colleges
will notify students of their admission decision usually no later than April 15th.
Rolling Decision: There is no stated deadline for the receipt of applications (though
early is better) and colleges will usually notify students of their admission decision
within roughly one to three months.
However…
Many colleges offer Early Action and/or Early Decision. The application deadline
is typically in October or early November and you will probably receive your admis
sion decision by January 1st.
There Are Important Differences
Early Action and Early Decision are not the same.
Early Decision is binding! You sign a statement of commitment with the application
that says you will attend that college if you are admitted. If you are offered
admission under Early Decision, you must withdraw all other applications and
accept the offer. Be sure to discuss this option thoroughly with your counselors and parents.
Exception: If you have applied for financial aid and are admitted via Early Decision
but you do not receive the aid you require, you can withdraw from the binding
commitment without penalty.You should receive a tentative financial aid “package” at the
time that you receive your Early Decision verdict.You must then decide right away if the
aid you were offered is sufficient.You cannot wait for other decisions in the spring. You
may also try to appeal the aid offer, but this, too, must be done immediately.
Early Action is not binding. If you are admitted under Early Action, you may wait
for the responses from all your colleges and make up your mind by May 1st.
Why would I choose Early Decision?
There is often an advantage to students under Early Decision. Because the college
knows that you are sure to accept their offer of admission they may say, “yes” to a greater
percentage of candidates in the Early Decision pool.
11
If you are accepted Early Decision, you will know immediately where you will be
attending college and may alleviate the stress of filing additional applications and the worry
over making a final decision.
Why not choose Early Decision?
You must be absolutely certain of your #1 college choice as early as October of your
senior year. Much can happen to change your mind between October and May, when you
would otherwise be making your decision.
If you are counting on senior grades and later SATs to help your application, you will
not have them to offer your Early Decision school and may risk being denied admission
immediately.
Some colleges will not make their most generous financial aid offers to Early
Decision candidates because they know you must accept admission. Also, Early Decision
eliminates the possibility of comparing financial aid offers from a variety of colleges, an
important part of the decision process for most candidates.
Timetable-Junior Year
During every month remember that this is your most important academic year.
September:
• Join or rejoin school activities (Remember, quality not quantity)
• Attend TMLA College Fair
• Prep for PSAT
• Review transcripts and receive class rank in guidance class
• Register, if necessary, for SAT Subject Tests
• Student athletes register with NCAA Clearing House
October: • Take PSAT at TMLA (You are automatically registered.)
• Consider making some fall college visits
November/December:
• Begin preliminary list of colleges to investigate further in guidance class
• Research available SAT/ACT prep course
12
January: • Check dates for SAT, ACT and Subject Tests, create calendar and register on time!
• Register for SAT prep course at Mary Louis
• Plan spring college visits
February:
• Register for senior classes. (Remember to choose the most rigorous courses.)
• Junior/Parent conferences with college counselor begin
• Attend Junior College Information Night
• Begin checking Edline for summer program possibilities
• Register for SAT and/or ACT
March/April:
• Take standardized tests
• Register for May or June Subject Tests in classes you feel confident of your ability.
• Schedule college visits and interviews
• Request teacher recommendations
• Continue list of safety, target and reach schools, as discussed with counselor.
• Check individual college websites for open houses, tour dates, and times of
information sessions, overnight opportunities, etc
May/June:
• Begin work on activities list/resume in guidance class
• Complete working list of 6 to 8 colleges
• Make note of essay and test requirements for each college on your list
• Plan college visits where possible
• Take SAT, ACT or Subject Tests
• Get a job, volunteer, take a course (or any combination)
• Refer to “Junior Summer to-do list” distributed in guidance class.
July/August:
• View/obtain/explore college applications
• Work on college essays, including short answer if using Common Application
(www.commonapp.org)
13
Timetable-Senior Year
September:
• Check due dates, especially early decision or action, and create calendar
(Remember to give guidance 2 weeks to process apps)
• Review colleges’ testing requirements and register for appropriate tests
• Attend TMLA College Fair
• Work on college applications
• Student athletes register with NCAA Clearing House
October:
• Some Early Action/Decision applications are due
• Update resume with this year’s activities and offices
• Take standardized tests if necessary
• If required by any of your colleges for financial aid, register for CSS Profile
November/December:
• Attend TMLA Financial Aid Night
• File applications
•Take standardized tests if necessary
January:
• File FAFSA
• Meet financial aid deadlines for each college
February/March:
• Notify guidance of acceptances and scholarships
April/May:
• Report acceptances/scholarships
• Visit college choice(s) before final decision
• Notify your chosen college by May 1st
• Notify colleges you will not attend
• Notify Guidance of your final decision
June:
• Guidance sends final transcript to your school of choice
14
Writing the college essay
If you are like most students, you see the college essay as another hurdle that you must
clear on the way to being accepted at the college of your choice. In fact, the essay is not a
hurdle but a rare opportunity; it is a chance for you to “talk” directly to the college’s admissions committee and to help them “see” you as a thinking and feeling person, rather than
simply a set of impersonal statistics. Except for the interview, it is your only chance to share
your thoughts, insights, and opinions; to highlight your accomplishments; and to convey
your maturity and outlook on life. If you see the college essay in this way; as an opportunitythen it is clearly worth the effort to put time, thought, and energy into writing it.
Purpose of the essay
The college essay is important for two major reasons:
• It enables the college admissions office to evaluate your communication skills.
Through your essay they can assess the clarity of your thinking and your ability to convey
your thoughts in written form.
• It enables the admissions office to learn more about you as a person, beyond what
grades and SAT scores can convey. A well-written essay can speak worlds about your attitudes, feelings, personal qualities, imagination, and creativity. For the admissions staff, it
adds another important piece to the puzzle because it distinguishes you as an individual,
different from any other student who is applying.
Choosing a topic
Colleges and universities will either give you a topic to write about or present several
rather specific topics from which you must choose. Other colleges may simply “suggest”
broad general topics or give you total freedom to write about something that interests or
concerns you. Regardless of whether you must respond to a prescribed topic or come up
with one of your own, here are a few general hints about the most effective way to approach
your topic:
Narrow your topic and try to be as specific and illustrative as possible. The easiest topic
to write about is yourself. No one knows more about you than you. Since one important
purpose of the essay is self-revelation, it is no place to be shy or modest, although you
should not exaggerate. If you choose to write about yourself remember that little incidents
and facts are often the most revealing.
Do not be afraid to write about something you think is a little different. A unique topic
or approach is often refreshing to a college admissions officer who has been reading applications all day. Further, an unusual or offbeat essay is an excellent way to show your creativity.
15
Preparing to write
Before actually sitting down to write a first draft of your essay, spend some time
organizing your thoughts. Develop a framework for your essay so it will have a smooth and
logical progression from one idea or incident to the next. Consider your purpose in writing, what you want to convey, and the tone that you think is most appropriate for the topic.
Decide on a style that is comfortable for you, not one that you think the college admissions committee prefers. Finally, remember that organizing your thoughts and deciding on
a framework does not mean you must be overly rigid at the start; leave room for flexibility
and creativity as you actually begin writing.
Writing the essay
You do not have to get it right the first time! Instead, write the first draft of your essay
with the main focus on content; communicating your thoughts. Then set it aside for a day
or two, reread it with a fresh perspective, and make any necessary changes. This is also the
point at which you should consider matters of organization, style, grammar, spelling, and
tone. Once you have rewritten your first draft, you may wish to try it out on your family, friends, English teacher, or college counselor. While the final product and final “voice”
should be yours, they may be able to offer helpful suggestions for technical or other improvements. Within this general outline for actually writing the essay, there are some “do’s”
and “don’ts” :
Do
• Make your first paragraph a memorable one that makes the reader want more.
• Think “small” and write about something that you know about.
• Reveal yourself in your writing.
• Show rather than tell. By giving examples and illustrating your topic, you
help bring it to life.
• Write in your own “voice” and style.
Don’t
• Begin your essay by repeating the prompt.
• Write what you think others want to read.
• Exaggerate or write to impress
• Use a flowery, inflated, or pretentious style
• Neglect the technical part of your essay (grammar, spelling, sentence structure).
• Ramble; say what you have to say and conclude.
— Above adapted from John Conkright, Dean of Admissions, Randolf-Macon College
16
Understanding Financial Aid
(TMLA Financial Aid Info Night in November)
Financial Aid is monetary assistance to help you meet the cost of your college, both
direct cost (tuition, fees and books) and living expenses (food, housing and transportation).
There are three kinds of financial aid:
1.Grants and scholarships: Funds, also called gift aid, that do not require repay
ment. Grants are usually based on need. Scholarships are based on need and other criteria such as academic achievement or special talent.
2.Loans: Money that must be repaid. Federal student loans can have a lower interest rate and later payment date than commercial loans.
3.Work Study: Money earned through a job on campus arranged for you by the college.
Loans and work-study are called self-help. Financial aid administrators generally put
together an aid package that combines gift aid and self-help.
Eligibility for financial aid depends on how much you and your family can pay toward
your total estimated costs. Figuring out that amount is a complicated process called need
analysis. Everyone who applies for aid receives a need analysis, which examines what your
parents can pay and what you can contribute.
Need-based aid has nothing to do with how much a college wants an applicant. It is
based only on a formula, but this formula can vary greatly from college to college. Needbased aid can be paid in the form of scholarship/grant or loans or work/study.
While almost all colleges provide some form of need-based aid to admitted students
who qualify, some will “meet full need” (meaning that they endeavor to provide the student with all assistance required according to their formula) while others will “gap need”
(meaning that they don’t provide all that is required and families may have to scramble to try
to make up the difference).See www.collegeboard.com for EFC calculator.
Applying for financial aid
To apply for financial aid parents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA). This form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. (Be sure to go to .gov, this is
a free process and other websites will try to charge you to complete the form.)
Some colleges and universities may also require the CSS Profile and/or their own institutional financial aid forms. Be sure to check with your college.
Financial aid forms have deadlines just like most college applications. You should file
the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st, and check with your colleges regarding the
deadlines for their forms (often some time in February).
17
Merit Aid
These are scholarships that colleges award in order to encourage their most soughtafter candidates to enroll. Most merit scholarships are for academics; some are for athletics,
the Arts, community service, etc. Dollar amounts can range from several hundred up to full
tuition, room & board and travel.
Usually, there is no separate application required for merit grants. All applicants are
automatically considered. However, this isn’t always the case. Some merit grants (especially
the full-tuition scholarships and other big ones) DO require a separate application. This is a
confusing process. Be sure to read web sites carefully. Often, simply finding the merit-aid
information on web sites is a treasure hunt! (Hint: Try looking for “Types of Aid,” if there is
no obvious “Scholarships’ heading.
Some colleges offer NO merit scholarships, only need-based aid.
Private or Outside Scholarships
These are awarded by civic organizations, corporations, charities, religious groups, etc.
A good way to search for outside scholarships is by completing the form at www.fastweb.com
Note: A student must report all outside scholarship money received to the college she
will attend. Some colleges will deduct the amount of the scholarship from the financial aid
they have awarded. However, in most cases, they will deduct the scholarship amount from a
loan they have offered, not from a grant.
Certain students may be eligible for HEOP, EOP or SEEK programs. See the “Glossary”
for definitions and check with individual colleges for eligibility.
International Students
If you are an international student (not a U.S. citizen) and you require financial aid,
the bar will be set very high for you. Many colleges have little or no money for international
students. Most that do will impose extremely high admission standards—far higher than
those for domestic applicants. So make your college choices accordingly … and wisely. Only
about a half-dozen colleges are “need-blind” for international students, and these colleges are
those that are extremely competitive for all applicants (e.g., Harvard,Yale)
However, if you are a non-citizen but you ARE a Permanent Resident (green-card
holder) then you will be treated as a citizen and will not be held to a higher standard.
The best source of information regarding the financial aid process is the financial aid
counselor at the college to which you are applying. He or she can answer your questions
from filling out the forms to considering the best offer.
On the Internet, www.studentaid.ed.gov offers an excellent overview of the financial aid
process and may answer many of your questions.
18
19
20
NCAA Eligibility Center Registration
College bound seniors who plan on participating in athletics in college must register
with the NCAA Clearinghouse during their senior year of high school
Complete the Student Release Form
To register with the Eligibility Center, you must complete the Student Release Form
and amateurism questionnaire online at the beginning of your junior year and send the Eligibility Center the registration fee.
Online registration: The only method is to register online. Go online to www.
ncaaclearinghouse.net Select Prospective Student Athletes and then register as a U.S.
student. Complete the Student Release form online and include your credit or debit card
information to pay the fee. Then follow instructions to complete the transaction.
Print both Copy1 and Copy 2 of the Transcript Release Form. Sign the Transcript Release Forms and give both to your guidance counselor.
When completing the Student Release Form sections, please follow the
step-by-step instructions outlined below.
Section I: Student Information
Enter all information accurately, including your social security number (SSN) and date
of birth. This information must exactly match other data the Eligibility Center receives
for you, such as high school transcripts and requests from colleges seeking your eligibility
status. Be sure to provide an e-mail address that will be active even after you complete high
school.
Section II: High School You Now Attend
Enter the name, address and code number of the high school you now attend, along
with your expected date of high school graduation. TMLA school code: 332575. Click on
Prospective Student-Athletes, then List of Approved Core Courses on the left-hand side.
21
TMLA College Admissions Process
(This outline of the application process will be expanded upon and explained
in greater detail in senior guidance classes.)
How can I obtain college applications?
College applications can be obtained in a number of ways:
• Online
• At a college fair or from a college rep visiting TMLA
• Directly from the college when visiting
• Through email to you from the college
• The Common Application is available at www.commonapp.com and can be used
for multiple member colleges.
Important reminders:
• If filing a paper application, be sure to fill out all parts of the application
completely and neatly in black ink.
• If filing online, double check for completeness and accuracy, and be sure to have
a capable mentor proof read all before you press the send button.
• Think about the fact that the application represents you; it is the college’s first
impression of you.
What else should I do?
22
• Beginning with the class of 2012, in order for the TMLA guidance department to
submit required documents supporting students’ applications, the student must
add the colleges she has applied to, and request a transcript, through Naviance.
This applies to both paper and electronic apps. (Step-by-step directions will be
given in guidance classes.)
• In addition, every time you apply to a college, whether electronically or by paper
app, you must submit a College Application Submittal Form to the guidance office.
(Forms are available in the guidance office.)
• You will receive a receipt for each form you submit. Save all these receipts.
• Make and keep copies of all applications submitted.
• There is a $5 transcript fee per application, after the first application.
As a simple rule it is good to remember that:
1.The student is responsible for seeing to it that the colleges receive her
application, application fee, essays, activities list and SAT and/or ACT scores.
2. The guidance department is responsible for sending your transcript, letters
of recommendation, fee waiver, (where applicable,) and a TMLA profile.
When should I submit my application?
• It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of deadlines for every college
application submitted.
• It is to your advantage to submit all applications early even those that are
rolling admission.
• Applications are to be submitted to the guidance office TWO WEEKS prior
to the college deadline.
• Due to the high volume of CUNY and SUNY applications, the application
process should be completed no later than November.
• There are individual deadlines for taking and sending SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject
and ACT scores to colleges. When you are planning to take or re-take these tests,
you must be mindful of your colleges’ deadlines and plan accordingly. This information is available on college websites or by calling the respective admissions offices.
Your guidance department is aware that you will have many questions and insecurities during this process. Your guidance counselor, the college counselor and all guidance personnel
stand ready to help. If you are a student, come down to visit, make an appointment or use
our computers. If you are a parent or guardian, please call or email.
23
SAT vs ACT
Score Conversion
ACT- SAT ACT - SAT
ACT-SAT
361600
351580
341520
331470
321429
311380
301340
291300
281260
271220
261180
251140
241110
231070
221030
21990
20950
19910
18870
17830
16780
15740
14680
13620
12560
11500
You might prefer the SAT if...
• You’re a quick thinker who loves the challenge of puzzles and games
• You can quickly define a plethora of onerous vocabulary words (and know what
plethora and onerous mean.)
• You prefer to write about World War II and The Great Gatsby rather than school
uniforms. It’s OK to admit it.
• You have a short attention span — and prefer to complete an exam in smaller, more
“bite-sized” pieces.
• You rocked the PSAT. Stick with what’s working.
You might prefer the ACT if...
• You pay close attention in math class and understand basic trigonometry, logarithms,
and imaginary numbers.
• You love the challenge of working quickly and beating the clock.
• You’re good at reading graphs and tables — and identifying trends.
• You’re a strong reader and would prefer to read a passage than solve a math problem.
• You’re a straight “A” student, but did poorly on the PSAT.
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Should You Take the SAT or the ACT?
(From www.npr.org)
The TMLA Guidance Department recommends that you try both tests and re-take the
test you prefer. This article may help you to discover which test is better suited to you.
The SAT may be a better test for you if:
• You did great on the PSAT. The devil you know may be better than the devil you
don’t.
• You have a killer vocabulary.You know “didactic,” “sedulous” and other esoteric words
(including esoteric) and want to use that comparative advantage.
• You can ace grammar. The Writing section of the SAT tests the deviation between standard written English and the way we actually speak the language. You know that,
“everyone has their own idea” is wrong, and you are comfortable with “On the table,
there ARE a pencil and some paper.”
• You find it easier to write essays that use illustrative examples rather than arguments.
For example, if a topic such as “Should the rights of the individual be secondary to the
good of the community?” seems like an easier topic to write on than “Should students
be required to participate in extracurricular activities?” then the SAT essay may be
more your speed. In the former example, you can use anything from the Civil Rights
Movement to The Scarlet Letter as evidence, while the latter likely begs more for
examples from personal experience or abstract arguments.
• Whether or not you’re academic, you consider yourself quick-thinking. At some
level,the math section of the SAT is based on reasoning. The reading section is about
seeing things the same way as the test-makers. The official name is, after all, the
“SAT Reasoning Test.” The hardest math questions on the SAT are not about advanced
content or formulas that you may have forgotten.
• You are high-energy or impulsive to the point of being impatient. Comprised of
nine sections and an essay, the SAT is 20 minutes longer than the ACT, which is comprised of four long sections followed by an essay. But there are more starts and stops on the SAT— which makes it feel as though it’s moving faster than the ACT.
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• All of your friends are doing it. For many folks, the SAT is a rite of passage and is
the common yardstick people use, for better or worse, in comparing their scores to
the scores of their friends, parents and siblings. The whole drama of high school
wouldn’t be complete without it.
The ACT may be a better test for you if:
• You had a PSAT or SAT score inconsistent with your academic performance in
school.
• Your vocabulary is not as strong as your reading. You read well and relatively quickly. Arguably, the ACT is a test that is three parts verbal – English, Reading and Science
(the latter section requires no knowledge outside what the test presents).
• You are great at writing papers but haven’t had formal grammar instruction. The
English portion of the ACT is more a test of punctuation and sentence and paragraph structure. Many students find the English to be common sense, much like proof reading a paper.
• You prefer to write essays that are argumentative, persuading with ideas even if you
lack perfect recall of facts and figures. Or you prefer to answer questions that ask
about everyday issues in your life or school.
•
You are more academic than “test savvy.” The ACT seems to most people to be more
curriculum-based and thus more straightforward. There is more advanced math
content (logarithms, trigonometry, conic sections, etc.), but it seems more like a
regular test you might encounter in school.
• All of your friends aren’t doing it. You dread telling people what your scores are,
imagining that they are immediately making judgments about how you “stack up.”
Tell your friends you have a 580-620-590 on the SAT, and the ranking begins. Tell
them you got a 27 on the ACT, and they’ll ask, “Is that good?”
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SAT “Score Choice”
The following explanation of “Score Choice” is taken from the College Board web site.
Further information is available at www.collegeboard.com
Select which scores you want to send to your score recipients
Score Choice gives you the option to choose which scores (by test date for the SAT
and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests™) you send to colleges — in accordance with
an institution’s stated score-use practice. If you decide not to use Score Choice, all of your
scores will be sent to your recipients. Students should still feel comfortable sending all
scores, since most colleges consider a student’s best score.
Score Choice does not allow you to choose separate Reading, Math or Writing scores
from different test dates. All scores from the single test date you choose will be sent
Note: Some colleges do not honor score choice and require students to send ALL scores. Check web
sites carefully to determine policies at your target colleges.
Score Reports and Score Sending
• Sending official SAT score reports is the best way to ensure that colleges receive
your results/scores.
• Four SAT score reports are included free with your registration.
• Sending scores with your registration is the fastest way to send scores to colleges
and scholarship programs.
• Many colleges view receiving your scores early as a demonstration of your interest. • SAT Program recommends that students send all of their scores if they are unsure
of which scores to send.
Does Score Choice affect how many scores I send or receive?
Any or all of your scores can be sent to a college on a single report. It does not cost
more to send multiple test scores, or all of them. If you choose not to use Score Choice, all
of your scores will be sent automatically in each score report.
Also, Score Choice applies only to the score reports that you send to colleges.You and
your high school still receive scores from all of your test dates.
Should Score Choice influence how many times I take the SAT?
No. While you may see a small score increase if you take the test a second time, there
is no evidence to suggest that taking the SAT more than twice is beneficial to your score.
Remember: Score Choice allows you to choose your scores only by test date, not by test
section.
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Glossary
ACT: American College Testing Program – an alternative college admissions test. Measures
English, math, reading and science reasoning abilities. Many students take the ACT in addition to the SAT and may choose the stronger of the two for admissions purposes.
(www.actstudent.org )
Advanced Placement: Designed for students who have completed AP classes in high
school and the test in each subject areas. Colleges may grant advanced standing or credit
depending upon grades earned on exams.
Application Fee: A non-refundable fee usually charged for making application to a particular college.
Associate Degree: A degree granted by a college or university after the satisfactory
completion of a two-year-full-time program of study or its part-time equivalent.
Bachelor Degree: A degree granted by a college or university after the satisfactory
completion of four years of study.
Candidates Reply Date: If admitted to a college a candidate has until May 1st to accept
the offer of admission. (Early decision candidates are an exception to this rule.)
CEEB Code: College Entrance Examination Board identifying number. TMLA’s CEEB
Code is 332575.
Common Application: Allows student to apply to any number of colleges using the
single application form. ( www.commonapp.com )
Core Curriculum: A group of courses in varied areas of the arts and sciences, designated
by a college as one of the requirements for a degree.
Consortium: A voluntary association of two or more colleges. Students at one college are
allowed to attend courses and use the facilities at member colleges.
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Cooperative Education: A program integrating classroom study and work experience,
offering credit and frequently salary.
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Cross- Registration: Permits students enrolled at one college or university to enroll in
courses at another institution (usually within a “consortium”.)
CSS Profile: A form and service apart from the FAFSA, which is used by some colleges to
determine financial need. Unlike the FAFSA, there are fees for this service and all colleges
do not require it.
CUNY: The public university system of New York City. Includes community colleges, fouryear colleges and universities and graduate schools. ( www.cuny.edu )
Early Action: Students applying early in the fall of senior year receive notification before
the end of January. Application is not a binding commitment and there is no obligation to
enroll. The student may submit additional applications and accept or decline the offer of
admission by May 1st.
Early Decision: Students applying early in the fall of their senior year to their first choice
college agree by contract to enter that college if offered admission. If accepted, the student
must withdraw all other applications.
FAFSA: Federal government form used to calculate need-based aid. There is no fee for this
service. www.fafsa.ed.gov
Fee Waiver: Request for reduction or elimination of application, testing or financial aid
form fees, usually based upon financial need.
First Generation Student: A student whose parents have no Bachelor’s Degree.
Fraternity/Sorority: a selective membership organization of male (fraternity) or female
(sorority) students at a college or university associated for a common interest, identified by
letters from the Greek alphabet.
Graduate School: Program of study usually following the completion of a four-year baccalaureate degree.
Grant: Financial award usually based upon need or merit. There is no repayment required.
HEOP and EOP: Academic support programs which enable motivated students who lack
adequate preparation and financial resources for college to pursue a college degree.
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Honors Program: Any special program for very able students, which offers the opportunity for educational enrichment, independent study, acceleration or some combination of
these.
Internship: Short-term, supervised work experience, usually related to a student’s major,
for which a student earns credit.
Liberal Arts: The term liberal arts denotes a curriculum that imparts general knowledge
and develops the student’s rational thought and intellectual capabilities, unlike the professional, vocational, technical curricula emphasizing specialization.
Major: A concentration of credit hours in a specific subject. The number of required
hours is set by the college.
Matriculation: Denotes a student’s enrollment in their chosen college.
Needs Analysis: The process used to evaluate an applicant’s financial situation to determine how much financial aid a student would be eligible for to meet college expenses.
Need-Blind Admissions: This is when colleges do not take financial aid requirements
into account when making admission decisions. The vast majority of colleges are “need conscious.” Many will admit their strongest candidates regardless of financial need but may deny
the borderline ones who require significant aid.
Open Admissions: The college admissions policy of admitting virtually all applicants with
a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Private College or University: A school of higher education which is not supported by
public taxes. Private colleges may be independent or church affiliated.
PSAT: Standardized test taken October of junior year (sophomore year as practice). Used
to designate National Merit candidates and help in early college guidance. Similar to, but
shorter than, SAT Reasoning Test.
Public College or University: An institution of higher education which is supported by
public taxes.
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Recommendations: Statements or letters of endorsement written on a student’s behalf
and filed with college applications.
Retention Rate: The percentage of students returning as sophomores after completing
their first year at the college.
Rolling Admissions: Admissions policy by which students are notified as soon as their
admissions materials are received and processed. There is no deadline for filing, but popular
programs fill early.
SAT Reasoning Test: A standardized test which measures the critical reading, math and
writing abilities of the student. ( www.collegeboard.com )
SAT Subject Tests: One-hour subject tests which measure knowledge of a particular
subject. Not all colleges require SAT Subject Tests; students should check colleges’ requirements. Students can take up to three Subject Tests on the same day. They cannot take the
Reasoning Test and Subject Tests on the same date. The Subject Tests are given on the same
dates and times as the Reasoning Test.
SEEK: Program offered at CUNY four-year colleges to meet the needs of students considered economically disadvantaged and academically underprepared.
Student Aid Report: (SAR): Report of the federal government after review of FAFSA
information. SAR is sent to the student and to the colleges listed on the FAFSA by the student.
SUNY: Colleges and universities which are members of the New York State system of higher education. Includes community colleges, four-year colleges and graduate universities.
(www.suny.edu)
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language, taken by students for whom English is their
second language. (www.ets.org )
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Books of interest
Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges; Barron’s Books, Happauge, NY.
College Board Book of Majors; College Board, New York, NY.
Peterson’s Guide to Four-Year Colleges; Peterson’s Guides, Princeton, NJ.
Rugg’s Recommendations on the Colleges; Frederick E. Rugg, Sarasota, FL.
The Best 371 Colleges; Princeton Review Inc., New York, NY.
The College Board Guide to 150 Popular College Majors; College Board,
New York, NY.
The Complete Guide to College Visits; A Citadel Press Book, New York, NY.
The Fiske Guide to Colleges; Edward B. Fiske, Times Books, New York, NY.
The Insider’s Guide to the Colleges;Yale Daily News, Saint Martin’s Press,
New York, NY.
Colleges That Change Lives; Loren Pope, Penguin Putnam Inc., New York, NY.
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Helpful Websites
Testing
PSAT/SAT: dates and registration: www.collegeboard.com
ACT: dates and registration: www.actstudent.org.
Free SAT/ACT test prep: www.number2.com
College Search and Planning
Naviance
www.succeed.naviance.com
College Planning Resources
www.inlikeme.com
College Board: Find a college
www.collegeboard.com/student/search/index.html
Princeton Review College Search
www.princetonreview.com/college/default.asp
Peterson’s College Search
www.petersons.com/ugchannel/code/searches/srchCrit1.asp
College Confidential
www.collegeconfidential.com
Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA: www.FAFSA.ed.gov
Understanding Financial Aid: www.studentaid.ed.gov
Scholarships
www.fastweb.com and www.meritaid.com
Applications
Common Application: www.commonapp.org
SUNY application: www.suny.edu/student
CUNY Application: www.cuny.edu
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