Chosing courses for next year

This is the time of year when high schools require students to select their courses for next year. Many families lament that they have only limited guidance for making such important decisions.

One thing to keep in mind is that the courses students take and the grades they earn in high school are the top two factors colleges consider in their admissions decisions. Check out the Top Ten.

Many people are surprised that ACT/SAT test scores are not the top factor. In fact, the scores are number three and the number of colleges that are 'test optional' is growing.

Parents Only Want to Help

How can parents help their teens with the college search and application package without going overboard?

Some parents might take over the process because they're concerned that their children don't communicate with them. Here are some Dos and Don't s for Parents:

DON'T:

1. discuss your child's ACT/SAT test scores at cocktail parties
2. contact colleges more than once or twice
3. ask questions at the college visit information sessions
4. pretend to be your child on the phone and call the college(see #1)
5. answer questions interviewers pose to the child
6. fill out applications
7. write the essays
8. dictate the college list

DO:

1. encourage your teen to contact the admissions representative with questions
2. make the travel arrangements for college visits
3. insure that your child has a process for researching colleges
4. find someone to educate you about financial aid and scholarships
5. ask your teen questions and really listen to the answers
6. check out information at: www.unigo.com

Watch this blog for future topics on how to start conversations with your children that will lead to finding the right college match.

To Prep or not to Prep: That is the Question

Colleges use Entrance Exam (ACT/SAT) scores for various purposes. It's helpful to understand these purposes to inform your decision about whether preparing for the exams is worth your time and money.

Admissions Decisions: Most people think of the scores as the most influential factor used by colleges making admissions decisions. Actually, the scores are the third most important factor. Actually, the two most important factors, ahead of test scores, are a rigorous high school curriculum and good grades.

Placement Decisions: Another use of entrance exam scores is to place students into the correct level courses. For example, ACT math scores may help colleges determine whether a student is wiser to start their math sequence at the calculus level, or whether it might be better to start one or two courses below college calculus.

Scholarship Decisions: Some merit scholarships are based solely or partially on a students ACT or SAT score. In our judgment, trying for a higher score so that a student can qualify for a higher merit aid award is one of the few justifications for retaking an entrance exam.

Watch the video of Valerie discussing the issue of Test Prep:
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=837513


The University of Chicago has investigated the relationship between student learning, ACT prep and success in college. Click here for the highlights: http://ccsr.uchicago.edu/publications/ACTReport08.pdf

PSAT results

Sophomores and Juniors all over the country have already received their PSAT results or will get them soon after they get back to school after winter break.

So, now what? As for testing, our advice is pick which test you'll take - ACT or SAT, pick a date this spring that's convenient for you, seriously prepare yourself for the test and plan on taking it once. Remember - your goal is to earn a score that accurately reflects your ability.