Baffled by the 'New" PSAT/NMSQ Scores? Read on!

Here are some valuable insights on interpreting the 'New" PSAT/NMSQ scores by Nancy Griesner at the Examiner.com.

Students lucky enough to navigate the College Board website and successfully retrieve PSAT/NMSQ test scores from October are probably wondering what to make of the dizzying number of scores. As part of the redesign and repackaging of SAT-related products, the College Board has spun off no less than 16 separate scores to consider and stress over. Among these are a total score, a math score, an evidence-based reading and writing (ERW) score, “Nationally Representative Sample Percentile(s),” three test scores, two cross-test scores, seven subtest scores, and a National Merit® Scholarship Corporation Selection Index.

And each of these sets of scores has a different score range. The total score ranges from 320 to 1520; math and ERW scores range from 160 to 760; test scores and cross-test scores range from 8 to 38; subscores range from 1 to 15; and the NMSC Selection Index ranges from 48 to 228.

Families anxious to make decisions about future testing and those curious about how the new NMSC Selection Index might translate into future merit scholarship designations are naturally asking which scores are most important and what exactly they mean.

“Unfortunately, these overhauled reports feel overwrought and confusing. While they offer a vast array of measures—some helpful, some less so—and newly created subscores, they fall short of providing clear takeaways most students are seeking,” explained Bruce Reed, of Compass Education Group. “Aside from strongly encouraging students to now practice on Khan Academy, the new PSATreports are not as obviously actionable as users need them to be.”

So what can students take away from their PSAT experience?

First, be assured that no college will ever see these test results. They are for your use only. So relax.

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SAT Redesign Offers Opportunities & Challenges

There has been a lot of news about the new SAT, but what will the redesign mean for students in 2016? Nothing! It is the class of 2017 who will be affected by the changes and who should take note of them.

There are no simple answers. The new SAT test is designed to create more opportunities, justifications, and emphasis on real world problem-solving.  Many students will find that the redesign is more challenging, whiles others may find it more logical. 

The new components of the test, which is created by the College Board, will be an evidence-based reading and writing section, a math section and an optional essay section. Each section will be designed to stop students from simply filling a bubble on the test sheet; instead, they’ll need to justify their answers.

The test format will be paper and pencil with a computer-based option having a composite score between 400-1600 excluding the essay score.

Most questions will have only four answer choices instead of five, and students will no longer be penalized for choosing incorrect answers.

Students will be tested on grammar, reading and vocabulary in the context of a passage, and will be required to cite evidence for their answer choices for some of the reading and writing questions.  

Additionally, the reading section will include passages from science, history, social studies and literature, which is an expansion of disciplines as compared to the current SAT.  On the new SAT Math test, students will face tougher problems, but have more time to solve them. 

And on two of the Math sections, students will not be allowed to use their calculators.  Algebra will be the king of the redesigned SAT, with 35 percent of the questions compared to only 10 percent for geometry.  Advanced math topics, including trigonometry, will be covered.

Essays on the new SAT will no longer be mandatory, but students will need to take it at least once for college admissions.  Students now have 50 minutes for the essay (compared to 25 in the past), and the focus has shifted from creative writing to analysis.

The redesigned PSAT launched in October 2015, while the redesigned SAT launches in March of 2016.

For more information on preparing and applying for college, visit www.cklaar.com.

Valuable Insights on College Entrance Exams

Standardized entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT play a major role in the college admission process. The SAT is administered by the College Board and measures skill or natural intelligence. The American College Testing Program (ACT) is administered by ACT Inc. and measures achievement in the core curriculum areas. It is based on the knowledge and skills normally taught in high school college-preparatory courses. All colleges will accept either one but it’s important to know the difference between the two.

·         The questions on the ACT have more advanced math concepts, and tend to be more straightforward. The ACT also has a science section, which the SAT does not.

·         The SAT has a strong emphasis on vocabulary, is broken up into more sections such as critical reading, math and writing.

Everyone should take a Mock ACT after taking the PSAT so that the results can be compared and the student can then move forward to take the assessment that most accurately represents his or her capabilities.

Start getting ready at least six weeks before the test. Take a practice test to prepare for the real thing. There are several free online practice exams:

• 4tests.com
• ACTStudent.org
• SAT.Collegeboard.org
• PowerScore.com
• TestPrepReview.com

Strategies to keep in mind:

·         Relax. Stress is your number one enemy. If you’re not satisfied with the results you can retake the test.

·         Play Detective. Eliminate answers you are sure are wrong, and guess from the remaining choices. Narrowing down your choices will increase your chances of choosing the correct one.

·         Avoid confusing variables in math questions. Turn the questions into simple arithmetic problems by plugging in a number and solving the problem.

When retaking the test, it’s important to have three pieces of information: the score you have, the score you want and the plan to reach your goal. The benefit of retaking the SAT and/or ACT is that scores usually go up after the first try.

You may surprise yourself and your higher scores may even motivate you to apply to other schools or scholarships that you thought were out of reach. Colleges will take your highest score in each section, not just your more recent score. Some will even use test scores as a factor when handing out scholarship money, so plan to take the test at least twice!

Make Your Scholarship Application Shine

In this era where college costs are soaring and grants at state colleges are diminishing, it’s more important than ever to pursue scholarships, and create applications that make you stand out from the competition. Here are a few things you can do to make your application shine!

·         Note unique qualifiers like your college major and extracurricular and athletic activities.  Also note characteristics such as being a vegetarian, adopted or a first generation student.

·         Extracurricular activities are also a great way to acquire personal experiences.  Expand on your passions and interests by joining a club or organization that’s related to your hobby, intended major or future career path.

·         Make an impact by getting involved in community service and volunteer opportunities.  The meaningful experiences gained will amplify your presence on a scholarship application.  Detail how these experiences have assisted your personal growth and helped you develop time management, problem-solving and organizational skills.

·         Quality, not quantity, counts in showcasing your leadership roles.  Show how your experiences have taught you people skills and how to successfully deal with conflicts.

·       Make your application error-free and meet all deadlines.

·         End with a personal statement that showcases your personality.

o   Start with a great “first impression” sentence or paragraph.

o   Sell yourself, but tell the truth.

o   Don’t use clichés – be unique and incorporate emotions.

o   Be optimistic.

o   Use active, not passive, verbs.

o   Proofread several times and ask another person to proof 
   it as well.

Places to Find Scholarships

There are many online sites to hunt for scholarships, including Scholarships.com, RaiseMe.com, Zinch.com, Fastweb.com, Cappex.com and more.  Also seek out scholarships through your high school guidance office, community foundation, local churches, and civic organizations such as your local Rotary, Lions, Eagles and Elks club.

Begin researching scholarship opportunities during your sophomore and junior year of high school, so you have time to plan out the steps you’ll need to take to earn scholarships that are the best fit for you. 

Junior Year: Make a plan that will guide you through school to college.

There are many questions to think about when planning for college, so get started now!

When it comes to searching for colleges, do you have any in mind? Do you know where you want to apply? How much help do you want finding ways to pay for college? When you imagine college, what are you most excited about? Is it learning new things? Living on your own? Playing sports? Having a social life? Or are you pursuing a career interest?

Here are some steps you can take this year to get a jump start on your college search process:

• Take a good look at your unweighted GPA.

·    Take college admission tests, such as the SAT and the ACT.

·         Strive to take college-level or honors courses as a senior, because that’s what college admission officers like to see.

·         Prepare a list of schools that interest you, and begin scheduling college visits. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to talk with students at each campus you visit.

·         Colleges look for quality involvement in extra activities and experiences outside of school; join an academic club, volunteer for activities and clubs and play sports. Passionate involvement in activities and demonstrating leadership helps showcase your maturity and ability to make meaningful use of your free time.

·         After determining the qualities you are looking for in a college, put those ideas into a college search program such as www.collegedata.com or https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org  to create a list of colleges to consider for applications.

·         Start researching scholarships and financial aid options.

·         Attend college fairs that allow you to meet with college representatives to ask questions.

If you’d like help with your college search process, applications, college essay, financial aid options and more, call Klaar College Consulting.  We have a variety of programs available to meet your needs.  Or attend one of our upcoming seminars.  Visit http://www.cklaar.com/seminars.html or call us at 301-834-6888.

College is Complicated! Our Informative Workshops Can Help!

Klaar College Consulting offers a number of different seminars and workshops that help parents and students with the college application and acceptance process.

1.  Series One – Selecting and Applying to College

Overview:  Participants will receive vital basics and come away with a binder of pertinent material in these hands-on workshops!

·         Begin to refine your college list!  Overview sessions for parents & students.

·         Finish your applications! Hands-on work on various college applications.

·         Draft a college essay that sets you apart.

·         Pay for college! Financial aid & scholarship options (for parents & students)

Dates:  Parent’s workshop: Mon., Aug. 4 – FREE

Five student workshops: Aug. 12, 14, 16, 19, and 21

Time:  Parent’s Workshop – 6:30 – 8 p.m.

          Student’s workshops – Noon – 2 p.m.

Cost:  Parents workshop is free; student workshops are $100/workshops or $450 for all five

Location:  Frederick Indoor Sports Center, second Floor, 1845 Brookfield Crt., Frederick, MD

Workshop Facilitators: The workshops are led by Charlotte Klaar, PhD, Certified Educational Planner, an engaging speaker who has led hundreds of students to college success.  Joining her will be Natalie Gipson, Independent College Consultant, and Dianne Keilholtz, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and former guidance counselor for Frederick County Public Schools.

For more details and to reserve: 301-834-6888 * Charlotte@cklaar.com

Space is limited to 20 students/workshop. 

Workshop Details

 Parent Overview meeting: All of the elements of choosing a college that is appropriate for your child with consideration for the student’s academic statistics, life style wishes, career goals and other factors.

 Student Workshops:

You’ll receive vital basics and come away with a jumpstart on your application and a binder of pertinent materials in these hands-on workshops!

 

1.      Student Overview:

-  Review what needs to be accomplished in the college selection and application process

-  Explore issues which interrupt the process

-  Discuss how finances and personal preferences are combined in the process

-  Why a private school may be less expensive than a community college or public college

2.     Begin to Refine Your List! Choosing the Best College for You:

-  Review the academic position of students

- Advice on standardized testing with an analysis of tests already taken

- Explore student’s career interests and what direction is viable for him or her

- Investigate all of the non-academic elements in the college process

- Consider the options available for each student and begin to prepare the preliminary list

3.    Get Your Applications Finished at the Workshop!  Applying to College:

-  Collecting the data you need to complete your applications

-  Completing the common application

-  Completing one Maryland State application

- Completing one other application

- Completing your activity resume

4.   Write the Best Essay You Can! Understand and Draft a College Essay That Sets You Apart!

- Discuss how the college essay differs from other writing

- Explore appropriate topics for you

- Beginning writing your essay

- Edit the first draft of your essay

- Receive suggestions to strengthen your essay

5.  Pay for College! Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships. This session is open to students and their parents

- Consider what constitutes financial aid

- Discuss merit aid and grants

- Explore scholarship opportunities

- Assess each family’s Expected Family Contribution and possibilities for merit aid

Bonus:  Students who complete all five sessions will be offered a 90-minute personal consultation to complete element(s) of the process for an additional fee of $200.

 

Timelines and Checklists Help Ease College Application Stress for Juniors

Are you on track with your college application process?  Sometimes it seems there are so many steps you need to take, it’s hard to tell if you’re on track!  Getting organized by creating a timeline and check list can help you stay on track. 

This month’s blog focuses on what high school juniors should be doing this spring/early summer to prepare for their senior year:

Hopefully you took your practice test (PSAT) last fall, and have made a college “Best Fit” list based on what’s important to you (size, rural or urban, how far from home, cost, academic programs, etc.).

1. Schedule your College Board Test

 Most students take either the SAT or ACT test for the first time during the spring of their junior year, and a second time during the fall of their senior year.

o   The ACT registration deadline for the June 16 test is May 9, 2014 – which is coming right up!  The late registration deadline is May 23.

o   The SAT deadline is for the June 7 test is May 9; late registration by mail is May 23; by phone or online it’s May 28.

o   Late registration may carry additional fees.

2.  Plan Challenging Senior Classes

Now’s not the time to take it easy!  Meet with your school counselor or, for more personalized attention, an Independent Educational Consultant, for advice on what courses would be most beneficial based on your college plans.  They can also guide you on extracurricular activities.

3.  Get Recommendations

Contact the adults you’ll want letters of recommendations from – doing it now will allow you to beat the summer rush.

4.  Search for Scholarships

Many local organizations offer scholarships, but they may have narrow criteria, so finding the ones that are a good fit may take time.  An experienced Educational Planner can also provide invaluable advice on scholarships and financial aid.  

5.  Apply for Summer Jobs and/or Internships

Future employers – even those offering internships – will look for students who took the initiative to hold jobs and internships in high school and college. A job or internship can also help you determine what types of work or fields interest you.

6.  Draft your essay! 

Changes in the SATs will not affect current juniors, so you’ll still need to write an essay, and you’ll also need an essay for your college application. (The Class of 2016 may not need to write an essay for their SATs.)  Start now and give yourself plenty of time to do rough drafts, get input, and then fine-tune a final draft.  Educational Consultants such as Klaar College Consulting can also provide valuable input and guidance on your essay.

7.  Explore Colleges

Review your “Best Fit” list of colleges, and start scheduling campus visits.  Call the admissions office to find out about campus tour schedules and opportunities for personal meetings with a professor or coach. 

Charlotte Klaar spends about 20 percent of her time visiting campuses nationwide every year, and she has the expertise to help students develop their best fit lists.  That list could well include lesser-known colleges that may be an ideal match for you.