alt="" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="#fb3_img_img_8f5b167c-1a8e-5268-9e2b-2e08ad03893c.jpg"/>Print your admission ticket once your registration is complete. For safe keeping, file your ticket in a folder which you should label General.
“With multiple deadlines and tasks to keep on top of, it’s easy for something to fall through the cracks.”
—LAURA A. BRUNO, Associate Director of Admissions, York College, The City University of New York
Over 800 schools have adopted a test-optional policy. Check fairtest.org for a list of test optional schools. These schools do not require standardized test scores to make admissions decisions because they believe test scores are not necessarily representative of a student’s abilities or academic potential. While test scores are not required, you can still choose to submit them to be reviewed as part of your application if you are happy with your scores and feel they accurately reflect your ability. Ask your guidance or college counselor for their advice if you’re thinking of going the test-optional route.
In lieu of standardized test scores, test-optional schools may instead ask students to submit other materials, including Advanced Placement (AP) results, International Baccalaureate (IB) scores and SAT subject tests. Greater emphasis may be placed on other components of the application, including your high school transcript, interviews with admissions reps and graded assignments from junior or senior year of high school. If the test-optional path is for you, locate schoolwork you’re proud of and save it in your General folder.
Make sure to check individual school requirements for exceptions. Applicants who are non-US citizens and applicants who are not US permanent residents may still be asked to submit standardized test scores in addition to TOEFL or IELTS results. Students who are homeschooled and those who attend high schools that do not use a grading system may be required to submit standardized test scores as well.
PREPARING
The majority of students do opt to take either the ACT or SAT. Achieving the best possible scores will require you to develop your own test-taking strategy.
Match your prep with your learning style and your budget. You can opt to prepare on your own, in a group or with a tutor. Helpful resources include: prep books, online courses, group prep programs and private tutors. Ask your guidance counselor, parents and friends for recommendations when deciding on a prep method. Part of preparing is learning how to pace yourself, managing your timing and understanding how the tests are scored. It’s essential to become familiar with the tests by taking as many practice exams as possible. Take advantage of the free resources listed below:
For the SAT and SAT Subject Tests:
1.College Board has both online and printed versions of official practice tests.
2.College Board has an app that features a new practice question daily to build your familiarity with the SAT.
3.College Board offers free sample practice questions in math, reading and writing for the SAT on their website.
4.Many test prep companies offer free practice tests, both online and at their test centers.
For the ACT:
1.A study guide and mobile app which include practice tests with scoring keys and test taking strategies are available from ACT.
2.ACT’s website has practice questions in English, math, reading, science and writing.
3.Sign up to receive an email from ACT with weekly questions.
4.Free online and on-site practice tests are available from a variety of test companies.
Keep track of all your test support usernames and passwords on the Test Prep Resources worksheet in this chapter.
Once you have your results, record all test dates and your corresponding scores on the Standardized Test Scores worksheet on page 59. This worksheet will help you list your test scores in an organized and easily accessible format. From this list, you will select your top scores to send to each school. When you receive your official standardized test score reports, file them in your General folder, as you may need to refer to them again.
Make sure to pay attention to college application deadlines to submit your scores on time. You can opt to take advantage of the limited free score reports that ACT and College Board offer when you register for your tests. In addition, at a later date, you can request and pay to submit additional scores by phone or online. Alternatively, if you qualify, you can request ACT and SAT fee waivers from your high school guidance counselor.
CHAPTER 4
RESEARCHING SCHOOLS:
GETTING ACQUAINTED
Is there one perfect college or university for you? Perhaps. Most likely, though, there are many schools that could be a great fit. A “great fit” college should match your interests, abilities and needs. The right school for you will have an environment you’re comfortable with and programs to help you meet your long-term goals. Take into consideration academic programs and rigor, cost, geographic location, student body, clubs and activities, and your chance of admission. Each school has its unique personality. Whether visiting online, on campus or meeting with a school rep or alum, you’ll sense the distinct characteristics that differentiate one school from another.
“If you conduct your proper research to find out the academic profiles and requirements of the colleges you are interested in, heed the advice of your school counselors, and take the time to visit the colleges that you are considering, you will most likely find that after the application and admissions process is complete, you will be happy with the results. If you are honest with yourself and honest with the process, you will most likely find out that you end up at the college where you belong!”
—KEVIN O’SULLIVAN, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Manhattanville College
It may seem as if everyone you know is looking at the same schools, but there are thousands of two- and four-year colleges and universities in the US. How are you going to choose which ones to explore? Think about your high school experience and your community—do you want a college experience that is similar or are you looking for something new? Size, setting and focus sum up the main differences among schools and this is a good place to begin your research.
SIZE: Small, medium and large schools each have distinct characteristics with student populations ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands. Small schools typically offer greater access to faculty, small class sizes and a strong sense of community. Large universities typically offer more majors, a wider variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, research opportunities and graduate programs. Large universities are typically comprised of many colleges, making it possible to feel a part of a smaller community.
SETTING:
