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, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Strategy and Management,The City University of New York
Over 800 colleges and universities have adopted a test-optional policy. Check FairTest’s website 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 counselor for 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, writing samples, portfolios, and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores. Greater emphasis may be placed on other components of the application, including your secondary school transcript, interviews with admissions reps and graded assignments from your last two years of secondary 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. International applicants, students who are homeschooled and those who attend schools that do not use a grading system may be required to submit standardized test scores.
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 counselor, parents and people you know who have studied in the USA 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 58. 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.
CHAPTER 4
RESEARCHING SCHOOLS: GETTING ACQUAINTED
Is there one perfect 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.
“I would like to say that students should always look for the right fit college and not be influenced only by the big name or the rank. Further, both applicants and admissions officers are partners in this endeavor and we have the same goal: students success.”
—Musa Khalidi, Executive Director International Admissions, St. Lawrence University
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
