College & Career Prep for Juniors

Most Juniors took the PSAT/NMSQT at school in October. We presented to English classes over the last two weeks to help students understand their PSAT Test results and begin thinking about a plan for after high school. The goal is to help students understand their scores and what they can learn from them. It is important to remember students are more than a test score and colleges recognize this as well. Click HERE to view the presentation slides.

Understanding your Digital PSAT Scores Video

Learn more about scores, careers and college HERE. Students will need to log into their College Board account or create one to view their scores.

Check out the free, Official SAT Practice with Khan Academy and take a diagnostic quiz. Click HERE to learn more.

Sign up for Student Search Service if you want to start getting communication from colleges and scholarship programs. You can opt in when you take the SAT or click HERE. After joining Student Search Service, check your email and mailbox regularly for updates about degree programs, campus life, financial aid, or invitations to apply for scholarships.

If you want to be considered for National Merit, The student or a school official must write to NMSC as soon as possible to request information about procedures for alternate entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. To be considered, a request must be postmarked no later than April 1. The alternate entry request should include the name and address of the student; the contact information of the person making the request; the name and address of the student's high school; and a brief explanation of why the student missed the PSAT/NMSQT. See Ms. Calcagno for assistance.

The College Board National Recognition Programs - These are academic honors that can be included on college applications. They’re not scholarships, but colleges use them to identify students of color who are academically exceptional students. Learn more.

Scholarship Partners - See how the PSAT/NMSQT can help students pay for college—including access to more than $350 million in scholarships. Learn more.

Over 1,600 four-year colleges and universities do not require students to submit ACT/SAT scores to be considered for enrollment. Many colleges are committed to staying Test Optional permanently and the Class of 2025 will find there are lots of options. We also know that public universities in Oregon, Washington, and California do not require a test score for admission or scholarships. Click HERE to view a list of popular colleges and their testing policy. Be sure to type 2025 in the Search box to view colleges that have made a policy decision for the Class of 2025.

When thinking about testing, consider the following:

If the SAT/ACT is optional for your colleges, should you take it?

You need to think about your application packet as a whole. Basically, colleges are assessing two things:

• Your academic achievements: GPA, college prep courses and possibly an ACT or SAT score.
• Some colleges will also want to know what you do beyond the classroom. You will have the opportunity to tell colleges who you are through your personal essay and your list of extracurricular activities including hobbies, service, family responsibilities, work, etc.

How do you know if your GPA is strong enough for admission?

• Use Naviance Student to compare your GPA data with Central Catholic students who have applied and been admitted to each college of interest.

• You can also Google search for [name of college] class profile, then click on the result from the college website. On this page, search for info about the incoming GPA range for admitted students. If your GPA falls within or above the range, test scores might not be as significant.

What about test scores for merit-based scholarships? If a college offers merit scholarships and is test optional, they are likely not requiring a test score for scholarships; however, they might require something else. Check out the requirements for each college on your list, so there are no surprises.

Still not sure? Check out the blog "A New Era in Testing" by Bruce Reed.

During the spring of the junior year is an ideal time to take the ACT or SAT. Here are links to the registration sites and upcoming test dates to help students plan ahead:

• ACT
• SAT

Juniors and their families will be receiving a monthly college and career planning newsletter geared specifically to their needs. The College, Life & Career Team will be speaking to juniors in US History classes at the beginning of second semester and we'll explain the process for requesting appointments for individual student meetings at that time. Mark your calendar now for our College, Life & Career Planning Night for juniors and their families on February 12 at 6 pm. Until next month's newsletter, below are some resources worth checking out now...