There is a lot of information to understand about testing in connection with admissions. There are links and videos below. Join us for the Test Prep session on September 4th to learn more.

Below you will also find a link to videos to explain how CrosbyConnect works as well as information about the required JR/SR Program Orientation. At the end of the newsletter is a flyer from the ISS AIG program. There will be a special zoom about the application for Governor's School. Please reach out if you have any questions or need any additional information.

Jr/Sr Crosby Scholars Handbook

Opportunity for Community Service Link

Jenniffer Jamison

jjamison@crosbyscholarsiredell.org

For decades college admissions offices have used standardized testing to determine a student's readiness for college. SAT given through the College Board and ACT through ACT.org. In recent years we have seen a shift in the need for testing. This is a relief to some students but leave many others confused and wondering what to do. Let's start with a few basics.

PSAT & National Merit Scholarship Program

What are the tests available to submit to colleges & universities?

What test will my high school offer?

What can I do to prepare?

Current NC Public University Testing Policy

"The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements."

If you want to compete for the National Merit Scholars Program, you need to sign up to take the PSAT during the fall of your junior year at your school. SPEAK TO YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR about signing up for the PSAT this fall.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation - Overview

ACT - ACT | College and Career Readiness Solutions

• Math, English & Science Sections
• Sometimes administered digitally
• Each Section scored from 1 - 36
• Composite Score Calculated 1 - 36
• Some schools will accept a SUPER SCORE - best of each section and recalculated composite

SAT - College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools

• Math & English Sections
• Administered Digitally
• Super Score available

High Schools in Iredell County will offer the ACT at your high school at the end of February or beginning of March. This test will be free, and your school will communicate information about testing day and make up options.

If you wish to take the ACT or SAT, you will need to register on the perspective sites. Both tests are offered at local high schools on specific Saturday dates. If you need a fee waiver speak to your school counselor to get information.

SAT Test Prep - Will include review of new digital platform.

• September 14, 2024, 8:45am am - 12 noon - Goodwill Career Connections Center, 124 Fourth Crescent Place, Statesville, NC 28625

ACT Test Prep

• February 1, 2025 - 8:45 - 12 noon Mooresville Campus - Mitchell Community College

Virtual Options

• TBD - Working with a vendor to provide a virtual session.

Visit link below to learn the details associated with the testing policy.

Standard Test Requirement – UNC System (northcarolina.edu)

Jr/Sr Orientation Meeting is meant to introduce juniors and their parents to the Crosby Scholars JR/SR Program requirements and services available to guide you through selecting a senior advisor. During this meeting, we will also review a checklist of activities you will need to work on during the spring and summer prior to your Senior Year.

Check the Crosby Scholars Student Portal to sign up.

9/16/24

9/25/24

9/29/24

10/4/24

You must attend one Jr/Sr Orientation Meeting by October 19, 2024.

College Board Opportunity Scholarships

The College Board website is offering scholarships to students who complete different tasks in conjunction with their website.

1. Build Your College List
2. Practice for the SAT
3. Improve Your Score
4. Strengthen Your College List
5. Complete the FAFSA
6. Apply to Colleges
7. Complete all six scholarship steps to be eligible for a $40,0000 scholarship.

Follow this link for details on eligibility requirements and how to apply.

A free online source for SAT Prep is found here:

https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat

Payment information for the SAT is available when you register for the test. To qualify for a fee waiver, see your School Counselor. Qualifying students can receive up to 2 SAT and ACT fee waivers. You may send your scores to four colleges of your choice.

SAT Registration:

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register

YOU MUST OPT-IN TO BE SUBMITTED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP. JUST COMPLETING THE TASKS IS NOT ENOUGH. YOU MUST LOG IN TO YOUR COLLEGE BOARD TO SUBMIT.

The ACT is the other widely accepted national college entrance exam. It is said that the ACT is accepted at every college and university in the United States of America. Every junior in the public school system in the state of North Carolina is required to take the ACT in February, at no cost to the student. The ACT tests students in the subject areas of: English, Mathematics, Science, and Reading. Some key features regarding the ACT are:

-Scores are based on the correct number of answers, with no penalty for incorrect responses,

-Helps students to gauge their level of preparedness for both college and career pathways,

-In addition to English, Mathematics, and Reading, the ACT also measures what students have learned in school as it relates to Science,

-Offers an optional essay. Even though the essay is optional, test prep experts strongly recommend that you complete the essay portion because there may be some colleges that require it. If you don't take it, but later learn you need it, you'll have to retake the entire ACT again and cannot elect just to take the essay portion.

-Aside from being a national college entrance exam, the ACT also offers a profile and planning section for education and career planning to help with planning life after high school.

Again, every junior will take the ACT in February for free. Take the time to study for it and take it seriously because colleges may see this score. As with the SAT, please check with your Guidance Counselor if you have questions.

Free ACT preparation can be found here:

https://www.kaptest.com/act/enroll?tab=events

Email: jjamison@crosbyscholarsiredell.org
Website: www.crosbyscholarsiredell.org
Location: 124 4th Crescent Place, Statesville, NC, United States
Phone: 704-873-5005
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crosbyscholarsiredell/
Twitter: @iredellcrosby