Accepted: Getting into Your First-Choice School

Accepted: Getting into Your First-Choice SchoolPrep smarter, score higher—guaranteed or your money back!1-800-KAP-TEST | kaptest.com/college

Agenda• Top factors in college admissions

• PSAT

• SAT and ACT

• Other tests and other factors

• College application timeline

But First—Let’s Say Hello!

• Grade?

• PSAT, SAT, ACT?

• Dream school?

• Biggest concern?

Monica

Top Factors in College

Admissions

Top Factors in College Admissions

1a) Grades in College Prep Courses

Advanced Placement

International Baccalaureate

Dual-enrollment Courses

Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, “2010 State of College Admission”


1b) Strength of Curriculum

Rigor

Relevance

Quantity



2) Admissions Test Scores

SAT

ACT

AP & Subject Tests



3) High School GPA

Overall

Don’t fall behind

Don’t lose focus


Let’s Get to Know the

PSAT

Why Does the PSAT Matter?

1. Practice Run for the Real Thing

3. Scholarship Opportunities• National Merit Scholarship Program, Corporate Scholarships, National

Achievement Program

2. Get a Higher Score on the SAT• Students who took the PSAT scored, on average, 120

points higher on SAT• Students who took the PSAT their sophomore and junior

year scored, on average 222 points higher on the SAT

Source: College Board, 2010 National State Reports

Admissions Test Scores:

SAT & ACT

Common Myths

• The SAT is an IQ test.

• The ACT is easier.

• Only take the ACT if you’re good at science.

• Competitive schools only accept the SAT.

The Facts:

• The SAT & ACT are the only test REQUIRED by colleges

• There are NO TEST SCHOOLS

• Same material different format

• 98% of schools will take either

• Take the test 2-4 times. Schools will ALWAYS take your best score!

AP, IB, and Subject Test• Only if required or you KNOW you will get a good score

• Only take AP class if you can get an A or B

• Always take the AP test after the AP class

• AP test may give you college credit but subject tests do not

• Colleges will know how many AP/IB classes offered at your school

Advanced Placement Exams

AP Expert Tips:• If you can get 50% of the questions right, you’ll receive a score of 3!

• Practice free response questions with a timer

• Answer every question!

• Answer the questions you can get right first

College Application Essay

The College Application EssayFact: 80% of colleges use the essay to make their final admissions decisions.

The College Application Essay

Here are some ideas to help you start thinking about your essay:

Get started!

My favorite/least favorite activity…

I am most proud of…

When I am older, I want to be known/remembered for…

Someone who has inspired me…

Something (in my personal life or current events) that has changed the way I think…

I made a difference in another person’s life when…

I feel passionately about (this issue, topic, subject, hobby, etc…)

I never thought I would be able to…

Additional Factors

Campus Visits

A campus visit allows you to get a firsthand feel for the college and counts as demonstrated interest, so get packing!

✓ Visit as many of your target schools as possible.

✓ Schedule a visit when classes are in session and the admissions office is open.

✓ Speak to students, professors, and coaches to get a clear idea of what campus life is like.

✓ If you’re really interested, consider doing a summer program.

Additional FactorsAcademic Factors

• Class rank

Non-Academic Factors

• Portfolio

• Counselor recommendation

• Additional test scores: SAT Subject Tests, AP exams, IB exams

• Extracurricular activities

• Demonstrated interest

• Work experience

Social Media82% of college admissions officers use social media to recruit students!*

Here are some things you can do to take advantage of this growing trend:• Manage your privacy settings• “Like” and “follow” schools that interest you• Participate in conversations that showcase your interests and talents• When engaging with a school, check for typos, don’t use shorthand (“u”, “r”), and

don’t use inappropriate language• Don’t post anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable putting on your applications• Be mindful, but be yourself! This is an opportunity to interact with schools apart from

your applications*Kaplan’s 2010 College Admissions Officer Survey

http://kaplantutoring.chtah.com/a/hBNePtvB74MllB8SNIsAAAAAAxo/twitter-

http://kaplantutoring.chtah.com/a/hBNePtvB74MllB8SNIsAAAAAAxo/fb-

Research

Go to the school’s website or

collegeboard.org to answer these questions about each school you are considering:

• Avg. SAT/ACT score for incoming freshman = GOAL SCORE!

• Avg. GPA for accepted students?

• Are subject test required?

• Do they want to see ALL your SAT/ACT scores?

• What is the last SAT/ACT test you can take?

College Prep Timeline

• 1st PSAT in October

• Take AP and SAT Subject Tests after completing courses

• Summer prep for PSAT , SAT, ACT


• Extracurricular activities

• Prep for AP/Honors

• Prep for the PSAT

• PSAT in October for National Merit

• Focus on academics—this is the critical year!

• Research admissions requirements for chosen schools

• Take SAT and/or ACT at least twice

• Take required SAT Subject Tests

• If you get your GOAL SCORE, use summer to do application essay


• Take SAT and/or ACT for the last time

• Take required SAT Subject Tests

• Request letters of recommendation

• Fill out FAFSA and research scholarships

• Visit schools

Prep Smarter, Not Harder.

It’s All About You!

Consider Your…

• Goals

• Timeline

• Schedule

• Learning preference

Prep smarter, not harder.How do you learn best?

In the classroom? One-on-one?Online?

Good News. Every Kaplan Program…• Uses data to customize learning for you

• Includes reports for students and parents

• Is guaranteed to raise your score!

For more information please call or visit our Web site.

1-800-KAP-TEST | kaptest.com/college

Rob Smith, [email protected]

Accepted: Getting into Your First-Choice School

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