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Test ScoresMost colleges and universities continue to use standardized testing as an important factor in theadmission of new students on the grounds that the same standard is applied nationally: whetheryou attend a small independent school or a large public high school, everyone takes the same SAT.It is thus used as a means of leveling the playing field.Just about every college guide (see p. 25) reports the mid-fifty percent range of SAT and ACTscores achieved by freshmen entering the colleges and universities in which you are interested (thisinformation is also on Naviance). This gives you an indication of how the school will view yourscores in relation to the scores of students they have admitted in the past. For example, if Haye U.reports that half of incoming freshmen had Critical Reading SAT scores between 660 and 750,your score of 690 will probably be a point in your favor.The guides also indicate whether a given institution requires the SAT and which Subject Tests,if any, etc. For example, Boston College currently requires either a combination of SATReasoning Test and any two Subject Tests or the ACT with writing by itself. Accordingly you mustmake sure that you have either College Board or ACT send your scores to the college by theapplication deadline if you want to be considered for admission.The SAT is three hours and forty-five minutes long. It consists of ten sections, beginning with a25-minute essay. Six further 25-minute sections and two 20-minute sections follow in randomorder. The test ends with a 10-minute writing multiple-choice section. A perfect score would be2400.There is an excellent detailed comparison of the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, andACT at http://www.fairtest.org/different-tests-same-flaws-comparison-sat-sat-ii-a. Briefly, theintention of the ACT is to test what you know, the SAT is intended to test how you apply whatyou know. The SAT is more popular on the east and west coasts, the ACT in most placesbetween. However, an increasing number of college applicants are taking both exams, and nearlyall colleges will accept either exam.Your involvement in school life outside the classroomCollege admissions people are not only looking for scholars, but also for people who will be part ofthe life on their campuses for four years. For this reason it is important for them to know howinvolved you are likely to be in that life. Once again, they are looking at what you have done as apromise of what you will do. The real question is what you contribute to the community of whichyou are a part. Do you share your energy and special talents through participation in studentgovernment, musical ensembles, sports, clubs, etc.? In particular, have you taken a leadership rolein any of these activities? See p. 23-24 for sample activities résumés.Your activities outside schoolIn addition to looking at your contributions to the public life of your high school community, acollege will also be interested in what you do in your private life. What are your hobbies? What is9
it about which you are so passionate that you would devote time to it even though you are busywith academics and being a part of school life? What makes you tick?Your essayYour essay is a good place to share something more than facts and figures about your out-of-schoolactivities. The essay is crucial. One college admissions person said to me, “If kids realized howimportant the essay is, they would spend twice as much time working on it as worrying about theSAT.” I expect this was an exaggeration, but the point is well taken: sincere self-disclosure isharder than it sounds, and when it is well done it can weigh in significantly on your side of thescale.Letters of recommendationMost colleges want three of these. I write one based on input from parents, teachers, schoolrecords, and most importantly, you (this is a hint: don’t be a stranger!). You should also choosetwo teachers who know you academically and with whom you have a good rapport to write lettersfor you. It is important to give these teachers as much notice as possible when requesting yourletters (see the checklist on p. 16)--two weeks at the very least and preferably more.InterviewIt is important to visit and if possible arrange for a personal interview at any school about whichyou become serious. See below.LegaciesMany colleges give special consideration to the children of contributing alumni. Remember thatyou must still be able to handle the academic challenge regardless of the circumstances underwhich you are admitted!10
Page 1 and 2: College Selection Handbookfor theCl
Page 4 and 5: A Master Schedule of the College Se
Page 6 and 7: Who Does What?ParentsThe National A
Page 8 and 9: Cost• When figuring the total cos
Page 12 and 13: The College Visit and InterviewThe
Page 14 and 15: N.B. Most colleges have their own s
Page 16 and 17: Sample Teacher FormWINCHESTER THURS
Page 18 and 19: College Application ChecklistI. "Pe
Page 20 and 21: The Internet is a very useful means
Page 22 and 23: 2012 Advanced Placement Exam Schedu
Page 24 and 25: Thank You Note After an InterviewNa
Page 26 and 27: 555 Parhelic CirclePittsburgh, PA 1

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