Kaplan Presentation

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Agenda

• Top factors in college admissions

• SAT and ACT test comparison

• What makes a successful essay

• Interview tips

• Prep smarter, not harder

But First—Let’s Say Hello!

• Grade?

• Taken the SAT or ACT?

• Math vs. Reading?

• Dream school?

• Biggest application concern?

Bart Alvara

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”

Top Factors in College Admissions

1b) Strength of Curriculum

Rigor

Relevance

Quantity

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

Top Factors in College Admissions

2) Admissions Test Scores

SAT

ACT

AP & Subject Tests

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

Top Factors in College Admissions

3) High School GPA

Overall

Don’t fall behind

Don’t lose focus

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

Admissions Test Scores

SECTION FORMAT/ TIME QUESTION TYPES SCORE 2010Averages

Math 3 Sections Multiple Choice Grid-Ins

200–800 516

The SAT at-a-Glance

200–800Critical Reading

5013 Sections Multiple Choice

Writing 3 Sections Multiple ChoiceEssay

200–8000–12 7.1

492

Total

10 Sections3 hours, 45

minutes

Multiple ChoiceGrid-Ins

Essay600–2400 1509

Experimental Multiple Choice1 Section Not Scored N/A

Understanding SAT Scoring

• Correct Answer: +1 point

• Omitted Question: 0 points

• Incorrect Answer (multiple choice) : −1/4 point

• Incorrect Answer (non-multiple choice math questions) : 0 points

The SAT at-a-Glance

Test Day Tip:

If you can eliminate 1 answer choice, guess!

Test Day Tip:

If you can eliminate 1 answer choice, guess!

FORMAT/ TIME

English 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 20.5

The ACT at-a-Glance

Math 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 21.0

Reading 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 21.3

Science 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 20.9

Writing 1 Section Essay (Optional)1–36 20.82–12 7.1

4–5 Sections2 hrs, 55 minutes3 hrs, 25 minutes

Multiple Choice Essay

1–36 21.0Total:

• Correct Answer: +1 point

• Omitted Question: 0 points

• Incorrect Answer: 0 points

Understanding ACT Scoring

The ACT at-a-Glance

Test Day Tip:

Answer every question. If you don’t know the answer, guess!

Test Day Tip:

Answer every question. If you don’t know the answer, guess!

• ACT has “Science” reasoning questions.

• ACT has four trigonometry questions.

• SAT essay is required and first.

• ACT essay is last and not always required.

• SAT is 20 minutes longer.

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.

75th PercentileACT Composite Score*

75th Percentile SAT Score CR+M+W*

Schools

32–36 2080–2400

27–31 1800–2070

22–26 1510–1790

17–21 1210–1610

INSERT LOCAL SCHOOL NAME

INSERT LOCAL SCHOOL NAME

INSERT LOCAL SCHOOL NAME

Test Score Comparison

INSERT LOCAL SCHOOL NAME

*25 percent of students scored above.

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

The Student InterviewThe student interview is your chance to become more than just words and figures on your application or transcript.

1. Before the Interview• Research

2. During the Interview• Stay calm

3. After the Interview• Send the interviewer a thank-you card

and email• Prepare questions• Dress appropriately

• Answer questions honestly and thoroughly

• Convey your excitement

The Student InterviewCommonly asked questions:

✓ Why do you want to attend this college?

✓ What will you contribute to our campus community?

✓ How would your friends describe you?

✓ Why do you want to major in ________ ?

✓ Can you elaborate on ________ from your application?

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.

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

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

A Checklist

A few things to consider when choosing which schools to apply to:

College Prep Timeline

• PSAT in October

• Take AP and SAT Subject Tests after completing courses

• Summer prep for PSAT

College Prep Timeline

• Extracurricular activities

• Prep for AP/Honors

• PSAT in October for National Merit

• Focus on academics—this is the critical year!

• Research admissions requirements for chosen schools

• Prepare for SAT and/or ACT

• Take required SAT Subject Tests

College Prep Timeline

• 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?

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– Apx. 3 hours long– Bring two #2 pencils & a calculator

• SAT/ACT Combo Practice Test – Saturday, Sept. 14 @ 9:00AM– Apx. 4 hours long– Bring two #2 pencils & a calculator

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– 10 sessions (4 practice test, 6 courses)– First Class Begins – Saturday, September 21 @ 2:00 PM

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Kelsey Pudenz, 817-357-7832Kelsey.pudenz@kaplan.com