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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
• 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?
Good News. Every Kaplan Program…• Uses data to customize learning for you
• Includes reports for students and parents
• Is guaranteed to raise your score!
Prep smarter, not harder.
SAT® & ACT®PSAT® On Demand
Personalized study plan Online videos 2,000+ practice questions 2 practice tests Progress tracking
$299 PSAT Classroom Anywhere ™
✓ 9-hour course
✓ 2 full-length practice tests
✓ Online whiteboard to work on problem solving techniques
$599
Includes PSAT On Demand, plus:
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$199
Prep smarter, not harder.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Complete SAT or Complete ACT Prep
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Best for students taking multiple tests
Includes SAT and ACT Complete, plus:
✓ 9-hour PSAT/NMSQT course
✓ SAT Subject Test & AP Prep Guides
✓ College Admissions Webinar
✓ Unlimited access
Best for students taking one test
Includes SAT or ACT On Demand, plus:
✓ 18-hour course ✓ 4 practice tests✓ Extra practice
$699 $1099
On Site or Classroom Anywhere™!
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With a Tutor
*prices based on number of hours purchased
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✓ Tailored to fit your goals and schedule
Tutoring tailored to fit your goals and schedule Includes College Prep Advantage—the mostcomprehensive prep
Save 10%!Save 10%!
Upcoming Practice Tests• PSAT Practice Test – Saturday, Sept. 14 @ 9:00AM
– 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
GRAB A FLIER ON YOUR WAY OUT FOR SIGN-UP INFO.
Upcoming Prep Classes• Prep for the Nov. 2 SAT
– 10 sessions (4 practice test, 6 courses)– First Class Begins – Saturday, September 21 @ 2:00 PM
• Prep for the Dec. 14 ACT– 10 sessions (4 practice test, 6 courses)– First Class Begins – Sunday, November 3 @ 2:00 PM
Sign Up at: www.kaplanatschool.com/prosper
GRAB A FLIER FOR SIGN-UP INFORMATION
For more information please call or visit our Web site.
1-800-KAP-TEST | kaptest.com/college
Kelsey Pudenz, [email protected]
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