3 SAT Myths that Every Junior Must Ignore

During this time of year when juniors are registering to take the SAT, there is a lot of misinformation about what they should should and should not do. Before you start your test prep or sign up to take the SAT take heed to these myths:

Myth #1 – It’s OK to take the SAT “cold”, i.e. as a practice testsat or act

REALITY: It’s a waste of your time and money to take any standardized test for the sake of seeing what your score will be! Students often assume this myth because they’ve heard that the colleges will only see certain scores. That really depends on the college where you apply. Likewise, on the Common Application, students self-report ALL test scores. When you sign the Common Application, you’re affirming that ALL information on the application is true.

Best BET: Take an online practice test to see your score, not an official test!

Myth #2 – It’s better to take the SAT than the ACT.

REALITY: All colleges will accept either test. Translation: Take the test that’s best for you. The SAT is different from the ACT, and usually students will score higher on one over the other.

BEST BET: Take a comparison test to find out which test fits you best! If you do not have access to a comparison test, you can also compare your PLAN and PSAT scores to determine which test is best.

Myth #3: I don’t need to take a Subject Test.

REALITY: Depending on where you’re applying and the major that interests you, 1 or 2 subject tests may be “Recommended.” (“Recommended” is another word for “Required”.) When it’s “Recommended” it is highly likely that the majority of applicants to that college will submit Subject Test scores. Unfortunately, when all competing applications include these Subject Test scores and your does not . . . OUCH!

BEST BET: Take Subject Tests that correspond to any Honors or Advanced Placement classes that you take during sophomore or junior year of high school. If you are enrolled in a Pre-Calculus course, then you should consider taking the Math II Subject Test at the least.

For college-bound students interested in Georgetown, Stanford, or Duke

stanford quadrangle hallway

The admissions officers of Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Penn and Stanford travel each year to introduce their campuses to students around the country. It may not be feasible for families to visit these campuses if they are distant, but the campuses, in a sense, come to you!

In May 2014, this special event will be held at these Ohio venues:

Cleveland – Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 pm
Cleveland Airport Marriottharvard logo
4277 West 150th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135

Columbus – Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 pm
Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square
75 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Cincinnati – Thursday, May 15, 7:30 pm
Cincinnati Marriott RiverCenter
10 West RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington, KY 41011

If you are planning to attend, be forewarned that these events can be very crowded and intimidating. Attending the event won’t influence your admissions prospects but the information may be valuable for writing your application essays.

You may RSVP for Exploring College Options at this link.

 

College of the Week: Syracuse University

Graduation rate: 82.3%

Syracuse is a big campus, with numerous majors in the classroom and big spirit among its Division 1 athletic teams. Choices abound at Syracuse for the student seeking a diverse educational experience. Students have a range of options for majors, residential life, internships, and study abroad programs. There are even 6 fitness centers on campus!

Enrollment: 14,700 undergrads; 6,100 grads

Academics: Syracuse is a major research university defined by its interdisciplinary theme of Scholarship in Action. Students can major in any one of nine undergraduate colleges. The most popular majors are commercial/advertising art, business administration/marketing, radio/television. At Syracuse, 87% of faculty hold a PhD or highest degree in their field.

Social: There are over 300 clubs/organizations on campus and 25% of students participate in Greek life.

Financial: Tuition and fees are $55,600 with about 75% of students receiving scholarships.

Check out these campus photos of our visit to Syracuse:

 

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College of the Week: Case Western . . . Best college in Ohio

Case Western

Graduation rate: 81%

When you’re on the campus of Case Western, you know you’re in Ohio but something about the feel of the campus is more like Boston, Massachusetts. The surrounding area is dense with trendy restaurants, a world class symphony hall, and unrivaled medical research facilities. The city of Cleveland gets a bad rap, but, after having lived in the city, I recognize that it is one of the most underrated cities in the country. So goes Cleveland . . . so goes Case to some degree. For college-bound applicants, Case sometimes is overlooked for the gem that it is. However . . . all 50 states are represented on their campus so its reputation is reaching all corners!

According to US News & World Report rankings, Case has been ranked as the “Best college in Ohio” and best value. (Way to go, Case!)

Enrollment: 4,200 undergrads; 5,600 grads

Academics: Case has several combined undergraduate/graduate programs, such as:

  • 6 year Dental program
  • Joint BA/Masters in Accounting

These may be a worth checking out for the student who knows well that they are interested in a particular field.

Social: Located in University Circle in Cleveland, there are plenty of dining, cultural, athletic, social activities within walking distance of Case.

Financial: Tuition and fees are $55,000 with about 75% of students receive scholarships. Starting with seniors who graduate in the Class of 2013, families must submit the CSS/Financial Profile to be considered for financial aid.

I must warn families that their housing policy is somewhat “open-minded.” Be sure you read about the varied option and certainly ask about housing when you visit the campus. If the student is uncomfortable with the housing situation, then it may not be a good fit. Certainly though, Case is worth a visit if everything else about it is a fit. Your on-campus impression will differ from your website visit.

Check out these campus photos of our visit to Case:

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College of the Week: Bucknell U – Known for its engineering programs

Bucknell University, located in central Pennsylvania, boasts a Top 10 School of Engineering. Their engineering school includes degrees in these fields:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of these engineering students are women!

Here are a few quick facts about Bucknell –

Enrollment: 3,500 undergrads; 150 grads

Academics: All classes are taught by faculty. About 97% of faculty hold a Ph.D. There are numerous research opportunities for students across the disciplines. The University has embarked on a major strategic initiative. If you’re interested in applying, be sure to check out the plan, its timeline and implications.

Social: Given its proximity to numerous major cities, there are free shuttle rides to New York, DC, and Philly. Susquehanna University is a short drive away from Bucknell so students can participate in events on their campus as well. The majority of seniors participate in community service!

Financial: Although the tuition and fees are $56,000, the average need-based financial aid package is $27K. Over 60% of students receive scholarships.

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