JUNIOR FRIDAY NEWS LETTER ~February 17, 2017
Hello Juniors and Junior Parents!
We hope that you are looking forward to a relaxing vacation! Students, we are excited to discuss plans for “Life After CHS.” Please schedule your junior meeting with your counselor to begin breaking the post-secondary planning process into manageable steps. Individual counselors have communicated the best way to schedule appointments to their students.
VISITING COLLEGES:
It is important to get a sense of whether a college is the “right fit” by taking a formal tour and attending an Info Session. February and April breaks, as well as weekends, are ideal times to visit, as students are present and campus life is in full bloom. While there, consider the campus setting, majors offered, atmosphere, class size, whether you prefer a large or small school, etc. You should sign up ahead of time on the individual college’s websites. If you must tour during the school week, visit your House Office for a College Visit Form (limit of three per semester).
SCHEDULING FOR SENIOR YEAR:
Juniors will be meeting with their counselors to review this year’s scheduling process on Monday, February 27th; they will then meet with counselors to review course selections on Thursday, March2nd. Remember to appropriately challenge (but not overwhelm) yourself senior year!
THE SCOOP ON STANDARDIZED TESTS:
The SATs and ACTs are the two college admission exams. While the SAT is most popular here in the east, the ACT is very widely utilized in other parts of the country. All colleges that require standardized testing will accept either SAT or ACT scores. Below is a brief description of both tests, as well as SAT Subject Tests (also known as SAT II).
SATs: (collegeboard.org)
The SAT is a reasoning test that assesses a student’s ability to reason, problem-solve, and think critically. It tests both what you know and how well you apply that knowledge. The test is scored on a 200-800 scale and has recently been reformatted. There are now two sections—Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing—and an optional essay. While the essay is now optional, many schools will require it, so we strongly encourage you to take the essay section. On the newly revised SAT there is now no penalty for guessing, and students are given four (rather than five) multiple choice options. Please see your PLUS block packet for more details.
ACTs: (actstudent.org)
The ACT is a more curriculum-based standardized test that might be a better format for some students. Some consider it to be more straight-forward than the SATs. The ACT includes English, Reading, Math, and Science sections, as well as an optional writing section. Please note that colleges generally require the writing section; as such, we encourage you so to take the essay section. It is scored on a 1-36 scale, with the national average around 21.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS: (collegeboard.org)
Many of the more competitive colleges require students to submit scores for the SAT Subject Tests. Visit a college’s website to learn whether it requires them. The spring can be a great time to take these tests (which are offered on the same days as the SATs). You can take up to three SAT Subject Tests at one sitting, but you cannot take the SAT reasoning test and the Subject Tests on the same date.
SAT PREP:
KHAN ACADEMY:
Khan Academy is a free, personalized, College-Board affiliated resource that helps students prepare for the SAT. All students are encouraged to link their College Board account to Khan Academy to get personalized test prep. See this article for more information.
FREE SAT PRACTICE TEST:
Sign up for a Taste of the SAT March 8 at 6pm at the Chelmsford Public Library. When you participate in this FREE event, you will take a shortened, 50 minute, SAT Practice test. You will then receive a Mini Score Report followed by a tutorial on how use your score report to create a personal study plan and get the most out of Khan Academy's free online resources. This is the perfect first step in preparing to take the SAT! Click here for more information or go to
. Please note that CHS does not endorse any particular test prep tutor or company, but provides this information only as a service to our students.
We do not receive responses to this e-mail address, so please contact your (child’s) counselor directly if you have any questions.
Have a great vacation!
CHS Guidance
March 11th: SATs offered at area high schools. The registration deadline has passed; late registration is available until February 28th (
March 14th: Junior Parent Night in the PAC at 6:30 p.m.
April 8th: ACT offered at area high schools; registration deadline is March 3rd (
May 6th: SATs offered at CHS and other area high schools; registration deadline is April 7th.
May 8th: Junior Field Trip to Boston National College Fair
June 3rd: SATs offered at CHS and other area high schools;registration deadline is May 9th
June 10th: ACT offered at area high schools; registration deadline is May 5th.