Accepted: Getting into Your First-Choice School

1. Accepted: Getting into Your First-Choice School Prep smarter, score higher—guaranteed or your money back! 1-800-KAP-TEST | kaptest.com/college

2. Agenda • Top factors in college admissions • PSAT • SAT and ACT test comparison • Your path to college • Prep smarter, not harder

3. Top Factors in College Admissions

4. 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”

5. Top Factors in College Admissions 1b) Strength of Curriculum • Rigor • Relevance • Quantity Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, “2010 State of College Admission”

6. 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”

7. 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”

8. Let’s Get to Know the PSAT

9. Why Does the PSAT Matter? 1. Practice Run for the Real Thing 2. Get a Higher Score on the SAT • Students who took the PSAT scored, on average, 120 points higher on SAT • Students who took the PSAT their sophomore and junior year scored, on average 222 points higher on the SAT • 3. Scholarship Opportunities • National Merit Scholarship Program, Corporate Scholarships, National Achievement Program Source: College Board, 2010 National State Reports

10. 5 test sections 2 hours and 10 minutes PSAT-at-a GlanceOctober of Sophomore and Junior Year Critical Reading Multiple Choice Juniors: 47 2 Sections 20–80 Sophomores: 42 2 Sections Math Juniors: 48 Multiple Choice Grid-Ins 20–80 Sophomores: 43 Writing Skills 1 Section Juniors: 46 Multiple Choice 20–80 Sophomores: 41 Selection Index 141

11. Admissions Test Scores

12. The SAT at-a-Glance Multiple Choice Grid-Ins 200–800 516 Math 3 Sections Critical Reading Multiple Choice 200–800 501 3 Sections 200–800 492 Multiple Choice Essay Writing 3 Sections 0–12 7.1 Experimental 1 Section Multiple Choice Not Scored N/A 10 Sections 3 hours, 45 minutes Multiple Choice Grid-Ins Essay Total 600–2400 1509

13. The SAT at-a-Glance 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 Test Day Tip: If you can eliminate 1 answer choice, guess!

14. The ACT at-a-Glance English 1–36 20.5 1 Section Multiple Choice Math 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 21.0 Reading 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 21.3 FORMAT/ TIME Science 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 20.9 1–36 20.8 Writing 1 Section Essay (Optional) 2–12 7.1 4–5 Sections 2 hrs, 55 minutes 3 hrs, 25 minutes Multiple Choice Essay 1–36 21.0 Total:

15. The ACT at-a-Glance Understanding ACT Scoring • Correct Answer: +1 point • Omitted Question: 0 points • Incorrect Answer: 0 points Test Day Tip: Answer every question. If you don’t know the answer, guess!

16. Key Differences • 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.

17. 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.

18. Test Score Comparison Ivy League schools, Stanford, Duke, Reed UW Honors Program, UCLA, UC Berkley University of Washington, Western Washington State, Eastern Oregon, *25 percent of students scored above.

19. College Application Essay

20. The College Application Essay Fact: 80% of colleges use the essay to make their final admissions decisions.

21. The College Application Essay Get started! Here are some ideas to help you start thinking about your essay: My favorite/least favorite activity… When I am older, I want to be known/remembered for… Someone who has inspired me… I am most proud of… 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…

22. Additional Factors

23. 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.

24. Advanced Placement Exams • About the AP Exams: • 34 AP courses and exams • 90% of four year colleges give AP credit • Scores of 3, 4 or 5 will often get you college credit • Check schools’ policies online • Registration: • Register through your school • $87 Registration Fee – • $22 fee reduction for students in financial need • 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

25. Academic Factors Non-Academic Factors Additional Factors • Class rank • Counselor recommendation • Additional test scores: SAT Subject Tests, AP exams, IB exams • Portfolio • Extracurricular activities • Demonstrated interest • Work experience

26. Social Media 82% 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

27. A Checklist A few things to consider when choosing which schools to apply to:

28. College Prep Timeline

29. College Prep Timeline • Extracurricular activities • Prep for AP/Honors • PSAT in October • Take AP and SAT Subject Tests after completing courses • Summer prep for PSAT

30. College Prep Timeline • 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 • 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

31. Prep Smarter, Not Harder.

32. It’s All About You! Consider Your… • Goals • Timeline • Schedule • Learning preference

33. Prep smarter, not harder. How do you learn best? Online? One-on-one? In the classroom?

34. Good News. Every Kaplan Program… • Uses data to customize learning for you • Includes reports for students and parents • Is guaranteed to raise your score!

35. For more information please call or visit our Web site. 1-800-KAP-TEST | kaptest.com/college Rob Smith, 360-703-8531 Rob.Smith@Kaplan.com