Happy Holidays!

buddy xmas Originally uploaded by chotda  

I'll be taking a mini-blogging break this next week. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2011!

PSAT - What Next?

All the PSAT scores have been returned, but I know there are probably some students and parents with lingering questions. In case the students are having trouble remembering how to interpret the scores from my session, here is a summary of what to know:

-Make like a snowflake and chill. The PSAT is just a benchmark to see how students do on the College Board brand of test. Some students do significantly better on the ACT. Others benefit from applying to testing optional schools. No two students are alike (another thing in common with snowflakes), so resist the urge to make comparisons.

- To convert a PSAT score to an equivalent SAT score: add a zero to the end of each section. The PSAT sections are out of 80, the real SAT sections are out of 800.

- PSAT scores are distributed on a normal curve, meaning a small percentage of people score very low and very high, but the majority of students score in the middle. For the PSAT, this means most students in the nation score around a 50 on each section. Learn more about SAT score by clicking here.

- It is useful to look at not just the raw score, but also the percentile. For students that are testing in a top percentile (say 85th percentile or higher) this may indicate a natural ability on standardized tests and it may mean that the student should explore taking SAT Subject tests in the end of their 10th or 11th grade year if they are considering applying to highly selective colleges where these exams are required. Most colleges do NOT require SAT Subject Tests, but for those that do the best candidates are the students that are naturally strong test takers. If a student is in a lower percentile, they are probably better served bringing up their main SAT score before devoting time and energy to an SAT Subject Test. Some schools also allow the ACT with writing to count in place of the SAT and Subject Tests, so if students are not ready for Subject Tests as underclassmen it does not necessarily mean that they lose the opportunity to apply to these selective schools.

- Utilize My College Quickstart. Students can register for free online test prep from the College Board that is personalized to their strengths and weaknesses based on the PSAT. Don't miss this opportunity to get individual feedback on how to improve. A little bit of practice over a long period of time is a great way to improve your scores. Please note, the College Board username and password will be the same for the rest of high school. Do NOT make duplicate accounts or make an account in a parent's name. This should be completed by the student.

- Maximize your reading time in Advisory to really push your reading level. The best way to improve your SAT Critical Reading and Writing score is to read high level books. It is no accident that ElRo asks students to read books outside of those that are assigned for class. Opt for high level books (and even consider reading with a dictionary on hand) to learn vocabulary and expand your literary horizons.

Still confused about testing? Please attend the testing info night on Tuesday, January 25 at 5:00 pm in the Auditorium. 

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Dogs as Stress Relief for Finals

Yes, I'm biased. But seriously LOVE this idea.

Early Action/Decision Outcomes: The Glee Edition

What better way to deal with the anxiety around December decisions than with the joy of song. There are three possible outcomes in Early: Denied Admission, Deferred to Regular Decision, or Admitted. I think the cast of Glee can express reactions to these outcomes best.  
(**Full disclosure: I was in show choir in high school.  My sister was too.)

Denied Admission: Even if you are sad and angry, a catchy tune and dancing is a win/win. Playing on repeat is encouraged. 



Deferred to Regular Decision : Deferred truly does not mean denied, absolutely explore other options and be open minded to alternate routes, but don't give up hope.



Admitted:  You declared your love, the feeling was mutual.

Happy Hanukkah - PSAT Results are In!

Tiny bubbles... Originally uploaded by peater

Yes, I know not everyone celebrates Hanukkah, but for me, getting the PSAT results counted as a present. The PSAT was administered to 10th and 11th grade students in October and we got the score reports in last week. Starting today, I will be distributing the scores to students. I will visit 10th grade advisory classes one at a time to hand back the reports. The 11th grade will get their scores all together in an assembly on Wednesday.

I know this staggered approach means that some students will see their scores before other students, but I think the sacrifice is worth it in order for me to give the best possible information out to the students. It also allows me to answer more questions one on one and hopefully will make it easier for students to absorb what I have to say.

I encourage all 10th and 11th grade student to utilize the code on the bottom right of their score report, which will allow them access to a free test analysis and personalize study tips by going to www.collegeboard.com/quickstart

Remember, the P in PSAT stands for Practice, so if you are not happy with your performance, there is still time to improve. I'll probably have addition blog posts about understanding the score report, but I wanted parents/guardians to know to be on the lookout to ask their child about the exam.

Thanks Fordham!

Tonight was Fordham's annual Holiday Party at the Lincoln Center Campus- an event I'm proud to have been a part of for the past five years - first as an Admissions Counselor at Fordham and then as a High School College Counselor. As always, it was great to see old friends and chat with colleagues. The picture here is of Fordham's Rose Hill Campus by ElRo's own Lihan Yao, a member of the class of 2011. He is such a talented photographer! Thanks for letting me use the image.

Go Rams!