goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement....the sat assesses college readiness by testing...

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In this issue….

Fall Happenings in Counseling

PSAT & STAMP/SLIP

Schedule changes

SAT vs ACT

College Visits

Save the Date

Senior Information

Common Application Tips

Scholarships

Fall Happenings in Counseling

It is hard to believe how fast

September is moving! The

Counseling Department has been very

busy all of September meeting with

students regarding their schedules,

grades, credit recovery and transitions

into the new school year.

The start of the school year can be very challenging (getting used to a

new schedule, meeting and/or reconnecting with friends, etc.). During

this time, we strongly encourage families to communicate with their

school counselor. School counselors assist with academic, career and

personal/social development. They function as a facilitator between

parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s

goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. In every newsletter,

we will have the contact information (email, phone number, etc.) for

your school counselor. Below are some ideas of when you might initiate

contact with your child’s school counselor:

Discuss your child’s challenges and concerns with the school counselor. As a

parent, you know your child best. However, the school counselor can help you

better understand your child as a student. It’s important to encourage your

child’s expression of needs, hopes and frustrations. School counselors are

trained to help your children.

Learn about your child’s school and social connections from the school

counselor. When you need information or assistance, your child’s school

counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn

about school policies on behavior, attendance and dress; know the school

calendar of important dates; and stay connected with the school in many other

ways. The school counselor can also help you locate resources in the community

when you need them.

Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to

problems. If your child is having a problem at school, it is important to work with

your child’s school counselor to find solutions. Discuss resources available within

and outside of the school, and get information on how such programs can benefit

your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child’s

education at Madison and life after graduation.

September 2016 Volume 2 Issue 1

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PSAT Testing

On Wednesday, October 19th, Madison will be administering the PSAT to all current sophomores

and a few select Juniors. This exam is extremely important not only as a tool to be exposed to

and predict how a student will do on the real SAT, but the scores are also sometimes a factor

used for class placements, so try your best!

The PSAT is a test that measures critical reading, math, and writing skills. This test is similar to the

real SAT, which we don’t suggest taking until the Winter or Spring of Junior year. This test does not

require students to recall specific facts from classes. As Juniors, high scores can result in

scholarship opportunities, such as the National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Current

sophomores and pre-registered Juniors must report to school at the regular start time. More

detailed information to come…stay tuned!

Prepare for the PSAT by subscribing to College Board’s, Question of the Day. This allows students

to become familiar with the question format. Students that subscribe to Twitter, can also receive

a daily tweet joining @SATQuestion

STAMP/SLIP Tests

STAMP/SLIP tests are internet-based tests that are an option for high school students to earn

academic credits for language proficiency and may allow a student to fulfill the district’s two

year world language requirement. The STAMP/SLIP tests are offered in many languages such as

Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, German, Russian, Vietnamese and

Spanish. There is a NO fee to register to take the test. Students can earn up to 4 credits. For

more information and to register for the tests, please contact your school counselor.

Testing is free of charge to PPS students and available on non-school days.

Malaina Guzman A-F [email protected] Erin Hale G-J + Avid [email protected] Jerardo Marquez K-P [email protected] Kelly Shelton Q-Z [email protected]

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/daily-practice-appmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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Schedule Changes/Last Day to Add/Drop Classes

By the time you receive this newsletter, your student has

received their schedule and is in the full swing of school.

We highly encourage you to review their classes to make

sure they have all of their required courses (i.e. math,

science, English, etc.). If you have any questions, please

feel free to contact us …. just remember we receive a lot of

calls/emails this time of year so it might take us a little while to get back to you.

The last day to add/drop classes for first semester without penalty will be Thursday,

September 16th, 2016. After this date, a dropped class will result in a Withdraw Fail

as a final grade. We would like to avoid this at all costs, so please be in contact

with your student’s teacher and counselor ASAP!

Mental Health Resources/School Based Health Clinic

Madison High School has school-based mental health counselors available five days a

week. This service is being offered through a partnership with Multnomah County.

Therapists will see students by appointment. To be seen by a therapist, a referral needs

to be initiated by your student’s school counselor. If you believe your student could benefit

from mental health counseling, please contact your school counselor.


mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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The SAT and ACT are standardized tests used widely in the college admissions process.

The SAT assesses college readiness by testing critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. The exam

lasts three hours and 45 minutes (for actual testing time), and includes these three sections:

• Critical Reading: tests a student’s vocabulary, understanding of sentence structure and organization, and ability

to answer questions based on a reading passage.

• Math (or quantitative): tests knowledge of geometry, functions, probability, algebra, statistics, and data analysis.

Now allows usage of a graphing calculator.

• Writing: includes multiple-choice questions and a short essay, where students respond to a given prompt.

Each section is scored out of a possible 800, with a total possible score of 2400. The SAT Reasoning Test is offered

by the College Board. On each test date, you can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests.

The ACT assesses college readiness by testing what a student already knows in English, Mathematics, Reading and

Science. The exam lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes (for actual testing time), plus an additional 30 minutes if you are

taking ACT plus Writing (optional). All the sections are multiple choice with the exception of the Writing Test.

• The English section tests punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, and consists of five prose passages with

accompanying questions.

• The Math section tests various levels of algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry, and permits use of a

calculator.

• The Reading section tests reading comprehension.

• The Science section covers background knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space sciences.

• The Writing test (only available with the ACT plus Writing test) consists of one writing prompt, where the

student is asked to present a point of view on an issue.

Each section is scored out of a possible 36; the score report also includes a composite score out of 36. The ACT is

administered by The ACT.


http://www.collegeboard.org/http://www.actstudent.org/index.htmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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Every college and university in the United States will

accept either the SAT or ACT.

So which should you take? Source: The Princeton Review

Princeton Review states, “It’s all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT;’

others do better on the ACT. In lieu of a crystal ball, we created the Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) designed

to help you determine which test is a better fit with your abilities.”

1. ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.

ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out

what you’re being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the

SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):

SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?

ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?

2. The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.

If you’re an ardent wordsmith, you’ll love the SAT. If words aren’t your thing, you may do better on the ACT.

3. The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.

You don’t need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to

test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you’re a true science-phobe, the SAT

might be a better fit.

4. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.

In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too.

That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more

straightforward than those on the SAT.

5. The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools.

The 25-minutes SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 40-minutes ACT writing test is

optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score- schools will see it listed separately.

Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying

before opting out.

6. The SAT is broken up into more sections.

On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional

writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10

sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little

more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content

areas confuse you or keep you energized?

7. The ACT is more of a “big picture” exam.

College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they’re most

concerned with your composite score. So if you’re weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end

up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.



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College Entrance Exam Registration Dates and Deadlines

For the 2016-2017 school year

See your counselor for a Fee Waiver!

For a side by side comparison of the SAT and ACT go to Kaplan and for additional key

differences, go to Study Tips. There are several resources in Multnomah County to help students

prepare for the SAT or ACT. Check with your counselor for a complete listing.

SAT Test Date Registration

Deadline

Late Registration

Deadline (extra fee

applies)

October 1,

2016

September 3 September 20

November 5,

2016

October 7 October 25

December 3,

2016

November 3 November 22

January 21,

2017

December 21,

2016

January 10

March 11, 2017 February 10 February 28

May 6, 2017 April 7 April 15

June 3, 2017 May 9 May 24

To register, go to the College Board

Please see your counselor if you receive free or

reduced lunch.

SAT Test Date Registration

Deadline

Late Registration

Deadline (extra fee

applies)

September 10,

2016

August 5 September 6-19

October 22, 2016 September 16 September 30

December 10, 2016 November 4 November 5-18

February 11, 2017 January 13 January 14-20

April 8, 2017 March 3 March 4-17

June 10, 2017 May 5 May 6-19

To register, go to ACT

Please see your counselor if you receive free or reduced lunch.


http://kaptest.com/college-prep/test-information/sat-vs-actfile:///C:/Users/kshelton/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/8V324JYV/studypoint.com/ed/act-vs-sathttps://sat.collegeboard.org/register/http://www.actstudent.org/regist/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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College and Career Center Events September 2016

** Visits are hosted in the College & Career Center, B2 @ lunch **

Mondays

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

September 12 13 14 15 16

Oregon State University

11:30am

Back to School

night

6-8pm

College Success Conference

*see flier

8am-1pm

PCC

19 20 21 22 23

Money For College FAFSA/ORSAA presentation

Seniors only

6-8pm

Madison Library

Southern Oregon

University

11:30am

26 27 28 29 30 Lewis & Clark

College

11:30am

University of Oregon

11:30 am

October 3 4 5 6 7

CRLE ZGF Architects

Career Day

CRLE Business Finance

Software Day

ACE Mentor

Get text reminders about college visits from counseling!

Use the Remind App for smart phones. Text @ch87b to 81010



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Register by 1pm on Thursday, Sept. 15th!

See Michael in the College & Career Center, B2!

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Event Date

Counselor lessons with freshmen in CCE classes Beginning September 13

Back to School Night Sept. 14

Activities Fair Sept. 15

Late day to add/drop classes before WF Sept. 16

FAFSA night (Library) Sept. 20 (seniors & families only)

FAFSA completion project with

seniors in Gov/Econ classes

Sept. 25-28

Oct. 3- 7

PSAT (Sophomores + some Juniors) Oct. 19 (during school)

College Application Week in the College & Career

Center(CCC)

Oct. 31- Nov. 3

Parent/Teacher Conferences (Cafeteria) Nov. 9 - 10



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SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR SENIORS AND THEIR PARENTS

Be sure to check Naviance on a regular basis. We are constantly updating it

with current events, workshops, college information, SAT/ACT information

and everything you need to know about College Planning.

If you haven’t already done so, you need to fill out a resume/Activity Chart,

Student Information Sheet, and encourage your parents to fill out the

Parent Brag Sheet on Naviance. Click on “document library” on the

welcome page of Naviance to find the links for students and parents. Your

counselor needs this information to write your letter of recommendation.

Give your counselor and teachers at least two weeks before your

application due date.

Carefully review your transcript. Notify your counselor immediately if you

think there might be an error.

Update your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance. As you apply to the

college, move the college over to “Colleges I’m Applying To.” Please be sure

to request transcripts from Naviance in order for your request to process

smoothly.

Register for the SAT’s and/or ACT’s. If you have a December deadline,

November is the last time to take the SAT/ACT (and that’s pushing it!).

You are responsible for keeping track of your deadlines.

Be sure to send your ACT/SAT scores to your colleges directly from

ACT/Collegeboard’s website.


https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=madisonormailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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The Common Application is used by most private schools to apply to college. It allows students

to complete one application with their personal information, involvement in activities and

community service and several essays that get sent to all the schools that request it so that

students don’t waste time applying separately. If there are fees that colleges will charge to

apply, the student pays them through the Common Application when he/she submits before

the deadline.

The website for the Common Application is: https://www.commonapp.org. We invite all grade level of our students to look at the types of questions that are included so they can get explore and become involved in activities early in high school.

Always remember that counselors can access waivers for college fees for any student who is on free/reduced lunch.

State schools (University of Oregon, OSU, PSU, UC Berkeley, U of Washington, and University of Montana) do NOT use the Common Application. You find their applications on their websites.

4 Things Students Should Know about

the Common App Click Here

3 Things Parents Should Know about

the Common App Click Here

2015-2016 Essay Prompts Click Here

How to link your MHS Naviance

account with your Common App coming soon!

Common App Requirements Grid Click Here


https://www.commonapp.org/http://blog.commonapp.org/2015/07/31/four-things-prospective-applicants-need-to-know-about-the-2015-2016-common-application/http://blog.commonapp.org/2015/07/30/three-things-parents-need-to-know-about-the-2015-2016-common-application/http://blog.commonapp.org/2015/03/31/2015-2016-essay-prompts/http://blog.commonapp.org/2015/08/01/common-application-requirements-grid/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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FIND THEM IN NAVIANCE:

Login to Naviance

Go to the Colleges Tab

Scroll down to Scholarship List

Search for scholarships!

http://www.actsix.org/nw/portland/https://www.questbridge.org/

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DO YOU TWEET?

How twitter can help with the college process

Did you know that Twitter can actually be a huge help when it comes to searching for colleges, applying for admission, and searching for

scholarships? Keeping up with current trends, your school counseling

department (along with the help of US News & World Report) has

compiled a list of some great Twitter handles for you to follow.

@MadisonHS_CCC The College & Career Center tweets about

about save the date opportunities such as career chats and

college visits.

@SATQuestion Get helpful SAT Question of the Day information and links.

@USNewsEducation From choosing the right school to finding a job after college, US

News tweets helpful articles about various topics that every college bound student

should check out.

@CollegeWeekLive The “world’s largest college fair,” CollegeWeekLive brings together

admissions, financial aid, and scholarship experts regularly; follow CollegeWeekLive on

Twitter to ensure you don’t miss an event.

@FAFSA This is the official account of Federal Student Aid, the U.S. government’s

financial-aid arm. Along with its new studentaid.gov website, this is an absolutely

essential resource for college funding basics.

Follow the colleges you want to learn more about. Sometimes admission offices even

have free giveaways for college swag on Twitter!

goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement....the sat assesses college readiness by testing...

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