Understanding the Digital PSAT 2023

Digital PSAT 2023 - What You need to know

• What do I do with my digital PSAT score? 

• This is the first time that PSAT was digital, and not paper. It was also the first time they used ‘adaptive testing, meaning that as you got an answer correct, it ‘upped’ your scoring potential by offering you higher score potential questions. Your correct scores ‘routed’ you to different tests. It was not just a matter of how MANY you got right, but which ones you got right that dictated your overall score potential. 

• How did you like the format? This can be a good indicator of the new digital and shorter SAT format coming out in March 2024. 

• PSAT scores can also qualify you for the College Board’s National Merit Scholarships (NMSQT) when you take the PSAT in 11th grade. 

• Not all colleges offer scholarships through NMSQT. There are many more scholarships NOT in the NMSQT program.

• You will need a PSAT index (not score) of 208 or higher just to be on the Commended level (about top 3% of all test takers). 

• It is estimated that it will take a PSAT index of 221+ in order to qualify for the SemiFinalist cutoff in CA (it varies by state). IAs a semi-finalist,  you are asked to apply to compete for scholarships. 

Action items

• What now? If your score indicates that you are a strong test taker, then plan to take a sample ACT (both Compass Prep and Applerouth Test tutoring companies offer in person and online versions). 

• Compare the 2 tests to see which one works better for your strengths. And, we can talk about which one may have the best potential for increased success with some focused tutoring and/or self studying. For example, half of the math section for ACT is based on Geometry and Trigonometry. Was this an area of math that was strong for you? If not, the SAT may be the better bet. 

• Or, you may see that testing may not add to your academic profile strongly, and then we should talk about other ways you can enhance your college application other than through your school coursework. 

It is worth your time of just a few hours on a Saturday to take a sample ACT and SAT to ensure that you decide (with good knowledge) whether a test may be a good addition to your academic portfolio for college. Decide with knowledge, not just with rumors or based on what your friends are doing! Any questions - email me and let’s talk!

College Board Eliminates Subject tests and Essay

Quick big news - College Board, the company that owns the SAT, PSAT, AP exams, and the Subject tests just announced today that they will eliminate the Subject tests from their products as of today. So, if you were studying for an SAT Subject test, stop. 

And, for the SAT, the Essay portion will no longer be an option as of June 2021. You will not need to register for the essay portion if you are planning to take the SAT. You can request a refund for that part of the test if you have already registered for an upcoming SAT. 

So what? What does this mean to YOU, Class of 2022 and 23: 

1- Control WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL. If you are taking AP courses, be fully immersed into scoring well on your AP exams in May. If you need an AP diagnostic session with a tutoring company, check out AJ Tutoring who offers this service (or other tutoring of your choice). Do it now, and if it's within budget then spend time getting tutoring to be fully ready for your AP exams.  These exams WILL happen, even if it is online. And, it will be full length, unlike last year. 

2- Still take both a sample ACT and SAT before registering for one later this year - if you haven't already done so. Remember, these are 2 different tests, ALL colleges accept either. They differ in style, timing, and content. However, almost 80% of the material is covered by both. Either contact me to schedule a sample test of both or you can contact Arborbridge which will offer both in February. Want to know more about the difference, check out their ACT or SAT Quiz here.

3- Should you register for an SAT or ACT later this spring? Almost 2/3 of the colleges in the US are now TEST Optional (see right side of the Fairtest.org website for the colleges currently that are test optional - more being announced weekly).  After you take sample tests of both, decide if you are a strong test taker. We can discuss this at your next meeting. Then, go ahead and register just in case you end up choosing colleges on your list that really favor having a test score and you are strong at testing. Again, this is an INDIVIDUAL decision and there is no right answer for every student. Let's make it together, once you get some data with sample tests. 

Remember, the CSU system (includes Cal Poly SLO) and the UC system have BOTH announced that they are TEST BLIND for next year, Class of 2022. This means they won't even let you submit test scores as part of your application. We will see for Class of 2023, stay tuned. 

As you can see, there is a lot to evaluate and it depends on YOUR roadmap and goals! Let's talk, and we can help plan your options together! Thanks!  Here is a great blog post from NACAC, the national admissions/counselors association, regarding what Test Optional means in terms of college admissions in the next few years. I stay on top of the news from all these associations and this college industry to help YOU make the best choices based on the most current updates. Stay flexible, and focus on what YOU control! 

UC for YOU - Sept. and Oct. UC Updates, just for students and Families

This event was just announced through the Counselor Bulletin this month. Sign up today and stay on top of the UC system updates, including their turn towards TEST OPTIONAL. Really, it is optional. And, the 2nd virtual event highlights how the UC system can help your student with career development.

From the August 2020 UC Bulletin: "This year UC is hosting virtual events for students and families. These free events will feature admission staff, current students and parents, UC faculty and UC alumni. There is no fee, and each event has a maximum capacity of 3,000 attendees.

The UC for Everyone: UC wants You! events are for students and their families who are considering UC in future years. These events will feature current students and parents, UC faculty, and UC alumni who will share their experiences of UC.

The UC for You events are intended to help students and families who will be applying this fall get to know the nine undergraduate campuses. These events are an excellent opportunity to ask questions about admission selection, majors, pre-professional programs and more."

REGISTER now for these upcoming events:

Sept. 8th, 5:00 - 7:00pm  - UC Application tips and student panels 

Sept. 10, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - How can UC help me prepare for a career? What is research and is it for me? Should I consider an internship and how do I determine which one is right for me? What do mentors do and will a mentor help me at UC? If you are a student participating in a UC educational preparation program and you have asked yourself any of these questions, you and your family are welcome to join us to learn more about these and other opportunities awaiting you at UC.   

Oct. 3, 10:00am -1:00 p.m. - 9 UC Campus highlights and student panel (your chance to ask about admissions, pre-professional programs, and about each campus!).

REGISTER now - this is a great way to find your fit with the UC campuses, even if you cannot visit them this year before the applications are due. Each UC is so unique, learn about them NOW to find your best fit for your individual academic and social needs!

College Board Announcement this week (do they really need MORE?!)

After the AP exam confusion/chaos, the College Board announced this week that registration is now open for the Fall 2020 SAT dates. 

Key points: 

1- Even though a NEW Sept. SAT test date has been added, realize that there is a STRONG possibility these sites may NOT even be open for testing to happen this fall (depending on Covid, will the school districts be willing to have a weekend vendor come in that would require even more cleaning)!?? And, there are fewer test sites.

2- DO not count on SAT Subject Tests being available this fall. There are openings for the October test date, (none for September date) and the site will probably allow you to register for it.  SAT will be giving priority to 1st time test takers.  And, there will be NO at home option considered for the full SAT. 

3- Even the College Board itself is humbly realizing that they cannot be counted on for the Class of 2021 admissions cycle. In light of all these limits, the College Board this week sent out an announcement asking colleges to allow students to submit test scores later than the application deadline, and  “...it's more important than ever to pay close attention to the context in which all students live and learn as they make admissions decisions.”  

What does that mean? It basically is saying that the College Board recognizes that testing is NOT the end all/be all for measuring a student’s potential for success in college. And, colleges should be using a more holistic review for admissions (looking at the students beyond a test score and GPA). Wow, such an epiphany. Yes, that was my sarcasm. 

If you follow the explosion of comments on Twitter and other social media from higher ed respected experts yesterday, you saw the call to END testing as part of this 2021 AND FUTURE admissions requirements. Expect this wave of ‘anti-testing’ to become even stronger in the next year, especially since the ACT has also botched their execution and communication of their plans for testing in June and this fall. More to come, and I will bring it to you as soon as I hear more.  

Again, act on what is in YOUR control - if testing is not to be counted on, please do NOT take a large part of your summer studying for what may not even happen. Go find ways to differentiate yourself and learn more about what excites you to learn and grow! 

California State University (CSU) Update for all 23 campuses

CSU announced key changes to their application for the Class of 2021 on Tuesday. While the application for Fall 2021 enrollment doesn’t open until October, the changes should affect how you view summer activities and their admission for the CSU system. 

1- CSU, as previously stated, will NOT be requiring any test scores (SAT or ACT) as part of their Eligibility Index. Even if a student provides a score, it will NOT be reviewed. 

2- CSU by campus will be adding questions as “ Supplemental Factors” to the application. They could be asking about some/all of these areas:

• work experience

• extracurricular activities

• exceeded courses within core curriculum (did you take more courses than the CSU minimum requirements in math, English, or sciences)

• Participation in educational programs such as AVID (school based college support programs) 

3- There will be NO essay or any writing prompts added to the application

These factors will be finalized in “July/August”, according to CSU spokesperson. And, additional webinars for both counselors and students/families will be held during the summer as the details firm up. When they are announced, I will send out a notice so you can hear the information! 

What can students do NOW to help improve their admissions prospect for the CSU system? Change what is in YOUR control, and think about the following options: 

1- Take a community college or other UC approved course this summer in your favorite area (remember, community colleges especially in the summer are accelerated, so it needs to be a topic where you can keep up with the pace). 

2- Think about your Fall course choices - can you increase the rigor and still maintain strong grades? Don’t ‘protect’ your GPA - colleges are looking to see if you challenged yourself, especially in senior year, with courses in your area of interest or strength.

More to come...I will be keeping track of updates and sending them to you throughout the summer. If you want to read more, the CSU has a FAQ section with regards to Covid19 updates and the campus opening options for this fall, but none of the information covered in the counselor webinar stated above has been posted yet about the changes for the Class of 2021 application. Stay tuned! :)

"Test Optional" for Fall 2021 UC/CSU applicants - what does it mean?

Testing: CSU and UC campuses have both announced that their applications will be ‘test optional’ for the Class of 2021 and possibly for future years. What does that mean for you?

Class of 2021: For those of you who have taken a test, you should still submit the score if it is a strong score (check out the averages of the university you are applying to - if your score is above the 50% percentile range, you should submit it).

Class of 2021 and 22: What if you don’t have a score or wanted to take the SAT or ACT again? 

SAT will open its fall testing registration - look for an email on/after May 26th. The College Board (SAT’s parent company) announced that it will give priority registration for their new Sept. date and other fall test dates to those students who were registered for the June SAT and to those students who have yet to have any testing done. There will likely be little room to offer the Subject tests this fall, and don’t expect any university to make that ‘mandatory’ as part of your application for 2021. 

So, with no test, how will your college application be evaluated in 2021 for the UC/CSUs? 

CSU- stay tuned until after June 1st counselor webinar - I will post their announcements. Will GPA be the only evaluation point for the CSU app? Doubtful - expect to possibly have to submit 1st quarter Fall 2020 grades or answer some short questions in their applications. 

UC - expect that a Personal Insight Question will be added about what you did/how you handled your time of shelter in place and this summer. We should know more about the UC system before August 1st when the UC application opens.

Bottom line, test optional route is a way for you to take a deep breath. Do what you CAN control - if you can’t take a test before applications are due, you are not alone and that will NOT affect your admissions chances. But, think of what you CAN control and set goals on ways you can show the admissions officers who you are and what you care about! Develop your action plan - even small changes to how you help your family or others in your community or what you learn more about on your own ALL shows self reliance and growth! And, keep asking QUESTIONS of the universities and watch how they handle their campus openings this fall and their updates on admissions guidelines- that will show a lot of the character of each campus and how they treat their students! I will be posting more about updates all summer long - stay tuned!

Fall 2020 - On Campus learning? Or.....what

Class of 2020 -- Fall on campus? 

CSU has announced their Fall 2020 plans - all 23 campuses will be virtual this fall (with some exceptions for science lab courses and Nursing classes that require hands on lab work- more to be announced over the summer). Fall sports have been cancelled, so the outlook of the student experience is unclear. Cal Poly SLO’s plans, however, still clings to the hope that somehow in Calirornia’s “Phase 3” of opening up the state there will be a way to have students return to campus. SLO will announce final Fall plans on August 26th.

UC campuses are deciding on an individual basis on their openings for fall. UCSD announced virus testing on their campuses to help them ‘open’ this fall with students on campus. Again, TBA for each campus as the summer unfolds.

Either way, each campus will make allowances for students and faculty who do not feel safe returning to campus this fall.

So, will you take online classes this fall or should you consider taking a gap year or attend a local junior college and wait to transfer? That is a personal and financial decision that depends on so many factors. With your family, discuss what you would do: 

1-  If you took a gap year, what would be your focus and goals? Will you university allow a gap year and allow you to return in Fall 2021 without reapplying?

2 - Are you the type of student who can stay motivated once you are out of the 4 year university focus? 

3- Does your family need you at home or would it be helpful for the family finances for you to have 2 years at a junior college and then transfer? 

This is a family discussion that needs to happen, even if you already put a deposit down for your college.  There is no perfect answer, and YOUR decision should be based on defining what is best for you and your familiy’s individual needs.

Call me if you need guidance in developing your options and defining your goals. Either way, have discussions around contingency plans as each university unveils their final Fall plans throughout the summer. Your decsion may change as the summer unfolds. Allow yourself (and your family) that flexbility!

How should I start my college search?

“I’m ready to start looking for colleges. I’ve got plenty of time, right?”

I just got the above text from a friend of one of my current students. She was busy over the summer, and was just now starting to think about her college plans. 

She’s….a senior. 

After a pause, I set up a meeting and said, “There’s still time left, but be ready to work hard. You need to define your roadmap and start driving now!”  So the key takeaway for parents and students is to get started early and enjoy the journey together. Waiting for senior year only adds stress and limits the time you have to focus on your goals. 

Here are some tips for creating your college roadmap: 

First, think about what you want out of college. If someone gave you $125,000 to buy a car and told you that you had to choose a car in less than a year, would you go out and just buy the one your friends liked best or had the prettiest color? No, I’ll bet you would do your homework first to carefully plan how you would spend this amazing windfall. You’d think of key factors before shopping, like what will the car be used for (commuting long distances or just for fun?), and what types of factors are important to YOU, since you will be the primary driver of this $125,000 vehicle.

Start with a list of YOUR key college factors. The same approach for choosing a car applies to college choices. Think about your college tours (haven’t taken any yet? Visit any local colleges, just to get ideas! Sign up for tours online through the Admissions office via the college website). What appealed to you? Did you like the idea of smaller class sizes where you can interact with the professor and students? Do you need to be near ski slopes because that’s your favorite hobby that relaxes you? 

Next, think about locations and the experience you want for 4 years. Are you ready for new adventures, or do you need to stay close to home or friends/relatives to feel comfortable? Think about where you have traveled and what you enjoyed. Do you need to be near an airport for easy travel home? Think out of the box and if you are ready to spread your wings a bit. There are so many amazing colleges not near big cities that offer fun experiences, lovely communities, and a great atmosphere for your academic adventures.

Most importantly, think about budget
Your family needs to be honest about what can be sustained for 4 years, not just the first year. Applying to see what financial aid comes in, and then making a decision later, often ends in heartbreak. What if all the colleges you applied for come in over budget without enough aid? Create a financial parameter, have honest discussions about what is affordable and who is paying for what parts of college. TODAY. Make it part of your college application process to know what schools are financially ‘safe’. And, be excited to attend those colleges as much as any others on the list.

Need help jump starting your college process? I have great ways to start your journey for any age of high school student.  Email me for an Introductory Session so I can help you plan ahead and be ready to enjoy the journey early! 

Stay tuned for next month’s blog: How to create your activities list and resume for a strong college application that truly reflects YOU.

YOU are the Success factor, not your College

“If your self-worth is tied to being better than others, you’re headed for trouble. “

I am so proud of the seniors that chose to work with me this year - they applied to over 100 different universities all over the United States and the UK. And the best part is that they chose for so many different reasons - it was their decision, influenced by what they decided was important to them and their family budgets.

But, their peers are not always kind. Other students seem to ‘know’ what’s best for them, and yesterday some of them were approached with questions like, “Why did you choose THAT college?”

I was told that some of my students held their heads high and remembered their key reasons. And, if they chose to share, great. If they didn’t, they laughed it off and said it was a great personal decision for themselves and walked away from that person. It’s not easy to handle peer pressure. Really, does their opinion matter? You won’t see most of them in about 6 weeks after high school graduation.

This New York Times article is about understanding that college does not define “YOU”. Success is not a specific diploma. So, as you look forward to your next chapter, whether it’s next Fall or you’re still looking for colleges, keep YOU in mind first. What you define as success is unique, just as you are, so own your decisions and BE PROUD.

You're Admitted! Now what....

And now…the decision.

March is over and all your admissions finally been announced. Whew. Now, the choices…how to make that final decision? Here are a few tips from my former students/families on what tools they used to choose wisely.

1-   Use the Force..aka ‘social media’ (That was a direct quote from a student, really!)

Facebook Admitted Student groups: For those of you admitted to colleges that use these closed FB groups, you probably got an email invitation to join it. DO IT. Use all avenues to see if you fit in with this group of students!

2-  VISIT! Nothing beats your ‘boots on the ground’. Go during an Admitted Students Day, if you can. Beware that everything will be hyped up to its shiny best during this spotlight weekend. GO ANYTIME to visit the campus that you can fit it into your schedule. While you are there as an Admitted student, call/email for an appointment with a professor in your major to ask questions about the facilities, the research going on, anything that makes this college unique. Ask students where the local coffee/boba tea/sandwich place is that they all go to and SIT  THERE. Observe the type of students. Do you feel comfortable? Make notes before you leave campus, especially if you are visiting more than one college in a day.

3-  MONEY $$$: Please keep this key point central to your decision. Yes, the name of the college can be very attractive. Will it ‘give’ you success? NO. YOU will give yourself success. I can give you countless stories of students who went to lesser known colleges that found successful careers after college. And, I can give you even more stories of students who went to ‘prestigious’ colleges, only to graduate with no connections or very few career opportunities. YOU MAKE THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE. The college does not make YOU. Graduate with less debt. Think longer term than 4 years, because the debt you may incur in those short 4 years could impact the following 10+ years of your lifestyle.

4-  This is YOUR decision: I know your friends mean so much to you, and that their approval is important. But, in less than 2 months, you will not see most of your high school friends very often. Please remember that. This is for YOU - after June, your life and those who surround you on a daily basis will drastically change.

5-  Waitlists: I know that some of you will want to be on a college’s Waitlist. This enrollment tool (college is a business!) was even more widely used this year.  Know your odds and follow the waitlist process carefully.  Are you/your parents willing to lose a deposit on a school that has accepted you if you don’t hear back from the waitlist until after May 1st? Each college gave you a link to indicate your interest for being on their waitlist. If they didn’t tell you how many students are on that list, do your own research (know the odds!) such as this UC Santa Cruz Admissions article posted about the admissions statistics. Google “Waitlist FAQs” in the college’s website search tool to learn more if the college didn’t provide you enough facts.

Meanwhile, put MORE research into the colleges that HAVE ACCEPTED you to help you make an informed decision by the May 1st deposit deadline. Enjoy the journey!