Finding your-self frantically studying for SAT I of II in the summer??? Scrambling to write and re-write your application essay??? Complete confused about what you need to get into your dream college??? Ahhh…so exciting…not. Right, here are a bunch of random questions and answers as well as excellent links to websites flooded with information.
SATs
Q1) Should I ever guess?
A1) If you can eliminate at least on of the 4-5 answers, go ahead and guess. However, don’t spend too much time on the question if you are going to guess at it. Just fill in a bubble and go on!! Its not worth the time that can be spent on a question you are more likely to get right.
Q2) What’s the difference between Math IC and IIC? Which one should I take?
A1) Basically, Math IIC incorporates a more advanced degree of math and is more challenging. Math IC test you knowledge of algebra, geometry, and basic trig. Math IIC however focuses on trig and pre-calculus. Since the admission usually weighs both tests equally, it might be to your advantage to take the Math IC test, unless your university of major requires Math IIC.
sign up of SAT I or II at the college-board at http://www.collegeboard.com or call them at
(609) 771-7600
Updates (here's some important information)Top 4%: Taking effect in the fall of 2001 in the UC system, the top 4% of students in each of the Californian public high schools will me UC eligible and offered admission at one of the eight campuses.
New Eligibility Index: Effective for freshmen applicants for the fall of 2001, a new index has been released. The index includes a formula which weighs the SAT II more heavily than the SAT I, the minimum GPA is 2.8, the highest combined SAT I score from a single sitting and the highest SAT II scores from any sitting will be considered in the formula.
Stand Out!!!: Every year thousands of students with their 4.0 GPAs and 1600 SATs expecting to get into Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Harvard are rejected. Why? Because so many people are getting 4.0 and 1600, universities and colleges alike are using different tactics in their admission offices.
Q3) Then how do I stand out?
A1) One of the most important factors is how strongly committed to extra-curricular activities. Your commitment to clubs, leadership, volunteer, jobs, music, art, sports all count. Since they are looking for strong commitment, it’s the quality that counts not the quantity. Another crucial thing is the letter of recommendation. Remember that you want to find a teacher that really knows you. Not only how you do grade-wise, or your behavior in class, but also your life, what you like to do, how you act around different people. Don’t forget to ask your teachers early!!
The dreaded application essay: An ever-increasing important portion of the application is the essay. It is the only part where the admissions can actually learn about you as a whole, and not how well you can bs =) your way through grades and tests. The application essay may be the difference between an acceptance and a rejection.
Q4) How do you write good applications? What are colleges looking for?
A1) START EARLY!!!! Its always a good idea to start during the summer of you jr. year in high school. Proofread, then re-write. Students usually re-write their essay 4-6 times. Tell your brother or sister, friends or tutor to read and correct it. Also, read some sample essays, those always help. Some websites such as college-board offers a service to correct practice essays. My website may help, it has a ton of SAT and college links and information.
https://www.angelfire.com/hi2/fire4christ/