SOPHOMORE YEAR

Sophomore students and their parents Sophomore students and their parents To receive messages via text To receive messages via text to to You can unsubscribe anytime by replying You can unsubscribe anytime by replying To receive messages via To receive messages via Send to Send to To unsubscribe, reply with ‘unsubscibe’ in the subject line To unsubscribe, reply with ‘unsubscibe’ in the subject line

You are just starting your second year in high school. You are just starting your second year in high school. Your life is full right now of homecoming, football/volleyball games, and plans for the fair next week. Your life is full right now of homecoming, football/volleyball games, and plans for the fair next week. However, it is NOT too early to begin planning for your future... And your future eduction. However, it is NOT too early to begin planning for your future... And your future eduction.

WHY SHOULD YOU EXTEND YOUR EDUCATION? At college... At college... You try new things You try new things You meet new people You meet new people You expand your understanding of the world and what it has to offer You expand your understanding of the world and what it has to offer You can improve your chances of having the life and job you want You can improve your chances of having the life and job you want In most cases, the more education you have, the more careers and jobs you can choose from, and... In most cases, the more education you have, the more careers and jobs you can choose from, and...

... the more money you can earn.

SOPHOMORE ACTION PLAN September / October / November September / October / November December / January / February December / January / February March / April / May March / April / May June / July / August June / July / August

Try your hand at standardized testing by signing up for the PSAT. Try your hand at standardized testing by signing up for the PSAT. Keep your grades up. Attend tutoring for extra help if you need it. Keep your grades up. Attend tutoring for extra help if you need it. Dedicate time to outside activities. Your commitment will help you stand out on your college applications. Dedicate time to outside activities. Your commitment will help you stand out on your college applications. Explore your interests. What type of activities do you like that could lead to a future career? Explore your interests. What type of activities do you like that could lead to a future career?

PSAT “Practice” SAT Given Wednesday, October 16 Begins at 8:00 in the morning Report directly to auditorium Cost - $15 Cash only Sign up in counseling office Deadline – October 9 (Wed before fair)

PSAT Measures 3 subject areas Measures 3 subject areas Critical Reading Critical Reading Two 25-minute sections / 48 questions Two 25-minute sections / 48 questions Mathematics Mathematics Two 25-minute sections / 38 questions Two 25-minute sections / 38 questions Writing Writing One 30-minute section / 39 questions One 30-minute section / 39 questions Scoring Scoring Ranges from 20 to 80 in each subject area Ranges from 20 to 80 in each subject area Correct answer = 1 point Correct answer = 1 point Omitted answer = 0 point Omitted answer = 0 point Wrong multiple-choice answer = Minus ¼ point Wrong multiple-choice answer = Minus ¼ point Bring calculator!

WHY TAKE PSAT? Provides preparation for college admissions testing Provides preparation for college admissions testing SAT SAT Identify specific skills for improvement Identify specific skills for improvement Gives personalized, comprehensive feedback on test performance Gives personalized, comprehensive feedback on test performance Plan for college and careers Plan for college and careers Free access to My College Quick Start Free access to My College Quick Start

EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS Knowing what you like to do is the first step in looking at career possibilities. Take a look at your favorite hobbies Determine what high school classes you enjoy the most – and the least What do you consider your strengths? Your weaknesses? Volunteer or help out at places that seem interesting to you

CAREER WEBSITES Career Assessment Career Assessment Career Exploration Career Exploration Jobs in the healthcare industry Jobs in the healthcare industry

Discover unique tips on how to organize a filing system to keep records of your high school career. Begin researching college options. Plan for your junior year. Enroll in challenging courses. Consider Dual Credit courses. Must have “A” average. Must take and pass testing to prove you are ready for college-level work.

TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE Designed to determine if student ready for college-level course work Must be successful on test in order to enroll in Dual Credit at high school. No more ACCUPLACER or THEA New Test beginning in September 2013 –TSI Assessment –Three core areas: Reading, Math, Writing Mandatory Pre-Assessment Activity

TSI REGISTRATION Complete online pre-assessment activity – Contact Blinn/Brenham to register for a test day selection – Pay for TSI Assessment –Go to Enrollment Services –$45 –Photo ID required to purchase Bring to test –Purchased Admission Ticket –Receipt –Photo ID –No food, drink, cell phones, calculators, backpacks, large purses, hats, caps

TSI EXEMPTIONS SAT –Math = 500, Critical Reading = 500, Combined Score = 1070 ACT –Math = 19, English = 19, Composite = 23 HELPFUL WEBSITE

CLASSES COLLEGES LOOK FOR Solid foundation of academic subjects Always check with each school to learn their specific requirements Subjects: –English Four years –Math Three years (Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry) Competitive schools – Four Years + –Natural Sciences Biology, Chemistry, Physics –Social Studies US History, Government, World History/Geography –Additional Courses Foreign Language – 2 years of same language The Arts

COLLEGE EXPLORATION WEBSITES Virtual Tours – – College Matchmaker – College Information – –

 Check for special events held on college campus for prospective students.  Begin financial discussions with family members on how to plan for college expenses.  Register and participate in college admissions testing.  Finish the year strong. Stay involved in activities. Run for leadership positions in organizations. Keep grades up.

 Campus Preview Days November 16, 2013 November 16, 2013 March 29, 2014 March 29, 2014 Visit to schedule Visit to

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WEBSITES      

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTING  Two tests to choose from SAT SAT ACT ACT  Standardized, Timed  Determine readiness for college-level work  Online registration Photo required Photo required Included on admission ticket, testing roster, score reportsIncluded on admission ticket, testing roster, score reports High School Code required High School Code required Bellville HS Bellville HS

SAT   Cost - $50  Three subjects Critical Reading Critical Reading Two 25-minute sections, One 20-minute sectionTwo 25-minute sections, One 20-minute section Math Math Two 25-minute sections, One 20-minute sectionTwo 25-minute sections, One 20-minute section Writing Writing One 25-minute section, One 10-minute sectionOne 25-minute section, One 10-minute section Essay – 25 minute section REQUIREDEssay – 25 minute section REQUIRED

SAT  Scoring Individual subjects Individual subjects Each subject score ranges from Each subject score ranges from Essay has separate score 2-12Essay has separate score 2-12 Total Total Composite of all three individual subjects added togetherComposite of all three individual subjects added together Critical Reading + Math + WritingCritical Reading + Math + Writing Highest Score possible = 2400Highest Score possible = 2400  Penalties Typically ¼ point deducted for wrong answers Typically ¼ point deducted for wrong answers If you can narrow down choices to 2, make a guess If you can narrow down choices to 2, make a guess Otherwise, leave blank Otherwise, leave blank

SAT TESTING DATES  November 2, 2013 Registration deadline - October 3 Registration deadline - October 3  December 7, 2013 Registration deadline - November 8 Registration deadline - November 8  January 25, 2014 Registration deadline - December 27 Registration deadline - December 27  March 8, 2014 Registration deadline - February 7 Registration deadline - February 7  May 3, 2014 Registration deadline - April 4 Registration deadline - April 4  June 7, 2014 Registration deadline - May 9 Registration deadline - May 9

ACT   Cost - $35 With Writing added - $50.50 With Writing added - $50.50  Four subjects English English 45 minutes45 minutes Math Math 60 minutes60 minutes Reading Reading 35 minutes35 minutes Science Science 35 minutes35 minutes Writing (OPTIONAL) Writing (OPTIONAL) 30 minutes30 minutes

ACT  Scoring Each subject score ranges 1-36 Each subject score ranges 1-36 Composite or Total score – Average of the four sections together Composite or Total score – Average of the four sections together Optional Essay – scores from 1-12 Optional Essay – scores from 1-12  Penalties No penalties for wrong answers No penalties for wrong answers Since incorrect answers do not count against student, always attempt to make an educated guess Since incorrect answers do not count against student, always attempt to make an educated guess Always select an answer Always select an answer

ACT TESTING DATES  October 26, 2013 Registration deadline - September 27 Registration deadline - September 27  December 14, 2013 Registration deadline - November 8 Registration deadline - November 8  February 8, 2014 Registration deadline - January 10 Registration deadline - January 10  April 12, 2014 Registration deadline - March 7 Registration deadline - March 7  June 14, 2014 Registration deadline - May 9 Registration deadline - May 9

TEST PREP WEBSITES     

Update your files for the year. Collect report cards and test scores. Make a note of awards or honors earned. Record school and community activities. Secure a job. Or volunteer your services. Build credentials while having fun. Attend summer enrichment programs in an area of interest. Visit college campuses. Read, read, and read some more!