Office of School Counseling Our Lady of Mercy Academy March 18, 2014

Naviance Program Standardized Testing Information Regents Requirements & Course Information Student Athlete NCAA Guidelines Questions and Answers

College Admission Representatives are looking at a number of factors GPA – Grade Point Average for 9 th, 10 th & 11 th grade as well as senior grades. Colleges look at whether the student challenged themselves based on the courses that their high school offered. Students should still continue to challenge themselves in their senior year. Activities - What does the student do besides go to high school? Volunteer work and being a leader is something that will help you stand out. SAT and/or ACT scores The essay portion in your application will tell a story about you – this will be discussed junior year and in English classes senior year. Next year at Junior College Night, we will invite a College Admissions Representative to share their insights with you. High School is a journey and we are here to take that journey with you. We realize this can be overwhelming but we are in this together and you can call us anytime.

Administered to all Enrolled Sophomores and Juniors in October Students don’t need to Register for this Exam / Taken at OLMA More Information on PSAT Exam can be found at their website:

Students are tested on three sections – Math, Critical Reading and Writing. Each section is out of 80 points. Add a zero onto each section to give you an idea of what you would score on the SAT. This test is to show your strengths and weaknesses and it does not go on your transcript and is not sent to colleges. Booklets and tests are given back to Sophomores and next year again to Juniors. Junior results are used to determine if they qualify for the National Merit Scholarship given by CollegeBoard. Students are given an access code on their score report which is designed to help each student review their results –We strongly encourage that they take advantage of this tool.

The SAT is a three hour and forty-five minute exam that measures ability to critically reason, apply mathematical concepts and write. Each section is out of 800 points. It is an aptitude test. When students take the PSAT as a Sophomore and as a Junior, it is preparing them for the SAT. Students typically take the SAT in May of their Junior year and October of their Senior year. However, we have seen more students opting to take the test in March of their Junior year. The SAT is required by most four year colleges and some two year colleges. Students are encouraged to register online at Deadline dates are important and late fees apply if registration deadlines are not met. All information can be found on their website. Dates for exams are also listed in our agenda books and in your folder. CollegeBoard is a user friendly site that has many tools for students and their families. We suggest all students/families become familiar with this site and create an account. Changes to the SAT will go into effect Spring 2016 and will not effect the current sophomore class.

The SAT II Subject Reasoning Tests are required by Ivy League schools and some competitive colleges. They usually require two to three exams. It is the student’s responsibility to check if the schools they are interested in require them. Tests are offered in Biology, (molecular and/or ecology), Chemistry, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, German with Listening, English Literature, European History, Math Level 1, Math Level II, Modern Hebrew, US History and World History. Students who are strong in the subject – 85 or better, may consider taking them and we also suggest talking to your subject teacher. Results will be seen by your colleges when you send you SAT scores through Students typically take the tests after the subject course is completed in June. Subject tests are hour long tests and you can take up to three in a day. It is important to have your test results sent to OLMA in addition to yourself. Our CEEB high school code is Test centers are listed in the back of the registration bulletin and online. Students are reminded to bring a photo I.D. with them to the test.

We suggest that all students take the ACT, as well as the SAT. Colleges will accept either test. The ACT is offered in September, October, December, April and June. The ACT is an achievement test that some students may find easier. It is out of 36 points and has four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The Writing section is considered optional however students should register for it. It is an assessment related to what you have learned in high school. This test includes 215 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours and 30 minutes to complete and an additional 30 minutes for the writing section. By taking both the SAT and ACT you have the option to send either set of scores, whichever is higher. Reminder: It is important to send all score results to OLMA, as well as, yourself.

99% of the schools super score either the SAT and/or ACT depending on which test the student sends. What that means is that they will take the highest scores on multiple tests. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us. May SATOctober SAT Math 625Math 550 Critical Reading 640Critical Reading 650 Writing 710Writing 700 The colleges will super score and take the highest composite score for both the SAT and ACT. Know when you want to take SAT, SAT II ( and/or ACT ( and sign up through their websites.

CoursesNYSOLMA English44 Social Studies44 Math33 Science33 Health0.5 The Arts12 Theology04 Languages other than English 13 Physical Education 22 Sequence Courses/Electives 3.5 TOTAL Required2229 ExaminationsRegents Diploma Advanced Regents Diploma RE EnglishYes RE MathematicsYes 2 nd RE Mathematics NoYes 3 rd RE Mathematics NoYes RE Global History & Gov’t Yes RE US History & Gov’t Yes RE ScienceYes 2 nd RE ScienceNoYes Languages other than English (FLACS) NoYes

Takes place after the 3 rd quarter is completed. Students must be recommended for Honors, AP & College level courses by current year teachers. Students are assisted by their School Counselor and teachers to plan for the appropriate course load. TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR JUNIOR Math Science English History Foreign Language Theology Physical Education Elective Lunch

Honors Courses Offered in Math, Science, and English. Advanced Placement Courses (AP) Rigorous college level courses a student can take in high school. Exams are given in May and are scored on a scale from 1-5. Some colleges will give credit to students who receive a 4 or above on an AP exam. The student’s grade is weighted on her transcript. Nine AP courses are offered at OLMA in core subject areas. College Courses Offered in conjunction with St. John’s University and Molloy College for a fee. Courses in English, Foreign Language, and Philosophy. Open to Seniors. Students may receive college credits upon completion.

Research program with a focus on the environment in both the hard sciences and social sciences. Students have the opportunity to design and develop their own research projects. Open to students through an application process. Openings are limited. Students must be able to attend mandatory sessions, work independently, manage time and balance commitments. Information on EDEN can be found on OLMA’s website. There will be an information meeting for parents and students.

Students who wish to participate in NCAA Division I or II athletics need to be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Students need to qualify academically and will also need to be cleared as an amateur student-athlete. Checklist for College-Bound Student Athletes: Register at the beginning of your junior year at Request in your Naviance Family Connection to have your transcript sent electronically to the NCAA Eligibility Center at the end of your junior year. Take the ACT or SAT and use the code “9999” to have your official scores sent directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Make sure you are on track to graduate on time with your class and have the required amount of core courses. Request final amateurism certification during your senior year from the NCAA Eligibility Center. Request the Office of School Counseling to submit your final transcript with proof of graduation to the NCAA Eligibility Center.