College Counseling

List of 6 items.

• PSAT

  There are three parts to the PSAT:

  1. Verbal/Critical Reading (50 minutes—two 25-minute sections) contains critical reading questions based on short reading passages of 100–200 words. Passages are taken from a variety of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. They also may be excerpts from works of fiction. Passages will vary in style and may include narrative, argumentative, and expository elements. Each short passage will be followed by two questions. There will also be a pair of short passages followed by four questions. (Score: 20–80)
  2. Mathematics (50 minutes—two 25-minute sections) includes concepts of numbers and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, and data analysis, statistics, and probability, as well as some pre-calculus questions. (Score: 20-80)
  3. Writing (30 minutes) includes a multiple-choice writing section that focuses on grammar, usage, and word choice, as well as sections on improving sentences, identifying sentence errors, and improving paragraphs. (Score: 20–80)

  Scores are reported as two-digit numbers ranging from 20 to 80. If you multiply your scores by 10, you will have a rough estimate of your projected SAT I scores (73 = 730, 65 = 650, etc.). You will receive three PSAT/NMSQT scores: Verbal, Math, and Writing.
  

  Purpose

  The PSAT/NMSQT results are meant to give students “practice” and an early indication of how they might perform on the SAT I. Students will receive their PSAT scores along with their answer sheet and test booklet in December. By reviewing the questions and answers, students can identify weak areas and prepare so that they do better when it does count.
  
  About the PSAT

• SAT

  The SAT Reasoning test, which will be administered beginning in March 2016, will include:
  

  • Two Mathematics sections, 80 minutes (one 25-minute section without calculator and one 55-minute section with calculator)
  • A Reading section, 65 minutes 
  • A Writing and Language section, 35 minutes 
  • An Essay section, 50 minutes (optional)
    
    

  Students will receive a Mathematics score between 200 and 800 and a combined score for Reading and Writing/Language between 200 and 800. They will receive three separate scores, each between 2 and 8, on the Essay, covering reading, analysis, and writing. The test is offered on seven dates each school year and is offered at Groton School six times a year. Look for more info at www.collegeboard.com.

   

  While the SAT provides some indication of verbal and mathematical aptitude, it does not measure other important qualities needed for success in college, such as motivation, perseverance, curiosity, and a sincere desire to learn. SAT Subject Tests are no longer offered by the College Board.
  
  Register for the SAT

• ACT with Writing

  The ACT can be used at almost all colleges as a substitute for the SAT I (and often for the SAT II Subject Tests). In the past, the ACT was used primarily by colleges in the Midwest and West of the United States. Recently, the number and geographical spread of colleges accepting the ACT has grown. For example, more than 98 percent of the 330 colleges that accept the Common Application also accept the ACT. Students should read the requirements of the colleges in which they are interested to determine whether the ACT is an acceptable or preferred option.
  
  The ACT consists of four 35- to 50-minute subtests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning, as well as a writing section. You will receive four separate scores, plus a composite score that averages the tests. Scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The College Counseling Office can provide a graph to help correlate ACT and SAT I scores.
  
  

  Register for the ACT

• TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

  This test is for non-native English speakers who either (1) have only been in the United States a few years, or (2) find the SAT I does not accurately reflect their English competency. The TOEFL is meant to assess if a student’s English is sufficient to understand college-level texts, rather than evaluating the fine points and extensive vocabulary covered by the critical reading SAT and Literature subject tests. An English Language Proficiency Test, sponsored by the College Board, is an alternative aimed toward students who have been taught in English for an additional number of years. Some colleges require the TOEFL of international students.
  
  Learn more about the TOEFL.

• Duolingo English Test

  https://www.englishtest.duolingo.com/

• AP: Advanced Placement Tests

  AP classes are college-level courses, taught in high schools, that follow a nationally developed curriculum. Scores range from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Colleges vary greatly in how they use the AP and how much credit students can receive for their scores. At Groton School, students enrolled in AP classes are required to take the exam. AP exams are given at Groton in May; they last three hours and are based on full-year college-level courses.

   

  Subjects include Art History, Studio Art, Biology, Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics (Micro and Macro), English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French, German, Government and Politics, Human Geography, International English Language, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Music Theory, Physics, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.
  
  The AP program was not designed to be used in college admission. Instead, it was designed to allow students to obtain college credit and/or to exempt students from introductory college courses. To gain credit for college, selective colleges require a score of at least 4, and some require a 5 (while others will not award credit at all).
  
  While APs were not intended to be used in colleges’ evaluation of candidates, many admission offices do pay attention to the presence of AP scores in an applicant’s folder. If a student has taken APs and has done well (a score of 4 or 5), it may be in his or her best interest to report these scores to colleges on the application. The task of reporting APs on a college application lies with the student. Students do not officially send AP scores until they are ready to matriculate to a college.