ISSAQUAH HIGH PTSA

 

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SAT/ACT Readiness Program

 

 

2007 – 2008

Mock exams and readiness classes have been held for this year.

 

2008 – 2009

Check back next fall for more offerings of mock exams and readiness classes.

 

 

SAT/ACT Tests – the REAL thing:

Parents of juniors should be aware that there are limited seats for SAT and ACT testing in our area.  Early registration for desired test dates is suggested to avoid extra driving to more distant locations.  See below for links to SAT and ACT information.

 

 

College Planning and Admissions

Ø      A great informational tool is available through the IHS Counseling Department/Career Center.  The IHS College Planning Resource Handbook is filled with information on navigating the college admissions process and is a great starting point for parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Ø      Click this link for a useful article from The Seattle Times on “How to gently help package your senior for college admission: 
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2003326861_collegeap28.html

Ø       On April 25, 2007, the PTSA sponsored a parent education event on college planning.  The guest speaker was Claire Nold-Glaser, an independent college counselor, who enlightened us with "Finding the Fit...Thoughts & Ideas for Personalizing the College Search/Selection Process."  She graciously given us a copy of her presentation to share.

 

 

 

PSAT/NMSQT vs SAT vs ACT??

Are you totally confused by this alphabet soup??  You are not alone.  Let us try to help.

 

Ø       The PSAT or PreSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a test offered one time each fall, primarily to high school Juniors, as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition.  Yes, the PSAT can be taken by anyone, and the test makers tout the test as good practice for the actual SAT, but only Juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition and therefore the majority of PSAT test takers are Juniors.  Most importantly, the PSAT is not to be confused with the “mock” SAT that we offer each year or any other practice SAT you may hear about. 

 

Ø       The SAT or Scholastic Aptitude Test is the college entrance exam that many of you will include with your college application.  The test is offered several times a year and can be taken more than once.  It is totally up to you to register and sit for the test to make timely application to your targeted schools.  During the school year, your PTSA will offer readiness classes as well as a “mock” SAT exam.

 

Ø       The ACT or American College Test is also a widely recognized college entrance exam.  It differs from the SAT in several areas.  The ACT is often described as a “content based” test while the SAT tests “critical thinking”.  Specifically the ACT includes a science reasoning section, a trigonometry section and tests English grammar to a greater degree.  The SAT tests more vocabulary and is not entirely multiple choice.  Again, it is up to you to register and sit for the exam.  Your PTSA will offer a “mock” ACT exam during the year.

 

Make sense??  Also try these helpful links:  For info on the SAT go to www.collegeboard.com.  For info on the ACT try www.act.org.  Or for a more impartial look at the two entrance exams try www.kaplan.com and/or www.princetonreview.com.

 

 

For more information about the SAT/ACT Readiness program, please contact the SAT/ACT Readiness Program chairpersons, Danielle Tilden and Sue Jacobson.