Explanation Needed: When to explain a deficiency in a transcript

Your test scores are stellar. You took rigorous courses. Your grades are superb....except for that one semester. So you ask yourself, "do I tell the admissions office why?" When should you explain the low grade or the semester of low grades? Let's take a look at when you should explain and when you should not.

The following may be included in reasons you should explain.
You suffered from an extended illness or injury that kept you out of school.
Your home life was significantly changed, either through divorce or the death of a parent or sibling.
You moved and changed schools in the middle of a semester.


Just as important as knowing when to account for a deficiency, is knowing when to avoid clarification. Never use excuses. Never try to blame others. Justifications that include "the teacher was unfair, " "I broke up with my boyfriend/girlfriend," or "the class was boring" are best left unspoken.

Use these guidelines to help you decide whether to expound on your transcript! Happy searching!

Choose the right test for you!

Taking the SAT or the ACT this month? Knowing what to expect may help you choose the test that is right for you. Here is a breakdown of the two tests:
SAT
10 sections: 3 Critical reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing(includes essay),1 Experimental (unscored)
Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Scoring: Total score possible 2400
3 scores: 200-800 each section
Score: Each correct answer=1 point
Incorrect answer subtract 1/4 point (except math grid-in answers)
Leave blank=0 points
Guess: Collegeboard publications recommend guessing if you can rule out one answer

ACT
Sections: 4 sections (5 if you choose to take writing)
1 Reading, 1 Math, 1 English, 1 Science (optional writing section at end of test)
Length: 3 hours, 25 minutes if taking optional writing
Scoring: 1-36 possible on each section, Composite score with average of all sections 1-36
Score: No wrong answer penalty, always guess

College Resource

US News and World Report has published their newest edition of America's Best Colleges 2010. As with any ranking, please use this in conjunction with a variety of resources to find the best college fit for you.

College Application Mistakes

Many of us make mistakes everyday. But none of us want a mistake that can keep us from attaining our dreams. St. Andrews Presbyterian College has posted a list of the 10 Most Common College Application Mistakes. So, take a look and hopefully avoid a costly mistake!

PSAT-Take it!

Did you know that the PSAT really does count! The Preliminary SAT(PSAT), if taken during a student's junior year, counts plenty toward college and scholarship opportunities. It is the qualifying test for several scholarships and programs. Although the National Merit Scholarship is the most widely known, there are others including the National Achievement Scholarship Program (for African American students) and the National Hispanic Recognition Program for students who identify themselves as at least 1/4 Latino orHispanic. For more information on each of these, click on the links.

So juniors, take the PSAT! Deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 23 at lunch. It will cost you a fee, but if you are on free lunch, see Mrs. Schilit for a fee waiver. Take your fee to Mr. Eberlin and sign up with Mrs. Todd in guidance.

One last advantage of taking the PSAT, it allows you to use the College Board's My College QuickStart Program. That program can help you set up a personalized SAT prep program, search for colleges, look at timelines, etc.

Sign up today for the PSAT!

Update on SAT registration

The date for regular registration for the SAT in October has been extended until Sept. 23. That means you can still register without paying a late fee. And if you need a little more practice, check out this page on the college board website.

SAT registration

Tomorrow, September 9, is the regular deadline for registering for the October 10 SAT. Don't wait any longer. If you are a senior, planning on attending four-year college, and haven't taken either the SAT or ACT yet...register now. The October 24 ACT deadline is September 18. Although you can register for either test after the regular deadline, you shouldn't....unless you just enjoy spending extra money.