Testing Madness pt. 2 (PSAT Edition)

So..... that happened. Meaning that the PSAT dropped like a bomb this morning, and it was even weirder than anticipated. I spent most of my day parsing the results with Test Prep professionals and my colleagues. Oh, and answering emails! I know you have questions, and I am hoping that I have the answers. If I don't answer your question here, chances are I don't know and won't know for a bit longer.

Meanwhile, if you haven't been able to access your scores online, either you haven't registered for a College Board account, or the account has not been connected with your scores yet. Don't worry. At some point, you will receive an access code from your counselor, and you will then be able to see your scores. There is no immediate rush to do so, but when you get the score report, please download it, and send it to me.

Ultimately, the PSAT scores do not matter. They will not be sent to colleges, and only a very, very small percentage of you (3%) will be eligible for National Merit Commended Student or National Merit Semifinalist status. How do I know that? It is because the cut offs (the Selection Index on your forms) for the NMSQT are done by state, and DC, CA, and MA have some of the highest cutoffs nationwide. VAand MD are not far behind. In 2015 the cutoff for DC was 225, MD and VA were 222. The Commended student number has historically been around 203.

I am giving you these numbers so you have some context for the Selection Index that you have received with the caveat: Everything could be different this year. Even the 8 page (!) Concordance table that I have is labeled as "preliminary." (click here)

So here is what I know:
• The test is scored out of 1560 deliberately so it is not directly comparable to the SAT.
• The breakdowns will be important to your test prep person, because it will show where you need more work.
• The percentiles are MEANINGLESS. The curve is very sharp.
• The formula for calculating the Selection Index is very complex, and not worth figuring out. It is what it is.
• The Test Scores (the ones out of 38) are ultimately important, but it isn’t clear yet.

Finally, my bedside reading is this 40 page Lesson Plan released by the College Board two days ago. If you want to read it and explain it to me, I would be grateful!

My testing suggestions:
1) Stay the Course. The rSAT and the ACT have not changed since we last discussed what test is best for you.
2) If you are planning to take the ACT and want to give the rSAT a try, go for it! (and visa versa)
3) If you are a slow reader and you do not have accommodations, and you liked your PSAT scores, then go for the rSAT.

Testing Madness

I have been closely following information about testing for the class of 2017 and beyond. Much of it has been contradictory, and changes from week to week. Just yesterday, Trinity College of Hartford CT joined the test optional movement!

Up to this point, I have been recommending that students who did well on the PSAT in 10th grade, consider taking the OLD SAT this fall, and hold off on the rSAT until we had some more information. Well, that information is here. Two weeks ago, VA Tech confirmed that it would only be accepting the NEW rSAT for admission for fall of 2017. At the conference last week in San Diego, some colleges indicated privately that they will give preference for the NEW rSAT over the old SAT, because it is a harder test. They may even give the rSAT an edge over the ACT. On paper, however, they will accept both tests and the ACT.

This is creating a very rocky testing environment, with students prepping for tests, and then learning that the situation has changed. It is very upsetting for everyone, and makes the test optional colleges look more attractive! (Here is the latest list: fairtest.org)

So here is what I am recommending based on what I know today:

1. Prepare for whichever test you have chosen, and take that test.
2. Plan to take the SAT Subject Tests in May (this is true for 2018s too, but they can take it in June as well)
3. No matter what test you have prepared for, plan on taking the rSAT in June 2016.
4. Over the summer, we will assess the climate and make a decision about what scores to send. Could be one, could be all, could be none.

I wish I could be more definitive, but the winds are shifting too swiftly to know how this will all play out. As Jed's blog indicates, most colleges are in a "wait and see" mode. One thing is sure: they will make their decisions based on what is best for them, and their pool of prospective candidates. And decisions could be made next week, or 6 months from now, so stay tuned...

Freshman Year is a Transition...

So, Freshman Year is finally here, with all the excitement and anxiety that comes along with starting something totally new. You have packed up your stuff, moved in, and unpacked into a totally new environment. You may have even started classes already. Your parents have left, tearfully or quietly. And now you are looking around your new environment and wondering: What do I do now?

In particular the first few months of Freshman Year are difficult ones. You are out of your familiar environment. You don't have a solid group of friends yet, and you may be feeling like the admissions committee made a terrible mistake by letting you in! Here are some tips to get you through until you reach your comfort level:

Remember to Breathe: College is new experience, and can produce a lot of excitement and stress. Like summer camp, you are around new people 24 hours a day. Unlike camp, you won't be going home in a few weeks. This will be your life for 4 or more years. So take time to yourself when you need it. Remember to exercise, and while junk food is a huge temptation, you will feel a lot better if you make an effort to eat in a healthy way. Sleep is also important. If it is too noisy, get some earplugs. Just remember to put your phone on vibrate under your pillow to wake you up if you think you might not hear your alarm!

Say Yes.... to Everything: Sometimes you just want to veg out in your room.... but at least initially, don't turn down a single invitation or option to try something new. You may meet your soon-to-be best friend that way, or find something that you really enjoy. Even if you hate the experience, you don't have to repeat it. Everyone will be stretching their wings and reinventing themselves initially, so it is a good time to push up against your boundaries as well. Shy people can become more outgoing by make the effort in a new environment. (Saying Yes to everything does NOT include drugs or alcohol!)

Be Easy on Yourself: Insecurity and self-esteem issues can make people boast about or overstate their achievements, and then feel anxious about how they really stack up. This is a huge transition, and everyone else is also doubting themselves at least a little bit. Don't expect straight As (or even Bs) on your first few assignments. And don't wait until the last minute either. It will take a while to figure the rhythm and expectations of college life.

Rely on Yourself (but ask for help if you need it): Your parents love you, and will be happy to hear your complaints and try to solve your problems. Don't let them. Think in terms of: I have this problem, and this is what I plan to do about it. You can ask for advice, but make the decision for yourself. You will feel a lot more independent, and they will respect you more when you are taking responsibility for yourself. Remember, you can always rely on the RA, the Counseling Center, the Dean of Students and the Tutoring Center if you need them. They will be discreet, and no one needs to know. And if you feel lonely, don't call or text your friends back home... get out of your room and walk down the hall and talk to someone new. Your new friend is probably feeling out of place, too.


PARENTS: When my older children went to college, I changed the ring tone on my phone to one from the musical "Hairspray" that sings out: "Stop! Don't! No! Momma I'm a Big Girl Now!" The ring tone reminds me that no matter what I hear on the phone, I should stop giving advice, and start asking: What do you think you are going to do about that? I still get involved in finances and medical emergencies, but when Sasha got head lice her Freshman year, all I could do was say: That sounds awful! Well, you had better head over to health services. The point is, that you are not there, and they need to start doing things for themselves as the young adults they are!

So here are my tips for you:
Encourage, don't solve: The more that you can live and breathe this mantra, the better your relationship will be with your college student! Do not do anything for them on a regular basis that they can do for themselves, including calling professors, etc!

Text, don't call: You don't know where they are every minute of the day anymore. And even when they aren't in class, they may be socializing, so it is much more respectful to text than to call. And they will be more likely to respond. Better yet, wait for them to contact you!

Buy tickets as early as you can: Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring break flights are a bear. They earlier you book, the cheaper they are. It also will give you and your college student a sense of security knowing when you will see them. By the way, pick them up at the airport or station yourself. The ride home is the best time to hear all the details of college life before they reconnect with their high school friends.



Drop offs: Don't think the whole family needs to bring your kid to college. Remember that saying goodbye is emotional for your kid also, and for some, fewer goodbyes at the dorm might be better. Sure you can probably set up a dorm-room better than your child — but you may not get the chance, whether or not you are there. (Credit for this tip goes to Robin Broad, a professor at American University. Thanks, Robin!)

Parents weekend: I have mentioned this before: 2 meals and a shopping trip of their choice. I guarantee they will look forward to your coming back for visits if you stick to this limit. They won't be sick of you, you won't be impinging on their social life, and all in all, it makes for a pleasant visit when everyone knows what to expect!

Wishing you all a happy transition!

Knowing Your Animal Profile Can Help With College and Career Choices

It is said that Knowledge is Power. And I think that it is true in most cases... the more you know, the better decisions you can make. 

I recently developed a special pack of cards for my students to use to help them narrow down their college choices. It is based on a process called Top Card or Animal Kingdom for figuring out personality priorities that help people understand how they relate to their environment and the motivation behind their behaviors. The idea is to imagine that all life is erased from the world as we know it and only 4 species of animals can come back. If you want to be in the world, you have to choose one of these 4 animals. They are the Chameleon, Lion, Turtle and Eagle. 

Lions need lots of challenges, both academically and from their peers. Chameleons are looking to connect with others and collaborate. Eagles thrive in more structured environments, where they know what to expect, and Turtles, well, they bring their houses with them, so they make themselves comfortable wherever they are. 

My clients LOVE working with these cards. It has helped us develop a type of short hand as we discuss their choices of colleges, majors and ultimately careers. I also love this system because every time I do it, I always learn something new about myself. And because it isn't a forced choice, I realize that I have aspects of all the other animals in my personality as well.  The end result is a spectrum of information… “You have all these skills, but when you are stressed you may lean toward using this set."

Kids as young as 8 can answer the questions on the cards and sort them into 4 categories. It can be a fun family activity to find out which animal personality fits you best. When the Turtle in the family needs some “shell time” or the Lion starts to roar, it can also be a way to understand differences and be patient with each other. 

These cards are now available as part of Kickstarter campaign (http://kck.st/1yR0VSl).  If you would like to support the Animal Kingdom, please consider buying a pack. After the campaign is over the cards will retail for $20 and will be sold on bit.ly/animalkingdomcards.

Waiting is the Hardest Part

There are several stress peaks during this very stressful year, and this two weeks period is one of them (the other major one is at the end of March).

Acceptances will be trickling in, not just for you, but also for your friends. It is easy to get overwhelmed and depressed and anxious about the news. If you get accepted, you are ecstatic and happily share the news no matter how it will affect your friends and their mood. If you get deferred, you suddenly doubt that you will get in anywhere else. If you are denied... well, it isn't a good time.

So here are some tips for surviving (and thriving) during this very difficult time:

1. STOP TALKING TO YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT COLLEGE. This is especially important for parents. I walked on the treadmill at my health club and overheard 3 separate conversations about college. And in each one, at least one of parents got more and more anxious as they talked. You have plenty of other things to discuss. Be considerate about your friends' feelings and be discreet. Do not post your acceptance on Facebook! (this goes for parents, too!) Wait until May when all the choices have been made, and then you can celebrate.

2. FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES. If you have received an acceptance to one of your lower choice schools (safeties), print out the acceptance letter and post it on the refrigerator or someplace where you will see it often. It may not be your first choice, but at least you are going to college. (For those who haven't heard yet, stay positive, and distract yourself in other ways).

3. LET IT GO. If you are denied, repeat this mantra: "There will be other, better colleges for me and it is their loss." And then let it go. Don't obsess about why it happened. It is out of your control.

4. BE CONSTRUCTIVE. If you are deferred, make sure to update your file with mid-year grades, and anything new that has happened since you submitted your application. You still have a chance, so don't get bitter or obsessive. Send in anything that you think will strengthen your file. Also refocus on classwork and grades. They are more important than ever.

5. DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE. Take time to take care of yourself, and spend time with people you care about. Exercise, eat your favorite holiday foods, and enjoy yourself.

Hang in there... this too shall pass!

20 Tasks Teens Need to Know Before They Leave for College

I recently read a blog that listed 31 tasks that teens should be able to do before they left for college. I agreed with most of the items, but then I realized that I needed to add/subtract/amend some of them. So here is The College Lady's list of what teens should know how to do before they go to college.

In no particular order:

1. Manage a bank account (using a check card, checking your balance, and generally, not going into overdraft!)
2. Pay a bill (either in person, or using a website, or through your checking account. This includes using a credit card)
3. Make travel arrangements (you have to travel back and forth from college, right?)
4. Navigate an airport, train or bus station, take a cab or ride the subway
5. Talk to a stranger, whether it is a cab driver, a professor or the college dean
6. Plunge a toilet (an important life skill)/clean a bathroom (especially after you have been sick)
7. Car maintenance, change a tire, check the oil (especially important if you will have a car at college, but helping a friend out if they need it is valuable, too)
8. Pay for dinner, including appropriate tipping skills
9. Self-prescribe over the counter meds (what to take for muscle pain, headache, etc. without calling Dr. Mom)
10. Call a doctor (knowing when to call is an art, but there are general guidelines)
11. Cook a meal (especially if you don't want to eat at dining services all the time!)
12. Cancel a membership or an account
13. Buy clothes/Return a purchase
14. Pack a suitcase
    
15. Do the laundry/use an iron/sew a button/remove a stain
16. Comparison shopping and staying on a budget when you are buying your own food (using coupons and shopping the sales is important, too)
17. Negotiate a deal (it can't hurt to ask for a discount, as long as you aren't being pushy or obnoxious)
18. Make a bed (impress your roommate or prospective partners!)
19. Enjoy a drink responsibly and know when to stop drinking before you get too drunk or sick (and know how to take care of a sick roommate or friend)
    
20. Say "no" with confidence to roommates, panhandlers and unwanted sexual advances.

Tips to Triumph over Testing Torture!

Pardon the alliteration in the title, but testing is the bane of most student's existence. Even with test prep, it is stressful, and you have to wake up early on a weekend after a long week at school. Sadly, even with the "new" SAT on the horizon, testing is going to be a part of high school life for the foreseeable future. So whether you are taking the AP, SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests or PSAT, here are some tried and true tips to help you get through it.

• Sleep
  Getting a good night's sleep the night before a test is a no-brainer. But did you know that getting a full 8 hours of sleep two nights before is even more important? Your quality of sleep on both Thursday night and Friday night before a Saturday test is critical... it is almost like putting sleep in the bank, so that in case you don't sleep well on Friday, you have enough to make sure you can adequately function on the rest of the previous night’s sleep. The quality of the sleep and the regularity (same time to bed, and same time getting up) also helps you feel more awake on the morning of the test.
• Food
  Make sure you have plenty to eat and drink before and during the test. Pack lots of fluids and granola bars and high protein snacks to keep you going. Stay away from caffeine if it makes you jittery. The same goes for sugar, so you avoid the energy high and then crash that can happen. Students who take tests without snacking show a noticeable drop in their scores as the test goes on... Forget the diet, just keep yourself going for all 3.5 hours!
• Gum, mints or hard candy
  Studies have shown that sucking on mints or Jolly Rancher candies, or chewing gum can increase concentration during a test. Don't believe me? Click here. (http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/gum-chewing-may-improve-concentrati-13-03-26/) If one is distracting, or you tend to crunch (which could annoy other test takers) switch to something else. And remember: unwrap before the test begins!
• Visualize success
  Five minutes before the test begins, close your eyes and visualize yourself taking the tests and achieving your goals. Meditation can help you focus, feel more confident, and will help you maintain a positive outlook rather than feeling shaken when you don't know the answer to a question. Check this out: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/how-meditation-might-boost-your-test-scores/

Good luck with your testing... Once the Test Torture is out of the way, you can move on to the next stage of your college admission process. Whew!