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Junior Bulletin
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College Counseling Junior Bulletin
December 2007

 

Juniors should make a habit of checking the College Counseling website at www.hammondschool.org at least once a week. Follow the links to College Counseling. Then click on From the Director’s Desk. This page contains a wealth of information that will offer you support as you move through the research and reflection stage of the college process.

  1. At this point you should have already attended your Junior Fall 1-on-1 conference with Mrs. Bickley. Don’t forget…
    • The goals you set during this conference for your junior year are extremely important.
    • Colleges put a great deal of emphasis on junior year grades.
    • Exams are just around the corner. Focus!
  2. If for some reason you have not scheduled a conference with Mrs. Bickley, see Ms. Easler in the College Counseling Office immediately.
  3. Juniors should be actively developing preliminary college lists. The R&R (research and reflection) phase of the college search process began during the in-state and out-of-state college trips last month. As the process continues, juniors should make a habit of visiting the Hammond School College Counseling website at least once a week.
    • Log on www.hammondschool.org .
    • Follow the College Counseling link to the College Counseling homepage.
    • Then explore the From the Director’s Desk link on the College Counseling homepage.
  4. PSAT Score Reports
    • PSAT Score Reports will be distributed to juniors during a special session presented by Mrs. Bickley as soon as the score reports arrive in December. Watch the daily announcements for meeting time and place.
    • During the session students will be guided through a detailed explanation of the score report and how to interpret and use the results. Students will also receive their original test booklet.
    • Students should use their PSAT results to review for the SAT. The information provided in the score report will be the best guide for tailoring individual SAT review.
  5. Most juniors should take the SAT in March and again in May.
    • Students must register for the March 1 SAT no later than January 29.
    • Students must register for the May 3 SAT no later than April 1.
    • Register at www.collegeboard.com
    • Hammond’s school code is 410533. You must supply this number when you register with College Board to take the SAT.
  6. The best preparation for the SAT is taking advantage of a rigorous curriculum throughout your high school career. However, as the test date draws closer, it is also important to become familiar with the test format and to spend some time on focused review. SAT prep is critical. There are several excellent options. All options require effort and commitment on your part. You might want to consider one of the following:
    • Purchasing an SAT Prep book and working through the practice problems
    • Completing the online SAT prep course offered by College Board. Details available at www.collegeboard.com
    • Taking an SAT prep class from a reputable test prep company.
    • Securing the help of an SAT tutor.
  7. Juniors enrolled in AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, PreCalculus, AP US History should consider taking SAT II’s in those subject areas in May or June if you are considering a college/university that requires or recommends SAT II Subject Tests. SAT II’s are approximately an hour long. Students can take up to three in a day. For more information on SAT II Subject Area Tests, go to www.collegeboard.com
  8. Mark Your Calendars: The Junior Student Symposium has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, from 8:00-10:00 am. Following a brief introductory session, students will have an opportunity to attend workshops on a variety of college admission topics presented by guest speakers who are experts on college admissions.
  9. Junior Parents Please Note: The Junior Parent Symposium will be held Monday, January 14, from 5:00-7:00 pm. This is an absolute Don’t Miss Event for all junior parents. Following a brief introductory session, parents will have an opportunity to attend three breakout sessions on a variety of topics concerning college admissions. Workshop topics and registration forms will be mailed within the next few weeks.
  10. Mark Your Calendar: National Association for College Admission Counseling will host its National College Fair in Charlotte, March 30 (Sunday), 12:00-4:00 pm, Charlotte Merchandise Mart. For more info, visit www.nacacnet.org/ncf .
  11. For those interested in a web-based college search process and those looking to explore scholarship opportunities well in advance, the following are excellent websites:

     

    South Carolina Governor’s School

    Academically talented juniors interested in being nominated to attend The Governor’s School of South Carolina (June 8-July 5, 2008) should see Mrs. Bickley for details. Dr. John Newell, Director of the SC Governor’s School, will present an information session in the Lecture Hall on December 7 at 10:00 (or immediately following assembly). Check www.guvie.cofc.edu to explore what The Governor’s School summer program at the College of Charleston has to offer.