Guidance Department
Career and College Planning
COLLEGE ADMISSION
Most Community Colleges, Trade Schools, Technical Schools and other post high school programs DO NOT require ACT or SAT, but have their own tests for placement of students in English or math. When a student transfers to a 4-year college from a 2-year college, the ACT/SAT requirement is waived because acceptance is based upon the student's actual college performance.
Four-year colleges and universities generally require that students submit either ACT or SAT scores as part of the admissions application.
Both tests are administered on Saturdays throughout the year. Please get test registration packets from your counselor. If your counselor knows that you are planning to take an ACT of SAT on a given test date, he/she can make sure you get in the preparation group, and look over your registration form (everyone makes mistakes when bubbling).
The ACT and SAT differ significantly which is why we try to have students focus their efforts on one test and prepare to the best of their ability.
The ACT is considered a curriculum-based test, covering English, math ( alg I, II, geom, some trig), Reading (which includes a section on history) and science. Students may take an optional writing test for an additional fee (check with your college to see if they require it). It is multiple choice and there is no penalty for guessing.
The SAT is regarded as an assessment of critical thinking skills, testing the ability to (1) analyze and solve problems in math (Alg I, Alg II, Geom) , to (2) analyze critical reading passages demonstrating comprehension and vocabulary by answering multiple choice questions and to (3) write an organized essay which colleges may view on line. The SAT has both multiple-choice and student-produced answers and carries a penalty for guessing.
Students are encouraged to take both the MOCK ACT and SAT (practice tests given during the school day) during their junior or senior year, free of charge at Thomas Stone High School. By doing this, students can assess their strengths and check with the colleges they are interested in attending to determine which test would be most beneficial.
Costs – ACT $29, with $14 for the optional writing test. SAT $41.50. Highly selective colleges may require students to take SAT II subject tests in which case there is an $18 fee, along with $8 for each subject test.
Test preparation is available for both the ACT and SAT at Thomas Stone. There is also a link on the CCBOE web-site (24/7 SAT Prep) which allows our students to access a test preparation program once they have taken the MOCK tests. Their results will be in the computer so that they can practice in the areas where they are weak.
Currently CCPS provides all 10th grade students the opportunity to take the PSAT in October, free of charge. Interested students should sign up with their counselor.
Career & College Searches
See Mrs. Bilmanis in the Career Center for information on both.
Career Searches
The Career Center offers many options for career exploration. There are interest inventories, skill surveys, career information, and online searches. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is administered through the Career Center. This is an aptitude test and does not require that the test taker be considering military service. Students should see the Career Center Coordinator to make an appointment for any of these options.
College Searches
The Career Center is a resource room for exploring college options. Online and text references are available for research and loan. Information on admissions requirements, applications, test prep, essays and interviews, and financial aid is available.
Helpful Websites
Helpful Web Sites for College Bound Students
College Searches:
http://www.cx.bridges.com
http://www.petersons.com
http://www.fastweb.com
http://www.gocollege.com
http://www.marylandmentor.com
Financial Aid / Scholarships:
http://www.collegequest.com
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
http://www.ed.gov.studentaid
http://www.finaid.com
http:// www.salliemae.com/aud/highschl
http://www.fastweb.com
http://www.wiredscholar.com
http://www. WeeklyScholarshipAlert.org
Career Search:
http://www.cx.bridges.com
(user name – 0025852, password – thomas)
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