In addition to running NPCs, they should go ahead and plan out a testing schedule. For schools listed, I would plan on at minimum the math 2 in addition to the bio already taken. I would take the physics subject test if at all possible. I would also take the regular test fairly soon so that if more than 1 attempt is needed, there is breathing room to add in another testing time. If taking multiple APs in May, the May/June testing dates really stink for the regular test and are better for subject tests.
Doing everything in the spring… AP tests, 1-2 subject tests, SAT and ACT first attempts… may be stressful. I think there is an August SAT date as well. I do think that a testing schedule is necessary… but of course the student may already have one- we don’t know.
I agree with thumper that scores are needed in order to have a list.
also start seriously investigating merit aid possibilities. Deadlines for scholarships at colleges are often quite early, and might be something to consider if the high reaches don’t come through.
@roycroftmom I agree and why test scores before fall can really matter. Several schools’ competitive scholarship application deadlines are between Oct 15 (Georgia Tech) and Nov 15 (USCarolina Top Scholars by but in bolded letters on their website they encourage by Oct 15.) Those are not really atypical deadlines for competitive merit.
Naviance was the best tool that we used to see where my son would be accepted into . He was accepted to all but he only applied to schools that had more then a 30 percent acceptance rate. For reach schools, it is a bit more of challenge to figure out, but if you have her PSAT scores and GPA, I would look at naviance and talk to guidance for a better idea.
Why no PSAT or not even a response to the question? I thought nearly all college bound juniors take it in Oct. It has a high correlation to SAT scores as well as being good practice for standardized college testing.
Seems that the rate of PSAT taking is regional. Based on numbers of PSAT takers and numbers of students in each high school class level, some states may have over two thirds of high school students taking the PSAT (e.g. MA), while others may have only about a fifth (e.g. MS).
It would not be surprising if the rate of PSAT taking correlates to SAT versus ACT use, since people may perceive the PSAT as a “practice SAT”, so those focusing on the ACT may be less aware of it, or its National Merit implications.
@ucbalumnus Maybe, but the student has already taken a subject test and is a nationally ranked speed cuber. The schools discussed are all competitive admissions. The parent profile is also of well-educated parents. They live in the NE where the SAT is the more popular test. It is more likely to be an unknown in some backgrounds than others. It does seem more likely that this family is more aware than not.
If affordability is a problem for test taking, please consider talking to a guidance counselor about the possibility of getting waivers for SAT testing.
If you are eligible for a waiver, you can get two which cover an SAT test and subject tests. You can also get additional free SAT scores sent and some free college applications as well.
This thread might be worthwhile reading: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/georgia-institute-technology/2048755-shocked-parent-advice-please-p1.html
Thanks–we recognize that these are extraordinarily competitive schools. We have a plan to visit about 15 schools, and these are all within 45 minutes of our house, so they were easy and interesting to visit in a day. Also on the emerging list: Clark, Brandeis, UMass Amherst, Holy Cross, RPI, BU, possibly Hamilton.
D was very ill in the fall with flu during PSAT.
Thanks–very interesting. I would assume we can’t assume anything about admissions – any program could turn her down even if her profile of scores, EC’s etc seems like a fit for the school.
Thank you-- very much appreciated. We can afford the testing–we can’t afford to pay full tuition, so that’s what I mean about requiring aid. I am taking everyone’s advice and running the numbers on all her preferred schools.
“Wouldn’t an affordable safety that she likes be the first college to look for to put on the application list?”
I agree that affordable safety and match schools might be more important, and possibly more difficult, than finding appropriate reach and low reach schools. For an academically very strong student, finding reaches might be relatively easier if only because they are more likely to be famous schools.
Definitely run the NPC on her reach schools, or perhaps on all schools that you consider.
I would think that for an academically very strong student from New England, the obvious matches and safeties would be her in-state public flagship, McGill, and perhaps U.Mass, UVM, and UNH.
If she wants a small school then of course there would be a different list altogether.
Both my D had at least taken either SAT or ACT once in the first semester of junior. I strongly suggest students to finish taking ACT/SAT by the end of junior, not just having the first score.
The summer before junior is the best time to prep for the tests. The summer after junior should be the time to start working on the applications and essays. In other words, one should have the final scores for picking match, safety, and reach schools by that time.
@silversmith when will your daughter take the SAT/ACT? I agree with post #34.
@silversmith My offspring’s high school alma mater–a NYC selective public high school–discourages everyone from taking the SAT until March of junior year. The standard procedure is SAT in March, AP and subject matter tests in May and June–often in the same subjects.
But the lack of a PSAT score means that she’s ineligible for a LOT of merit scholarships because many are based on being a National Merit Finalist.
Being a legacy will give your D a slight boost in terms of the odds of being admitted; it doesn’t increase the amount of financial aid one bit. I know nothing about Haverford’s practices, but my understanding is that you only get a legacy boost at Cornell if you apply ED. If you need to compare fin aid offers, that’s not a smart move.
Haverford does not offer any merit awards. Its website clearly says
Now if you run a few of the cost calculators and you qualify for enough financial aid to make it doable, then fine. But if your D really isn’t interested in your alma maters, let it go.
@silversmith what does your daughter want to do with a degree in physics? Is she looking at going to grad school? Does she want to focus in a particular type of physics?
We asked our son to apply to our alma maters bc they are highly ranked (top 25) and we felt legacy status might help, though they are not exactly what he is looking for in a college. He agreed to apply. In exchange, we said he could go to admitted students weekends at all places he wanted in April to determine choice. We would never force him to attend either of our schools, but we wanted to keep the option open. And ultimately it only cost him an afternoon of writing and is about $100 for app, test scores, etc.
Some kids just feel strongly about not going to colleges where they are a legacy/siblings attend/in state, whatever. My kids refused to consider schools where their siblings attended. My S did apply to a college his dad attended for grad school (Stanford). They sent a very nice letter about how much harder it is now to get in. He was rejected. Had the stats to be in the running, but it is a different world.
I would let her craft her own list, with your financial guidance.