ACT Prep & College Essays Class Notes -- Week 9 (Oct. 24)

Greetings!

We had a good class this week and covered a lot of ground.  We began the day with a debrief of the Math test that they had taken over the break.  The time limit seemed to be the biggest challenge, but there were some areas that the students felt they needed to review.  I mentioned in the class that for the class we would only be using Sample Test #1, and they should use the other tests for practice.  One strategy that a student suggested was to save the "Never" questions until the end.  Then, the student could check to see if letters had not been used as much and use that for the Letter of the Day.

Note:  I am using the Rocketbook Everlast for students to take notes during the class.  This week Irene took comprehensive notes of our class discussion, and I've attached them to this email.

We've left the Math portion of the test and are now focused on the Reading Test.  The reading test is divided into 4 passages with 10 questions each.  One of the best strategies is to wisely choose  which sections and which questions to answer first.

We have also finished our SAT and ACT essay portions of the test and are on to the college application section.  As a precursor to writing College Applications, I have students filling out a couple of worksheets on which they list their activities and interests.  They are also to explore the Common Application website and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities website.  (Note:  I found after I printed this homework that the MNSCU link does not work.  Students should go to this link for the page with the programs.)

Next Week's Assignments:

-- Read Ch. 17 - 18.  Be active readers, especially with the examples.

-- Read the Summary

-- Work the Sample Passage (p. 261 - 263) and correct your answers

-- Complete Reading Drill 1 (p. 269)

-- Complete the following worksheets

     -- Personal Interest Survey

     -- Extra Curricular Activities Worksheet

     -- Common Application & MNSCU worksheet

Links for this week:

Class Notes

MNSCU Programs Page

Week 9 Slides

Rocketbook Notes for Week 8

Extra-Curricular Activities Worksheet

Common Application Homework

Personal Interest Survey

Websites about college applications

     6 Ways to Stand Out

     Coalition for College (another college application venue)

     13 Surprising Tips for College Applications

     Forbes:  Admissions Tips from the Deans of Admissions

Have a great week!

Blessings, 

Mrs. Prichard

Personal Interest Survey

Activities/Involvement 

Make lists for the following areas: 

• Non-academic activities in school 
• Activities outside of school (groups, clubs, jobs, etc.) 
• Leadership in or outside of school 
• Academic/artistic endeavors you are especially proud of 
• Unusual/unique/important opportunities you’ve had (camps, travel, etc.) 

 Personal Statement Brainstorming 

Answer the following questions. 

• What are your hobbies?  Why are they interesting or important to you? 
• Do you have a job?  Why is this a good job for you? 
• What is an activity that you’ve taken initiative on?  Why did you do this? 
• What is something that you could never do without?  Why?   

Common Application Homework

The Common Application 

• Go to the Common Application website:  www.commonapp.org 

• Create your account 
• Choose 3 sample colleges 

Minnesota Colleges 

• Go to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities website:  www.minnscu.edu 

• Go to the Academic Programs page and search for 3 areas 

Individual School Choice 

• Choose a college or other post-secondary education option and go to that school’s website 
• Find the Admissions page and list the requirements for admission 

Fill out the information below: 

Common Application 

1. I created an account for the Common Application using this e-mail:  _______________________ 

2. I will remember my password because:  _______________________________________ 

3. The three colleges that I chose are: 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

Minnesota Colleges 

1. The three programs that I explored were: 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

Individual School Choice 

1. Name of the Institution:  _______________________________________ 

2. Requirements to Admission: 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Activity		Grade Level					Hours/Week	Weeks/Year	Positions held, honors
		9	10	11	12	PS