An Upgrade...

PrepHQ is a wonderful resource that, under normal circumstances, I strongly encourage all of you to use. Unfortunately, this weekend PrepHQ underwent an "upgrade" that has resulted in it not being accessible. To say that this is frustrating does not even begin to describe how we have been feeling as counselors and I can't even imagine how challenging this is making things for you. Please be patient and hopefully it will be up and running soon. I am very hopeful that the changes they have made to the website will be useful, helpful, and will still include all of the old favorite components. PrepHQ sent us an e-mail stating that they are working around the clock to try to fix the latest problems. Once the website is updated, you will need to know your old username and password as well as our school id (which is worthingtonkilb) to create a new username and password. Parents will now be able to create their own username and password so that students and parents no longer have to share the same username and password. I will post when the website is back up and working... hopefully it will be very soon. In the meantime, know that we are just as unhappy and stressed about it not working as you.

A final reminder to all senior students and parents that tomorrow night, Wednesday, September 1st will be the College Information Night. We will be covering topics such as the process for submitting your application materials to Kilbourne and to the colleges. As this will be your first time going through the college application process, please make every effort to attend this meeting and try to bring a parent along with you since they will be very important and helpful throughout your application process.

Just Get Through It?!?

I have heard the sentiment - "I'll just get through it" - and, in all honesty, I admit to having mentioned it lately myself. The desire to get through that which can be hard or challenging or overwhelming is understandable, but "getting through it" might not be the best approach. I recently read a post entitled An Open Letter to Students on the Danger of Seeing School as a Trial to Survive on the Study Hacks blog. I think it brings up a lot of very good and important points. The stress levels among high school and college students are increasing and it is essential to do a reality check on what is really important. I really like the three principles this article includes. Remember, your life isn't something to just get through.

Last Day To Add Classes

Tomorrow (Friday, August 27th) is the last day for students to add a year-long or first-semester class to their schedule. This is an important deadline to pay attention to for all students. You have 6 weeks to drop a class without it appearing on your transcript, but you can only drop a class if you will still have above the minimum required number of courses. So, for example, after tomorrow, sophomore students with 6 classes would not be able to drop a class because it will be too late to add a class in its place. If you have any questions about your particular situation and if you would or would not be able to add or drop a class, please stop in and see me tomorrow during your lunch or off period.

College Admissions Tests

There are two main college admissions tests – the SAT and the ACT – that enable colleges to compare students from different schools and backgrounds. Most colleges will accept scores from either test, but it is important to double check with the college admissions office to be sure they will accept the test you plan to take. One test is not better than another - take the test that is best for both you and the school to which you are applying. And yes, you may take both tests.

The Scholastic Aptitude Test I (SAT I)
When people are talking about the “SAT” they are generally speaking about the SAT I test or the SAT Reasoning Test. No matter what you choose to call it, this is a 3 hour and 45 minute long test. There is a critical reading, math, and writing component to the test. Scores for each section range on a scale of 200 – 800.

SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests are sometimes also referred to as the SAT II Achievement Tests. They are one-hour tests in specific subjects such as English, history, mathematics, or foreign languages. Some of the more competitive schools require two or three tests for first-year placement. Be sure to check to see if these tests are required before you sign up to take them!

The ACT Tests
The ACT tests assess specific academic abilities in English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high) for each of the four tests and for the composite. The composite is the average of the four test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.

Submitting Your Test Scores

When you register to take your test they will ask you which schools you would like to have notified of your scores. You automatically have 4 “free” choices of colleges to be notified of your scores. It is to your benefit to take advantage of this because the colleges will consider your highest score (and disregard your lower scores) and it will cost money to send the scores to the schools after you receive your results. Nearly all schools want the ACT/ SAT directly from the testing provider rather than from WKHS.

When should I take the test?

Students usually take it in the spring of their junior year, early in their senior year or both.

When is the next test offered?

The next Ohio testing date for the SAT is October 9th. The registration deadline is September 10th. The next Ohio testing date for the ACT is September 11th, but the registration deadline has already passed. The next ACT for which you can still register is October 23rd and the registration deadline is September 17th.

Do I need to take the writing test?

Yes. For the SAT it is now a standard portion of the test. With the ACT you will need to pick if you will be taking the test with or without the writing portion. At least one of the test score reports to your college should include the writing test.

How do I register, figure out costs, and find more information?

Visit the SAT and ACT websites. (I also have a link to the websites on the right side of the page.)

And, last but certainly not least, do I *HAVE* to take the test again when I did OK the first time I took it?

Unfortunately this isn’t an easy answer. No, you don’t *have* to do anything. If you are confident in your score then relax and be done with the testing. If you are confident in your score, but know that you could do better… well, then I’d say relax (there is no testing pressure because you are confident in your score) and take the test again. Some of you are sitting there wishing you hadn’t read that last line… but the reality is that if you take the test and improve your score it can only help you. You can benefit in the eyes of the college if you ended up on the bubble for their admissions decision and you can benefit financially if you are applying for any scholarships that consider your test scores. If you are not confident in your scores or if you know that you can do better – then the answer is simply, yes, take it again and see if you can improve your score.

Schedule Changes

I have no idea how many schedule changes have been requested - definitely too many to count! The reality is that while some were possible, many were not. Remember, we cannot make teacher changes. If you have a schedule change, you can pick up your new schedule from the trays in the middle of the counseling center. Each of the trays are identified with a counselor's name. You will see my name on the top tray and just look through the schedules in that tray to find your schedule if you still need to pick it up. This way you don't have to miss out on getting the new copy of your schedule just because I am in a meeting or trying to help another student.

Schedule Confusion

When the schedules were printed there was a problem that has created a great deal of confusion for many students and parents. The Academic Prep and Options periods were not showing up on the print-out even though they are appearing on the computer. Computer services has been working to resolve this problem and we are not sure why it was happening as it all looks fine electronically. So, as you look at your schedule, if you notice that you do not have anything listed for a period, then that is your Prep or Options time. If you are a freshman or sophomore, that means that it is Academic Prep and you will need to report to Room 207. If you are a junior or senior, that means you have Options, so you can select where you study and spend your time within the school building. I am sorry for the confusion that this has caused for so many students. Looking forward to welcoming the students of the Class of 2014 tomorrow! For all of the upperclassmen, enjoy your last day of summer!

Senior College Night

The Senior Student and Parent College Night will be held on Wednesday, September 1st, at 7:30pm at WKHS. This is one of the most important meetings for senior students and parents to attend because there are so many college related questions that we will be able to answer.

We will be reviewing the college search and application process, the procedures for submitting your items to WKHS and to the colleges, and other information you need to know. I really hope you will make every effort to attend… and yes, this is for you and your parents because this is YOUR life, so you need to be there as you are the one responsible for completing all of the work to get accepted into college. It is beneficial for your parents to also attend because they will be a very valuable asset in helping you through this process. And, trust me, your parents will appreciate having an overview of how this entire process will play out so bring them along with you so that they can get the information all at once with you.

I know that it is not always possible for every student and family to attend, but I hope you will try. Remember, I have approximately 100 seniors, so it becomes very challenging to try to repeat the same basic information and make sure everyone understands unless we all start with the same foundation of information. This evening will answer a lot of your basic questions and then we’ll figure out the rest together as the year continues. I’m looking forward to seeing you on September 1st!