March 2015 College Quest by Pamela Donnelly

Invest InSuccess

Academic Strategiesfor Getting Your

Teen into the College of Their Dreams

Competition

Musical Chairs - Fun & Games?

The Numbers Game Pre-2011

2016: All-Time Low Admissions Rates

Key #1: Insider Test Strategy

Target the Right Test

Which Is Your Student?

Strongest

Subjects:

Science

Technology

Engineering

Math

Strongest

Subjects:

English

Social Studies

Humanities

Arts

Which Is Your Student?

Strongest

Subjects:

Science

Technology

Engineering

Math

Strongest

Subjects:

English

Social Studies

Humanities

Arts

ACT SAT

Testing Checklist:

1. Target the right test

2. Plan for 2 or 3 attempts

3. Score Choice + Super Score

4. See www.fairtest.org for test

optional colleges

Key #2:Testing Timelines

Time It Right

*PSAT in October of 10th/11th grade

*First Attempt SAT or ACT by

February of 11th grade

*Second Attempt April/May/June

*Avoid AP overlap

*Seek fall retake if no Early Action

Test Prep Scheduling

Recommendation

*6-12 week prep cycle

before first test date

*Devote 2 to 4 hours per week

doing practice sections and

reviewing beginning around

Thanksgiving

GPA and Test Scores:

Do They Align?

GPA GUIDELINES

Follow the 1, 2, 3, 4 Rule

1 honors class 9th grade

2 honors/AP classes 10th grade

3 AP classes 11th grade

4 AP classes 12th grade

Advocate for the right classes.

Dual and Triple

Transcript Submission

A Great Tactic to Help Your Teen

Leap to Success

GPA Strategies = Less College Tuition

Key #4:Financial Solutions

High GPA

+ High Test Scores

=

Merit Aid and Scholarships

Academic Success Pays!

Eliminate potential

conflict with your teen.

Invest in professional

tutoring

support.

Embrace the Challenge Together

Mindset

+ Mentorship =

Mastery

Let a Professional

Mentor Them

Don’t go crazy…or broke!

Imagine Your Teen’s Pride

Coming Soon

The GATE System for College Admissions

Success Primer

The Perfect Companion to 4 Keys!

Visit www.PamelaDonnelly.com

for up to the minute information about

testing, college applications and more.

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