SOPHOMORE GROUP GUIDANCE

1. SOPHOMORE GROUP GUIDANCE The Bronx High School of Science Class of 2012 Barmess Budner Gonzalez Kind Longano McHugh Nasser Nespeca Ngai Plesnik Sypher-Dondo

2. Agenda - Sophomore Year • Course Selection • Standardized Testing • Explore Interests/College Majors • Extracurricular Activities • Building a Good Rapport with Your Counselor

3. Course Selection • Course Catalog • Competitive colleges want competitive transcripts • Colleges want to see a rigorous program and that you have challenged yourself • Once you commit to challenging courses you should try to stay on that track • Take challenging courses in subjects in which you feel confident...know your limits • We do not rank and we do not weigh courses • Honors & AP (Special Permission Classes). You apply for these classes in February- course election day • Acceptance Guidelines • Previous years performance overall and in the subject of interest • Placement test • Teacher recommendation • Attendance/cut record • PSAT Results • Course Selection in Naviance • Remember that even if you request a class, there is no guarantee that you will be placed in that particular class • Make sure you have selected alternate classes that you would enjoy taking

4. PSAT PSAT’s are very important! • Measures critical reading, math problem-solving skills, writing skills • Scores are reported on a scale of 20-80 for each section. National percentiles allow you to compare your score with other students in your grade level • Ex. If your percentile is 55, you scored higher than 55 percent of the Juniors nation-wide who took the exam • The PSAT is a test written for high school Juniors; you are compared to Juniors nation-wide • National Merit, National Achievement or National Hispanic Scholarship based on your performance on the PSAT • You are compared among students in your state (NY) • Awards up to $2,500. This is for Juniors only. Selection Index – the sum of the three scores on each section. The SI ranges from 60 to 240. The SI determines eligibility for NMSC • NMSC status makes your college application outstanding • Starting Junior year, colleges (Public and Private) use your test results for admission and to award students with scholarships • Prepare over the summer; free tutorials on college board and the Bronx Science website • In order to get accepted into Special Permission Classes, your PSAT score reports are analyzed

5. SAT • Three sections: critical reading, math, and writing (two parts: multiple choice and essay) • Each section is scored on a scale from 200-800 • We recommend taking your first SAT in March of Junior Year • The test should not be taken more than 3 times. Some colleges will let you use the “Score Choice Option” • www.collegeboard.com/students • SAT Tutorials are free through the College Board website • There is a listing of free SAT tutoring outside of school on the Guidance section of the Bronx Science Website • SAT Question of the Day on the Bronx Science Website • Fee waivers/discounts • You can use fee waivers for SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP Exams, Forensics Class Fee, and College Applications!

6. SAT Subject Tests • We recommend that our students take three SAT Subject Tests. Many of the more competitive colleges require these tests for admission • There are subject tests in English, History, Mathematics, Science and Foreign Language • The score ranges from 200-800 per subject test • It is suggested to take them in June after an AP or Honors course, or if you earned a 90 or above in the course • You should get tutoring and study on your own before you take the exam • There are SAT Subject Test sample questions available through the College Board Website and through the information booklet in guidance • Look out for upcoming SAT Subject Test tutoring here at school • Recommended Book: Picture These SAT Words By: Philip and Susan Geer

7. ACT • The ACT is another college entrance test option. It is a diagnostic test that tests you on high school content (material you are learning in your classes) • More student-friendly than the SAT • The ACT is gaining popularity among students • Many colleges now use the ACT as a replacement for the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests • There are 5 sections to the exam: English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing (students at Bronx Science must take the writing part) • The science section measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving • The score ranges from 1-36. Competitive colleges look for a 28 or above • Score Option: It is your choice whether or not to send the colleges your ACT score • ACT tutorials are available online at www.actstudent.org • There is also a free practice test in the ACT booklet (available in the guidance office) • The Princeton Review offers a free ACT Online Demo and Practice Test

8. The TOEFL Test • Test of English as a Foreign Language • This exam is only recognized by colleges if you have been in the U.S. for 5 years or less • It is sometimes an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities • It measures how well you read, listen, speak, and write in English and how well you will use these skills together in the university classroom

9. Explore Interests & Possible Future College Major/Career Sophomore year is a time to discover your passions, interests and to get involved in extra curricular activities. • www.nycareerzone.org • Interest and personality based assessment to find out what college majors/careers are most suited for you; in depth info about colleges, website • www.mymajors.com • Interest and achievements based assessment tool • https://myroad.collegeboard.com • From College Board -personality assessment, suggests careers, majors • You use your PSAT account code • www.bls.gov/oco • Explore the Occupational Outlook Handbook which describes hundreds of careers, education needed and salary

10. Naviance Naviance is a Web-Based Research and Planning Tool for College • Go to the Bronx Science homepage or: www.connection.naviance.com • My Personality – “Do What You Are” • Assessment of careers and college majors that fit your personality • Career and College Search • Resume – Start drafting your resume now in Naviance so it is complete by senior year

11. Extracurricular ActivitiesQuality is more important than Quantity! • Community service and volunteer work should be done with non profit organizations • libraries, hospitals, schools, etc. • Internships are non-paid and should be done with legitimate companies • Books which list internship opportunities: Peterson’s Internships; The Princeton Review’s Internship Bible; The Princeton Review’s Best 109 Internships • Log into Naviance, go to Document Library/ Student Opportunities • Check the Bulletin Board in the Guidance office for postings of jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities • Join a Bronx Science Club or Team • ARISTA Creditshttp://www.bxscience.edu/arista_requirements.jsp • It is very important to be involved in meaningful extracurricular activities

12. Opportunities Outside of School • Database of various summer opportunities: • http://www.internationalcounselor.org/summer2/Summer_Omnibus/Omnibus.html • Extensive listing of summer learning experiences: • http://www.enrichmentalley.com/ • Websites with various volunteer opportunities: • http://www.nycares.org/ • www.salvationarmy-newyork.org (click on volunteer) • www.volunteer.org • www.youngvolunteers.com • www.volunteer.gov

13. How to Spend Your Summer • Make your summer productive! • Volunteer, obtain an internship or a job • In the spring the college office posts summer opportunities and programs in Naviance. Go to Naviance, Document Library/College Bulletins • Colleges are interested in learning about activities you do outside of school that support your interests. For example, if you are interested in becoming a doctor, consider interning or volunteering at a local hospital. Or, if you are interested in Architecture, enroll at a college which offers Architecture classes. • An excellent book: Peterson's Make Summer Count: Programs & Camps for Teens & Kids • The summer is also a good time to visit colleges which is a great way to see what type of schools you like...location, size, etc. Call admissions ahead of time to schedule a tour of the campus

14. Building a Good Rapport with Your Counselor • It is important to start building a relationship with your counselor • As a student, you should work to facilitate this relationship • Share good news • Tell us about any honors or rewards you receive • Bring us copies of certificates or anything stating your accomplishments • Talk to us about your summer plans or summer experiences • In the spring of Junior year, we will be meeting with you one on one to help you with your college search and the college application process. If we have had the chance to get to know you, we: • Can be better able to advise you for specific colleges • Will be better equipped to write you a dynamic letter of recommendation