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QuestionsAnswersWhat’s the difference between SAT and ACT?Tests are similar in structure. Both have several long sections and should be covering things learned in the classroom. SAT Math has data analysis, problem solving. ACT has Geometry and Trig. ACT emphasizes math score more than the SAT. ACT has science section where they will read scientific information. If the university requires the easy, the SAT requires students to read a passage and then write an essay. ACT just asks to write from a prompt. SAT is the only one that has subject tests. These must be taken on a different test day that the regular SAT test.What are the scores used for and why should my student take the test?They can be used for admissions and scholarships. This varies by school.What are competitive scores for getting a scholarship?ASU 1120 or 22 to get in. Scholarships require a test score. ASU scholarship estimator will show how high a score needs to be to get scholarships. GCU 1000 SAT or 19 on ACT for admissions (but not required—can use GPA alone for admissions). NAU admissions doesn’t need a test score. There are two scholarships that require-Deans and President’s. This would be 990 on SAT and 19 on ACT. Highest scholarship, the Lumberjack does not require a test score.Which test should my student take?They can take both. The tests are pretty similar but they may do slightly better on one than the other. If your student took the PSAT, they can compare that score to their ACT score that should be coming back in the next few weeks.Do colleges prefer one test over the other?NoIs it necessary to take both tests? And how many times should you retake?In Arizona it is not even necessary to take any test. However, scores can be helpful if a students is a strong test taker and has the potential to earn scholarships. Some students opt to take both tests and others are satisfied with just taking the ACT they take at school. Each college will have different criteria for test scores and scholarship options so that might determine if a student should re-take a test or not. Most colleges say that after taking the test 3 times, scores don’t seem to improve.How can student study/prepare for the test?Get a book and do practice problems for a less expensive option. ACT has an on-line option that is affordable. Kaplan and others offers SAT and ACT prep classes. Khan Academy has customized practice based on PSAT scores. Useful to see the types of questions when students do practice. Also can do a community ed program with the district—Saturday classes.When should student take the test(s)?Can take them whenever they want. Good timing will be now (spring of junior year) but can continue to be taken fall of senior year. Can ACT/SAT be retaken?Yes!When will scores be received and how do I interpret the scores?Scores are usually available between 3-6 weeks after the test. Students will be emailed when scores are available and scores can be accessed on-line. Students were given ACT information that included this information prior to taking the test. How do colleges receive the scores?Students can request their score to be sent when they take the exam. If they do not identify a school at that time, they can send them later from the ACT or College Board (SAT) website for a fee.SCHOLARSHIP QUESTIONSWhere do we begin?Begin by applying to college in the summer before senior year. The application will be screened for academic scholarships. After that, you can begin working with the financial aid department of the college. You can also conduct web searches for private scholarships all throughout senior year. They will have a variety of criteria, deadlines, etc. You can also check with a parent’s HR department for their company to see if they offer scholarships to their employee’s children.How do we find scholarships?We have juniors take the “Scholarship Sort” as part of the junior checklist on azcis.. We also have a scholarship list on the SDOHS scholarship website. Also, check with the college’s financial aid office after student has been admitted.When do we start applying for scholarships?Most scholarships are for seniors, but anytime between now and senior year is a good time to start looking to help plan out what you may want to apply for. How do you apply for a scholarship?Colleges will automatically screen for academic scholarships. All other scholarships will have individual criteria based on the scholarship.What are typical deadlines to apply?There are no typical deadlines. Each scholarship will be unique with their own timelines. However, some scholarships are based on FAFSA (grant application). The FAFSA application opens in October and those deadlines usually require FAFSA to be complete by Dec. 31. We will be holding a FAFSA night for senior parents in the fall.Are there scholarships available for high-income parents?Scholarships are merit based so they don’t usually consider income. How do we know if our child qualifies for a scholarship?Arizona schools will automatically screen applications when students apply to the school for academic scholarships. Once a student is accepted to the school, they can then work with the financial aid department to look for more scholarships that may require separate applications. There are also private scholarships (see the counseling website). Also some companies will have scholarships for their employee’s children so check with your HR department.If a student earns an in-state university academic scholarship, but goes to a community college, will they lose the university scholarship?Yes. Sometimes it makes more sense to start at the university because the savings over 4 years will be more than the scholarship they receive at community college.Are there scholarships for students who transfer from community college to university?Transfer scholarships do exist but they are lower than the freshman scholarships.Are scholarship requirements the same for all in-state universities and/or private universities?No! They vary greatly so it pays to check into each school. ASU—uses GPA, test score, class rank, NAU uses GPA and for some scholarships, a test score, GCU uses weighted GPA. Amounts, and criteria vary quite a bit.What are my child’s chances of receiving an academic scholarship?It depends on the school. ASU has a scholarship estimator, NAU lists their criteria on their scholarship website, GCU lists their criteria on the scholarship website What kind of scholarships exist for mediocre students?Scholarships are awarded for merit. Typically, that means that students need to excel at something (grades sports, etc). Some private scholarships are offered to students who have extenuating circumstances, leadership experience, or community service. You can find a private scholarship list on the Counseling Department page of the SDOHS website or search through one of the many web scholarship search tools. ................
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