The new SAT!

College Board will be launching it's all new, redesigned version of the SAT.  Although many aspects of the exam will remain unchanged, there are some important differences to note.

Some key changes about the new SAT Exam:

• The essay is now optional.  Very few colleges actually looked at the essay portion on the old SAT.  Now students who aren't applying to colleges that require the essay portion can skip it altogether.
• There is no penalty for guessing!  The old SAT would deduct points for wrong answers, but would simply award no points for answers left blank.  Students should now make an effort to answer all questions in the section.
• The test is now 3 hours as opposed to 3 hours and 45 minutes (3 hours and 50 minutes if you opt to complete the essay).
• FREE practice exams for the first time ever.  You an access exams, quizzes, video help, and more online through the Khan Academy.  Check out their website for more information.

For more details, click here.

Rescheduled SAT

For those of you who were signed up for the January 23rd SAT, it has been rescheduled for February 20th.

If you lost (or never printed) your admission ticket, simply log onto your College Board account and navigate to "register now".  Your registration information should be displayed on your "My SAT" page.  Lastly, click on "print ticket".

Remember: if you don't have a printer at home, stop by the CCC to print your ticket!

If you have not yet received a review book for the upcoming SAT exam, stop by the College and Career Center for a FREE copy.  This book provides general information about the exam, as well as practice questions.

College Countdown!

Hey seniors!  It's getting closer and closer to the end of the school year.  For many of you, this means that college is right around the corner.  As you begin to wrap up your senior year, here are some tasks you may want to accomplish this month:

• Begin filling out your FAFSA: Filling out your financial aid paperwork can be a long and exhausting task. It is recommended to start this process as soon as possible (you will need your parent or guardian's tax information to complete it). Visit fafsa.ed.gov/ to get started.
• Schedule campus visits: Now is the time to check out some of those colleges you have applied to. Many colleges will offer tours and open houses frequently throughout the next couple of months. It is important to schedule these visits in advance by calling or visiting the colleges' websites.
• Keep up your grades: I know this sounds silly, but many colleges may request your Mid-Year (first and second quarter senior year) grades. Keep in mind that college acceptances are often contingent upon the completion of all of your courses. Do not blow off your senior year! That is a very big myth!
• Check the morning announcement emails: The College and Career Center will be hosting a number of events in the upcoming months. These may include Admission Days, Financial Aid Nights, and more. Always read your morning announcement emails and check back on our blog to keep up to date!

Good luck!

Good luck to all students taking their regents or quarterlies exams this week and next!

Check back to the blog after exams for more updates on the College and Career Center!

Financial Aid Night

As a reminder, MHS will be hosting a Financial Aid Night this Wednesday evening at 6pm.  Both students and their families are welcome to attend.

At this event, a representative from HESC will provide an in-depth overview on the financial aid process, filling out the FAFSA, and much more.  

Please check out the flyer below for more information.

Brochures!

Sometimes doing research on college websites can be overwhelming and exhausting.  Our solution?  An extensive collection of brochures from a wide array of colleges!  

We have information on SUNY, CUNY, public, private, in-state, and out-of-state schools.  If you're looking to get a quick glimpse of many colleges at once, our brochure area is the place to do it.

Stop by today to check it out!  

SUNY Orange Admission Day

Photo from http://www.sunyorange.edu/

As a reminder to all seniors who have signed up, the SUNY Orange Admission Day is on Wednesday, January 13th in the College and Career Center.  A couple of reminders:

• Bring your completed application with you on Wednesday.
• You do NOT need to bring any money.  The application fee is waived if you participate in the Admission Day.
• If you need another pass, please stop by.

Want to sign up?  There's still time!  Stop by TODAY for more information.