High School class of 2011

[cruisnfamily]

I don't know for sure but from what I've heard, very few schools require those SAT subject tests. Maybe just ivies and the top tier. I knew my DD was not headed that way so we didn't bother with DS I'm thinking about it but not sure yet. He'll be taking AP world history and pre calc in 10th grade next year so that would be the year to do 2 of them if we're going to bother. I'll be interested to hear more feedback on this.

DD (the senior) took the ACT and the SAT twice each. On both she did much better her first time taking it than her second. I know the statistics don't bear that out but that's how it was with her. Her scores on each were very, very average and I think pretty comparable to each other. Around a 1550 SAT and a 20 composite ACT. How did everybody else's kids do?

 

[golfgal]

I don't know for sure but from what I've heard, very few schools require those SAT subject tests. Maybe just ivies and the top tier. I knew my DD was not headed that way so we didn't bother with DS I'm thinking about it but not sure yet. He'll be taking AP world history and pre calc in 10th grade next year so that would be the year to do 2 of them if we're going to bother. I'll be interested to hear more feedback on this.

DD (the senior) took the ACT and the SAT twice each. On both she did much better her first time taking it than her second. I know the statistics don't bear that out but that's how it was with her. Her scores on each were very, very average and I think pretty comparable to each other. Around a 1550 SAT and a 20 composite ACT. How did everybody else's kids do?

Right now, none of the schools on their "list" require them, but some say they may help in the selection process (Notre Dame is #1 on DS16's list) but, being sophomores and not having really done any college visits yet, that list is really just from all the mail they are getting . They haven't taken the SAT yet but DS16 got a 29 on the ACT and a 199 on the PSAT, DD16 got a 28 on the ACT and a 198 on the PSAT. Yes, it is weird. Their GPA's are .001 points apart too. Heck, even the band directors comment that they ALWAYS get the same score on their band lessons=NOT take at the same time, and usually taken from different directors.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Right now, none of the schools on their "list" require them, but some say they may help in the selection process (Notre Dame is #1 on DS16's list) but, being sophomores and not having really done any college visits yet, that list is really just from all the mail they are getting . They haven't taken the SAT yet but DS16 got a 29 on the ACT and a 199 on the PSAT, DD16 got a 28 on the ACT and a 198 on the PSAT. Yes, it is weird. Their GPA's are .001 points apart too. Heck, even the band directors comment that they ALWAYS get the same score on their band lessons=NOT take at the same time, and usually taken from different directors.

I know we're taking this thread slightly off topic talking about our younger ones but just had to say I hope you'll have them take the PSATs again in 11th. They're pretty close to National Merit scores. According to college confidential, last years cutoff for MN was 213. If I were you, I'd probably have them in a prep class to increase their odds.

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

DD is supposed to pick up her announcements during lunch today! Cap and gowns, not for another month or so.

What classes is he registering for? at a community college?


He is registering for his university. It is a small, private liberal arts school, they are having registration on 4 saturday's spread out over the next month. He will pick his classes and get his student id picture made and get his school email.

 

[golfgal]

I know we're taking this thread slightly off topic talking about our younger ones but just had to say I hope you'll have them take the PSATs again in 11th. They're pretty close to National Merit scores. According to college confidential, last years cutoff for MN was 213. If I were you, I'd probably have them in a prep class to increase their odds.

Oh, we will. The school likes them to take it as sophomores so they aren't going in cold as juniors. They invite some of the top students to take the test for that reason.

 

[minkydog]

Well, here's a surprise. We have been chosen for a FAFSA audit. Probably because our income is so low--it probably triggered some investigation. We just had to send in a copy of our 2010 tax return and a letter verifying that DD18 has no income. Hopefully, this will go all right. I'm a little nervous, but we have nothing to hide.

 

[sharbear]

Why only two? Around here most of the schools prefer the ACT over the SAT but we don't know where all they will apply yet either. They did take the ACT test in the fall and did well on that (the school has sophomore honor students take the ACT and the PSAT for practice). They could get into most schools on that score so I am not worried about that-but want them to take it junior/senior year to get as high as possible for scholarships, etc.

Opps, wasnt' thinking this morning! What I meant is only have them take 2 tests at one seating. I hear that is about all you can stand at one time. Some schools want 2 SATII test, some want 3. My D only needed 2, she didn't apply to any schools that needed 3, usually those are only the most selective schools. My kids both took the ACT 3 times. It's good to try again, your scores can vary and they only use the highest one.

It sounds like they are sophomore's. Their PSAT scores were quite good, if they want to study for the PSAT's they might be able to get into commended or semi-finalist status. Semi finalist can get some great offers. Don't go crazy but it might be worth prepping for.

 

[Nancy]

Well, here's a surprise. We have been chosen for a FAFSA audit. Probably because our income is so low--it probably triggered some investigation. We just had to send in a copy of our 2010 tax return and a letter verifying that DD18 has no income. Hopefully, this will go all right. I'm a little nervous, but we have nothing to hide.

I've had to do that twice and it is no biggie. I think some numbers just don't mesh with what they think.

This year I was getting little warnings while filling out the form. Once of them said that my income didn't increase that much but my taxes did..make sure the numbers are correct. Yeah they are correct unfortunately. Last year was a good year for us deduction wise..this year not so much. I fully expect to get the audit thing this year due to that.

 

[allison443]

Did you have your kids take the SAT subject tests? Did they do "anything" for the college acceptance process? If they are helpful, we would want the twins to take the Biology and US History ones this year since they have those AP classes now but if they are not really all that helpful for the application process, we won't bother.

I would have them take the tests now if possible...it can't hurt right? I know you've mentioned ND, and they don't require them, but others on that level might, and this just gives more options. The kids are already preparing for the AP test anyway right? Personally I would hedge my bets, because if they do decide to apply to a school that requires them, will they have time/want to prepare and take the tests later on?

 

[cruisnfamily]

Oh, we will. The school likes them to take it as sophomores so they aren't going in cold as juniors. They invite some of the top students to take the test for that reason.

In our county, the school district pays for and requires every single 10th grader in the county to take the PSAT, I guess just to see where they stand. Now if you want to take it again in 11th(when it actually counts, lol) then you have to take the initiative and register and pay at most of the schools. At my son's technical magnet high school they have every 11th grader take it too. So he'll be taking it both years whether he wants to or not!

I would have them take the tests now if possible...it can't hurt right? I know you've mentioned ND, and they don't require them, but others on that level might, and this just gives more options. The kids are already preparing for the AP test anyway right? Personally I would hedge my bets, because if they do decide to apply to a school that requires them, will they have time/want to prepare and take the tests later on?

Do they help if you absolutely are not applying to any school where they are required? Might they give you an edge at the non required schools?

 

[cruisnfamily]

What classes is he registering for? at a community college?...

He is registering for his university. It is a small, private liberal arts school, they are having registration on 4 saturday's spread out over the next month. He will pick his classes and get his student id picture made and get his school email.

That's very cool! Our DD's orientation isn't until the end of June and that's when she'll do that type of thing. I wish it were sooner to get her pumped up a little more but oh well.

 

[j's m]

Did you have your kids take the SAT subject tests? Did they do "anything" for the college acceptance process? If they are helpful, we would want the twins to take the Biology and US History ones this year since they have those AP classes now but if they are not really all that helpful for the application process, we won't bother.

DS16 is taking Chem and US History since the May test is the same time as the AP tests. That way he'll have already prepped for the tests. He'll be applying to an ivy or 2, but I also found out that some honors colleges within the colleges also want SAT subject tests.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Well, here's a surprise. We have been chosen for a FAFSA audit. Probably because our income is so low--it probably triggered some investigation. We just had to send in a copy of our 2010 tax return and a letter verifying that DD18 has no income. Hopefully, this will go all right. I'm a little nervous, but we have nothing to hide.

Ugh! That stinks I hope everything comes out okay for you. I hope this is not holding up financial aid awards from her schools. Sending you some pixie dust to get through the audit quickly and easily

That's very cool! Our DD's orientation isn't until the end of June and that's when she'll do that type of thing. I wish it were sooner to get her pumped up a little more but oh well.

My DS can sign up for orientation starting May 2nd, it is a three day program, and there are nine weeks to choose from. He is so excited to get there and choose his classes, and start his college life. He is on the college website every night looking for updates... I am afraid senioritis may set in any day now.

I don't know when everyone else's senior year ends, but my DS has pretty much declared his over.... this week is all fluff- senior mass at St Patrick's Cathedral on Monday, Tuesday all seniors watched a viewing of the Passion of the Christ (I think I've mentioned before what a strict Catholic school he goes to ) Next two weeks are Spring Break, then it's just three weeks of classes until al the fun senior stuff starts. I feel like we've crested a hill and are cruising down the other side at breakneck speed.

 

[minkydog]

Ugh! That stinks I hope everything comes out okay for you. I hope this is not holding up financial aid awards from her schools. Sending you some pixie dust to get through the audit quickly and easily


I don't know when everyone else's senior year ends, but my DS has pretty much declared his over.... this week is all fluff- senior mass at St Patrick's Cathedral on Monday, Tuesday all seniors watched a viewing of the Passion of the Christ (I think I've mentioned before what a strict Catholic school he goes to ) Next two weeks are Spring Break, then it's just three weeks of classes until al the fun senior stuff starts. I feel like we've crested a hill and are cruising down the other side at breakneck speed.

Us too. It's just happening way too fast for me. We did get the FAFSA done, no problems. THe audit was a piece of cake; all our paperwork was in order. Now we just need to get through the show choir's last show this week,the drama dept last shows, also this week. Then we have prom the following week, the last choir performance the week after that, the chorus banquet after that. And then we're into finals! Where did the time go? The graduation is May 27(friday before memorial day.) The grad party is on Saturday--we're doing a joint party for my DD and her two BFFs, since they all have virtually the same friends.

 

[disykat]

My son has 7 AP exams. It is far from over! I can't wait until the middle of May!

 

[bethbuchall]

My son has 7 AP exams. It is far from over! I can't wait until the middle of May!

I feel the same way. Unfortunately, my daughter seems to have checked out. I hope that she checks back in very soon or those AP exams are not going to go well.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

DS did his last play this weekend. He was really sad yesterday after they finished taking down the stage and packing stuff away. All the seniors were! Some of us senior moms brought up pizza for them after and they enjoyed the time. He still has both a band and choir concert, both awards dinners and prom but his true love is the stage and he will miss his director very much!

He has grown so much from the first play freshmen year to this final one. He said last night "I hate change"! It is hard to leave someplace where you have had so much success and so many friends and have to start over! I know he will do just as well in college but I understand what he is feeling right now. I think this might be the hardest part of senior year - "the lasts" - over the next 3 weeks.

 

[armomof3lvsdisney]

DS did his last play this weekend. He was really sad yesterday after they finished taking down the stage and packing stuff away. All the seniors were! Some of us senior moms brought up pizza for them after and they enjoyed the time. He still has both a band and choir concert, both awards dinners and prom but his true love is the stage and he will miss his director very much!

He has grown so much from the first play freshmen year to this final one. He said last night "I hate change"! It is hard to leave someplace where you have had so much success and so many friends and have to start over! I know he will do just as well in college but I understand what he is feeling right now. I think this might be the hardest part of senior year - "the lasts" - over the next 3 weeks.

It's happening to fast. My DS last home baseball game is Thursday night (Sr. Night) I just can't believe it, this week is going to be extra hard. I think your right "the lasts" are going to be brutal.

 

[kbeverina]

Does anyone else have schools that give you no opportunity to decline? My son decided on USC (yea!) and has been trying to decline his other acceptances, but there are several that there appears to be no way to do that. We've looked through all of the paperwork and combed every inch of the websites, but can find only ways to accept. It's very strange.

 

[minkydog]

Ugh! I think I'm going to have to brain DD18. I got a letter Monday from her GC saying that she was in danger of not graduating because she has a 62 in Personal Fitness. I asked DD about it and she assured me that her coach just needs to re-enter some grades. And besides, she just can't stand him because he is lame and weighs over 300-lb. Nice... I"m going to pretend you didn't just say that.

Well, today the Coach called and left a message on my voice mail! Apparently she has a 62 in personal fitness partly bokecause she hasn't turned in work AND she's not dressing out as often as she should. If you don't dress out it's an automatic 0(F). I am furious! There is no excuse for failing personal fitness, I don't care if the coach weighs 700-lb and is on life support. No excuse. She has 2 Bs, a C and this F five weeks before graduation. I think Miss Its-okay-to-blows-off-personal-fitness is going to be grounded for the foreseeable future.

Ugh. Some days I just don't enjoy being a parent...