General

Dual Enrollment: Jumpstart Your College Education

by
%

Students currently in high school searching to challenge themselves academically should consider dual enrollment options. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses and potentially earn college credit early. Because these courses tend to be more rigorous, dual enrollments help bolster college applications and help make students ready for the college transition. From the MDCPS vantage point, Miami Dade College is perhaps the best and most well-known option. However, depending on your educational situation, you may be eligible for other paths. This post will deal with how you can make an informed decision to suit your needs and meet your standards. 

The goal of dual enrollment is to take advanced college courses simultaneously with high school curriculum. Dual enrollment is mostly for high school juniors and seniors and eligibility varies by school. It can be helpful to students looking to earn college credit while in high school and in some cases even graduate college in less than four years. Most dual enrollment opportunities take place on a college campus, giving a snapshot of what it is like to be a college student. There are online alternatives that may be better designed for what you hope to get out of your dual enrollment courses, but that depends on what is available in your area. Students can get detailed information from their school counselors about the specifics. 

Students in grades 6-12 enrolled in Miami Dade County public schools, participating private and charter schools, or home schools, are eligible to participate in MDC dual enrollment. Certain requirements apply. An unweighted grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and permission from the parent/guardian, school principal and counselor will get the ball rolling. It may also be necessary to demonstrate that you’ve passed the appropriate reading and writing sections of the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). Also be sure to meet with the dual enrollment coordinator at the campus you wish to attend to ensure that all the paperwork is taken care of before classes begin. 

Concurrent dual enrollment is also good to consider. In these programs, students can take dual enrollment courses in their high schools instead of at a campus. When the school county makes an agreement with a college, some courses offered by high schools can count for college credit as dual enrollment. In the MDCPS case, these agreements are usually made with MDC and FIU. Depending on where you go to school, this option may be available and appealing. Usually this dual enrollment option means the student gets to take the class at the students’ own high school. The benefit of these kinds of dual enrollments is that they allow students to remain in a familiar setting while challenging them with college-level content. These courses are taught by college professors or approved high school teachers and are composed only of dually enrolled high school students. 

Whether you decide to do your dual enrollment at a campus or as a concurrent program, there are of course pros and cons to either. As a whole, taking a dual enrollment course will be beneficial in the long run. First and foremost, it will give you college credit at most state universities, thereby saving time and money in the pursuit of your undergraduate degree. Dual enrollment credits often count as general pre-requisites before declaring a major, so students get to explore courses for their major earlier in their college journey. Moreover, dual enrollment courses can open space for students to double major. Increased access to rigorous coursework, an advance on college credit, and potential exposure to a college campus are among the pros. 

Like anything in life, there are cons. Some universities do not accept dual enrollment credits. Also, scheduling and transportation issues can complicate dual enrollment experiences, especially for students who already have busy schedules full of extracurricular commitments. Despite the cons, however, dual enrollment stands out and definitely bolsters your college application file. 

In conclusion, dual enrollment is going to prepare you to be in college. It will also make you a competitive applicant when you apply. Consider your options and choose wisely. It’s fun to challenge yourself when you know the hard work will pay off. If you are looking to maximize the ways in which you can learn and bolster the rigor of your coursework, dual enrollment is the answer. 

ACT Essay: Understanding the task

by
Test Prep

Prior to the change implemented in 2015, students taking the ACT were asked to write an argument in favor or against a given position. The position was usually explained in the prompt and test-takers had to write a response using examples from their experience that either supported or refuted its claims in 30 minutes. However, now the ACT’s essay section is a bit more nuanced in what it wants from students. Students taking the ACT will be asked to write an essay that integrates three distinct perspectives on a present-day issue such as the impact of climate change. The essay section of the ACT is optional, but we will take time here to explain it because this section can bolster some students’ applications to college.

Since the new essay task requires students to do something more complicated than the previous test, this new essay portion of the ACT is to be completed in 40 minutes. The expectation is that students’ analysis of the three positions presented in the prompt enables a unique take on the issue as a whole. By relating the three positions to one another, test-takers should be able to build novel connections between them and make an argument of their own. For example, on the 2018-19 ACT, the essay question was about games for adults (pp. 54). The prompt described a trend in contemporary society: more and more adults were taking up video games and other “kid stuff.” It then presented three different viewpoints. Perspective one was that adults should be familiar with what the kids are doing so that they can be effective and responsive to their needs. The second one disagreed and emphasized that playing with games and toys was childish and adults should only model maturity. The third perspective implied that the real problem was that children deserve their own space—in other words, games are for kids and adults are not allowed. 

As you may be able to tell, each perspective uses different reasoning for its position on the topic. The goal of your essay should be to tease out the logic of each perspective and find areas where they converge and diverge. Explain what each perspective seems to be misunderstanding about the other and why you are persuaded by either one, two, or three. In doing so, find your what your unique perspective is. State it clearly and develop it in relation to the given perspectives by critiquing and engaging with each one. Your unique take on the issue at hand will not necessarily be one of a kind. Instead, by drawing distinctions and similarities among the positions described, it should offer a reflection that clarifies the context of the topic and why you are arguing in favor of a specific idea. Because this essay requires a sophisticated approach, it is imperative that you organize your thoughts and take approximately 10 minutes to prepare yourself before beginning the writing. In fact, according to the ACT, the essay is meant to test “pre-writing” skills like brainstorming and outlining even though this is not directly factored into your score. 

The rubric of the essay writing section is designed to award the highest points to an essay that accurately comprehends the prompt and the three perspectives, and if you present a reasonable response with concrete examples. Familiarize yourself with the language used in the scoring rubric as you practice (pp. 61-62). This way, you will have a better sense of what the people reading and scoring your essay are looking for. The writing score is not factored into the overall ACT composite score. Two graders score the essay holistically and each give a score between 1-6. The scores are then combined on a scale of 2-12. If you opt to take the essay section, then an image of your essays will be available to the colleges to which you’ve sent ACT scores.

Like the other parts of the ACT—English, mathematics, reading, science—the writing test will need your serious attention. Like the other parts, patience and time are key. Remember that it is optional, and that it is separate from your overall score. Yet, if you decide to give it a shot, deep learning is bound to happen. Think of the essay as an opportunity to showcase your skills and to demonstrate that you are ready for college writing.

The College Board Announces A Significant Change

by
%

On Tuesday, January 19 the College Board announced news that should bring a sigh of relief to most test-takers and college applicants. The SAT’s optional essay, as well as its Subject Tests, are being discontinued. The assessments were already on the verge of becoming obsolete due to their declined influence in recent years. Because of the pandemic and its ramifications, the College Board sped up the decision. The Washington Post reported that College Board officials pointed to the pandemic as accelerating “a process already underway.” The hope of this change is “to simplify our work and reduce demands on students,” officials claimed. 

In addition to these changes, they also announced that they have initiated a process to revise the main SAT in efforts to make the test both more flexible and efficient. For example, they intend on making the exam available to students digitally instead of with pencil and paper. This would be in line with how GREs are administered. No further details, however, were revealed for the moment.

The change is not surprising to those following the trajectory of the SAT over the years. In 2016 the College Board made major revisions and changes to its main exam and made the essay optional. Its competitor, the ACT, also revised and redesigned their main exam and also made their essay optional several years ago. The ACT, however, has not revealed a complete elimination of the essay in the same way as the SAT. For this reason, the news is intriguing.

Students filed 2.2 million SAT registrations last year in 2020. Only 900,000 tests were taken because exam centers were forced to close for serious public health reasons. At times, they did so abruptly. This, as we know, has been very disruptive but was necessary as the impact of the pandemic continues to be deadly. 

Subject Tests served a role in the admissions process of highly competitive schools such as the Ivy leagues. Their usage has faded and their efficacy has been questioned. Experts insist that the AP is a better and more complete assessment and that therefore taking Subject Tests is redundant to these students. In fact, in the Class of 2019, more than 1.2 million students in high school took at least one AP.

The SAT will be offered through June because it’s still essential. Effective immediately is the elimination of Subject Tests for U.S. students. For international students, these assessments will be phased out in due time. With these changes in the air, it is time to keep a close eye on what is next.

The SAT: What about the Essay?

by
%

 

In March of 2016, the new SAT made its debut. It’s major change was to the essay portion, which is now optional. The essay section of the exam assesses your ability to write clearly and argumentatively. While the SAT section of previous years required students to write about debatable topics in, say, public policy, the new one asks for something quite different. According to the College Board, it is supposed to resemble the kinds of assignments students receive as undergraduates. Instead of asking for your perspective on a question or some kind ethical issue, the new SAT presents students with an excerpt from a widely read newspaper or magazine and asks them to analyze an author’s argument. For the most part, these passages range between 650-800 words and are taken from well-known publications like the New York Times or the LA Times. 

First, let’s talk about the essay’s structure. You will have 50 minutes to write an essay of around five paragraphs. Remember, the goal is no longer to explain what you think about an issue, but rather to demonstrate your capacity to read and analyze a text critically, engage with an argument, and explain how the author uses a variety of rhetorical techniques. To be successful, focus on explaining how the author uses evidence, how they develop their reasoning, and how they appeal to persuasive elements such as logos, pathos, or ethos. While practicing for the essay, be sure to read the passage strategically to address the components for which the section is testing on time. Aim to complete reading the passage and extracting the most valuable parts in about 10-15 minutes. This will leave you approximately 40 minutes to think about what to say, create an outline for your essay, and then to actually write it. Of course, we are all different and may want to divide our time according to our strengths and weaknesses, but this is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind. As you practice, you will be better able to determine a strategy that works. 

Next, let’s discuss how the essay is scored. For this section, the students will receive three scores. One for reading, the other for writing and the third for analysis. Each is on a scale of 2-8. These scores are not composite in the sense that they combine your points on all three parts and then find an average. Instead, you will receive three separate scores. This is helpful to know because it will allow you to identify which parts you need more practice on when you are training for the test. 

It is important to reiterate that the goal is not to summarize what the passage tells you. Students are supposed to carefully assess its content and unpack the author’s logic. In the “Reading” section you must demonstrate competence of the material and understanding of the main idea. Also, make sure to show that you have picked up on significant detail to the extent that it contributes to the big concept the passage discusses. Then, for “Analysis” you must show that you have engaged with the author’s argument—its strong points, weaknesses, and persuasive power. That means that for the first two scores, Reading and Analysis, you will be assessed based on how well you’ve understood and broken down the main parts of the passage. For the “Writing” score, readers will judge how well you’ve explained and how clearly you’ve expressed yourself in your own essay. To excel in this part you must have shown that you are capable of writing concisely and using the conventions of the English language with mastery. It is here that you will also have to show that you can assemble your thoughts on the subject matter of the passage coherently. Be convincing and use evidence. 

Those three dimensions will be the core of your writing score. To ensure you do well, practice weekly. At least once a week, try to write a practice essay. The CollegeBoard website offers sample essay prompts, which is always a good starting place for students to practice. Also, try to apply the skills you’ve learned to articles of your interest in your every day. This way, you can really feel the way that the skills sharpened for this section have real world utility. Don’t be intimidated, simply give yourself the time to prepare and develop effective reading habits. Also, be patient with yourself and ask for help from others during the process!

The SAT and ACT insist that “they” cannot be singular as the rest of the English-speaking world moves on

by
%

Language is dynamic. It morphs over time to accommodate the changing sensibilities of the people using that language. Grammar rules, spelling, and word meanings flex as language usage changes, often reflecting changes in the way people think. Those who remain sticklers for outdated rules will inevitably find themselves flailing against the tides of linguistic history, powerless to stay their course. This presents a challenge then, to test-makers like the College Board and the ACT whose aim is to assess student’s language competence and comprehension. As language evolves, test makers must confront whether to change their standards or maintain certain rules and conventions, even in the face of widespread public acceptance.

Lately, one such battle has been unfolding around the legitimacy of the singular they. Few institutions representing grammatical or linguistic authority over the English language insist on maintaining “they” as a plural pronoun only. The Oxford and Merriam-Webster dictionaries, for example, both accept the usage of “they” as a non-binary, singular, third-person pronoun. Singular “they” (as well as the objective form “them,” the possessive forms “their/theirs,” and the reflexive forms “themself/themselves/theirself/theirselves”) can be used when referring to an unknown or unspecified person, as in the following examples:

1) “If anyone is feeling sick, they should stay home.”
2) “When a physicist encounters a particularly difficult problem, they may need to consult their colleagues for help.”
3) “I heard there will be a new student in class, but I don’t know their name.”

Singular “they” is also often used as the preferred pronoun of nonbinary individuals, as in the following example:

1) “This is my friend Erin; they just moved here.”

Here, “they” becomes vitally important. As a pronoun with no gender attached, it transcends the limits of the gender binary and permits the linguistic inclusion of nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people. It is important to note that the history of using “they” as a gender-neutral singular pronoun extends back to the 1300s. Beloved and respected authors  have been using singular “they” for centuries—ironically this includes authors whose work is used by the SAT and ACT.  Yet, both the SAT and the ACT refuse to recognize the singular “they” in their exams. This may not seem like an extraordinarily big deal, but because we use “they” in this manner in daily speech, the fact that these exams reject that can produce confusion on test day. Increasingly, the idea of replacing a singular “they” with the outdated “he or she” leaves a funny taste. Not so long ago, the default singular third person pronoun to be used in any situation was “he.” The switch to “he or she” already represents a shift to more inclusive language, and using the singular “they” is the next step. As a truly genderless term, it excludes no one.

To illustrate why this is important, let’s take the example from above: “When a physicist encounters a particularly difficult problem, they may need to consult their colleagues for help.” If this example were written with “he” or “he or she,” the sentence would implicitly limit who could be imaged as the hypothetical physicist. How we use language can indirectly uphold certain inequalities.  In other words, when it comes to representation, the deployment of pronouns matters a great deal.

While it is certainly the case that the SAT and the ACT seem to be taking an outdated position on the usage of “they,” this ultimately will not affect the wider use of the word. If you are a student, remember to look out for counterintuitive and outdated rules like using “he or she” in place of “they” on test day and during practice. There is no need, however, to alter your other writing or speech to reflect dusty test standards. The more people who adopt inclusive language, the more this language will be normalized. While language is not enough to generate societal change on its own, it can help to make people feel validated and expand the possibilities of the imagination.

The path to college readiness: Start early, finish strong

by
%

Planning for and applying to college takes time. Countless hours of research, writing, and test preparation all contribute to successful applications. But, if you are starting this process junior or senior year of high school, you may have already missed opportunities to strengthen your application. For best results, it’s wise to start planning for college during the first year of highschool, or even as early as middle school.

In middle school students begin to have opportunities to choose classes and participate in extracurricular activities that can continue through high school. For students serious about getting into a good college, middle school provides the opportunity to get on the right track. Middle school students should choose challenging courses by taking advanced math and enrolling in honors programs. For example, students serious about college should take Algebra I before starting high school. Enrolling in a magnet school also helps, since they provide the proper environment to find niche interests. They should also work hard to keep their grades up. Middle school transcripts will not be included in college applications, but grades in middle school classes can determine which courses are available to students in their first year of high school. The earlier you start planning and preparing for college, the more doors will open up along the way.

In the transition from middle school to high school it is important to sustain the practice of extracurriculars such as sports, affinity clubs, and service organizations. College admissions officers appreciate evidence of long-term commitment and demonstrated passions, so discovering interests early can offer an advantage. Even if middle school activities don’t stick, the experience will help students determine what they may want to do for extracurricular activities in high school. To learn more about course options, college tracks, and available activities, families can reach out to their school counselors for information specific to a given middle or high school. Counselors should be able to provide an overview of available courses and help students work out a pathway to graduation that includes competitive courses for college readiness.

Now in highschool, balance becomes the name of the game. While holistic students often represent the ideal admissions people are looking for, a pro tip on extracurriculars is that these should always be in service of education. Extracurricular activity must be a space for you to make connections with what you’re learning in school and enhance the kinds of questions, issues, and skills necessary to excel. If extracurriculars and school work each need to battle for your time, then something has to be tweaked to get the formula right. Both should work to gel together hobbies, passions, and academics.

At this point, mostly around sophomore year, trying to establish good polyrhythmic routines among all your interests is basically all you can do. Taking challenging courses and maintaining high grades is crucial. High school students should seek out honors courses, AP courses, enroll in IB programs, and language courses if offered. Then, beginning with the summer from that year to your junior year, students must train for standardized tests and start to research the kinds of institutions they wish to apply to and that suit their academic track record the best. This includes identifying counselors and professionals in the education industry that may offer consultation and advice throughout the process. They will help to organize your portfolio and articulate your background for an admissions audience. Ultimately, the lesson is to think ahead and reach out to those in the community of educators for assistance during this phase.

 

What to do after you’ve submitted your college applications

by
%

You might experience a rush of dread, and then relief, when you finally submit all of your college application materials. At the end of such a long process, you might be wondering: what’s next? It’s almost a cliché that second-semester high school seniors are notoriously unmotivated in their schoolwork and tend to slack off. However, seniors should remember that until they set foot on their college campus, their position shouldn’t be considered secure. Besides the real possibility that admission can be revoked, there is plenty of work to be done during the rest of senior year and the summer before college starts. This should be a time to make sure you’re fully prepared for college life and build your resume. So, how should seniors spend the rest of the year until college starts?

1. Apply for financial aid and scholarships

In a previous article, we offered a guide to navigating the world of financial aid and scholarships. Typically, students should fill out the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and school-specific applications for financial aid in the winter/spring after applications are due. Hunting for and applying to outside scholarships is a year-long process that seniors should consider as almost a part-time job.

2. Keep your grades up!

Note that college admission is conditional. Admission can be revoked for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons could be a significant academic downturn senior year. Students should not feel that once they have been accepted to a college, they can slide through the rest of the year with low grades and easy courses. Seniors should work to keep their grades in good standing, take challenging courses, and maintain a solid academic record. Of course, poor spring semester grades may result from extenuating circumstances, and in this case students should contact their future institution to let them know.

3. Find meaningful ways to spend your time

Even with a few acceptances or a commitment under their belt, students should be looking for opportunities to bolster their resume. This will help later on when students may be seeking internships, research positions, or jobs during their college years. Seniors should remain committed to their extracurriculars and try to take more responsibility or leadership positions if possible. Similarly, look for summer jobs, internships, and other summer programs, particularly those geared at college readiness. Senior year and the summer afterward represent an opportunity to demonstrate seriousness and maturity before you begin college.

4. Look for admitted students events, bridge programs, and other opportunities to learn more about your intended college

Many schools offer admitted students the opportunity to participate in events on campus, usually designed to help students decide where to commit. These events will typically be high-energy and involve tours, panels, social events, and the chance to sit in on classes. Some programs involve an overnight stay. They can be a fun, if sometimes overwhelming, way to get a sense of the campus vibe and make connections with other students. Some schools also offer bridge programs. These usually take place the summer before students start their first semester and are intended to help students build skills they will need to succeed in college courses. Although many bridge programs are invitation only, plenty offer them to all committed students. Research your institution to see if there is a bridge program you may be eligible for.

5. Complete all school paperwork and housing arrangements ahead of time

If you are moving away from home, whether living on campus or off, you will likely need to complete a variety of preparations to be ready for move-in day. This may include filling out housing surveys, apartment hunting, and shopping for supplies. The earlier you get this taken care of the better—your first few weeks in college will be packed with activity.

It’s also a certainty that your school will require you to fill out a bunch of documentation. You will likely need to set up an account with your school website and provide information ranging from emergency contacts to whether or not you have health insurance. Again, taking care of this early will smooth the transition. You might also need to choose classes and sign up for orientation events. If you’re not already in the habit of regularly checking your email, it’s time to start. Email is likely to be the college’s main method of communication with prospective students, and you should check it frequently for updates and information about how to get ready for your semester.

To conclude, the rest of your time before you go to college should be exciting and an opportunity to enjoy time with friends. Do take time to make the most of the activities you had to forgo to complete your application. However, please do not neglect your scholastic obligations and try to find a nice groove to get you through the end of the school year. This way, you ensure that all that hard work actually pays off and isn’t taken away at the last minute. Additionally, this time is your chance to get ahead in things adjacent to the admissions process. This will ease the stress of the transitions and get you connected with future peers. Trusting the process and approaching all its phases with a growth mindset is the best method.

Call Now!