The following information is important for seniors who are planning to apply to colleges and universities in the United States. However, it is recommended that students in all grade levels read this information to have an understanding of the process for future reference. If you have any questions, please see Ms. Spiesel.
SAT or ACT- Most U.S. colleges and universities will accept SAT or ACT test scores. ASFG students take the ACT Plan (practice test for the ACT) in tenth grade and the PSAT (practice test for the SAT) in eleventh grade to help them become familiar with both tests. If you are not sure which test to take, please see Ms. Spiesel for help.
Students can register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.com and receive instant confirmation of registration. The SAT is given in Guadalajara at the Instituto Cultural (3825-5838).
The ACT is given several times a year at ASFG. Students can register to take the test and learn more about the ACT online at www.act.org.
SAT Subject Tests-Some U.S. schools will also require applicants to submit SAT Subject Test scores. Students may register for these tests in the same way they register for the regular SAT test at www.collegeboard.com. It is not possible to take the regular SAT and SAT Subject Tests on the same day. The College Board's SAT Subject Test Preparation Booklet can be downloaded for free at the following link: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/lc_two.html
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) - Most U.S. schools will require applicants who are not U.S. citizens to submit TOEFL scores. Some schools may waive this requirement depending on the student's SAT or ACT scores or based on the student's high school curriculum. Students will need to check with each college or university to be sure of requirements.
ASFG is now a test site for the TOEFL. Students may register for the TOEFL online at www.ets.org/toefl or by calling the regional registration center for Mexico located in the U.S. at 443-751-4995. During the process of registration students will be able to access information regarding the test center locations in Mexico. For general information, publications and information about sending scores, students may call 609-771-7100. There are several versions of the TOEFL including computer-based, paper-based and Internet-based. Be sure to check which version is accepted by the universities to which you plan to apply and that you prepare for the appropriate test. TOEFL practice online is available at http://toeflpractice.ets.org/.
All schools do not have the same testing requirements. It is important to check the requirements of each school to which you plan to apply. Most schools include this information on their websites.
Also, it is important to plan all testing to make sure that your scores can be reported to the colleges/universities by the application deadline!
ASFG sends a UPS package overnight to California every Friday (except holidays). Once in California our mail is sent through the regular US Postal Service. College applications going to destinations outside of Mexico will be sent through this weekly mail to the U. S. at no cost to the student.
Meeting deadlines requires organization and planning. Please check all of your deadlines well in advance to allow yourself enough time to complete each application on time and with the least amount of stress possible! J
Applications and all supporting materials (essays, recommendations, etc) must be given to Ms. Spiesel at least one week (five school days) before the date to be mailed. Please remember to allow enough mailing time once your application has reached the U.S.
Many schools will require teacher recommendations. It is very important to give your teachers as much time as possible to write recommendations. Usually students request recommendations at the beginning of their senior year. Your teachers may want some information from you before writing the recommendation. It is helpful for them to know the schools to which you plan to apply, the deadlines, and often they will want to know about your extra-curricular activities.
Teachers will give recommendations to Ms. Spiesel to be sent with applications.
Teacher recommendations are usually closed which means that the student does not have access to read them. Therefore, ask teachers who know you well and you think would have nice things to say about you!
The easiest way to obtain applications is to download them from the college’s website or apply online. If you apply online you will usually have some forms to print out for teacher and counselor recommendations.
Also, many schools accept the common application, which allows you to photocopy the completed application to send to multiple schools. More information regarding the common application is available online at www.commonapp.org. There are some colleges and universities that require supplemental information to the common application. This information is also available online.
As you complete your applications remember that unless you have arranged an interview your application and supporting materials (essay, transcript, recommendations, etc) are all the admission counselors will know about you.
The essay gives you a chance to demonstrate you writing skills and to give them some idea of who you are beyond your school records and recommendations. Make the most of this opportunity! For some essay writing tips, check out the following link on the College Board's website:http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/essay-skills/9406.html
If you plan to ask a teacher to proofread your essay, be sure to make your request in advance to allow enough time for the teacher to read it and for you to make corrections.