November 9, 2009
Mid-November Reminders
SSAT scores were mailed by SSAT today and should arrive this week. Once you receive the SSAT scores and begin to assess them, it is important to keep in mind that the girls took the upper level test, which is harder than the lower level test they took at the end of seventh grade. If the girls receive scores that are similar to their spring scores, then they have actually improved. This is an important point to remember. Do not be disappointed or jump to any conclusions that the preparation they did over the summer or this fall did not pay off; they did because this test is more challenging.
Determining whether or not you want your daughter to take the test a second time is a family decision. I am here to help you talk through your options if you need any assistance. It’s important to think carefully about your daughter in this process. If she is scoring in ranges you have seen in the past on the lower level test or ERB’s, it may not be worth it to her, psychologically or emotionally, to go through the process again. I am happy to talk you through this decision.
If you do decide to take the test again, you need to go to www.ssat.org in order to register for a national exam. You can register for the December 12 or January 9 test. If you take the test again, please notify me of the date you have selected, and remember to put Burke’s code (4294) on the registration so that I receive a copy of the score. I advise you to not put any high schools down on the registration. Wait until you receive the scores then decide which scores to send to the high schools.
We are a week away from the first application deadline! Here are some dates to keep in mind:
ü November 16: St. Ignatius application due
ü November 27: Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory application due
ü December 1: Part I: Parent/Guardian Common Application Form for the Independent Schools due
ü December 11: Lowell application due
ü January 14: Independent School applications and financial aid forms due
Also, entrance tests for parochial schools and for Lowell are approaching so make sure you have those dates on your calendar.
At this point, every student should be working on applications, especially the essay. It is important that they go through the steps they’ve been taught: brainstorm, plan/outline, write, revise, and edit. Taking months to do this work versus days or weeks should allow the students to write thoughtfully and to submit a piece that reflects not only their best writing but also showcases them as young women.
This is true for parents as well! Don’t wait until the last minute to do your portion of the application. Spend time thinking about your child and the schools to which you may apply so that you can offer thoughtful responses to the various questions. For question three, why a specific school is suitable for your daughter, think carefully about the experiences you have had at the school during this process, review their literature, and most importantly, write from your heart.
It is perfectly appropriate to submit applications once they are completed. There is no need to wait until the deadline. I strongly suggest that you make a photocopy of everything for each school, just in case something is lost in the mail or misfiled. This tip came from an eighth grader a few years ago!
I did receive Lowell and SFUSD applications and am in the process of getting them to the girls. I will place them in their advisory boxes either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Please let me know if you have any questions about filling out these applications.
For families receiving financial assistance, please know that you can request application fee waivers from the schools when you send in your Part I: Parent Application Form. You should contact admissions offices directly to learn about their process for fee waivers.
It was great to see so many of you during conferences. We were able to accomplish a great deal in twenty minutes, especially in narrowing lists and discussing realistic expectations. Please keep in touch and don’t hesitate to call or e-mail with any thoughts or questions.
Thanks,
Lisa
