• Sophomore Focus
• Standardized Testing
• Test Preparation
• Naviance/College Planning
• Summer Enrichment Opportunities
• Volunteer Service
• Honor Societies
• Junior Year Timeline

• Continue to take the strongest curriculum that is appropriate- CHALLENGE YOURSELF!
• Utilize your standardized test score reports.
• Deepen involvement in co-curriculars and service.
• Become familiar with Naviance, the school’s online tool for matching students’ strengths and interests to particular careers and colleges.
• Engage in summer enrichment programs.

GRADE 9
GRADE 10
GRADE 11
FALL
EXPLORE
PSAT
PSAT
PLAN
SPRING
PLAN

Subject
English
Usage/Mechanics
Rhetorical Skills
Math
Pre-Algebra/Algebra
Geometry
Reading
Science
Number of
Questions
Time Allowed
30 minutes
30
20
40 minutes
22
18
25
30
20 minutes
25 minutes

Subject
English
Usage/Mechanics
Rhetorical Skills
Math
Pre-Algebra/Algebra
Number of
Questions
30
20
22
Geometry
Reading
Science
18
25
30
Time Allowed
30 minutes
40 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes

4 Major Parts of Your PSAT/NMSQT Results
Your Scores
Your Skills
Your Answers
Next Steps
3 Test Sections
Critical Reading
Mathematics
Writing Skills

Your Scores
Score
You can see your projected SAT score online in My College QuickStart
( www.collegeboard.com/quickstart ).
Score Range
Percentile
If you are a junior, your scores are compared to those of other juniors.
If you are a sophomore student, your scores are compared to those of sophomores.

National Merit Scholarship
Corporation Information
The Selection Index is the sum of your critical reading, mathematics and writing skills scores.
If it has an asterisk, you do not meet all of the eligibility requirements for the competition.
The Percentile compares your performance to that of other college-bound juniors.
The Entry Requirements section displays information you provided on your answer sheet.

My College QuickStart

ACT
• English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing
• Colleges accept either the ACT or SAT
• Many colleges require the ACT with writing, so students are strongly encouraged to take the test with writing each time
• When you register, you can send your score to 4 colleges for free.

English Test
Test
Mathematics Test
Reading Test
Science Test
75
No. of Questions
60
40
40
Subscore(s)
Usage/Mechanics (40 questions)
Rhetorical Skills (35 questions)
Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra (24 questions)
Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate
Geometry (18 questions)
Plane Geometry/Trigonometry based
(18 questions)
Social Studies/Natural Sciences reading skills (20 social studies & natural sciences questions)
Arts/Literature reading skills (20 prose fiction & humanities questions)
None: the total test score is based on all 40 questions.

• SAT - Critical Reasoning, Math, Writing
• SAT Subject tests are required or “recommended” at some colleges, especially highly selective universities (Ivy League, U of Chicago,
Northwestern)
• Check schools’ requirements EARLY
• Each test is only on one subject: Literature, Spanish, Math, Chemistry, etc.
• Each test is 1 hour long; You can choose to take up to 3 tests on each test date

• Get a good night’s sleep for 2 days prior to the test (at least!)
• Eat a balanced breakfast of protein and carbohydrates that will maintain your energy level for
4 hours
• Don’t do anything different than your normal routine. If you get up and work out every morning…do that. If you drink coffee every morning, do that. If you don’t…don’t start it the day of the test.
• Answer Every Question on the ACT: There is no penalty for wrong answers on the ACT. An educated guess is always best for this test.
• Be Selective with Answers on the SAT: +1 point for questions you get correct and -1/4 point subtracted for incorrect multiple-choice. There is no penalty for omitting answers.

Practice Makes Perfect: Students should take numerous practice tests!
Utilize your resources: Take a test prep course!
Go to www.trinityhs.org
Academics tab → Counseling/College Resources → Testing →
Preparation Resources:
Test http://www.trinityhs.org/academics/guidance/standardized-testing/

• Get involved in the planning and advising process – Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers
• Research colleges – Compare GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from our school for students who have applied and been admitted in the past
• Research careers – Research hundreds of careers and career clusters, and take career assessments
• Create plans for the future – Create goals and to-dos, and complete tasks assigned by the school to better prepare students for future college and career goals.

http://connection.naviance.com/trinityhisc h

Standardized Test Scores
Letters of Recommendation
(Counselor and Teacher)
Essay(s)
Activities and/or
Employment

• Look for leadership opportunities in classes, clubs, sports
• Get involved in Honors Societies
• Use community service to explore careers and show contribution
• Consider current achievement in selecting courses
• Seek out enrichment opportunities- use your summers wisely!

• Trinity’s counseling website offers a list of various summer enrichment opportunities ranging from college programs and internships to interest camps and workshops
• Varies from one day camps to week long residential programs
• Provides exposure to college campuses and college-like experiences
• Opportunities to earn college credit
**BE MINDFUL OF APPLICATION DEADLINES!** http://www.trinityhs.org/academics/guidance/summer-college-programs/

As a Sinsinawa Dominican sponsored institution, each and every member of the Trinity community is encouraged to make service a part of her life. Campus Ministry offers support in the following ways:
• Works with the Student Activities Department and all club and organization moderators to organize and facilitate service opportunities that coincide with the mission of each group
• Fosters connections with local organizations and regularly arranges service opportunities for student groups and individuals to minister to the community
Mrs. Katie McKeon, Campus Minister
For more information please visit: http://www.trinityhs.org/student-life/campus-ministry/service/

• National Honor Society
• National Art Honor Society
• National French Honor Society
• National Italian Honor Society
• National Spanish Honor Society
• Quill and Scroll
• Thespian Society

Trinity’s honor roll is determined each quarter on the following basis:
First Honors
Second Honors
3.75 or better GPA
3.3 - 3.74 GPA

Examine your information on Facebook and/or other social networks.
Consider updating or deleting content that might not be viewed favorably by college admissions officers.

FALL
• Continue to take the strongest curriculum that is appropriate- CHALLENGE YOURSELF!
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October
• Continue your involvement in volunteer and extracurricular activities.
• Apply/run for leadership positions and develop your skills.
• Prepare for the ACT and/or SAT using PLAN and PSAT results.
• Register for the December ACT.
WINTER
• Take the December ACT.
• Complete the College Questionnaire on Naviance by mid-February.
• Attend our Junior College Seminar Night.
• Enroll and attend a test preparation course.
• Register for college entrance tests (ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests) as needed.
SPRING
• Research colleges and build a prospective list on Naviance.
• Prepare to attend a junior planning meeting with the college counselor.
• Visit college campuses, attend college fairs
• Apply for special summer academic or enrichment programs

Class of 2017 A – L
M – Z
Mrs. Behren
Mrs. Herling
Mrs. Rachel Behren, Department Chair of Guidance rbehren@trinityhs.org
Mrs. Victoria Herling, School Counselor vherling@trinityhs.org