While specific discussions about college planning take place primarily during the junior and senior years, the guidance office exists to direct students in developing college awareness throughout their high school years.
We offer a variety of group and individual learning experiences focused on educating students and parents on different colleges and current college admission procedures, standards and trends. Working closely with students and parents, our goal is to relate crucial information that will enhance the college admission process; from the initial steps of applying all the way to scholarships and financial aid. Prince Avenue considers each student a unique creation by God and is honored to be entrusted with the task of helping each one discover his or her academic goals.
The Process – Year by Year
- 9th Grade: Enroll in rigorous coursework and earn competitive grades. Practice for college entrance exams by taking PSAT and PreACT.
- 10th Grade: Enroll in rigorous coursework and earn competitive grades. Practice for college entrance exams by taking PSAT and the PreACT test and begin to discuss general college plans.
- 11th Grade: Enroll in rigorous coursework and achieve grades consistent with those sought in the applicant pool of the student’s college of choice. Practice for college entrance exams by taking SAT/ACT prep classes and PSAT, Take REAL SAT/ACT mid-year, start visiting colleges
- 12th Grade: Enroll in rigorous coursework and achieve grades consistent with those sought in the applicant pool of the student’s college of choice. Take REAL SAT/ACT, visit colleges, APPLY to colleges…
College Entrance Exams
PreACT
The PreACT is a practice test for the ACT and is taken in 9th and 10th grade on the Prince Avenue campus. The PreACT contains four curriculum-based assessments: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
ACT
The ACT is a College Entrance Exam taken in the 11th and 12th grades at a local area high school. Students must register online at www.act.org
- Math, English, Reading, Science & Writing
- Essay portion is required by most colleges
- Total highest possible score = 36
- Offered 6 times a year
PSAT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is the practice test for the SAT and is taken in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades on the Prince Avenue campus. The PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs during your junior year and gain access to college and career planning tools. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, Math problem-solving skills, and writing skills.
SAT I Reasoning Test
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a college entrance exam taken in the 11th and 12th grades at a local high school. Students must register online at www.collegeboard.org
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (max 800)
- Math (max 800)
- Total highest possible score = 1600
- Offered 7 times a year
