Final Paper SAT on December 2, 2023

December 2nd, 2023, which is the final SAT date of 2023, also signifies the final administration of the traditional paper-based SAT. The College Board has decided to exclusively shift to a digital format moving forward, representing a significant transition in standardized testing methods. Students in the USA, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, will take the new digital test starting in March of 2024, while international students have had the option to take the new digital SAT since March of this year.

The paper SAT has been a longstanding tradition, but with this final administration, the College Board is embracing technology and emphasizing adaptability and innovation in testing practices. To read more about the digital SAT, click here.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Study Finds Increase in College Enrollment Rates for CPS Graduates

A study by the UChicago Consortium on School Research found a significant increase in the proportion of CPS graduates who enrolled in college. The study also found an increase in the number of students who plan to pursue their college education.

Despite general concerns over rising higher education costs and student debt, CPS students are increasingly opting for a college education, whose benefits include higher earning potential and increased job opportunities. This trend is notable considering that the national trend is the opposite: nation-wide college enrollment rates are still decreasing, not yet having recovered from the pandemic.

These college enrollment rates outperform national averages for high-poverty schools, a success which CPS credits to the collaboration of counselors, nonprofits, and teachers. The study did, however, highlight racial disparities in their projections; CPS administrators have acknowledged these disparities and the need to address them.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

NWEA Acquired by HMH

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a learning technology company known as HMH, will acquire the research and assessment nonprofit NWEA. The press release states that, “The combined organization will harness the collective power of instruction and research-based insights to support educators in their efforts to drive better outcomes for students.”

NWEA, the Northwest Evaluation Association, was used by 10,000 school systems last year and will now function as a division of HMH. NWEA’s materials will be integrated with the HMH platform, and NWEA’s suite of MAP assessments will not be impacted. Tools will continue to be available to educators, and assessments and workshops that are scheduled will proceed as normal.

Proceeds from the acquisition will be used to form a new national charity based in Oregon. The details have yet to be finalized, but the foundation will serve students and educators across the country.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

CPS High School Admissions Test Paused Due to Technical Difficulties

Due to technical difficulties, CPS has delayed High School Admissions Testing for many public schools across the city. In an email today to principals and network leadership, CPS assessment officials stated that many schools were experiencing technical issues with the testing platform.

Some schools were able to access the test with no issues. In email communications, it was indicated that students who finish the test today will be able to use their scores in their GoCPS applications. Any school that experienced difficulties was instructed to stop testing and wait for a rescheduled date, which will be shared “as soon as possible”.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Early Literacy Gains in CPS Schools

CPS leadership has reported “significant literacy gains” amongst Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students. According to 2022-23 assessments, CPS students outperformed growth expectations, with the percentage of mid and above-grade level students rising from 9% to 39%.

CPS literacy practices include explicit foundational skills instruction, process-based writing, opportunities for knowledge building, and supporting literacy in students’ first language to facilitate transfer to a second language.

The district implemented a suite of i-Ready assessments last year, which enable educators to identify student needs and closely monitor literacy progress. Though significant challenges still exist for many schools in the city, the district is committed to ensuring access to high-quality resources and increasing equity in literacy outcomes across the city.

Additional efforts include the development of a Pre-K early literacy curriculum, which is expected to be implemented in 100 schools by the end of the 2023-24 school year.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

GoCPS Applications Open from September 13th to November 9th

The GoCPS application will be available online from September 13th, 2023 to November 9, 2023. Students who will enter high school in the 2024-25 school year are now able to begin their applications for programs, including International Baccalaureate and selective enrollment high schools among others.

Students applying to selective enrollment high schools will complete the High School Admissions Test (HSAT) as part of this application, which will be offered in six languages this year instead of only in English. After receiving their HSAT scores, students will be able to re-rank their GoCPS choices from November 9th until November 22nd.

For a list of all available programs, students are directed to visit cps.edu/gocps. With any questions, families may contact CPS’ Office of Access and Enrollment at (773) 553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

2023-24 College Application Tips for Rising Seniors

With the start of the school year, rising seniors who intend to attend college will need to keep track of the steps for a successful college application. To navigate this transition successfully, here are some essential steps that rising seniors should get a head start on as the summer draws to a close.

1. Narrow Down Your List - The world of higher education offers many options that cater to different interests and aspirations. As a rising senior, it's crucial to start narrowing down your college list. Reflect on your academic and extracurricular passions, preferred location, campus culture, and potential majors. By identifying colleges that align with your values and goals, you'll make the application process more manageable and focused.

2. Visit College Campuses - While virtual tours have become a convenient way to explore campuses, there's no substitute for an in-person visit. If possible, consider visiting the campuses of your top choices. Walking through the quads, attending information sessions, and engaging with current students can provide invaluable insights into the college environment. These firsthand experiences can help you gauge whether a particular institution feels like the right fit for you.

3. Draft Your College Essay - The college essay is your opportunity to paint a vivid picture of your personality, experiences, and aspirations. The College Board essays, widely used by many institutions, offer seven prompts that encourage introspection and self-expression. The 2023-24 prompts have already been released - use this summer to brainstorm, draft, and refine your essays. Allow your authentic voice to shine through, showcasing your uniqueness and leaving a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

4. Ask for Letters of Recommendation - Letters of recommendation provide a glimpse into your character and accomplishments from the perspective of teachers, mentors, or supervisors. Choose individuals who can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and potential contributions to a college community. Reach out to these individuals early, providing them with ample time to craft thoughtful and personalized recommendations that will bolster your application.

5. Make a Plan for Standardized Tests - Standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, continue to be a part of the college application landscape for many institutions. Determine which tests are required or recommended by the colleges on your list. Based on this information, create a study plan that allows you to allocate time for test preparation while balancing other commitments. Practice tests, review materials, and online resources can be valuable assets in your test prep journey.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Chicago High Schools Ranked Among Best in Country

In the most recent study conducted by US News & World Report, Walter Payton College Prep High School in Chicago was ranked the fifth best high public high school in the country. The 2022 report ranked 18,000 schools across the U.S. based on factors such as college readiness, curriculum breadth, underserved student performance, graduation rate, and state assessment performance.

Of other schools in Chicago, Northside College Prep came 31st, Jones College Prep came in at 51st, and Whitney Young Magnet High School was 67th.

Walter Payton has ranked as a top school in Illinois for several years. This year, using data from Niche, high schools were ranked according to similar criteria including culture and diversity, health and safety, extracurriculars, and academic performance. The top four schools were Walter Payton, Northside College Prep, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, and Whitney Young Magnet High School.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

CPS Opens Welcome Center for Migrant Families

Chicago Public Schools has announced the opening of the Welcome Center at Roberto Clemente Community Academy, the first of its planned centers aimed at providing resources to migrant families. The center gives families assistance with enrolling children in school, measuring English language level, and accessing health care and social services. According to CPS leadership, the welcome center will allow for the assessment of a student’s needs and provide that child with placement in a suitable learning environment.

CPS has partnered with the Department of Family and Support Services as well as Erie Family Health Centers to provide health screenings and necessary vaccinations for school enrollment. In addition, the Welcome Center will connect families with bilingual services and mental health resources. Walk-ins are not accepted, and appointments should be made ahead of time.

A new model in Chicago, CPS will consider expanding the program depending on ongoing need and success. These supports already exist for all CPS students, but the Welcome Center is designed to consolidate them for families needing extra support as they transition to the city.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

Considerations When Applying to Test-Optional Colleges

An increased number of colleges and universities across the country went to a test-optional admissions process during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it appears that many of these schools are making the changes permanent. In a test-optional landscape, there are several important factors to consider to optimize your college application.

An important consideration is that your grades may be weighted more if you do not submit a test score. If you do not feel your grades are indicative of your academic potential, a strong test score would augment your application. Alternatively, if your grades are strong and you tend to score poorly on tests, an admissions exam may not be as appropriate. The same can be said for extracurricular activities and achievements–keep in mind that these parts of your application may be more closely scrutinized in the event that you do not submit a test score.

Additionally, be sure to check if the school to which you are applying is test-optional (meaning you get to decide if you submit any scores), test-flexible (meaning they will consider additional tests other than the SAT or the ACT), or test-blind (meaning they will not consider test scores even if you submit them). Some schools that are test-optional for admissions require test scores to be considered for merit-based scholarships, so make sure you understand the policy of each school.

Understanding the various options available to you will allow to you choose a path forward that will best highlight your skills and interests to the admissions committee.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266