UnMazed Magazine: A Teen's Guide to College Exams (March Edition)

March

UnMazed

Magazine

Teen's Guide to College Testing

ACT SAT PERT TEST PREP AND MORE!

9

C O N T E N T SÂ Teen's Guide to Academic Programs March 2019 Featured:

8 Transitioning High School to College for Students with Special Needs 13 Florida Authors Out to Change the World One Teen at a Time 14 The Missing Link in Testing 16 Webinar: What Parents & Students Need to Know about Academic Planning for College Admissions

17 Ask the Expert: What do I Need to Study for the ACT/SAT? 20 5 Ways to Alleviate Test Stress 22 Infographic: State University System Test Scores 24 PERT, ACT & SAT Compared 26 Student Voice: Social Media Isn't Really that Social 28 Top ACT/ SAT Questions Answered 31

5 Natural Ways to Increase Studying Retention

Subscribe today GET YOUR FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO YOUR EMAIL 30 30

www.unmaze.me

4

UNMAZED MAGAZINE: EDITOR LETTER

Letter from the Editor

By: Dr. Amanda Sterk, Senior Editor and Founder of UnMazed Magazine asterk@unmaze.me

Education always seems to come in cycles. As the

Additionally, the quality of educators and content

school year end winds down, there is a continual

experts that are collaborating with UnMazed

flurry of tying up all the year's happenings, and one

Magazine is exciting. Experts come from all over the

of those areas is state and national standardized

state and nationally! This month we have a

testing.

returning Student Voice from Gabriella Baltodano as she blogs about her thoughts through her teen

If you live in Florida or other states with multiple

years. Returning authors Rob Hicks, Aimee Carlson,

state end-of-the-year tests you can almost feel the

and Amy Johnson all share great tips and tricks on

anxiousness in the air from teachers and students.

navigating the testing process using healthy, holistic ideas to help teens. Reina Lombardi shares valuable

One area that we can begin to alleviate some of

resources on students who have disabilities and

those nerves is to go through the varying tests and

their transition from high school to college. Lastly,

help you understand and prepare for the tests that

this month UnMazed sat down with college

come. This month's UnMazed Magazine looks at the

admissions advisor, Scott Daigle, to talk about high

different testing for high schools students and gives

school academic programs and what it means for

tips for both parents and students to master the

college

process as stress free as possible. Â

informative video!

Both parents and students should know what their

Check out the great inforgraphics that break down

options are so they can make better academic

testing for your college-bound student.

decision, and not get in a testing rut.. There are great resources out there for all types of students, and this month's information is sure to be useful.

admissions.

Be

sure

to

watch

this

MARCH 2019, ISSUE 11, UNMAZED MAGAZINE 5

Magazine articles and more can be found at www.unmaze.me Where Florida experts meet for teen success.

Contact us: We enjoy hearing from from parents, students, and educators throughout the state. Send us your photos, letters, or comments to asterk@unmaze.me. Or visit us online: www.unmaze.me Do you want to collaborate? This magazine is designed for educators across the state to share their expertise on a variety of topics. We welcome those who would like to participate in creating this resource.

UnMazed Where Experts Meet for Teen Success

Editor SENIOR EDITOR

Amanda Sterk, Ed.D., is CEO of Florida Center for Educational Planning and author of College UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College & University System. She currently works at Florida SouthWestern State College as Director of Accelerated Programs.. Dr. Sterk has been an educator for 20 years as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator. She is founder of the Florida teen resource, www.unmaze.me.Â

www.unmaze.me

Contributing Writers 8

14

Reina Lombardi, ATR-BC, ATCS, LMHC-QS owns Florida Art Therapy Services, LLC, a private mental health practice in Fort Myers Florida. She and her team specialize in serving the mental health needs for families with children and teens with special needs.

You can learn more about her and upcoming Free community educational events on the practice website www.floridaarttherapyservices.com

Amy Johnson has been in education for 11 years., and is a Florida Gulf Coast University graduate. with a bachelors degree in elementary education and a masters degree in educational technology. Amy is an educational consultant for Discovery Toys, so she could help children of all ages increase critical and creative thinking skills through play to better prepare them for their future.

16

Scott Daigle is passionate about college admissions. As a former school counselor, and now private college consultant, he understands how to navigate the college process with ease. He is an Independent Educational Consultant at Premier College Advisors.

17

Rob Hicks, M.Ed.,has worked in public schools for 16 years. He is a school counselor at Fernandina Beach High School and the Ogburn School. He maintains the "Getting My Guide On" blog about all things school counselor at guidey.blogspot.com and writes about local history.

20

Pamela Jenkins, Founder of WAY Educational Services. Pamela is passionate about equipping students with the knowledge to live a more meaningful. She has a specialist degree in Educational Leadership and a master's in Psychology.

26

31

Gabriella Baltodano is a striving Music Therapist and seeks out positivity for other people. With her life, she yearns to make the world better little by little and cause a "butterfly effect". Her motto is "a smile makes someone's day better." One of Gabi's long term goals is to travel and learn about different cultures while bring her knowledge with her to make the lives of others better.

Aimee Carlson, Healing Homes, Walk with Aimee as an accidental opportunity yields the best discoveries of her life. From successful franchise owner to Network Marketing Professional. Aimee has spent the last 4 years improving her health naturally and empowering families to do the same. You matter, Your family matters.

Do you have a passion for teen success?

Do you have a passion for teen success?

Would you like to write for an innovative magazine written by educators Would you like to write for an innovative magazine written by educators across the state? across the state?

Connect with us today!

Connect with us today! http://www.unmaze.me/collaborators-3/ http://www.unmaze.me/collaborators-3/

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UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED

TRANSITIONING High School to College for Students with Special Needs By: Reina Lombardi, Florida Art Therapy Services, LLC

Every quarter, my practice hosts a free quarterly workshop/speaking event. They are an opportunity for us to share information and resources on mental health and other issues that affect those we serve. On February 4, 2019, we were fortunate to have Jessica Braun, with Florida Diagnostic

&

Learning

Resource

Systems

(FDLRS-

http://www.fdlrs.org/) and the Lee County Public School District, speak at our office about the options and resources available to teens and families transitioning from high school.

I took copious notes so that I could share everything I learned from her with you. She deserves all the credit for the information communicated in this article.

She began informing us that after a student reaches age 22, or graduates from high school, they are no longer under the auspices of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA mandates that all children have a right to a free appropriate education for all students, and ensures that students with disabilities are provided access to who may need specific accommodations if they decide to continue their educational journey. They will still be afforded rights, but they are instead governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This entitles those with a documented or perceived disability access to additional services. If you want to know more about the interrelationship of these laws, you may want to consult the U.S. Department of Education website.

The one caveat to this is that once in college, the student MUST SELF-IDENTIFY as a person with a disability by going to

the

office

of

Adaptive

Services

to

request

accommodations. The student will also need to communicate directly with their professors or educators regarding their disability. It is advised that students visit the office of adaptive services prior to enrollment to determine what is available, as accommodations will vary among educational institutions.

REINA LOMBARDI, FLORIDA ART THERAPY SERVICES Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of

These programs are eligible for financial aid

1974 (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy

through programs such as the Pell Grant. Students

of student education records, after age 18 parents are

interested in pursuing the GED have multiple

no longer able to act on behalf of the student. This

options including both virtual/online and in-person

means that the student must be the one to request the

instruction at the Lee County School District office.

additional services, access their records and resolve

challenges they experience within the system. Parents

Another option is to transition directly into

may accompany their student regarding the above, but

employment or an apprenticeship. For students in

they would not be able to obtain academic information

need of additional assistance with this process, they

if they call or go in on behalf of the student unless the

will benefit by connecting with the Department of

student signs a release form for them to do so.

Education

Department

of

Vocational

Rehabilitation. Their mission is"to help people with Jessica advised that students should be working on

disabilities find and maintain employment and

developing

enhance

self-advocacy

skills

throughout

their

their

independence”

primary education experience in preparation for this

(http://www.rehabworks.org/, 2019).

process in adulthood. She noted that at age 14 students

with an IEP are invited to a transition IEP meeting

Students also have the option of pursuing a military

where they begin the process of discussing their

career, which will require them to complete the

dreams for their future. For more information on

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

helping teens develop self-advocacy skills, you may

(ASVAB). The military uses the results of this test to

want read this previously published article on the topic

determine occupational placement during service.

in UnMazed.

Students interested in pursuing military options can

learn more at the local recruiter’s office located at

For students earning a standard high school diploma

4470 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901.

transition opportunities are vast; however, for those unable to meet the criteria for a standard diploma or

For families interested in pursuing financial

select another option, such as the GED or Certificate of

resources to pay for secondary education, she

Completion, the options become limited. Students who

suggests using a website called FastWeb. This

are unable to pass the FSA requirements and earn a

website

Certificate of Completion are eligible to attend a state

opportunities,

college, such as Florida Southwestern College, but must

information on how to complete the Free

take and pass remedial level coursework prior to being

Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA) and

able to enroll in required coursework for a college

much more.

degree. She noted that one of the challenges with this option is that the remedial coursework is not eligible for financial aid, which may pose a hardship to many families.

A

technical

program

or

vocational

education

institution, such as Ft. Myers Technical College or Sunstate Academy, can be attended by earning a GED and taking the Tests of Adult Education (TABE) test.

has

information scholarships,

on

internship

part-time

jobs,

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10 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: RESOURCES

RESOURCES For Students with Special Needs https://www.flbog.edu/forstudents/ati/disabilities.php This is the State University System of Florida Board of Governors website. This page provides the links to Office of Disabilities (may also be referred to as Office of Adaptive Services) for each State University within Florida. http://Project10.info The mission of Project 10: Transition Education Network is “assist Florida school districts and relevant stakeholders in building capacity to provide secondary transition services to students with disabilities in order to improve their academic success and post-school outcomes. Project 10 serves as the primary conduit between the Florida Department of Education, specifically the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), and relevant school district personnel in addressing law and policy, effective practices, and research-based interventions in the area of transition services for youth with disabilities,” (2019). http://www.floridashines.org This website offers a variety of resources for students of all ages (even adults). https://www.floridashines.org/find-a-career page is all about what happens after you finish your education. It allows you to create an account and take career interest inventories, learn about different career options, find information about colleges and learn how to write an effective resume.

https://www.floridashines.org/go-to-college page focuses on college readiness for students.

You can explore different college degrees offered throughout the state, explore different colleges and universities, and obtain information on how to pay for school, including scholarships.

https://www.floridashines.org/succeed-in-college page focuses on assisting with the needs of students already in enrolled in college. They have resources to help students find FREE textbooks! AH-MAZING! They also provide you with information about how to enroll in courses at another university within the Florida University system, as well as explore online learning options. http://apd.myflorida.com/ This is the Agency for Persons with Disabilities website. One nice feature of the site is their online resource directory, which allows you to look up a variety of categories (legal, mental health, therapy and rehabilitation, transition, transportation, etc…) and filter according to locale. Go directly to the resource search with the following link https://resourcedirectory.apd.myflorida.com/resourcedirectory/Default.aspx

REINA LOMBARDI, FLORIDA ART THERAPY SERVICES http://www.rehabworks.org/ The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (or VR as it is commonly referred) mission is to assist persons with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment.

They provide the following types of assistance after graduation: Workplace Accommodations, Job Placement, Job Coaching, On-the-Job Training, Supported Employment, Assistive Technology & Devices, Time-Limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment, & Postsecondary Education/Training. http://fldoe.org Anything you want to know about the Florida Public School system will on there, from graduation options and requirements to legal policies regarding education.

There is a page solely dedicated to students with disabilities

http://fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/ http://fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/parent-info/ provides resources specific to parents including PDFs on understanding the Florida Standardized Assessments, FERPA, and guides for understanding exceptional education (some documents are also available in Spanish). http://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/fsa.stml provides access to LOTS of great resources on assessments including Florida Standardized Assessment practice tests. https://fndusa.org/ The Family Network on Disabilities website also has a plethora of information and resources to assist families. A wonderful asset to this website is that it is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Creole & Russian. https://fndusa.org/contact-us/programs/pen/ The Parent Education Network for Lee county can be accessed via this link. They offer support and resources to help you advocate for your child.

I hope you find these resources helpful to you and your child/children. Many of them may be beneficial regardless of ability.

11

UNMAZED MAGAZINE: RESOURCES

Helping Students Find Their Way to Success

FLORIDA RESOURCES 13

Florida Authors Out to Change the World One Teen at a Time

By Pamela Jenkins, M.Ed, Best Little Teen Guide Ever provides 40 key strategies to improving teen's lives through inspirational quotes, short stories, and ideas.

By Jenipher Lyn, Find Your Rainbow, this colorful and engaging discovery guide and activity book encourages selfgrowth and creative expression as it helps girls through the sometimes tough journey of growing up.

By Dr. Juniace Senecharles Etienne, Shaping Young Minds Journal is to help students plan for their progress of selfdiscovery and vision.

By Amanda Sterk, EdD, College UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College & University System, walks families through complicated maze of high school to college to help with academic planning, standardized testing, college applications, and scholarships.

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UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED

THE MISSING LINK IN TESTING

By Amy Johnson, Educator We cannot hide the fact that students today live in a society driven by an excess of testing. Undeniably, today's students face a wealth of obstacles that can prevent them from performing well on exams. It comes to no surprise that testing anxiety or stress from testing can have negative effects on students' self-esteem or hinder their efforts.

Have you ever wondered why some students outperform others, even when they may not have the highest IQ or grades?

The answer to this perplexing question could boil down to one

word, grit. The term grit is the foundation of Carol Dweck's theory on a growth mindset. "Grit is not just having resilience in the face of failure, but also having deep commitments that you remain loyal to over many years.” (Perkins-Gough, D., 2013). Grit is also trait-level perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Research has shown that grit predicted achievement in challenging domains over and beyond measures of talent. It is what enables students to see that with the right mindset your goals can be achieved (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009 p.166). Grit seems to be the distinctive motivational factor that students have that catapults them to set and achieve academic goals regardless of prior failures or experiences. If we can teach students to tap into their potential and look beyond the viewpoint of a test score, we can help them realize they are more than just a test score. They are capable of achieving and reaching the goals they set.

Dweck's theory goes on to state students with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence is simply an inborn trait- they have a certain amount and that is that. As a former student

AMY JOHNSON, EDUCATOR 15 who struggled in college with math, I can relate firsthand to

mindset is what allowed me to overcome the obstacles

testing anxiety. This caused me to develop a fixed mindset

preventing me from achieving my academic goals. With this

and compare myself to my peers. However, that is where

in mind, it is imperative that we can identify that failure is

grit arose. Now in hindsight, I can see that grit was the

not permanent. We can change our mindset and foster the

missing piece to the puzzle. Grit is what enabled me to

grit that is essential to help embrace the struggles and

achieve my academic goals through persistence and

failures that testing throws our way. Those failures and

perseverance. Instead of adopting a fixed mindset because

challenges are what help us grow and to challenge

I did not pass a test, I used that failure as my springboard to

ourselves to achieve our academic goals.

grow and change my studying habits. Acquiring a growth

16 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: ASK THE EXPERT

What Parents & Students Need to Know about Academic Planning for College Success Webinar Link

ROB HICKS, COUNSELOR

ASK THE EXPERT What do I need to study for the ACT/ SAT?

By Rob Hicks, School Counselor at Fernandina Beach High School, Blogger at Guidey.Blogspot.com One of the most common questions I am asked as a

me that the people who publish the exams are going

school counselor is, “what can I do to prepare for the

to have the best insight into how to prepare, so I

SAT and ACT?” The answer is, there’s a lot. A ton of

think any test prep should include these services at

exam prep materials exist that can help students

least in part. Both services allow a user to look at

squeeze a few more points out of these important

previous test attempts, explore weaknesses, and

assessments.

target those weaknesses within the test prep. This is an extremely valuable tool and one that any student

However, to begin this conversation it’s important to

will be wise to take advantage of.

temper expectations. The purpose of the SAT and ACT is to compare the aptitude of students who are applying

These are not the only means for SAT or ACT test

to college from a national and sometimes international

prep though. A multitude of third-party resources

pool. These tests separate the elite from the average in

exists that are aimed at SAT or ACT preparation.

an unbiased way that a GPA might struggle to do. And,

They can carry different approaches or different

the tests do a pretty good job of this. In a sense, they

methods of delivery and I won’t suggest that any one

represent your body of intellectual work for the

of them is better than the other here. You can find

entirety of your schooling so a little time spent

theses at places like Amazon.com or in the big box

preparing for these tests is only going to elevate a

book stores like Barnes and Nobles, so it’s probably a

student so much. Test prep can improve scores but no

good idea to do a little shopping and find one that

one should expect that can turn an average score into a

looks like it’s a good fit for you.

perfect one.

Those products will often be self-directed which So, how does a student prepare for a test? My belief is

means they’ll require a level of self-discipline that

that it is possible to overdo it. I wouldn’t want a student

not every high school student has. In that case, many

to ignore their classroom studies for the sake of

high schools offer some after-school or weekend

preparing for an exam. Plus, it just seems like a good

workshops in the days or weeks leading up to test.

way to burn a young person out. However, some

Colleges and private tutoring services sometimes

dedicated time spent preparing for an exam in the six to

also offer test preparation classes. These can be the

eight weeks leading up to the administration can be

most expensive options for test preps but they

beneficial.

occasionally come with money back guarantees to improve your score a certain number of points. I have

The College Board has partnered with the Khan

had good feedback from these sorts of classes in the

Academy for their test prep and the ACT has partnered

past and I imagine they wouldn’t offer the guarantee

with Kaplan for theirs. I think these are best places to

if they weren’t confident they could meet it more

start. It makes sense to

often than not.

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18 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED

When Scores Don't Make the Cut Here are some helpful tips if your scores just are not getting to where you need to be after hard-work and tutoring.

SAT or ACT?

1. Know about each test- There always seems to be one test each student is stronger in, either the ACT/SAT. While both are trying to measure a student's aptitude for first-year college equivalency, the way they assess is quite different. By starting early, you can determine which test you score higher in and from then on focus

73%

on that one test.

2. Consider Test Optional Colleges- Not every college believes these standardized tests are the best determination for student success- they believe "You

73% of Florida seniors took the ACT

Are More Than a Score". Many top universities throughout the country have a test-optional policy and allow you to decide to submit or not your test scores.

3. Consider Holistic Review or Selective UniversitiesMany universities view an application from all angles, such as using counselor and teacher recommendations, academics (including level of rigor), your essay,

83%

community volunteer work, school activities, and ethnicity/ background, so the ACT/ SAT is a small part of it. This is called "selective admissions"- typically if the school has an essay, it is a selective admission process.

4. Tell Admissions about your Learning Disability- If you have had an IEP or 504 and have excelled in the classroom or had setbacks until you were diagnosed, these might help explain why you did not fair as well on the ACT/SAT. Universities often seek out to have an exclusive, diverse student population including learning disabilities. The most brilliant essay I read was a student

83% of Florida seniors took the SAT writing about his ADHD and safer pharmaceutical drugs utilizing current research to help others like himhe landed a top scholarship at a prestigious university.

5. Look at Satellite Campuses or Partnership Programs- Many colleges have multiple campuses or agreements with

AMANDA STERK, UNMAZED 19

other colleges to enter into their programs. For example, University of South Florida has 3 campuses, and their entrance ACT/SAT rates are different at each one- you may make the cut at one but not the other. Also, schools like University of Florida Engineering program has partnered with Santa Fe College and State College of Florida. This is the same with top colleges and universities throughout the country-

sometimes

doing

two

years

to

an

undergraduate program where your scores meet the guidelines, allows you a guaranteed spot in top graduate programs.

6. Consider an Associates of Arts or Associates of Science Program- Working at a state college myself, I see daily how advantageous a state/community college can be for first-time in college students or adult students returning to school. Students are choosing this model in higher numbers than ever

Most Popular Florida Schools to Send ACT and SAT Scores 1. University of Central Florida 2. Florida State University 3. University of Florida 4. University of Miami Top Test Optional Colleges 1. Bowdoin College 2. Wake Forest University 3. Bates College 4. Wesleyan University

Where do you rank?

before because of the small classroom environment,

Top Score

increased financial aid, lower tuition, ease of transferability, better access to programs and sports,

Florida

A C T

Nationally

and proximity to home. At the end of it, the final .

degree is the most important not how you got there.

7. Ask for an Appeal- Maybe you were denied because your test scores just weren't high enough. If it is a not a college

that

typically

asks

for

letters

of

recommendation or alternative academic information, ask if there is a way to appeal by submitting additional

Only 21% of Florida students posted "college ready" scores on all four sections of the exam (math, reading, science and writing)

documentation. I had a student who had left out her learning disability in fear of denial, but once I wrote a recommendation explaining the circumstance, they reconsidered and reversed the original decision.

In the end, student's need to realize that an ACT/SAT

Top Score Florida

,

Nationally

,

,

score is not the end-all-be-all. There are many pathways to the summit, and there are many options for students today-more than ever before.

Only 36% of Florida students posted "college ready" scores on both sections of the exam (math and the reading/writing)

S A T

20

UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED

5

WAYS TO ALLEVIATE TEST STRESS

By Pamela Jenkins, Way Education Services So, you find yourself prepared to take a test and just at

priority. So, you find yourself prepared to take a test and

the start of the exam, you draw a complete blank. Your

ultimately renewing our minds is the key. Therefore,

heart begins to race, and you cannot think straight. All

mental focus techniques, and meditation and prayer are

you feel is panic as you feel the pressure to succeed.

great things to put into practice.

You may even have the thought “if I don’t pass this test, I am a total failure!”

2. Calm your Body

Since we know that a healthy body influences a healthy

1. Calm your Mind

mind, we should give attention to the types of food and

Did you know that we feel whatever it is that we

drink that we are putting in our bodies. There are many

believe? I t is well known that anxious thoughts create

things that support a healthy body including limiting

an anxious body. Furthermore, when we perceive a

toxic chemicals as well as balancing nutrition.

situation to be harmful or threatening in any sense, we

activate our fight or flight response and our body

Nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins can

reacts.

create an anxious mind and body. During an exam, it is

essential that our mind can process thought rationally

When this happens, adrenaline and cortisol is released,

and our body is restored with adequate rest.

our digestion slows, and our arteries become restricted.

All this is happening to prepare our body to survive

Anxiety and stress rob our bodies of nutrients. For

danger. This has been built within us as a form of self-

example, calming minerals like magnesium, calcium and

preservation.

zinc are heavily depleted when we experience a high

level of emotional stress. Therefore, making sure that we

Unfortunately, this survival tool works against us when

have adequate levels of the necessary nutrients to

we perceive various situations and circumstances to be

perform optimally is vital.

life threatening when they are actually harmless. That is why focusing on our thoughts should always be the

There are certain “brain foods” that support a healthy

AC0-

PAMELA JENKINS, WAY EDUCATION SERVICES

mind. For example, I have heard the saying “an avocado a

This again is primarily because we learn by association and

day, keeps the psychologist away.” Probably an indication

connection. The study of Pavlov’s dog in psychology proves

that our brains require healthy fats. We have all heard

this type of learning when the dog learned to associate the

similar sayings about apples or other natural foods. The

bell with the food.

point here is that we should try our best to avoid unnatural

and processed foods. There is a reason that we have heard

5. Slow Down and Breathe

this message for years; food matters!

This may seem like a no brainer but during an exam we must

remind ourselves to slow down, read the directions

3. Know your Stuff

carefully and breathe slowly.

Next, it’s important to build confidence before taking an exam. One of the best ways to increase our confidence is to

It is surprising how many students miss the right answer

know the material well. If we believe that we can be

simply because of their failure to read the word “not.” It is

successful at test taking without preparation, then we are

always to our benefit to read directions at least twice so as

setting ourselves up for failure.

not to miss anything. Additionally, I have witnessed many

students who have failed to recheck their calculators and

This seems like common sense but, as an educator, I have

provide an answer to a math problem in error. These are

witnessed many students that simply did not take the time

simple mistakes that would not occur if test takers simply

to study. The work ethic must be there first.

slowed down enough to validate a question or an answer.

We must study and have a good understanding of the

Finally, why would we have to be reminded to breathe

subject or it will not matter how calm we are during an

when it’s an automatic response? It is because a slower rate

exam. A person either knows the material being tested or

of breathing helps to control our bodies response.

they do not. There is no exception unless of course a person

is an extremely lucky guesser.

We can learn to control our anxiety level through our

breath. This is something that is often taught to people who

4. Enhance your Short-Term Memory

are having their blood pressure regularly checked. Just

Much of the material that we retain for an exam is lost over

worrying about a high blood pressure reading can quickly

time due to the limitations of our short-term memory. Real

cause blood pressure to increase. When anxiety increases,

learning takes place over time through repetition and

our heart rate and blood pressure increase as well. This

experience.

leads to shallow short breathing. By simply taking slow

deep breathes, we can help to calm our sympathetic

When preparing for an exam, it is of great benefit to boost

nervous system.

our short-term memory potential. Since we learn through association, there are a few simple things that we can do to

As you can see, there are several things that we can do to

enhance our memory for test taking. For example, research

help alleviate test anxiety. Since everyone is unique, a

has shown that studying in those environments similar to

person needs to find out what specifically works for them.

the test taking environment can help us retain knowledge.

Additionally, it is beneficial to study right before going to

With testing at the forefront in much of today’s education,

bed at night. Some people even believe that if they chew

it is vital that we address the issue of anxiety as it relates to

gum during study, they will perform better if they chew gum

test performance. I would even go so far as to predict that

during an exam.

one day, colleges will offer courses merely for the purpose of dealing with test anxiety.

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22 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: INFOGRAPHICS

Florida State

Median Rang

Florida Ag.& Me SA0 SA0

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Florida Gulf Coa

Florida Atlantic Univ.

SA0 SA0

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RW M

AC0-

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Florida PolyTechnic Univ.

SA0 SA0

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Florida State

AC0-

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AC0-

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SA0 SA0

-

RW M

SA0 SA0

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Univ. of Flo

Univ. of Central Florida SA0 SA0

-

Univ. of South Florida SA0 SA0

-

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-

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Downloadable copy can be found at www.unmaz

STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM DATA 23

e Universities

ge ACT-SAT

ech.Univ.

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AC0-

Florida Int'l Univ.

-

SA0 SA0

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orida

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Ne AC0-

AC0-

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SA0 SA0

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College of Florida

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Univ. of West Florida SA0 SA0

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ze.me/counselors-resources

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UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED

PERT

ACT

SAT

Students have multiple college-level exams that they can take to enter into college. As well, these tests can also be used to pass some of the state standardized exams necessary for high school graduation. Knowing the various tests and which one works for your academic path is essential to the college process.

PERT- Post Secondary Readiness

ACT- ACT is an entrance exam

SAT- Scholastic Assessment Test

Test is designed as a common

used

and

is an entrance exam used for

placement

universities

admissions

college admissions that tests a

accurate course placement on a

purposes. The ACT is to reflect the

student's writing, critical reading,

student's skills and abilities in

general knowledge of a student's

and mathematics skills. It is a

college-level work. Students may

first year in college that focuses on

multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper

use this score to enter into dual

reading, writing, mathematics, and

test administered by the College

enrollment

science. It is a multiple-choice,

Board. Each section is scored from

colleges. The PERT test can also be

pencil-and-paper

200 to 800 point scale,with your

used to pass the Algebra 1 end-of-

administered by ACT, Inc. It is

total

course exam. Students can take this

offered several times throughout

sections with a max of 1600 points

test at their high school or on a

the year, and is often taken in a

available. The SAT also provides a

college's campus. It is computer-

student's junior and senior year.

double-digit score that is used by

based and untimed. The test is out

Points

the state for dual enrollment. To

of 150 points each section.

composite score (all sections) of

find

36. To find out more go to

www.collegeboard.org.

test

to

programs

determine

or

state

by

are

most

colleges

for

out

test

an

www.actstudent.org..

averaged

score

out

added

more

between

go

to

AMANDA STERK, UNMAZED There are several test options out there for high school students. Taking and passing these exams can have a big impact on accelerated high school programs, like dual enrollment, college admissions, and scholarships. Before starting these tests, parents and students should know what the options are and make a decisions based on a student's strength and college and career plans. This chart explains some oft he similarities and differences of the three main tests given here in Florida.

Test Comparison PERT

Features Available

ACT

SAT

Core content focused

Computer-based

Timed

Limited date testing

Accommodations

University admissions

Dual enrollment admissions

Formal pre-test

Florida Dual Enrollment Re uired Test Scores PERT Scores

ACT Scores

SAT Scores

Reading

106

24

103

19 17

Reading

Writing

Reading Writing

Writing

25

Math

114

Math

19

Math

24

*Scores determined by Florida Department of Education as college-level for courses in dual enrollment

25

26

UNMAZED MAGAZINE: STUDENT VOICE

Social Media Isn't Really That Social

By Gabriella Baltodano, Student The past month has been a train wreck for me. I've

as addicted as others but there was still the fact that

been coping and working with myself to move past the

when I was with people who I hadn't been with in a

stress. However, I can never seem to get better.

long time, that I had missed, I would still just go on

Last weekend, I spent time with my best friend-- whom

Instagram's explore page and watch slime videos and

I hadn't seen in quite sometime. We talked, laughed,

look at memes. The "I use social media to talk to

and it made me feel much better afterwards.

people" was no longer valid. People have other forms

Yesterday, I decided that maybe there was something I

of communication, and though some can only use their

hadn't noticed that was setting me back from my true

social platforms to communicate, it was not that way

contentment. I look back to times when I was truly

for me or the people I would talk to.

content and I always notice something that pops out at

So, I made an impulse decision. I asked the people who

me-- I was never on my phone.

I didn't have the numbers of for their numbers and I deleted social media. I've only had it deleted for a short

I started using social media in my 8th grade year. I

amount of time, not even 24 hours, but I am still

followed the bandwagon around me because I felt left

opening up my phone to click on where I had

out. At first, I used Instagram just to communicate with

memorized that my social media apps were, and I click

my friends and to post funny pictures. The longer I had

something that wasn't what I wanted to.

social media, the more I was sucked into it. Whenever a

Lack of social media has so far been a hard habit to

new update would come out I would be ecstatic for all

break, but a necessary one.

of the new features. I would be on social media a

Being on social media as often as I was had made me

majority of my day. Instagram led to Facebook, to keep

forget the things I missed and isolated me from the

in contact with my family, which led to Snapchat,

outside world.

Pinterest, Tumblr, Discord and Twitter. All of these

There are many things that I missed that I only missed

platforms kept me on my phone. Whenever I would

because I let social media take a hold on me. Social

wake up I would check my phone. Whenever I saw a

media can be an amazing thing for communication and

notification on one of the many social platforms, I

knowing what’s happening in places far from you, but

would click on it before a message or phone call from

you lose the acknowledgement and understanding of

my family. I had a social media addiction. Yes, I was not

the world around you. Â Â

GABRIELLA BALTODANO

27

28 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED

S N IO

T S E

U Q T

A S /

P O T

T C A

By Amanda Sterk, EdD, College UnMazed I receive a lot of questions regarding the ACT and SAT

the decision. You may be planning to attend a school or

tests. What they are, when best to take them, what it

program that doesn't require the ACT or SAT (some

means for college admissions. While some schools are

schools are even test optional), but your plans may

moving away from using standardized test scores for

change down the road and having taken these in high

college admission, for most schools it is a big part of the

school will be much easier than later in life.

college admission application. Not only is admissions connected to your score, but often times scholarships as

2. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACT

well. A few extra points here and there can make a big

AND THE SAT TESTS?

difference (see my recent post about the how a few

While the ACT and SAT are both standardized tests that

points for ACT/SAT could mean 100% free tuition!).

can help you get into college, they do differ a bit from each other. The ACT is focused on achievement,

For this article, I am not going to into the theology of the

measuring the bigger picture of what you've learned in

test and all the arguments for or against. The thing you

school, while the SAT measures aptitude, testing your

should know is that they are necessary for most four

reasoning skills and verbal abilities.

year universities. Two year state or community colleges will also use it, but may have other tests you can take

Check out the Princeton Review for more information

such as the PERT.

on the two tests and their differences.

Here are some basic questions I get frequently.

My suggestion is to take both tests early on, see how 1. SHOULD I TAKE ONE OF THESE TESTS?

those scores compare against what you need for the

Consider the path that you're planning after high school

colleges you are looking at, and then take the "better"

to determine if you should take the ACT or SAT. While it

score test again after more preparation. Unlike decades

may not be a requirement, depending on the school

ago, universities have NO preference on which test you

you're attending, consider taking the long-term view

take, they care about your HIGHEST score.

when making

AMANDA STERK, COLLEGE UNMAZED

3. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE ACT/ SAT?

6. WHAT IS THE COST FOR THE ACT AND SAT TESTS?

There are a number of different ways to prepare. While your

There are several price ranges- one includes the full test with

school may have test prep courses for you, going private can

the writing portion. I highly suggest you do both. There is also

often be extremely costly. This is one of the issues people

a late fee registration is you miss the regular deadline.

have with the test. There are several good websites out

ACT= $39.50, ACT with writing= $56.50

there that can give you diagnostic tests, flashcards, practice

SAT= $43.00, SAT with essay= $54.40

tests, and overall guidance.

SAT subject tests- $26 (to be taken if specific programs ask for it)

Be careful of private tutors; make sure they are legitimate.

Just because they charge a lot, does not mean they are good

If you are on free and reduced lunch, there are waivers for

or can get you results. On the other hand, there are certain

both tests. You may use two. You will need to see your high

strategies students can learn to be able to do better on the

school guidance counselor for this waiver. You are also

test. Knowing what the test makers are seeking for answers

entitled to waived application fees at some school

and shoring up some academic weaknesses could prove

universities, so be sure to ask!

beneficial for students. Private tutors or computer programs can often help in this area. One suggestion is to take test

7. SHOULD I SEND MY SCORES DIRECTLY TO THE

first and see how your student does as a baseline. On the

COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY I AM THINKING OF?

second attempt have your child study on their own using

It will ask you in the beginning part of the two tests if you

some outside resources (online, book, at school, etc). If there

want to send your scores to a college/ university of your

scores are still not where they need, then on the third

choice. At this point, it is FREE! However, you do not know

attempt consider some private, specialized tutoring to try

how you will score- especially if it is your first time. My

and increase a few more points.

suggestion is to not do it the first time, after you feel more confident, know approximately what you might get, then I

4. WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE TEST FOR THE FIRST

would send it using the free service. If you decide NOT to do

TIME?

so, and send it later, you will have to pay. It's $12 for ACT for

Typically, students will take the ACT or SAT no later than

each school sent, SAT is $11.25.

Spring of their 11th grade year. This is to strengthen your math, reading and writing. However, some students start

8. HOW DO I SIGN-UP?

earlier to begin practicing, and sometimes it is needed for

ACT- www.actstudent.org

certain high school programs like dual-enrollment.

SAT- www.collegeboard.org You will need your 6 digit school code. You select which date

5. HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THE TEST?

you want to take it and which high school.

It's generally advised to take the test no more than three

I hope this helps provide some basic background information

times, to avoid raising red flags with admission counselors.

on these tests. As a reminder, the ACT and SAT is just one

Prepare for the test as though you're only going to take it

aspect of your college admission, your recalculated gpa,

one time, and do your best. If you're not satisfied with your

courses taken, extra-curriculars, and overall college success

score, you can take it again.

plays a big part.

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30

UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED

Student's Testing Timeline TESTING TIMELINE Testing Timeline for Success

Fall

th- th

th

Many schools offer Pre-ACT or PSAT in the fall of 10th grade year. Be sure to wach for dates and sign up.

Testing is not a focus, but some academic summer programs might require testing.

This is a key time to start taking these tests for college admissions.

Most experts suggest taking both ACT and SAT and see which score is highest.

Fall

Many seniors use this as their last testing time for college admissions. Most colleges have a priority deadline of November 1st.

Admissions

Fall

th

th PSAT

The 11th grade PSAT is used for mutliple scholarships, such as National Merit Scholarships. As well, fee waivers can start being used for ACT and SAT..

This is a great time to plan taking the tests if your student may be interested in Dual Enrollment.

PERT, ACT or SAT accepted.

Admissions

th

th

Dual Enrollment

Pre-Tests

Special Programs

Spring

Spring

Many seniors use this time reach a higher score for second consideration or to achieve Bright Futures Scholarship levels.

Bright Futures

Spring

th

AIMEE CARLSON, YOUNG LIVING It’s almost springtime and with that brings end of year exams to take. No matter if you are a child, a teenager, or an adult, taking tests can be an uncomfortable and stressful experience. If you are looking for a way to calm those pretest nerves, improve your concentration and memory retention, I’ve got you covered! Follow these natural approaches and you’ll be ready to tackle those tests with confidence.

By Aimee Carlson, Young Living 1.. Exercise - When we exercise our brain releases

2. Following a Schedule - Time management is one of

endorphins which interact with feel good receptors

the biggest factors that determine our ability to get

in our brains. When you are in a good mood your

anything done. Have you ever caught yourself

brain will retain much more information than when

procrastinating? I am pretty sure the answer is ‘Yes’, I

you are groggy. After exercising you receive a boost

know I’m guilty of this one! Many of us fall into this

of energy and your mind is clear and alert. Your mind

trap leaving things like exam prep, essay papers or

has an increased ability to now retain new

other projects to the last minute. Studies have shown

information. Experiments have proven that regular

students who study a couple hours a week at the

exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus

same time every day perform better than students

(the part of the brain which is responsible for

who spent 12 hours crammed in the night before an

learning), boosting our capacity to learn faster and

exam. Another important factor that affects your

more efficiently. The next time you are scheduling a

learning is the time of day of you study. By now you

time to study, plan an activity that will increase your

have learned what time of day your are more focused.

heart rate for at least 20 minutes.

Capitalize on that and do your exam preparation during those hours.

3. Getting Sufficient Rest – One of the worst things you can do is pull an ‘all nighter’ right before exam day. The truth of the matter is your brain will remember so much more information when it is given time to rest and recharge. Do your best to follow the same sleep schedule leading up to your exam so your body and brain will get the correct amount of rest that is required to perform at its highest ability.

4. Using essential oils – Have you ever wanted there to be something that you could take to instantly enhance your memory or increase your learning power? Using essential oils might be the closest thing to do just that! Studies have shown many essential oils are proven to: Increase your concentration Improve your focus Increase cognition and remembrance Boosts memory retention Reduces stress Promotes Relaxation Improves Mood Peppermint has been shown to increase awareness and focus your attention. One sniff and you’ll feel much more alert! Rosemary and Sage have both shown to increase memory and cognition. Lemon is a fantastic stress reduction and mood lifter. Relaxation allows better mental clarity.

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