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Sophomore FAQ
Please click on a question below to view the answer(s).
How do we log into Schoolinks? How do we use it?
Please go to schoolinks.com to log into the system.
For students: please click on "log in with Google" and use your school email account to log in.
For parents: please type in your personal email that you use for genesis. Then click "forgot password." You will be emailed a temporary password to use. Your account will automatically be connected to your childs.
For help navigating the program, please see our useful guides here.
Should my child take a third year of foreign language?
-MCST requires two years of a world language to graduate high school. Some students may choose to continue with a 3rd or 4th year to keep up the rigor of their coursework. Also, some colleges will recommend/require 3+ years.
-If your child does well and enjoys the language, it is recommended they continue. If they don’t do well, or don’t enjoy it, then they shouldn’t continue. They can take additional electives or study hall if available.
What is the best criteria to consider when choosing a college?
In general, you want to consider things like size, location, academics, graduation rate, job placement, and any other factors that are important to you. Never apply somewhere just because your friends are or because you have heard the name of the school before- do it for you.
Are there any advantages to choosing a state college/ university vs. out of state or private colleges?
The biggest advantage to state schools is paying in-state tuition - however you shouldn’t limit yourself based on cost since you will not know your financial aid package until after you are accepted. Apply to a variety of schools for this reason. Please visit the School Counseling website-> financial aid for more information on this topic.
How many colleges should my student apply to?
We recommend 6-8. If applying to special programs, we suggest no more than 10. Do your research ahead of time so you can only apply to schools you really love. 1-2 likely schools, 2-3 target schools, 1-2 reach schools. Start using Schoolinks to get started on your college/career search and create lists of your favorite schools.
What is test optional? Does it hurt you if you don’t submit scores?
-Many schools are test optional, meaning they do not require test scores for their evaluation process. In general, if your score falls within that school’s range, you should submit. If your score falls below, you don’t submit, and you are not penalized for this. You can review test optional schools at fairtest.org.
-Many schools were always test optional, but this number grew tremendously during covid when many students did not have access to testing. Fair test will show which application years are currently optional. Some schools are going back to requiring exams, so it does not hurt to have a score and try your best on the SAT/ACT.
If my child took the PSAT10, do they still take the PSAT in October of their junior year? How would I register my child for the PSAT?
Yes, students can take the PSAT (practice SAT) in 10th and 11th grade. Students are automatically registered for the PSAT (11th grade) and will take it during the school day in October.
Should my child take an SAT or ACT or both?
Students should take a practice exam for both tests and see which format they feel most comfortable with. After deciding, stick to studying for one of the two exams. Test prep/practice exams are available on tutor.com (application located in the student’s email) for both exams. SAT is run through collegeboard.com and ACT can be found at ACTStudent.org. Every college/university accepts either exam, so it does not matter which the student chooses.
When should my child take the SAT for the first time? How many times can they take it?
Usually, we recommend that students take their first SAT administration in March of 11th grade. Students usually take the exam 2-3 times, after studying more for each exam. Collegeboard.com (where you register for the test) offers the exam every few months. Many students will opt for a March exam, a May or June exam, and if needed, an August exam.
Does MCST rank? What type of information, if any, do colleges get to contextualize a student's GPA?
-MCST does not rank, however we can provide deciles (Top 10%, 20%, 30% etc) to colleges and scholarships that request this information. Every college is provided with a school profile that outlines the course offerings as well as our point system and GPA scale. Due to the nature of our academies, rank was eliminated to create equity amongst programs. Colleges evaluate students holistically, therefore rank does not determine acceptance.
-Colleges prefer to see a student use their extra time outside of school building their resume and contributing to their community, rather than studying for extra classes or tests. It would not be in a student’s best interest to take courses that our school does not offer.
Since MCST does not offer AP classes, will this negatively affect my child’s admission to a prestigious university? Should students take any AP courses/exams on their own?
-Every college receives our school profile which outlines all available course work. We note that we do not offer AP courses therefore students are not penalized for not taking them. College look for students to thrive in the highest level courses THAT WE OFFER ONLY.
-Colleges prefer to see a student use their extra time outside of school building their resume and contributing to their community, rather than studying for extra classes or tests. It would not be in a student’s best interest to take courses that our school does not offer.
What GPA requirement do you have for my child to attend your CCM dual enrollment program in senior year?
-At this current time, students with a 3.0 or higher cumulative (9th & 10th grade average) GPA at the end of 10th grade would qualify to attend. Qualifications can vary by school year, so more information will be disseminated during junior year.
-You can check your child’s GPA in genesis or Schoolinks. It will update again at the end of each school year.
I want my resume to stand out to top colleges. How can I make my summer before 11th grade meaningful?
Colleges want to see that you took the initiative to make something happen. Here is what you can do this summer to build that experience:
Start a "Passion Project" Don’t wait for a volunteer opening. If you see a need—like a messy local park or a senior center that needs tech help—organize a group of friends to fix it. Being the person who coordinates the effort is "leadership in action."
Where to go: Check the Volunteer Opportunities page for inspiration on where your leadership is needed most.
Take a Lead Role in Community Service Don’t just "show up" to volunteer. Ask the coordinator if you can lead a specific project, such as managing the social media for a fundraiser or coordinating the volunteer schedule for an event.
Where to go: Reference the National Honor Society (NHS) section for local partners who value student-led initiatives.
Take the Lead at Work: If you have a summer job, ask your manager for an extra project. Offer to reorganize the inventory system, create a training checklist for new staff, or take responsibility for closing the shop.
Commit to a "Deep Dive": Instead of doing five different things for one day each, spend your summer dedicated to one cause. Leadership is often proven through consistency and the ability to see a long-term project through to the end.
Apply for Competitive Summer Programs Leadership often means putting yourself in new, challenging environments. Many universities and organizations offer "Leadership Summits" specifically for rising juniors.
Where to go: Visit the Summer Enrichment Programs tab to find pre-vetted leadership and academic workshops.
Document Your Progress in SchooLinks Every time you lead a meeting, finish a project, or get a promotion at your summer job, log it immediately.
Where to go: Log in to SchooLinks and log via Student->Profile & Resume->experience.
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