ACT Test EDITION

October

Newsletter

BHS Counseling Dept.

Falling into place...

As we are now past the first grading period, it's important to remember that classes and grades are moving forward quickly. With fall in full swing, students are settling into their routines, and coursework is becoming more demanding. Now is a great time to check in on your student's academic progress.

Please make sure to regularly monitor your Parent Infinite Campus App to stay updated on your student's grades, assignments, and attendance. This is a critical period where early intervention can make a big difference in their overall performance. If you notice any areas of concern, whether it's missed assignments or lower-than-expected grades, it's a good opportunity to have a conversation with your student about their workload, study habits, and any challenges they might be facing.

Fall is also a busy time with extracurricular activities and other commitments, so balancing schoolwork with outside interests is key. Encouraging good time management skills now will help your student stay on track for the rest of the semester. If needed, reach out to teachers or counselors to discuss ways to support your student's success.

By staying engaged and proactive, you can help ensure that your student finishes the semester strong!

Respectfully,

The BHS Counseling Team

Career Readiness Platform

We encourage you to sit down with your student and help explore their future. Use their Chrome Book, or sign into Google on your computer using their student log in. Then go to app.schoolinks.com and click the button "Sign in with Clever".

Career Guidance Newtork

Career Guidance Network brings the top experts on the college admissions process into the homes of students and families across the country. After activating your account using the instructions below you will be able to tailor a roadmap outlining processes and key dates for your students specific future path.

In order to introduce you to the network, please watch this short overview video.

Activate your account.

Go to: https://www.cgnroadmap.com/activate/140367
When asked for a PIN number, enter 715432

Activation only takes a minute -- literally! Once you have activated their account, you'll be able to customize a College and Career Roadmap for your student according to the factors that matter to them and to you.

More detailed instructions can be found at: https://www.cgnroadmap.com/guide/140367

Whats happening this month...

Seniors- will continue to work on the college applications or research of unions or trade schools, and, building their resumes. Don't forget to look for and apply to scholarships as well! FAFSA is open!
Juniors- will be reviewing tehir transcripts and researching post-secondary education options which align to their careers of interest. We will also be releasing course selections for them to start going through and picking classes for next year. If their plan is to attend a four year college it is important that they keep their rigor up in the classes which align to their college majors. Take the AP or Dual Credit classes which apply to thier majors but do not bury themselves in academics either, senior year is supposed to be fun too.
Sophomores- This month our Sophomores should be continuing to utilize SchooLinks to research careers of interest. We will also be releasing course selections for them to start going through and picking classes for next year. Remember: This will be the first time in their educational career that the classes they pick for next year will actually matter. If their plan is college they need to be in the classes which align to their major of choice.
Freshman- this month the freshman will be meeting with their counselors to check in and see how their year is going so far . This is being done to identify and provide any other supports they might need to have a successful year. We will also be releasing course selections for them to start going through and picking classes for next year.

PArent Teacher Conferences

Evening Conferences: October 29th - from 5:00pm - 7:30pm

Morning Conferences: October 30th - from 8:00am - 11:00am - No student attendance

Underclassmen Picture retake day

September 30th and October1st. This will be held throughout the school day in Room A119 just past the auditorium entrance. Have your student ask for a pass.

Optional ACT, SAT, and PSAT/NMSQT test day

If you signed up for the optional SAT or PSAT tests they will be held on October 6th.

The optional ACT exam for Seniors will be held on October 20th.

Whats Happening Next month...

Election Day no school

November 3rd

Thanksgiving Break

November 23rd - 29th

college and career center happenings

Submit test scores or not for college applications?

There are many things test scores can impact when it comes to being admitted or denied. A score such as 1300 on the SAT, or 29 on the ACT, can get you into an education or business major but be declined for Engineering. It is important to know what each major requires in terms of expected, or average, scores. Watch this video from the Princeton Review Click Here

ACT Prep Options

ACT online Prep Powered by MAstery Prep

Bolingbrook High School will be integrating this FREE ACT prep into the BHS 8th grade trhough 11th grade Future Ready times for all students to complete over the course of the school year. These students are also able to access this system at home and anytime to prepare and take practice exams as they approach the school day ACT in Junior year.

*Students can access this by logging into Clever and then select the MasteryPrep Icon.

ACT Academy - Is a Free Option for Preparation

Whether you’re on the fence about buying prep or you just want to see what we’re all about, our free online test prep and events—hosted in partnership with Kaplan—are a great starting place.

(Click here to check us out at ACT Academy)

Kaplan Online test prep

Prices vary from $159 to $849 depending on level of support in preparation.

Future college grad? Physician? Lawyer? No matter where you are on your journey, trust Kaplan to help you meet your goals. You’ll learn proven methods to maximize your study time and increase your score.

In fact, we guarantee you’ll score higher on your exam—or your money back. Why prep with anyone else?

(Click here to check us out at Kaptest.com)

College Representative Visits to BHS in October

Junior and Senior students can register to attend through the "Events" link on their main SchooLinks page.
Parents can also see the colleges visiting through their SchooLinks Parent accounts.

Case Western Reserve Benedictine University Calvin University Columbia University - NY

Oklahoma State University UIC - College of Business Lincoln Technical Institute Coe College

Western Illinois University Harvard University Concordia University-Chicago Illinois State University

Saint Louis University Northwestern University Universal Technical Institute University of Illinois (UIUC)

Central Michigan University Brown University The University of Alabama Illinois Wesleyan University

Drake University Ball State University Millikin University University of Iowa

University of Louisville Illinois College Augustana College (IL) Blackburn College

University of Michigan Illinois Institute of Technology Knox College Western Michigan University

SUNY at Binghamton Joliet Junior College Valparaiso University University of Arizona

Xavier University Nova Southeastern University Monmouth College North Central College

University of Memphis Indiana University - Indianapolis Harris-Stowe State University Saint Xavier University

Colorado State University University of St Francis Hawaii Pacific University Aurora University

*Junior and Senior students can register for the College Rep visits through their SchooLinks accounts, reach out to your counselor for any question's.

FAFSA is Open for Seniors

Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. Click here to start your FAFSA

You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy.

Interesting Reads...

What is the ACT exam?

Many colleges require scores from the ACT or SAT tests as a part of the admissions process. Your ACT score is a key component of your college applications. What exactly goes into the ACT Exam? How is it different from the SAT?

(Click here for more from the Princeton Review)

ACT vs. SAT: How to Decide Which Test to Take

The ACT and SAT are widely accepted by U.S. colleges, which often prompts students to ask: Which test should I take? The answer lies in understanding the differences between the two tests.

(Click here for the article from USNewsandWorldReports.com)

Previous Months Newsletter...

August Newsletter

September Newsletter