ACT/SAT Testing for College Entry
Some juniors have been asking their counselors and advisors – “should I take the ACT or SAT now or later?” We encourage ALL college-bound juniors to take the ACT and/or SAT during 2nd semester of their junior year. The reason for waiting until 2nd semester is that a number of the questions used in the ACT and SAT relate to courses that juniors are currently taking. Taking the test earlier in the year means that the student has not had enough of the proper coursework to tackle these tests well. Remember to register early so you can take the test at Millard South. Taking the ACT at your home school is highly recommended. Students who register at the last minute may not get assigned to Millard South. Testing in the 2nd semester of the junior year permits an early introduction to the tests with ample opportunities to re-test later. Over 60% of the Millard students who re-test improved their scores. Colleges and scholarship organizations use the best score. Therefore, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain if you test during 2nd semester, then retake at least once and perhaps more. Becoming familiar with the content and format of the test questions is one of the best preparations for the test. The registration packet contains a booklet with sample questions. Registration packets are available in the Counseling Center or you can register on-line at:
ACT – www.act.org
SAT – www.collegeboard.com

PSAT – OCTOBER 20
By now, many of you have at least heard of the PSAT. If you are still wondering if you should sign up to take the test – see your counselor. The PSAT is a good practice test for college bound juniors. It is also the ONLY WAY to enter into competition for National Merit Scholarships. If you took the PSAT last year, as a sophomore, you MUST take it again to be eligible to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, your sophomore year was just a practice test. A number of National Corporations such as UPS, Union Pacific, K-Mart, Texaco, etc. offer scholarships for sons and daughters of employees who have taken the PSAT. Please have your parents check at their place of employment to see if the PSAT is required for their companies scholarship programs. Each year some seniors find out they are not eligible for a scholarship through their parents’ employer because the student did not take the PSAT during October of their junior year. Registration begins on Wednesday, September 19th through October 10th OR UNTIL ALL SEATS ARE TAKEN. (The PSAT is only offered in October of the junior year.) You may sign up by bringing the $17 registration fee to the Counseling Center. Checks should be made out to Millard South. Sign up early, as you will receive a booklet with practice questions when you register. See your counselor if you have any questions. NOTE: If you would like more information on the PSAT or if you would like to try some practice interactive questions, visit the Millard South Counseling Center Website. Click on the College Board Website, then click on PSAT/NMSQT Prep.

PSAT PREPARATION CLASS
The Assistance League of Omaha offers a one night preparation class for the PSAT. The course will be held on Tuesday, October 16, at Westside High School from 6:30-9:30 PM. You will receive instruction on test taking techniques, analogies, sentence completion, math, and reading comprehension. Registration forms may be picked up in the Counseling Center.

COUNSELING CENTER OPEN TUESDAY EVENINGS
REMEMBER – Millard South Counseling Center remains open on Tuesday evenings until 8:00 PM throughout the year. This is a great opportunity for junior students and their parents to have time outside of their workday to have access to Millard South counselors. Not all counselors will be available on each Tuesday night, so you may want to call the center at 895-8436 or 895-8432 and arrange an appointment. Drop-ins are welcome. Some special programs will be available as well. It is not too early to begin the college planning process.

Is Your Schedule Correct
For Second Semester ???
NOW is the time to see your counselor about your second semester schedule to determine if it is correct and accurate.