By: Brother Brian Curry

Juniors will soon be taking the SAT for real. Some have taken the test already, but all should plan to take it at least twice before their junior year ends. It is recommended that the test be taken two months in a row. Students who take it twice in a row with a month in between tend to get better scores. I recommend that each junior either purchase the CD ROM program put out by Learner's Network and the Princeton Review called "Inside the SAT, ACT and PSAT." The cost is about $30 and if you are lucky, you might find it on the shelf in Staples. If not, see me and I will give you the Princeton Review's ordering page. Spend 10-12 hours reviewing the program faithfully and take a SAT. If you still do not do well, take a course from Kaplan, Princeton, or one which guarantees a 100 point raise in score. Keep taking the test until you get the marks you need.
Begin the process of thinking about the college or university you would like to attend. Surf the McClancy Guidance College Links site. (Find it on Guidance Links.) Connect the college with the career you intend to pursue. Visit a few colleges now or in the summer. Do not sign up for a college unless you visit it. Remember when choosing courses for next year that colleges look at the strength of your program. Last, but not least work on getting your grade point average up as high as possible by studying for your present courses. Remember also that the English and Math Regents marks count for the City College: they are looking for 75 in the English and 75 in a Math Regents. Their standard for the SAT is at least 480 in Verbal and 480 in Math. If you do not have these scores, take the regents in June.