SAT: Where Success Awaits

An entrance exam used by most universities and colleges to determine admissions, the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a multiple-choice test administered by the College Board.

“SAT/ACT Exams are important and necessary for admission to most 4 year universities,” junior advisor Catherine Bianchi said. “Typically, academic/merit-based scholarships are evaluated based on GPA and ACT or SAT scores.”

The SAT tests students on evidence-based reading, writing and math; an essay portion of the test is optional but recommended. A student spends three hours, plus 50 minutes for the essay, applying skills, knowledge, and understandings in order to receive an acceptable score that will give them a chance at being admitted into a university or college of their choice. 65 minutes are given for 52 reading questions, 35 minutes for 44 writing and language tasks, and 80 minutes for 58 math problems. The highest possible score a student can be presented with is 1600, 200-800 for both reading and math.

Advisors suggest that students study for the SAT through Khan Academy as this gives students personalized practice tests based on their PSAT scores. The ACT website offers practice tests of their own.

“I take the SAT on March 9,” junior Sarah Swanson said. “I’m super nervous, but I’ve been studying like crazy. I think it’s really helpful to either see a tutor who specializes in SAT studies, sign up and attend SAT prep classes, or buy an SAT study book written by College Board.”

Compared to the SAT, the only difference between both tests is the fact that the ACT also tests students on science. The length of the test is two hours and 55 minutes long or 3 hours and 35 minutes if the student chooses to take the writing portion. The maximum score a student can receive on the ACT is a 36. Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either exam and do not favor one over the other.

“It is recommended that juniors take the SAT OR ACT during the Spring of their junior year,” Ms. Bianchi said. “Red Mountain offers the SAT and the closest school that offers the ACT is Mountain View. Students apply to college Aug.-Oct. of their senior year and don’t want to worry about taking exams then.”

An SAT and/or ACT score is a key component needed for a person’s college application. For more information visit http://www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/services/careercenter/.

College Visits: Arizona State University

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, Arizona State University will be on the Red Mountain High School campus to answer any questions seniors may have regarding financial aid applications. As of 2016, a total of 71,946 students were attending ASU with over 200 faculty members. ASU happens to be the number one choice of international students as it is in the top 100 best universities worldwide. Arizona State University provides 40 plus elite programs and is considered number five in the nation for producing the most qualified graduates.

(Photo Courtesy of Nick Schweitzer)

College of the Month: Chapman University

With 8,542 students enrolled, Chapman University stands as one of the top private universities in California. The university’s undergraduate program was ranked number one on the west coast with a total of 6,410 undergraduates and 2,132 graduates. The school was also listed as one of the top 10 law schools in the country. Built in 1861, the campus is located only 15 miles away from the beach. Chapman University has 110 areas of study, over 920 faculty members, and 50,000 plus alumni worldwide.

 

(Photo By Brooklyn Smith)

Marine Biology Club

Ran by Mr. Demassa, who also teaches Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems along with standard Biology, the Marine Biology club actively meets every day at lunch in room 150. Their meetings consist of cleaning out the fish tanks, feeding all the animals, and raising new lifeforms. The atmosphere is very relaxing yet fun as there is something from everyone. The club is home to a hedgehog, a snake, a chameleon, etc. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join.

 

(Featured photo by Mr. Demassa)

Self Expression Meets Dress Code

Fashion is often used as an outlet for expression. Most people make thoughtful decisions regarding what they wear each morning while others simply do not put as much energy into these choices because to them, clothes are clothes. Fashion can be a creative art form for those who wish it to be one.

“To me, fashion is a way for people to express themselves and their individuality,” junior Laura Rivera said. “It is a way for people to show their creativity.”

High school is the time when teenagers are trying to figure out who they are as people and who they want to be in the future. Students are always finding ways to express themselves and get a message out into the world, fashion helps with that.

“Fashion is something that means a lot to me because I feel like I’m able to make a statement without having to say anything,” sophomore Isabella Dominguez said. “I have a very outgoing personality and I like my clothes to reflect that through stylish outfits and vibrant colors.”

Dress codes are sets of rules that are set in place in schools to keep the self-expression at a level which is appropriate. For some, the rules aren’t strict enough. When it comes to dress code, everyone seems to have a strong opinion.

“In my opinion I think dress code could be a lot harsher,” freshman Makayla Place said. “I see a lot of students coming to school out of dress code and nobody says anything. The system should be stricter.”

“I feel like boys have it a lot easier,” sophomore Rosalyn Craft said. “There are more rules that girls have to follow with dress code.”

Skirts and dresses have to fall one inch past the fingertips. Shoulders, backs, chests and midriffs must be covered at all times. For the boys, they must keep graphics on their shirts school appropriate and their jeans must sit no lower than the waist.

“I don’t think dress code is fair because guys don’t get dress coded for muscle tees where you can see their whole chest and side,” junior Savannah McFarlin said. “But if a girl wears a shirt where you can see her shoulders she gets sent to the office for ‘distracting’ others.”

For more information on the dress code, visit http://www.mpsaz.org/rmhs/files/red_mountain_handbook_18-19.pdf.

(Featured Photo By Brooklyn Smith)

Campus Visits: Lake Forest College

Located in the residential town of Lake Forest and north of downtown Chicago an admissions representative from Lake Forest College visited campus on Oct. 19.

With 1,528 undergraduates from 44 states and 72 countries, the college offers 32 majors, along with minors and special programs. Students are encouraged to pursue internships nationwide, abroad and throughout Chicago. Lake Forest also provides its students with the opportunity of participating in off-campus studies, which can range from volunteering, researching and studying. Students can choose from a list of over 200 programs throughout 70 different countries.

Regarding scholarships and financial aid, Lake Forest College is willing to accept students from all different types of economic backgrounds as they believe everyone should have the opportunity to chase after their academic goals. The college has no issue working with individuals to meet their financial needs through combinations of federal/state/college grants, loans and work-study opportunities.

(Featured Photo By Brooklyn Smith)