NC A&T Dowdy Outreach Program

Gabrielle Washington, is a senior biology student at North Carolina A&T and co-founder of a program called the Dowdy Outreach Program.

The outreach program is offering tutoring and college prep to high school students looking to pursue a higher education.  Saturday Blitz sessions are available for students to participate in free SAT/ACT prep, college prep, advice on how to get scholarships, and insight on life as a student at North Carolina A&T. Their next session will be November 21st at 10 am, students can register through their website or on their Eventbrite, both links will be attached below.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/thedowdytestprepinitiative/home
Eventbrite page: https://dowdyop.eventbrite.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty among students and families about nearly all aspects of the college admission process, including the role of standardized testing. 

Due to the cancellation of SAT and ACT testing dates, more than 1,450 US colleges and universities announced they are moving to a test-optional policy, and more will surely follow. By going test-optional, institutions are making a definitive statement that they will not need test scores to make admission decisions this year. Despite the change in policies, high school students and their parents are asking, “Does test optional really mean test optional?” The answer, simply put, is: YES.

Select Here to see the list of colleges with test-optional policies in place affirm that they will not penalize students for the absence of a standardized test score. Together, we strongly endorse a student-centered, holistic approach to admission that will not disadvantage any student without a test score.

SAT and PSAT-Related Coronavirus Updates

Fall SAT registration is open to all students. Please note that we are experiencing high volume due to unprecedented demand. As a result, some students may encounter delays.

Given the spring administrations canceled due to coronavirus, we are seeing very high interest in students wanting to register for the SAT. As a result, there is a greater volume than usual of students trying to register. Students may expect interruptions and delays online.

College Board Covid19-updates

Student Updates for AP Testing

Students should be receiving emails from the College Board with information and instructions for taking the AP exams. Please check with the link below to make sure that you have updated information.   




https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/students

College Board Coronavirus Updates

As we monitor the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the health and safety of students and educators is our top priority.

Check This Page regularly for updates on all our programs and offerings, keeping in mind that information is changing rapidly. Please note, we have changed our phone support hours to 9 a.m.–6 p.m. EST for the duration of this crisis.

And above all, stay safe.

Remote Supports for AP Students and Teachers

We’re providing free resources to support remote learning, and we’re working on a plan for students to take AP Exams from home.

For Students

For Educators

College Board AP exams and online learning

In the face of the significant disruptions caused by the coronavirus, the College Board is acting to reassure students, counselors, high schools, and higher education that they are committed to providing support, flexibility, and solutions during this crisis.

They are providing  online learning and AP Exams available at home for all students this spring. They are so grateful to the community of extraordinary teachers who stepped up to teach live classes on YouTube, as well as all the AP educators helping students continue with their study. 

Information for AP Students Affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

From the College Board: 

Your health and safety are our top priorities. We know the coronavirus has created new and unexpected challenges. Here’s how the AP Program is supporting you and your school:

• We’re providing live and on-demand AP courses for free.
• We’re developing a new at-home testing option.

Based on the number and length of school closures, it's clear that the usual way AP Exams are given at schools won’t be possible.

Some students may want to take the exam sooner rather than later, while the content is still fresh. Other students may want more time to practice. For each AP subject, there will be two different testing dates. The full exam schedule, specific free-response question types that will be on each AP Exam, and additional testing information will be available by April 3.

Taking the Exam

We surveyed 18,000 AP students to see if they still wanted the opportunity to test this year. Their answer: a resounding yes.

Free resources will be available through exam day to help you get ready. While we encourage you to wait until closer to the test to decide, any student registered for an exam can cancel at no charge.

For the 2019-20 exam administration only:

• We’re developing secure 45-minute online free-response exams for each course.
• The exam content will focus on what most schools were able to complete by early March.
• You’ll be able to take your exams on any device you have access to—computer, tablet, or smartphone. You’ll also have the option to write your responses by hand and submit a photo.
• Colleges support this solution and are committed to ensuring that AP students receive the credit they have worked to earn. For decades, colleges have accepted a shortened AP Exam for college credit when groups of students have experienced emergencies.
• We know that not all students have access to the internet or a device. We’re working on solutions to help students get what they need to show their best work. If you need mobile tools or connectivity or know someone who does, you can reach us directly to let us know.

The exams will be secure. We’re using a variety of digital security tools, including plagiarism detection software.

Free AP Review Classes

Beginning on Wednesday, March 25, you can attend free, live AP review courses, delivered by AP teachers from across the country. These courses:

• Are optional, mobile-friendly, and can be used alongside any work your teacher may give you.
• Will be available on-demand, so you can access them any time.
• Will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. There will also be some supplementary lessons including topics from the final 25% of the course.

To access the live classes and recordings, visit the AP YouTube channel or find your course schedule below. We’ll be adding more courses soon.

Download the daily schedule for 32 courses (.pdf/151 KB).

ACT Reschedules April 2020 National ACT Test Date to June

IOWA CITY, Iowa—ACT has rescheduled the April 4, 2020 national ACT test date to June 13, 2020 in response to concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

ACT will communicate directly with all students currently registered for the April 4, 2020 ACT test. All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for next steps.

“ACT is committed to making every effort to help those students impacted by this test date change, particularly those high school seniors who are facing deadlines for fall 2020 college admission,” said ACT CEO Marten Roorda.

More information will be shared as it becomes available in the days ahead. To access up-to-date information, additional national test dates options, and other frequently asked questions, please visit: www.ACT.org.

Please see attached: FAQ and information on a free resource, ACT Academy: ACT Academy Overview, and ACT Academy Educator Instructions for curriculum support for K-12 educators to access free solutions for homework, intervention, games and quizzes. Students can access free test prep to prepare for the ACT.

• ACT-April Test Date Rescheduled FAQ.pdf
• ACT-Academy-Educator-Instructions.pdf
• March SAT announcement FINAL.pdf
• ACT-Academy-Overview.pdf

New Firsts For Students Taking the ACT Test

Introducing: ACT Section Retesting,
ACT Superscoring, and Faster Results with
ACT Online Testing on National Test Dates

Beginning with the September 2020 ACT test, these new options offer students more choices, a better experience, and greater confidence that their ACT test scores best reflect their hard work, overall academic achievement, and potential for success throughout their lives. 

 

Learn about new choices below:  

ACT Choices

How Students Can Prepare for the ACT Test

Learn ways to help students succeed by identifying the test prep options that match their needs.

Because the ACT^® test content is based on what’s taught in the classroom, students can prepare for the test by taking rigorous courses in high school. However, many students seek out additional advantages by using test prep tools. With a plethora of prep resources available, it can be difficult to understand the unique features and benefits that serve specific student needs.

Attend this free webinar from ACT that answers the question, “What kind of test prep is right for each student?” Our presenters will share student best practices for preparing for the test and provide a detailed overview of the new and traditional prep products (free and paid) offered by ACT. We will also preview some new test prep options available to help students take advantage of upcoming enhancements to the ACT test.

This webinar will uncover strategies and materials best fit for each student, based on:

• Subject matter needs
• Cost (including free options)
• Time constraints
• Format (live instruction, videos, books, etc.)

Overview

• Date: Thursday, November 21, 2019
• Time: 4:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. PST
• Duration: 60 minutes

SIgn Up Here

ASVAB Nov. 4 at VAHS

FREE ACT Bootcamp (from Kaplan)

FREE ACT BOOTCAMP
Online  Tuesday, November 12, 2019  7:30 PM - 9:00 PM ET

EVENT DESCRIPTION
Need to ace the ACT? Looking for something a little more intense than your average study session? Attend our free ACT Bootcamp session and join one of our expert instructors as you learn how to tackle some of the most common question types on the ACT!
Event Code: AKKV192021

WHEN
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM ET

WHERE
Live Online
Live Online gives you access to the best Kaplan instructors across the country, right to your laptop or mobile device. A live, interactive session in the comfort of...well, wherever you are.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PSAT for Juniors

VAHS will be offering the PSAT to interested 11th grade students.  The PSAT test will take place on Wednesday, October 16th, beginning at 8:00am in the High School Commons. The test will only be offered once and there is no make-up date. Students who choose to take the PSAT will be excused for that portion of the school day. Parents may register their student at https://forms.gle/tVACLzay2aabfoCz7 . The cost of the exam is $16.

The PSAT is a practice test that prepares students for success on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Additional information for students and parents about the PSAT can be found at https://www.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt. 

Additionally, Juniors who do very well on the PSAT may qualify for the NMSQT Scholarship Competition. Test results are usually received in December. Students will receive their test book back as well as a score report that gives specific information about their correct/incorrect answers, difficulty level of questions and content each question assessed. VAHS counselor, Jill O'Kane will make arrangements to distribute and explain results to students.

Questions regarding the PSAT administration, should go to Laura Howell, VA Testing/Accountability Coordinator.

(click here for printable version)

UNC System Implements New AP Credit Policy

The VAHS AP Exam Policy requires all students in AP Courses to take the corresponding AP exam. Fortunately, these exams are at no cost to the students. The new AP Policy with the UNC System will allow for additional college credits to be earned with a score of 3 or more.     

CHAPEL HILL, NC -- The University of North Carolina System has a new System-wide Advanced Placement (AP) credit policy, effective today. Under the new policy, the 16 universities in the System must grant credit to students who have earned a score a “three” or higher on AP exams, except in cases when a course has been granted an exception by an institution’s board of trustees.

“Our new AP Credit Acceptance policy is vital to the UNC System’s ongoing work to put higher education within reach of every qualified North Carolinian,” said UNC System Interim President William Roper. “This new policy will encourage more high school students across the state to get a head start on their college careers. It will make completing a UNC System education, at any one of our institutions, faster and more affordable.”

The new AP policy is aligned with the UNC System’s Strategic Plan, which aims to increase access, affordability, and degree completion. Research suggests that students who earn college credit prior to enrolling in college are more likely to graduate and do so in a timely fashion. 

With this new policy, prospective students will benefit from greater transparency and predictability. These improvements may also create greater incentive for students to enroll in AP courses and for high schools to offer a robust set of offerings. Making the policy consistent across the UNC System will therefore enhance the University’s efforts to ensure that all North Carolinians, including those from rural counties and low-income families, have “access to success.” Data shows that students from rural counties and those from families earning less than $60,000 per year could receive credit for up to 45 percent more courses than they did under current policy.  

“Each year, the state of North Carolina invests millions of dollars to cover the cost of AP exams for students in the hopes that those credits will shorten the path to a college diploma,” said Andrew Kelly, UNC System Senior Vice President of Strategy and Policy. “This change is significant because it will encourage high school students to earn their first college credits before they even set foot on campus, making a degree more affordable and helping more students graduate in a timely fashion.”

Prior to the change, the policies governing the acceptance of AP scores varied across UNC System institutions. For example, at 10 universities, students could get credit for scoring a ‘three’ on the popular US history AP exam; at the remaining six universities, a four was required for credit. A score of three on the English Literature and Composition exam was the cutoff for credit at nine institutions, while two institutions required a score of five.

The University’s new AP credit policy will dramatically increase the return on the state’s investment. In 2016-17 alone, the state spent more than $12 million on AP exams. In that same year, UNC System students missed out on 13,950 course credits under the existing policy. Under a uniform policy, the UNC System would have granted credit for 40% more courses that year. After today, students and the state will save on tuition and appropriations that previously went toward the cost of University courses that cover  material students have already learned.

As students move through the University more efficiently, they will enter the workforce more quickly, fully prepared to succeed in and contribute to our state’s growing economy.

Monday, July 1, 2019

New College Board AP Resources for Parents and Students

Starting this month, all schools that offer Advanced Placement® will have access to a new set of AP® resources that have been designed to help more students earn college credit.  Join Trevor Packer, Senior Vice President of Advanced Placement and Instruction at the College Board, and AP teachers for an overview of the AP program, information about how AP credit is used in colleges and universities around the country, and a summary of new resources and supports for your student. We recommend that you attend this session if your student is planning to take AP this year.

Watch the webcast on demand here

How to Master AP Courses in High School

A SCORE OF 3, 4 OR 5 ON an Advanced Placement exam can earn high school students valuable college credit or advanced standing in college courses. But to earn a high score, students must first master a full academic year's worth of challenging class material.

To help those enrolled in an AP course, two current undergraduates share the strategies they used to achieve success.

[Read: 5 Keys to Success in Advanced Placement Courses.]

ACT Resources: Plan For Life After High School

Students and Parents

Plan your future. Prepare for college and career. Let ACT help you achieve success.

Plan for Life After High School

Select your class below and put yourself in the best position to maximize your
ACT® score, get accepted into college, and win more scholarships

Resources for Students and Parents

Parents: Help Your Child on the Path to College

Parents, guardians and other adults,

Please visit the website below to help your student plan for college. Sign up to receive emails and/or texts with college information, advice, and reminders from the College Board.


https://parents.collegeboard.org/

Free ACT Test Practice

ACT Academy: Because Practice Makes Possible

ACT Academy is Now Available

Free, personalized practice for the ACT test.

ACT Academy™ is a free online learning tool and test practice program designed to help you get the best score possible on the ACT test, and well on your way to college and career success.

Through video lessons, interactive practice questions, full-length practice tests, educational games, and other materials targeted to your academic needs, ACT Academy provides you with a personalized study plan based on your previous scores from The ACT® test, PreACT®, Official ACT practice tests, or in platform diagnostics.

ACT Academy features:

• Personalized resources
• Accessible anytime/anywhere there is an internet connection
• Both a full length ACT test option as well as ACT test sections
• Educational games to drive mastery of content

. Learn more about ACT Academy.

Free SAT Practice

The Best Practice Is Now Free

Official SAT Practice focuses on exactly what you need to work on most.

Practice now.

Features

• Interactive problems
• Video lessons
• Full-length practice tests
• Personalized study plan
• Instant SAT Essay feedback

The Results Are In: Official SAT Practice Pays Off

A study of 250,000 students from the class of 2017 showed that a little practice goes a long way—regardless of gender, race, income, or high school GPA. In fact, 20 hours on Khan Academy® was associated with an average 115-point increase from the PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT.

SAT Score Improvements and Official SAT Practice

This graphic shows the average number of points gained from PSAT/NMSQT to SAT associated with the hours spent practicing on Khan Academy.