What are AP Scholar Awards, how do you earn the recognition and how do you find out if you earned the award?

AP Scholar Awards

Every fall, the AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams.

AP Scholar Awards come in different levels and types.

Here is the Criteria from the College Board Website:

AwardCriteria: AP Scholar is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP Scholar with Distinction is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Qualification Details

• There are two steps to determining award winners:

  1. The student’s average AP Exam score is calculated based on all exams taken this year and in previous years.

  2. The student’s AP Exam scores are checked to see which ones count toward the various AP Scholar Awards.

• A student must meet all criteria to be eligible. For example, a student who has a 3.25 AP Exam score average but only received a 3 or higher on 3 exams will not receive the AP Scholar with Honor Award because the minimum requirement is a score of 3 or higher on 4 or more exams.

• Exams taken multiple times count only once; the highest score will be used for the award calculation.

• The AP Calculus AB subscore for the AP Calculus BC Exam and the aural subscore and nonaural subscore for the AP Music Theory Exam are not used in the AP Scholar Award calculations.

• The AP Scholar Awards are academic distinctions that students may cite among their credentials on applications, résumés, and so on. Students do not receive any monetary award from the College Board.

• When you receive your AP scores in July, it will state if you earned a Scholar Award.

  If you would like to learn more about high school courses, higher education and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Earning the State Seal of Biliteracy in High School

Across the United States, high school students, typically during the winter of their junior year or senior year, take the Seal of Biliteracy exam to show they have attained a high level of proficiency in one or more languages other than English. Students typically take the exam after four years of completing studies in a foreign language. Please see the below details from the State of New Jersey’s Seal of Biliteracy which is very similar to all other State Biliteracy programs.

It is up to your local board of education as to whether they will offer this exam.

The State Seal of Biliteracy is established to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in one or more foreign languages in addition to English. The State Seal of Biliteracy shall be awarded by the local board of education to graduating high school seniors who meet the criteria established by the State Board of Education pursuant to subsection a. of section 3 of this act. School district participation in this program is voluntary.

The purposes of the State Seal of Biliteracy are as follows:

a. To encourage students to study languages;

b. To certify attainment of biliteracy;

c. To provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;

d. To provide universities with a method to recognize and award academic credit to applicants seeking admission;

e. To prepare students with 21st century skills;

f. To recognize and promote foreign language instruction in public schools; and

g. To strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community.

3. a. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), establishing criteria for the award of a State Seal of Biliteracy. The criteria shall require a student to demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting State high school graduation requirements in English, including through State assessments and credits, and proficiency in one or more foreign languages other than English. The criteria shall permit a student to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language other than English through multiple methods, including nationally or internationally recognized language proficiency tests.

For the purposes of this section, a foreign language other than English shall also include American Sign Language, Latin, and Native American languages.

b. The Commissioner of Education shall prepare and deliver to participating school districts a certificate to be awarded to the student and an appropriate insignia to be affixed to the diploma and transcript of the student indicating that the student has been awarded the State Seal of Biliteracy. The commissioner shall also provide any information the commissioner deems necessary for a school district to successfully participate in the program.

c. A school district that participates in the program under this section shall maintain appropriate records in order to identify students who have earned the State Seal of Biliteracy, and shall award the certificate and affix the appropriate insignia to a qualifying student’s diploma and transcript.

d. A school district that participates in the program may pay the costs of the program or may charge a fee to students who participate to cover the costs.

https://sealofbiliteracy.org

If you would like to learn more about high school course offerings and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Public University Honors Colleges and Programs

There are numerous strong honors colleges and programs offered at mostly public universities and at some private ones. Here is a general breakdown of the differences between honors colleges and honors programs.

• Size: Honors colleges tend to have a larger average enrollment than honors programs. But their student ratio to faculty is better.

• Staff: Typically honors colleges have more staff members per student because they tend to be larger programs.

• Structure: Honors colleges have more structure with honors-only seminars and honors programs could be more department-based.

• Average class size tends to be the same at both.

• Housing: Honors colleges tend to offer more suite-style dorms to honors students than honors programs.
  Please remember that these are typical characteristics and many honors colleges and programs across the country may feature different characteristics.

• For more information go to:
  https://publicuniversityhonors.com

  If you would like to learn more about higher education and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

The importance of choosing the right course level for next school year.

During the winter months, I spend most of my time meeting with high school students reviewing their program of study. We discuss how and why they took the courses they have completed thus far and which courses they should potentially take next year.

Here are a few important factors to work through when deciding on which courses and level to request:

1. Academic rigor and grades are the two most important factors in today’s college admissions review. Advocate for yourself when talking with your current teachers who typically recommend you for next year’s course selection.

2. How have you done in the course level you are currently in? Typically, a school requires you to receive at least a B+/A- to be eligible to request asking to take a higher level course in that subject.

3. Should I focus on taking higher level courses in the core area I excel in? Yes! However, it also depends on every student but if you are the type of student who excels in the language arts over STEM, then request being placed in a higher level class in that subject area.

4. What if my high school does not offer the course level I would want to take? This happens, typically, at smaller schools. Use your best judgement and go with the level you feel most comfortable yet challenged. And remember, your school profile will be sent along with your application so the admissions reader will see the limited choice you had in that subject.

5. I often hear feedback from students who tell me that they are advised that they do not need to take their five core courses through high school. I advise that you do. Contact me for more in-depth advice and good luck!

   If you would like to learn more about high school courses and college admissions, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

The ACT is changing in 2025 and here is what you need to know….

Major changes to the ACT. These changes will start with the digital version of the ACT with the April 5, 2025 test date in the US at testing site locations and for both digital and on-paper options starting in September 2025.

1. The science section will be optional.

2. The composite score will be the average of the English, reading, and math scores.

3. The English and the reading sections will feature shorter passages.

4. Total testing time will be reduced to approximately two hours. (Not including the optional Science section).

5. The new exam will contain 44 fewer questions than the current exam.

6. Students will be allotted more time per question.

7. Students will have the option to take the exam either on paper or online, starting in September 2025. And the online version will not be adaptive, like the digital SAT exam.

If you would like to learn more about standardized tests and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Financial Aid letters and information.

Typically, in late winter/early spring, a student will receive financial aid letters from the schools where they were accepted. What to do now? Here are a few tips:

1. Determine the Cost of Attendance. If this is not listed in your letter, call the college and ask. The COA includes all costs: Tuition, fees, room & board, books, supplies, etc.

2. Subtract Grant and Scholarship amounts, if applicable, from your aid offer and from the COA. You can then subtract any college savings so you can see the actual amount you will need to pay out-of-pocket.

3. Each financial aid letter will differ per college. Read and review each and compare what your Net Price will be at each school. Net Price is what you are expected to pay by using income and loans.

4. If your situation has changed, for example, you decided to commute instead of living on campus or your financial circumstances have changed since you completed the FAFSA or from what your tax information shows, call each college’s financial aid office to discuss.

5. Local scholarships opportunities are a chance to help assist in your net cost. Apply! When your high school releases its annual scholarship book, take the time to scroll through and apply to as many applicable scholarships as you can. It’s worth the time to write any required essays for FREE money.

6. Make sure to line up a summer job, now. A few saved dollars leading up to your first year in school can help!

This website has more tips and valuable information.

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-steps/comparing-aid-offers

If you would like to learn more about Financial Aid and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Hey 9th and 10th graders, it’s time to start to plan for next year….

As you near the latter half of the school year, here are a few topics to keep in mind and to work on going forward.

1.     Course selection for next year:

During the winter months, you will most likely meet with your school counselor. You will talk through your remaining required courses and how best to complete them before the end of senior year.

For sophomores, as you move into your upperclassmen years, you will have more selection and electives to chose from. Read your high school course catalog and program of studies before choosing junior year courses.

 Trying to determine if you should take a CP, Honors or AP level course? A good indicator is to determine if you are struggling at the current course level. If you are receiving a ‘B’ or better, you are most likely at the right level. If you are struggling, it may be good to speak with your school counselor to move into a better fit next year. And if you are sailing through and are bored, try a higher-level course next year.

2. This leads me to say to each and every one of you to make sure and ask questions if you are struggling in a course. The only person who will regret not taking ownership of their studies is yourself.

 Time management and taking ownership of understanding course content is the student’s responsibility. Make sure to stay on top of both of these items by using a planner or app, meeting with teachers after school hours, during lunchtime or during ‘drop’ class sessions to make sure you understand what will be asked of you on the next test or quiz. 

3.     Standardized Tests: If you have taken the PSAT already, you may want to take a practice ACT next in order to assess which test you will focus on preparing for. Students should not take both but should choose and prep for one of them. Reach out to me for advice on how to hire a test prep service. There are practice tests on www.suzannelagemann.com/helpfulinks and they are free!

4.     Summer Plans: Are you traveling, working, or attending camp during the summer months? It’s time to start to think about applying to jobs, registering for camps and discussing with your parents what you would like to do over the summer break.

If you would like to learn more about the college planning and the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Hey Juniors, It’s 2025! The year you will apply to college! Let’s go!

This is your year to apply to college. Here is a short list of items to either keep working on or to get started on.

 1.     Junior year grades and activities: This year is the most important for your grades and activities. If your transcript shows an improvement in your grades during 11th grade, it will be looked upon highly. Keep up your studies.

2. Time management and taking ownership of understanding course content is the student’s responsibility. Make sure to stay on top of both of these items by using a planner or app, meeting with teachers before or after school hours, lunchtime or during ‘drop’ class sessions to make sure you understand what will be asked of you on the next test or quiz.

3. ASK QUESTIONS if you are struggling in a course. Show initiative. It builds character and good interpersonal skills too.

4.     In April or May, you will need to ask 2 teachers for letters of recommendation.

a.     Ask in person

b.     Say thank you

c.      Share with them why you are asking

d.     Ask a teacher that has had you in their class preferably during junior or sophomore year(s).

5.     Standardized Tests: Do you know which test you are taking? SAT or ACT? Create a plan on when to take it and either take a prep class or hire a tutor to help you prepare. Test strategy is KEY to succeeding on either test. (And by all means, do not register for the June ACT if your Junior Prom is the night before.)

6.     Also plan time to visit campuses and research schools with your parents. Spring break is a great time in April as colleges are still in session. Many offer open houses on the weekends too.

7. Follow colleges’ TikTok and Instagram accounts. You will learn a lot about the school through their social media accounts!

8.     Summer plans: Working, going to camp, going on a big vacation? Regardless, please plan on writing your common app essay during the summer months. You will not regret this.  

If you would like to learn more about the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

Next steps if you are deferred from early decision or early action…

When a student gets deferred from either applying early decision or early action, your application gets moved to regular decision. If you applied early decision and your application gets moved to regular decision, your admission is no longer binding.

You are still in the running for admission. There are many reasons why a student’s application may be deferred to regular admission. The admissions committee may want to see the student’s mid-semester grades, review most recent standardized test scores, or compare the applicant to the regular decision applicant pool.

I highly recommend that you write a letter of continued interest (LOCI) if the school is your first choice and if they accept a LOCI. This will communicate to the college that you are set to attend if granted admission. You should also express a deep interest in the college. Describe your visit to the college, mention a club or activity you would get involved in upon matriculating, discuss your intended major or delve into an area of study you’d like to pursue while attending this university. Make sure you clearly state that you will attend if granted admission to the college or university so there is no doubt that you will attend.

If you would like to learn more about the college admissions journey, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.

How to make a balanced college list…

There are many factors to consider when creating a college list. Here are some thoughts on what to focus on from the beginning.

1. During your junior year, you will meet with your school counselor in late winter or early spring to discuss your courses for senior year and to also discuss a potential college list. This list is the beginning of what you can call a ‘work in progress’ list. It will be a work in progress up until you actually apply the following fall.

2. There are many factors to consider and since every human is unique, these factors will vary in type, style and importance. Here’s a brief list of what to think about:

   1. Location: How far from home would you like to be? Urban, suburban, college town, rural, study abroad: These are the type of location categories you need to consider.

   2. Size of School: Under 1,000, or over 20,000? The size of school can help you determine which schools to consider.

   3. Academics: Is there a certain field of study that you are interested in or do you have no idea? Think about which type of school and which degree(s) you may want to pursue. Did you have an IEP in high school? Inquire about the Accessibility Resource Center at each school. This will help you decide where to consider applying to.

   4. Extracurriculars: Are you looking for a strong theatre department? A big rah-rah sports team to cheer for? Strong LGBTQ+ community? What about Greek life? Are you interested in pledging for a certain fraternity? It’s important to visit as many campuses as possible so you can determine what type of campus life fits your personality.

3. By the beginning of your senior year, you should have visited a few schools and made your list as final as possible as it’s time to apply. 12-14 schools is your target number. Consider the following aspects while making the list:

   1. Your list should have a range of ‘likely’-’target’-’reach’ schools.

      1. Likely schools: An applicant falls well above the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      2. Target schools: An applicant falls in the middle of the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      3. Reach school: An applicant falls well below the 50th percentile of all applicants.

      4. Read online, follow colleges’ social media accounts and attend local college fairs. This will help you firm up your college list.

If you would like to learn more about the college planning process, contact Suzanne for a free consultation.