Junior Monthly News
MD Guidance & Counseling - November 2017
11th Grade Monarchs
Keep it up as we are getting through the second half of first semester!
Students, please take advantage of your time during Thanksgiving break. We hope you spend meaningful time with your families and get some extra rest... If you have any missing assignments you can turn in, please plan and communicate with your teachers. Thanksgiving break can be a great time to catch up on work, or prepare early for finals!
Mater Dei offers practice ACT and SAT test prep opportunities throughout the school year. The next two practice tests are January 13 and January 27, 2018 and classes will be starting in February. Please see information on ACT & SAT below for more details.
Coming up at the end of this month is your next Service Hours Due Date, November 27th, 2017. Also included in this newsletter is a short quiz on skills for academic success that you can try. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your counselor.
Have a wonderful month and Thanksgiving!
SAT & ACT Test Prep and Planning
The SAT and ACT are college admission exams that test what you learn in high school and what you need succeed in college. Most colleges review scores from either the SAT or the ACT test as part of their admissions process. Please see our SAT/ACT Test Prep Page for important links, details, and test prep opportunities and strategies.
Mater Dei is offering practice SAT and ACT tests on January 13 and January 27. Please see our Flyer for Mock Exams and click here to register online today. Select your test type and test date at Mater Dei and use discount code "MD10" for $15 per exam. Don't miss out on this great opportunity for practice!!
Spring 2018 Comprehensive Classes for SAT or ACT
8-week, small group classroom instruction classes on campus
Please see Class dates & times for ACT and SAT
Register online for $399 with discount code "MD200" at https://store.triedandtruetutoring.com/collections/full-length-classes
Need-based scholarships are available. Email scholarships@triedandtruetutoring.com
It is recommended that students take the real ACT, SAT and SAT Subject Tests (if needed) during the spring of junior year.
Click here for a helpful Testing Timeline to assist you in your planning.
To register for the real SAT with writing and/or SAT Subject Tests, go to: www.collegeboard.org.
To register for the real ACT with writing go to: www.actstudent.org.
Skills for Academic Success Quiz
Ask yourself the following questions to see which academic success skills you can build.
- Do I communicate with my teachers about what I need or don’t understand?
- What do I do when I have a question? Whom do I ask?
- How do I utilize Office Hours?
- How often do I check Aeries/my grades?
- How do I organize my assignment due dates and upcoming test dates?
- How do I prioritize and manage my time? What are my goals?
- How do I take notes in class or when reading?
- Do I use more than one method of studying? For example, I review my notes, make flash cards, complete a study guide, and quiz myself or ask a friend/parent to test me.
- What does my homework environment look like? Is it organized, quiet, and free from distractions?
- Do I take breaks from homework as needed?
- Am I getting good sleep, eating healthy, and staying hydrated?
- Do I check before going to bed that I have everything I need for the next school day turned in or prepared in my backpack?
Get Involved
High school is a great time to explore your interests, discover your talents, build your skills, and learn to lead! Colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate involvement & leadership.
Join clubs or an athletic program, or participate in one of MD's volunteer opportunities. Click here for all our clubs. We have Social, Humanitarian/Awareness, Educational, Sports, and Honors Clubs as well as Academic Teams.
Excel in Classes
* Regularly check Blackboard and Aeries
* Build a habit of turning things in on time and complete, check your grades to see your progress
* Visit your teachers during Office Hour--Ask a question if there is anything you need! (Our teachers are awesome but they still haven't mastered reading your minds...)
* Try the Academic Assistance Program (AAP), free after school tutoring
Serve the Community
As a reminder, your next10 hours of Christian Service must be completed and turned in to Mrs. Hopkins, in the Campus Ministry office, by Monday November 27, 2017. Here is a link to our Christian Service Program webpage, which includes FAQs and upcoming opportunities.
If you love to serve, Mater Dei honors students who complete 400+ hours by their senior year with a Christian Service Program Cord.