Students waste no time after Christmas break to get back on track with their academics. As college deadlines loom ahead, and most have already passed, seniors scramble to gather their SAT and ACT scores.

Although seniors are nearing the end of their high school experience, it is important that they still keep their grades up in their final semester. Luckily for students, academic advisor Michelle Warkentin is willing to help students get their transcripts ready to be applied.

“At this point, the only thing seniors can do to improve their transcript is to continue to do well in their classes,” Warkentin said. “Colleges are waiting for final student transcripts to ensure that they kept their GPA up and did not let their grades slip in the final semester. Most colleges require that final transcripts be received by July 1.”

Many underclassmen are already preparing for college in their own way. While studying and researching colleges on their own is beneficial, many students seek the advice from others as choosing a college can be difficult.

Those looking for more information about colleges are welcome to come to the annual FCS College Information Workshop hosted by the Fresno Christian Counseling Department. The event will be held in the J.J. Room on Jan. 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event is open to both junior highers and high schoolers.

Warkentin encourages students and parents who are looking to learn more about colleges to attend the event.

“This event is for parents and students who are interested in learning more about the college application process, SAT/ACT, financial aid, AP classes, NCAA eligibility and much more,” Warkentin said. “Participants will hear from FCS school counselors Reggie Williams and myself. They will also hear from college consultants and tutors from local college planning and test prep companies.”

In a few weeks, a Pre-ACT test will be offered to all 10th graders on campus. The test will help prepare students for taking the actual ACT later.

Other students, besides 10th graders, are also welcome to take the test, however they must sign up for it with Darbee Whipple in the high school office. The fee for the test is $12 and it will be taken on Jan. 26.

A PSAT test was offered to juniors (and sophomores who chose to take it) on Oct. 19, 2016. At this point, students are now able to view how they scored on the PSAT. Reviewing their results allow students to improve in areas they are weak at before the SAT.

Joshua Villa, ‘18, believes the test helps him prepare for the SAT. Villa also plans on attending the FCS College Information Workshop in hopes that it will help clarify the application process.

“I did about average on the PSAT,” Villa said. “I think it did prepare me for the SAT. I am planning to take the Pre-ACT because I want to know where I am in the ACT kind of scoring and what my strengths and weaknesses are. I’m going to the College Information Workshop because it seems like the right thing to do to help me prepare for college.”

Many students take both the PSAT and the Pre-ACT so they know which one to put their focus on. Such is the case for Joey Huang, ‘18.

“I did pretty awesome on the PSAT,” Huang said. “I think it definitely provided me with information on what the real SAT is like. I am planning on taking the Pre-ACT because the SAT and ACT are so different and I want to be able to discover my potential in both of the tests.”

Some students will be taking the SAT on Jan. 21. Students who feel behind or are struggling with the college application process should meet with Warkentin or fellow advisor Reggie Williams.

To read another college preparation article check out, College Corner: Opening up college options

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