Career and College Guidance at the German School Washington

The German International School Washington D.C. regards the preparation of its students for life after school as an elementary part of its educational mandate. The school supports students on their path to university and a career. For this, students examine their strengths and weaknesses with respect to careers and college. In particular if they are considering whether their future will lie in Germany or the USA, we can assist our students by informing them about the many possibilities and help them take the necessary steps toward a successful start to their life after school.

For more information about our varied offerings, please view the “Concept of College Guidance” below.

Your contacts

Focal point Universities in Germany:

Paolo Muscarella: pmuscarella@giswashington.org

Career and College Counselor (focal point: Universities in Germany)

> more about studying in Germany

Martina Sommer-Stephan: msommerstephan@giswashington.org

University and career advice regarding students grade 10 – 12 who want to study in Germany

Thursday 12 – 2 pm, room 105, please register before coming to see me:

> Make an Appointment

Focal point studies in the USA:

Klara Fabina, M. Ed. ; counselor@dswash.org

Director of Guidance Counseling (focal point studies in the USA).
To learn more about studying in the U.S. please visit Klara Fabina's page at: CAMPUS LIFE > Counseling > Counselor Grades 5-12

> more about studying in the USA

College and Career Information in Germany

Internship in grade 10

Facebook Group for Grades 10-12

STUDYING OR VOCATIONAL TRAINING? Courses of Education and Self-Assessment

I KNOW WHAT I WANT TO STUDY. Universities in Germany

SO FAR, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO STUDY. Self-Assessment

WHICH CAREER IS BEST FOR ME? Self-Assessment

General Information for Future College Students

Scholarships

Accredited Online Colleges

College and Career Information in the USA

College Handbook

Graduation Requirements and Credits

SAT & ACT Information

> SAT averages at the GISW in comparison to Maryland and the U.S.
> https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests
> https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/Preparing-for-the-ACT.pdf
> https://www.powerscore.com/sat/help/content_practice_tests.cfm

THE PSAT

Every October, German School students take the PSAT. Most of our students will take it in the fall of their junior year, but we also offer it as a practice test to students in their sophomore year. The new PSAT test is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and has three components: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. The test is rights-only scoring, meaning that there is no penalty for guessing. Because of this, a student’s raw score for both of the main test areas is the number of questions answered correctly. Raw scores are then converted to scaled scores ranging between 160 and 760 (760 is the highest possible score for each section). The raw scores are added together for the total PSAT score, or Selection Index, which ranges between 320 and 1520.Unlike the SAT, the PSAT does not contain a scored essay portion. DSW students register through the counselor and the test is administered at the German School. Scores from the PSAT will not be reported to colleges and they are not used for admission. Scores from the PSAT can be used as tools to help you learn where your testing strengths are, and which areas may need improvement.

The PSAT in eleventh grade is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Scores from the test are used to qualify students for programs such as the National Merit Scholarship competition, the National Achievement Scholarship Program, and the National Hispanic Recognition Program. A student’s “Selection Index” (double the sum of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math scores) skills scores) will determine a student’s status. There are four levels of recognition: Commended Student, Semifinalist, Finalist, and Merit Scholar Designee.

THE SAT

The SAT has been around since the mid-1920’s and is used as an important tool in the college application process. The SAT used to stand for “Scholastic Aptitude Test” – now it is simply referred to as “the SAT”. The exam is created and administered by College Board, and the new format of the SAT, which was introduced in the Spring of 2016, tests students’ ability to apply what they have learned in school in three areas: evidenced-based reading and writing, mathematics and an optional essay. Students have 3 hours (+ 50 minutes with the optional essay) to complete the exam. These is no penalty for incorrect answers. Students receive one total score on a scale ranging from 400-1600, that is the sum of two sections. They will also receive several other sub-scores, and section scores. More detailed information can be found at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/compare-old-new-specifications. The exam is offered seven times a year: January, March, May, June, October, November and December. Students of the German School sign up to take the test online (www.collegeboard.org) at participating high schools in their area. Please also check this website for registration dates and fees. Most students will take the SAT for the first time in March or May of their junior year.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: This section includes a reading test and a Writing and Language test. There are 65 minutes allotted for the Reading and 35 minutes allotted for the Writing and Language test. The Reading Test measures comprehension and reasoning skills. The Writing and 11

Language Test assesses skills in revising and editing to improve expression ideas and to correct errors in grammar, usage, and punctuation.

Math: There are two sections, one of which is 25 minutes and does not allow for use of calculator and one that is 55 minutes long and allows use of calculator. Skills covered include algebra, data analysis, trigonometry, geometry and pre-calculus.

Essay (optional): Students are asked to read and analyze an argument (600-700 words) and write an effective response. They will need to understand the techniques the author used to write persuasively. The time allotted is 50 minutes. Two different people will read and score the essay. Each scorer awards 1–4 points for each dimension: reading, analysis, and writing. The two scores for each dimension are added. Students receive three scores for the SAT Essay — one for each dimension — ranging from 2–8 points.

SAT SUBJECT TESTS

In addition to the SAT, students applying to colleges and universities may also be required to take one or more SAT Subject Tests. The SAT Subject Tests are offered several times a year in 20 different subjects such as World History, Spanish, German, Math (Levels I and II), Biology, Chemistry. Be sure to pick the subjects you will score best on, since colleges that require SAT Subject Tests typically only take the two or three highest scores.

Subject tests are shorter than the SAT and are easier to prepare for. They are also much shorter – only one hour each. You may take more than one in a day. Like the SAT, SAT Subjects tests are score out of a possible 800 points. Colleges you are applying to may require more than one test, but not more than three. Keep in mind that this may also change should colleges modify their requirements for admission following the changes to the SAT.

THE ACT

The ACT – American College Test – is a second widely-used standardized college admissions exam. It was first used in 1959 as a statewide testing program for Iowa high school students. Developed by a University of Iowa statistician, the ACT is not an IQ or aptitude test like the SAT. The questions on the ACT are closely tied to classroom content and based on the material taught in grades 7-12. The ACT is administered six times a year: September, October, December, February, April and June. It has four parts – English, Math, Reading and Science and is three hours and 25 minutes long. There is one 45-minute English section with 75 multiple choice questions; one 60-minute Math Section with 60 multiple choice questions; one 35-minute Reading section with 40 multiple choice questions; one 35-minute Science section with 40 multiple choice questions; and one 30-minute Essay (optional). The English section tests your knowledge of grammar, sentence structure and punctuation. The Math section includes questions on Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, and some elementary trigonometry. The Reading 12 section tests reading comprehension, and the Science section tests scientific reasoning (everything you will need to answer questions will be presented in graphs, charts, tables, and brief descriptions of experiments).

The writing section (optional) of the ACT is very similar to the essay portion of the SAT. You will have 30 minutes to write a persuasive essay in response to a prompt. The essay will be read by two readers who will assign a score of 1 – 6, and the two will be totaled for a final score between 2 to 12.

Each section of the ACT is scored from 1 to 36, and the Composite Score is the average of the four individual test scores. A perfect composite score on the ACT is 36. Students will register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org

AP Level Courses at GISW

College Prep Timeline

College Prep Timeline for Grades 9-12

9th Grade

• Review your academic progress

• Meet with your counselor

Become familiar with resources that prepare you for college

• Explore various extracurricular activities

• Find a summer job, do volunteer work or attend a summer program

______________________________________________________________________________

10th Grade

• Continue extracurricular activities

• Begin narrowing down your activities and work toward leadership positions

• Take PSAT/NMSQT for practice in October

• Start attending college fairs familiarize yourself with websites

• SAT Subject Tests (if you feel prepared enough)

• Visit colleges, attend a summer program

______________________________________________________________________________

11th Grade

SEPTEMBER - FEBRUARY

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT. It counts!

• Take the SAT, especially if you are applying Early Admission or Early Decision

• Attend career presentations

• Visit college-sponsored information meetings

• Don‘t forget about community service hours

• Visit College Campuses/Get a copy of applications to preview

• Meet with your guidance counselor

• Get to know your favorite teachers well – Recommendations

MARCH - MAY

• Start identifying appropriate colleges

• Consider an internship for the senior year

• Attend College Fairs

• Register for the Junior SAT

• Take AP Exams in May

• Meet with you counselor to plan

• Get college applications

______________________________________________________________________________

12th Grade

SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER

• Keep grades up – no senior slump!

• Decide where you will apply to and list the deadlines

• Take SAT (if necessary) – if you are applying for early admission, November tests are typically the last ones you can take to remain eligible

• Ask teachers and counselors to complete Evaluation Forms

• Brainstorm and write essays – START EARLY!

• Arrange college interviews and practice for them

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY

• Send out applications on time

• Watch your deadlines!

• Complete financial aid forms

• Continue to apply for scholarships

• Ask your counselor to complete any Mid-Year School Reports

MARCH – MAY

• Wait for notification letters (beginning of April)

• If you are waitlisted – write a letter reiterating your interest in being admitted

• Decision time!

• If you have not already done so, send thank-you letters to all your helpers, and inform them of where you have decided to attend college

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!!

Congratulations and all the best for the next chapter in your life.

Activities that look good on your college application

Choosing the right College or University

Accredited Online Colleges

Universities & Colleges that have accepted GISW students

Subject Area	Specific Credit Requirements
English	4 credits
Fine Arts	1 credit
Health Education	0.5 credit
Mathematics	4 credits
Physical Education	1 credit
Science	3.5 credits
Foreign Language	5 credits
Social Studies	3.5 credits (including 1 U.S. History credit)
Student Service Learning (SSL)	Beginning in grade 8, students will complete 10 service learning hours each year.

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Career and College Guidance at the German School Washington

Your contacts

Focal point Universities in Germany:

Focal point studies in the USA:

College and Career Information in Germany

General information about possibilities for university studies in Germany:

Application:

Foreign student applicants:

Information about the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System):

Glossary on the topic of “studies”:

The German educational system:

Dual courses of study in Germany

Careers with a Bachelor's degree

Newsletter about selection of courses of study and professions (new editions appear on a regular basis)

Scholarship Guidance: Newsletter with Scholarship Links

Maryland Scholarships:

Financial support of university studies

Help with financing of studies via scholarships:

Contact person for scholarships:

College and Career Information in the USA

College Prep Timeline for Grades 9-12

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

SEPTEMBER - FEBRUARY

MARCH - MAY

12th Grade

SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY

MARCH – MAY

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