Schaumburg library offers help with college planning
If you or your high school student are experiencing acronym overload - ACTs, SATs, APs - and trying to survive all things college - scholarships, applications, and just finding the right one - the Schaumburg Township District Library can lighten your load.
From practice tests for students to college finance strategies for parents, the library offers a plethora of practical information for navigating the road from high school to college.
In fact, the library's upcoming series, "The Road to College," begins in just a few weeks and will be led by representatives of C2 Education.
After that, students are welcome to dive into ACT and SAT practice tests to help improve their scores when the real deal comes along. Each practice test includes a follow-up, in which students receive their scores and learn strategies for taking those scores to the next level.
Even more important this year are changes to the SAT, which will be explained in a program at the end of October.
"The college process is often a confusing maze, so I think it's important to offer programs that help demystify the college application, financial aid, etc.," said Anna Pederson, high school liaison librarian. "I'm thankful to the businesses and organizations that share their expertise with our parents and students."
If you think these programs sound like a good plan, here is the lineup for October and November. Remember that registration is required for all of these programs.
"The Road to College," a three-part series, covers the topics of admissions; majors and careers; and application and essay. Parents and students may attend one, two or all three.
The "Admissions" session will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, in the Rasmussen North Room on the library's second floor. Attendees will find out what college admissions officers look for and how to craft the perfect college application.
"Majors and Careers" is slated from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the Rasmussen North Room. The presenters will talk about building a core skill set to succeed in college and beyond.
The final "Road to College" session will be "Application and Essay" from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Rasmussen South Room. C2 Education representatives will discuss the best way to write an impressive college essay.
Just for parents, the library is offering "Supporting Your High School Student" from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the Adult Classroom. This is an all-in-one hour covering college value and visits, financial aid, loan information, and a host of common concerns. Register by calling (847) 923-3347.
Students and parents can learn about "Changes to the SAT" from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Adult Classroom. Revisions to the scoring and test-taking policies will be explained.
The free SAT and ACT practice exams are only open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, and participants must bring their own pencils and non-graphing calculators. Students who register for the tests must also register for and attend the "Follow-up" sessions. Later in the year, AP practice test will also be offered.
The "SAT Practice Exam" will take place from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Adult Classroom. The "SAT Practice Follow-up" will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Rasmussen South Room.
The "ACT Practice Exam" is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Rasmussen Room, with the "Follow-up" from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, in the Adult Classroom.
In addition to programs and practice tests, the library offers other free services, including math tutors and Tutor.com, 24/7 access to online tutors in a variety of subjects.
Through the library, students also have access to the online Learning Express Library, which contains materials to help with homework, test preparation and job searching, practice tests and assistance with writing resumes and cover letters.
Teen Place, on the library's second floor, is also a phenomenal resource. Teens ages 12-19 are welcome to use the Teen Place collaboration stations for group projects, discussion rooms, iMacs, video and camera equipment.
The Teen Place Digital Production Studio, which houses professional grade cameras, lighting, a green screen and Tricaster, can be used to create high quality videos that can be edited on the iMacs. The studio additionally offers equipment and software to mix and record music.
To register for all programs, except "Supporting Your High School Student," call the Teen Desk at (847) 923-3240 or visit in person.
Don't let high school and college planning derail you. Come to the Schaumburg Township District Library, where resources and experts will get you on the right track.