College essay writing tips, free!

Dear Parents,

The College Essay, or Personal Statement, is the most challenging and perplexing aspect of the college application for high school students. What do I write about? What are the colleges looking for? But it is also that part of the application which is most in your control. A strong essay will make a difference.

Last year, we gave some attention to this subject and we will address it again soon. In the meanwhile, you can also learn more from the following free presentation, offered at Katonah Library:

College Application & Essay - Strategies for Success, Wednesday, October 6th, 7-8:30 p.m.

Join Dr. Gay Pepper, college counselor, & Mr. Bill Ford, Westchester teacher and tutor, in this workshop for college-bound students and their parents. Learn what strategies will work best for the common college application and the 8 steps to your own essay.


If at all possible, don't let these opportunities slip by!
Mr. Pilsner

PSAT

Dear Parents:

On Wednesday, October 13, we will be administering the PSAT exam here at Montfort. The exam will run from 9am – 12noon. Dismissal will be immediately following the conclusion of the exam. It is expected that all sophomores and juniors will sit for the test. The exam is optional for freshmen. Any freshmen wishing to take the exam must sign up with Mr. Pilsner by Friday, October 8. Students not scheduled to take the exam are off from school for the entire day.

More PSAT/scholarship info from Mr. Pilsner:

Dear Montfort Parents,

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)–a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year–and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

Each year, about 50,000 PSAT test-takers are invited to compete for National Merit Scholarships. The first step in qualifying for this competition is attaining a high combined score on the PSAT.

As you'll note in the Student Entry Requirements, the competition is open to third-year students in high school. This of course refers to juniors, but on occasion a sophomore may be in his or her third year, having repeated a previous grade level.

Your son or daughter will be able to enter this competition just by registering for the PSAT in October and by answering four simple qualifying questions on the answer sheet.

We therefore offer our juniors a special word of encouragement: Study up for the PSAT in the coming two weeks and go for broke!

Cheers,
John Pilsner
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Click the link for more information on The National Merit Scholarship competition.