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PSAT Scholars Program 2015
Presented by Cal-SOAP and University of San Diego SAT Preparation Courses
PROGRAM IS FREE TO QUALIFIED STUDENTS
For students in the Class of 2017 (sophomores/10th graders)
 Sessions are on Saturdays (mandatory attendance required on all six Saturdays)
 Students will learn about the new PSAT/SAT that they will be required to take their junior year
 During previous programs, students improved their SAT scores by an average of over 150 points
Students will receive free test preparation materials and instruction; this course normally costs $695
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Mandatory Attendance Required for All 6 Dates
Date
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, July 18
Saturday, July 25
Saturday, Aug. 1
Saturday, Aug. 8
Saturday, Aug. 15
Time
8:00am-1:00pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-1:00pm
Location
University of San Diego
University of San Diego
University of San Diego
University of San Diego
University of San Diego
University of San Diego
Rm
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Applications at www.sandiegocalsoap.com. Due 4/24.
For more information, contact Karla Whitaker at
(858) 569-1866 ext. 216 or [email protected]
Comments from past PSAT Scholars
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“The instructors explain each problem thoroughly and are both patient and helpful.”
“This class has helped me improve my test scores by showing me logical ways of thinking in a limited
amount of time.”
“My scores have tremendously improved and many tips were given that I can use on actual tests.”
“I know people who don’t know what the SATs are about and are scared. This will help them
conquer that fear and do better on the test.”
“The instructors’ patience and their ability to explain were most helpful. Thank you!”
“I was inspired and encouraged by the positive attitudes and motivation given by the
instructors.”
“This class made me think that everything is possible with hope and hard work.”
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Dear Class of 2017 Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
If college is in your future, then so are college admissions tests like the SAT and/or ACT. One of
the best ways to prepare for the SAT is by taking the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic
Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.) The score you receive on the SAT or
ACT often has a significant impact on determining if you will be admitted to the four-year
college/university of your choice. Also, high scores on the PSAT (taken in October of the 11th
grade year) can qualify a student for National Merit Scholarships, National Achievement
Scholarships, and special scholarships sponsored by private corporations and donors. The PSAT
and SAT are being redesigned by the College Board. Students will take the new PSAT in October
2015 and the new SAT in spring 2016.
The California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) is offering eligible students
in the San Diego area the opportunity to participate in a FREE 6-session PSAT/SAT Preparation
course. Students accepted to the PSAT Scholars Program will receive intensive test preparation
and FREE PSAT/SAT study materials. This course will show students what they can expect on
the new tests and how to earn the best score possible.
Dates: Summer 2015
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, July 18
Saturday, July 25
Saturday, August 1
Saturday, August 8
Saturday, August 15
Session Time
8:00am-1:00pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-12:30pm
8:30am-1:00pm
 If you are accepted, attendance is
mandatory at all six sessions!
 If you are accepted, parents must
attend Orientation on the evening of
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
The application materials, which include an application form, an essay, and a teacher
recommendation form, are included. Please contact us to verify that we received all parts of your
application.
Mail
Email
Fax
Submit via any one of the following:
Cal-SOAP Attn: Karla Whitaker
Deadline if mailing:
6735 Gifford Way, Room 14
Must be postmarked by
San Diego, CA 92111
April 24, 2015
Scan/email: [email protected]
858-569-1136, Attn: Karla Whitaker
(After faxing, call 858-569-1866 to confirm)
Emailed on/by April 24,
2015
Deadline if faxing: Must be
faxed on/by April 24, 2015
Immediately after the deadline, we will review all applications and will inform you via mail
whether or not you are accepted to the program. If we receive more applications than we can
accommodate, we will decide based on the student profile, essay and recommendation.
Admission to this program is competitive and applicants are NOT guaranteed a spot. To be
considered, students must have an excellent teacher recommendation, a thoughtful and wellwritten essay, and be absolutely committed to attending all 6 sessions. Attendance is of utmost
importance! If accepted, parents must also attend a mandatory orientation on the evening of
Wednesday, July 8. If you have questions, feel free to contact me at (858) 569-1866 ext. 216, or
[email protected].
Karla Whitaker, Cal-SOAP Academic Coordinator; KEEP THIS PAGE FOR REFERENCE
Cal-SOAP: www.sandiegocalsoap.com
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2015 PSAT SCHOLARS APPLICATION
Please write NEATLY and LEGIBLY in BLUE or BLACK INK
Student Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Last
First
Nickname (optional)
Name of parent(s)_________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
Address
Street
Unit/Apt (if applicable) City
State
Zip
Phone #: (
)________________________Birth Date: _______/_______/______Male: ______Female______
Alternate Phone #: (
) __________________ Student ID Number _________________________________
College-weighted GPA (most recent): ___________ Expected Date of Graduation: June 20________ (ex: June 2017)
Name of school you attend in 2014-2015:_______________________________ Grade Level in 2014-2015: _______
Student Email Address: type or write clearly____________________________________________________________
Parent Email Address: type or write clearly_____________________________________________________________
Do you qualify for free and/or reduced lunch at school? YES ___________ NO __________________
Number of people in household:_____________ Annual Family Income______________________________________
Are you a first generation college-bound student? Meaning, your parents and older generations didn’t complete a
college degree and you/your generation would be the first to earn a college degree? YES______ NO _______
Please check the race/ethnicity with which you most closely identify:
Filipino/a;
Latino/Hispanic;
African American;
Native American/Alaskan Native;
Are you a current participant in any of the following outreach programs:
Search;
Upward Bound; Other ___________________
Asian/Pacific Islander;
White/Caucasian;
UC EAOP;
Other
Educational Talent
Only committed students will be admitted to the Cal-SOAP PSAT Scholars Program. If accepted, my
parent(s) and I understand the following:
 Attendance is mandatory for the entire 6-session program.
 I will need my own transportation to and from the site (USD in Linda Vista.)
 I will sign a waiver granting Cal-SOAP access to my future PSAT and SAT scores. I also commit
to take the PSAT and SAT and submit those scores to Cal-SOAP.
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I agree that the PSAT Scholars Program has the right to publish photographs of Scholars for
publicity purposes.
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: _______________________________________________Date: _________
Student’s Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Cal-SOAP: www.sandiegocalsoap.com
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Student Short Response (Essay)
2015 PSAT SCHOLARS
We will evaluate responses based on content,
thoughtfulness, sincerity, effort and
grammar/English. Type or write in blue/black ink on
separate paper. Include your full name on each page.
Write one paragraph per prompt, minimum.
1. We are seeking students who are absolutely committed to
attending all six sessions of the PSAT Scholars Program, who will
participate in class, and who will give their utmost effort to the
work assigned. Explain why you would be a good candidate for
the program and why you have a strong desire to attend.
2. Tell us what you might study in college and why earning a college
degree is important to you.
3. What are you most proud of? What are you passionate about?
4. Describe any challenges you have overcome and how you
overcame them. What future challenges do you anticipate and
how will you overcome those?
Cal-SOAP: www.sandiegocalsoap.com
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2015 PSAT SCHOLARS TEACHER/COUNSELOR
RECOMMENDATION FORM, Due April 24. 2015
Student Instructions:
Give this form to a teacher, counselor or unbiased adult, such as a coach or minister. Once it is
completed be sure to get it from the recommender and include it with your application packet.
Applicant’s Name__________________________________________________________________________
Last Name
First Name
Nickname (Optional)
Dear Teacher, Counselor, or Program Coordinator: The above student is applying for admission
to the Cal-SOAP PSAT Scholars Program. If selected, the student will attend an intensive 6session PSAT preparation workshop held this July and August. After you complete the
recommendation, return it to the student. If you’d like it to remain confidential, you can give it to
the student in a sealed envelope with your signature over the seal.
Please rate the student in the
following categories:
Academic/Intellectual Ability
Exceptional
Good
Above
Average
Average
Below
Average
Writing/Speaking Ability
Willingness to Learn
Behavior in class, sports, etc.
Maturity
Responsibility
Write any additional comments below or attach a separate sheet.
Recommender’s Name: ___________________________________________________________
Phone Number and/or Email Address ________________________________________________
Position or Title: ________________________________________________________________
School or Organization:___________________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ____________
Cal-SOAP: www.sandiegocalsoap.com
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Back-side of Teacher/Counselor Recommendation
Application Checklist
Include your….
 Application page, signed by both student and parent.
 Short Responses, including your name on every page.
 Recommendation Form.
Submit via any one of the following methods:
Mail
E-mail
Fax
Cal-SOAP Attn: Karla Whitaker
6735 Gifford Way, Room 14
San Diego, CA 92111
Deadline if mailing:
Must be postmarked by
April 24, 2015
Scan/email: [email protected]
Emailed on/by April 24,
2015
858-569-1136, Attn: Karla Whitaker
(After faxing, call 858-569-1866 to confirm
receipt of fax)
Deadline if faxing: Must be
faxed on/by April 24, 2015
Cal-SOAP: www.sandiegocalsoap.com