RPI Medal Class of 2018

The Rensselaer Medal
A scholarship opportunity worth $100,000 for
outstanding math and science students

For more than 100 years, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in conjunction with high schools around the world, has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science.

The Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology.

This merit scholarship, with a value of $25,000 per year, is guaranteed for four years (five years for the B.Arch. program or the Co-Terminal Program) for each medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer.

As a participating medal high school, BTHS is allowed to select one member of the junior class to be honored with the Rensselaer Medal Award.

If you would like to be considered for this nomination, please complete the BTHS RPI Medal Application

The Essay & Resume are due by 4/30/17 at 11:59 pm.
Late submissions will not be accepted

Spring College Fairs & Events

Spring is the season for college fairs and information sessions ...

Ranney School College Fair - Tinton Falls, April 17

Service Academy Information Night - Colts Neck, April 26

NJ National College Fair - Meadowlands Expo Center, April 26 & 27

Monmouth Regional Fair - Brookdale, April 27

Exploring College Options - Monroe Township, May 15; Mount Laurel, May 17; Morristown, May 21; Woodbridge, May 22

Colleges That Change Lives Fair  - New York City, May 21

SUNY College Fair  - Whippany, May 22

Exploring Educational Excellence - Iselin, June 6

Rutgers New One-Week Summer Academies

Study at Rutgers University this summer!

Choose from three intensive one-week residential certificate programs focused on engineering, STEM, and Leadership:

Pre-Engineering Summer Academy | (July 9 - 15)
Learn about aerospace, biochemical, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, forensic, industrial, material science, mechanical and systems engineering through an integrated program of lectures, demonstrations, hands-on projects, tours, and field trips.

iSTEM Summer Academy | (July 16 - 22)
Select a global environmental challenge to address during this interdisciplinary, problem-based program of STEM lectures, individual research, hands-on group projects, faculty coaching, field trips, and guest speakers. The academy ends with student presentations of proposed environmental solutions at the final certificate ceremony.

Leadership Summer Academy | (July 23 - 29)
Assess your own leadership style through a 360-degree assessment and carefully calibrated experiential exercises. Learn about the practices and ethics of leaders in a wide range of spheres through integrated lectures, interviews, field trips, and engaging in-class activities. Final student presentations address individual leadership development and applications.

You're invited you to attend an upcoming online information session to learn more about these academies on Thursday, March 16 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

summer.rutgers.edu/precollege-academies

10 Reasons To Take The ACT

Did you know that there's an alternative option to the SAT for college admissions testing? Here's 10 reasons why we suggest giving the ACT a try:

(1) More US high school students took the ACT in 2016. 2,090,342 ACT test-takers; 1,681,134 SAT test-takers.

(2) The SAT & ACT are viewed as equals by admissions officers. UPenn Admissions: "No preference is given to the SAT or the ACT. If an applicant submits both tests, we will pay attention to the higher score from either test."

(3) Potentially eliminate the need to take SAT Subject Tests; many colleges accept the ACT in place of SAT Subject Tests.

(4) Scoring System - The ACT has a "friendlier" scoring system than the SAT that gives you more room for error. Performing poorly in one section doesn't necessarily sink your overall score.

SAT score = the sum of Math and Reading/Writing sections (400-1600)
ACT score = the average of English, Math, Reading, and Science sections (1-36)

(5) The phrasing of ACT questions tends to be more direct and straightforward than the SAT. Sample Questions -

SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating? 

(6) Biotech Students ACE the ACT

(7) The ACT includes a Science section; the SAT does not.

(8) Math section - The ACT has more Algebra II/Trig & less Geometry than the SAT. You can also use a calculator for every math section (the SAT has a non-calculator section)

(9) Multiple choice - While the SAT has student produced response (grid-in) sections, the ACT does not. Meaning that aside from the Writing section, every question on the ACT provides answer choices for you to select from.

(10) And most importantly for current juniors ... taking the ACT is an "insurance policy" to protect yourself against the issues with the new SAT. See: Why your new SAT score is not as strong as you think it is.

Learn more about the ACT:

• 2016-17 Preparation Booklet (paper copies available in Guidance)
• SAT/ACT Concordance Chart
• SAT vs. ACT Infographic
• Is the ACT Easier Than the SAT?

actstudent.org

Rising Senior Night 2017

Full-Screen Presentation View

Handouts:

• IB at BTHS: What Parents Need to Know
• Summary of College Planning Info
• ACT 2016-17 Preparation Booklet

BTHS Resources:

• College App Advice From The Class of 2017
• Class of 2016 College Summary Report
• Sample Transcript

Suggested Reading:

• This is How You and Your Child Select The Right College
• Ten Ways For Parents To Get On Top Of The College Admission Process
• Who Needs Harvard?

 

For more info/resources - College Knowledge LiveBinder