MCPL & Kaplan partner to offer FREE practice ACTs

(originally published to KC Examiner.com on January 25, 2012)

The Mid-Continent Public Library system, with locations throughout the Kansas City metro area, has partnered with Kaplan Test Prep to offer a FREE practice ACT for college-bound students.

FREE full-length, scored practice ACT exams are the ideal way for college-bound students to become familiar with test content, to master time management for each section of the ACT, to discover testing weaknesses upon which to improve, and to build confidence in test taking ability and strategies before sitting for the "official" ACT exam, the results of which many high schools attach to the student's official transcript.

Although the practice test is offered FREE of charge, advanced sign-up is required in order for students to participate.Practice ACT exams will be offered at multiple Mid-Continent Public Library locations from February through early April. Parents are invited to come for the last half hour for an information session at the conclusion of testing.

RIVERSIDE BRANCH

• Friday, February 3
• 2pm to 5:30pm
• click here to register

COLBERN ROAD BRANCH

• Saturday, February 4
• 9am to 12:30pm
• click here to register

KEARNEY BRANCH

• Saturday, February 4
• 1pm to 4:30pm
• click here to register

PLATTE CITY BRANCH

• Saturday, February 18
• 10am to 1:30pm
• click here to register

OAK GROVE BRANCH

• Saturday, March 17
• 1pm to 4:30pm
• click here to register

SOUTH INDEPENDENCE BRANCH

• Saturday, March 31
• 9am to 12:30pm
• click here to register

RED BRIDGE BRANCH

• Saturday, April 7
• 12noon to 3:30pm
• click here to register

Summer Reading for College Bound Teens

Summer is the favorite time of year for most students. Traditionally, it is viewed as a welcomed break from formal education and as a time to simply relax.  But summers for college-bound students must also include some aspects of continuing education during these down months.

For some teens, it may mean classes at the local community college, for others it may mean a formal test preparation course. Some students may seek tutoring for a subject that has posed challenges during the school year.  For all students, however, it should include reading.

This does not mean students must spend all day, everyday reading, unless they want to, of course. It also does not mean that students must read academically serious books all summer. There is a wide variety of publications aimed at young adult readers that cover both scholastically stimulating topics, as well as those designed to cultivate popular trends. Almost any age-appropriate subject will suffice as long as the student is actively engaged in reading during the summer months. 

Here are some fantastic resources for college-bound teens to utilize in preparing for a productive summer of reading:

College Board's 101 Great Books for College-Bound Readers

New York Times Best Seller List

Young Adult Library Services Association

Kansas City Public Library Teen Summer Reading Program

Mid-Continent Public Library Teen Summer Reading Program

Being a well-read student, one who is able to communicate in written and verbal format about both historical and current topics, about his/her passions, and about actively planning for the future will aid in not only crafting a notable college admission essay, but will also assist students who are invited to participate in interviews for admission and scholarship.