ACT, SAT + SAT Subject Tests. A Primer on College Entrance Exams

Transcription

1 ACT, SAT + SAT Subject Tests A Primer on College Entrance Exams

2 Our Agenda Overview of each standardized test Ways colleges use the test scores Timeline for testing Test preparation options Test-optional colleges Family Connection

3 ACT vs. SAT

4 The ACT is a curriculum-based test, meant to assess students academic readiness for college. The ACT is a four-part multiple choice test that measures (1) English: Usage, Mechanics, and Rhetoric (2) Mathematics: Knowledge in pre/elementary/intermediate algebra, plane/coordinate geometry, and trigonometry (3) Reading: Comprehension in the areas of social sciences/studies and arts & literature (4) Science: Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. ACT

5 The ACT is scored on a scale of Students receive a score for each of the four parts of the test, as well as a Composite/Average score. Example: English 28 Math 31 Reading 30 Science 28 Composite 29 The average ACT score at TG is 25. MN state average is National average is Highly selective schools generally consider applicants with a Composite score of 30 or above. ACT

6 ACT Updates The ACT has an optional Writing test. Beginning this year, back at the September testing date, ACT applied changes to the Writing portion of the ACT. New ACT Writing Scores Subject-Level Writing Score 1-36 Individual Domain Scores: Ideas and Analysis 2-12 Development and Support 2-12 Organization 2-12 Language Use and Conventions 2-12 ELA Score (an average of the English, Reading and Writing tests combined) 1-36

7 Test Fee: ACT Plus Writing = $56.50 ACT test (No Writing) = $39.50 Register online at actstudent.org At the time of registration, you may request scores be sent to 4 colleges free of charge. NOTE: scores will be sent before results are known. After a test date, the fee to send scores to a college is $12.00 per test date per score report. ACT

8 The SAT and SAT Subject Tests, both administered by the College Board, are meant to assess students academic readiness for college. The NEW SAT test has three-parts: (New test beginning in March) (1) Reading, Writing and Language: Includes text analysis, explaining words in context, expressing ideas and understanding standard English conventions. (2) Mathematics: Includes algebra, data analysis and advanced math (3) Optional SAT Essay: Measures reading, analysis, and writing

9 The NEW SAT is scored on a point scale; each section score required has a possible score of Students receive a score for each of the section parts of the test, as well as a total score. Example: Reading, Writing & Language 670 Mathematics 780 Total 1450 Too few TG students take the SAT for us to report an average score. MN state average is National average is Most TG students taking the SAT tend to be those applying to highly selective colleges

10 Test Fee: SAT w/out Essay = $43.00 SAT w/ Essay = $54.50 Register online at collegeboard.com At the time of registration, and up to nine days after the test date, you may request scores be sent to 4 colleges free of charge. NOTE: scores will be sent before results are known. Afterward, the fee to send scores to a college is $11.25 per score report.

11 SAT Subject Tests: individual tests offered on a variety of subjects such as math, physics, literature, world history, etc. offer students an additional opportunity to show colleges what they know and can do. Many highly selective colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some selective colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. Visit College Board to see a list of school that MAY use the SAT subject tests for admission or placement. Always check the school's website for the most up to date information.

12 $26 = SAT Subject Test Registration Fee + $26 = Fee per language test with listening component + $18 = Fee per test for all other tests Register online at collegeboard.com Students typically take SAT Subject Tests in May or June, at the end of Junior year. The tests are not offered again until October of Senior year, which may be late if applying early action or early decision. Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date, and may not take SAT Subject Tests, and the SAT, on the same date.

13 Some Colleges Super Score Super Scoring means taking the highest ACT sub scores (from each time the student has tested) to determine a new Composite score. Some colleges Super Score to determine college admission and/or scholarships. ACT Test 1st Test Date 2nd Test Date 3rd Test Date Best Sub Score English Math Reading Science Composite NEW: 27

14 Testing Timelines - Spring 2016 ACT: February 6, April 9, June 11 (Senior year: first test is in September) SAT: March 5, May 7, June 4 (Senior year: first test is in October) SAT Subject Tests: May 7, June 4 (Senior year: first test is October)

15 Test Prep Options Online ACT/SAT websites Paper books and study materials Personal tutors Test Prep classes Kaplan Sylvan Huntington Briel Test Prep (at Totino-Grace) TG Counseling Office - Test Prep

16 Test-Optional Colleges There are some schools across the U.S. that make standardized test scores an optional part of their admissions process; however, they may still require official SAT or ACT test scores for course placement. Check college websites for their test requirements. Fairtest.org manages a list of colleges/universities that do not require standardized test scores.

17 Family Connection An online tool used by students, teachers and counselors in the college search and application process. Search for colleges Explore career information Identify colleges a student will apply to Request and send transcripts Request and send letters of recommendation

18 Reminder Junior Meetings begin next week! Your counselor is: Julie Michels A-I Julie Jackson J-Q Jennifer Blaido R-Z