1. SAT/ACT/Subject Tests

2. SAT vs. ACT SAT ACT TYPE: Reasoning, Problem Solving, Aptitude Test Sample Question: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value? CONTENT: Math- Algebra 1, Basic Geometry & Algebra 2 Reading- Sentence completion, short & long reading passages, reading comprehension Writing- An essay, questions related to: grammar, usage, & word choice FORMAT: Begin with 25 minute essay, alternate randomly from math, reading and writing in 10-25 minute sections SCORING: Each section is 200-800 points, 2400 is the highest score. There is a guessing penalty. TYPE: Knowledge, Curriculum, Achievement Test Sample Question: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating? CONTENT: Math- Algebra and Geometry up to Trigonometry Reading- Four passages: Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science English- Grammar Science- Charts & Experiments Writing- Optional, but cannot be used in place of the SATs if not completed at most institutions FORMAT: Begin with and alternate randomly between 35-60 minute sections of Math, Reading, Science, or English, complete with “optional” 30 minute writing section SCORING: Each subject is scored 1-36 and averaged to create a composite score, 36 is the highest possible score There is no guessing penalty. (At some institutions ACT scores can be used in place of SAT & SAT subject tests)

3. SAT Composite Score (Math, CR & W) ACT Composite Score SAT Composite Score (Math & CR only) 240036 1600 2340-239035 1540-1590 2280-233034 1490-1530 2220-227033 1440-1480 2160-221032 1400-1430 2100-215031 1360-1390 2040-209030 1330-1350 1980-203029 1290-1320 1920-197028 1250-1280 1860-191027 1210-1240 1800-185026 1170-1200 1740-179025 1130-1160 1680-173024 1090-1120 1620-167023 1050-1080 1560-161022 1020-1040 1500-155021 980-1010 1440-149020 940-970 1380-143019 900-930 1320-137018 860-890 1260-131017 820-850 1200-125016 770-810 1140-119015 720-760 1080-113014 670-710 1020-107013 620-660 960-101012 560-610 900-95011 510-550

4. WHEN SHOULD I TEST? Students took the PSAT in October of their sophomore and junior years (during the school day). SAT/ACT practice tests through PTO/Kaplan (2/9/2013 – results available within a couple of weeks) Students should sit for their first SAT and/or ACT starting January 2013 (later for students who are enrolled in Algebra 2) Statistics show students often see an improvement in their score from the first testing to the second, but not generally on a third testing unless some sort of prep is completed

5. Testing 2012-2013 SAT Test Dates ACT Test Dates Dec 1, 2012 Jan 26, 2013 – at GVHS March 9, 2013 – at GVHS May 4, 2013 June 1, 2013 – at GVHS Dec 8, 2012 Feb 9, 2013 April 13, 2013 – at GVHS June 8,2013

6. HOW DO I REGISTER? SAT: Online Registration(collegeboard.com) ACT: Online Registration(actstudent.org) *New This Year… Photo i.d. is required to register Photo i.d. and admission ticket must be presented to entering testing room Standby testing eliminated – must register online and be placed on waitlist

7. TEST PREP PSAT results in December PTO/Kaplan- Practice ACT, SAT, Combo test COURSES (GVHS/Private Classes/Individual Tutoring) Resources on Collegeboard/ACT Websites Kaplan Free Online SAT/ACT Prep Books My College QuickStart

8. SUBJECT TESTS (aka SAT II’s) Admission tests that measure students’ knowledge and skills in particular subject areas. Not required by the majority of colleges and universities but many of the most competitive colleges recommend or require that applicants take two or more subject tests. **Many schools accept the ACT (with writing)in lieu of subject tests

9. Subject Tests (cont’d) English Literature World Languages U.S. & World History Math (level I and II) Science Biology Chemistry Physics Which subject test(s) should students take? When should subject tests be taken? When are subject tests are offered? How many subject tests can students take?

10. REPORTING SCORES SAT/SUBJECT TESTS ACT Official Scores - must be sent directly from the CollegeBoard Score Choice – gives students the option of sending or suppressing test scores Cost – 4 free score reports (must be determined at time of registration or up to 9 days after testing). $11 per report after this period. Test scores do not appear on high school transcript Official Scores – must be sent directly from ACT Score Choice – can choose which test dates you want sent Cost - $11 per report (4 free reports when designated at registration) Test scores do not appear on high school transcript

11. Additional Information Testing Accommodations Must obtain prior approval through testing agency Fee Waivers Check testing agency’s website for eligibility requirements Test optional schools Fairtest.org/university/optional