1. University Admissions and Standardized Testing Prepared by: David Espinoza, Director, University of Oregon Testing Center espinoza@uoregon.edu 541-346-3230

2. How do I get into college?

3. What do I need to do?

4. The Admissions Formula Application + Application fee + Personal statement + Recommendations + High School Transcripts + Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)

5. The most important variable in the Admissions Formula is YOU! Your dreams Your dedication Your motivation Your willingness to work hard to achieve your goals

6. SAT or ACT? Which should I take? What is the difference?

7. What is the difference between the ACT and SAT? The ACT is considered more of an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. The SAT has 3 components: Critical Reasoning, Mathematics, and a Writing Test. The SAT subtracts a fraction of a point for an incorrect answer, thereby discouraging guessing. The ACT is scored based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing. How are the ACT and the SAT similar? The SAT and the ACT are both used by colleges and universities to assist with the evaluation of applicants for admission by providing an “objective” measure of an applicant’s readiness for college and potential for success. Scores from the ACT or SAT can also be used for financial aid and scholarships programs.

8. However, the scores from an SAT or an ACT test are not intended to be used as gatekeepers. They are simply one variable in the Admissions Formula.

9. From the College Board web site: “The SAT helps college admissions officers make fair and informed admission decisions. Combined with a student's academic record, it is a proven, reliable indicator of college success. “ From the ACT web site: “ACT test results, high school grades, academic preparation, out of-class accomplishments, and future plans—these and other kinds of information help admissions officials identify applicants who can benefit most from their programs.”

10. Both are paper and pencil tests that are given on specific dates throughout the year. 2013 – 2014 SAT and ACT Test Dates SATACT Oct. 5, 2013Sept. 21, 2013 Nov. 2, 2013Oct. 26, 2013 Dec. 7, 2013Dec. 14, 2013 Jan. 25, 2014Feb. 8, 2014 March 8, 2014April 12, 2014 May 3, 2014June 14, 2014 June 7, 2014

11. Both require preregistration which can be done through their web sites, or through the mail. SAT http://sat.collegeboard.com/home ACT http://www.actstudent.org/index.html

12. You will find lots of information about test dates, registration, practice questions and study guides on the main web page. main web page.

13. You will find lots of information about test dates, registration, practice questions and study guides on the main web page.main web page

14. What are the costs? ACT With the Writing Assessment$52.50 Without the Writing Assessment$36.50 SAT$51.00 Fee waivers Both the ACT and the SAT programs make available test fee waivers. Fee waivers are granted on the basis of financial need and require that the student submit a fee waiver request to the ACT or SAT program. ACT Fee waiver information: http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/feewaiver.html SAT Fee waiver information: http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-fee-waivers Students who qualify for a test fee waiver with the SAT program and take the SAT are also eligible for a waiver or deferral of college application fees at participating colleges and universities. http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/sat/sat-fee-waivers- guidelines-for-students.pdf

15. When do I need to do all this?

16. Most students begin to focus on the college application process during their Junior year. However it is never too early to begin to gather information about colleges and universities you might be interested in attending. All schools have deadlines that need to be met in order to be considered for admission. College application deadlines vary but generally run from December through April. Most students will take the ACT or the SAT in the Spring of their Junior year, but no later that the Fall of their Senior year.

17. How about now? Talk to your parents about what you want to do…you need their support. Talk to a trusted High School teacher or Counselor about your educational goals and plans. Ask for their help. Use the internet to visit college web sites. Ask for information to be sent to you. Most important: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve the goal of a college education! Stay focused and believe in yourself!

18. Helpful Resources and Links: ACT ACT test preparation: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/ ACT test preparation guide in English: http://media.act.org/documents/preparing.pdf ACT test preparation guide in Spanish: http://media.actstudent.org/documents/preparing_es.pdf Practice test questions: http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/ SAT How to create a study plan for the SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-study-plan SAT Question of the Day: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-day SAT practice test: http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-test

19. Questions? You are welcome to contact me: David Espinoza, Director, University of Oregon Testing Center espinoza@uoregon.edu 541-346-3230