The ABC’s about the SAT…. …and what about the ACT?

Welcome! Ms. Colleen Desmond, B- CC Resource Counselor October 24, 7:00 PM *Thank you to the PTSA and CAC for organizing this event!

A little SAT history….. First SAT developed in 1901 as a means of determining intelligence SAT originally stood for “Scholastic Achievement Test” In 1941, College Board changed name to “Scholastic Aptitude Test” In 1994, the test mean was re- centered and test re-named to simply SAT (SAT doesn’t stand for anything!!)

SAT History continued….. In 2005, SAT was modified with new writing section, including an essay Added extended reading and math section No more analogies – replaced with sentence completion to test knowledge of vocabulary in context. Highest score went from 1600 to 2400 (includes 800 on reading, math, writing)

ACT History…. First administered in 1959 Used to be more popular in mid-West but now taken by students in all states Accepted by all colleges Curriculum based – directly related to what students learn in school

ACT and SAT Content based on nation-wide HS curriculum survey ACT “measures academic achievement in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science.” SAT “measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills.” ACT

Highest Score is 36 ACT –One point for every correct item –Each section converted to a 36- point scale * Highest score possible for SAT is 2400, 800 points per section (reading, math, writing) ACT ACT and SAT

10 sections ACT – 4 sections –English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning SAT – 10 sections –Critical Reading (3), Writing (3), Math (3), Experimental (1) SAT ACT and SAT

Assesses content from Algebra II ACT SAT ACT and SAT

Assesses content from Pre Calculus ACT Math Includes trigonometry Pre-Algebra Elementary Algebra Intermediate Algebra Coordinate Geometry Plane Geometry Trigonometry 1 st Quarter, Pre Calculus ACT ACT and SAT

Assesses grammar ACT English –Usage/Mechanics Punctuation, grammar & usage, sentence structure –Rhetorical Skills Writing strategy, organization, style SAT Writing –Grammar –Usage –Word choice –Essay ACT SAT ACT and SAT

Reading Section consists of four 1-1½ page passages ACT Reading (35 minutes) –Reading comprehension –Four passages Social science, humanities, prose fiction, and natural sciences SAT Critical Reading (aka verbal) (70 minutes) –Reading comprehension –Sentence completion –Short and long passages ACT ACT and SAT

Directly assesses vocabulary in context SAT –Vocabulary directly assessed in critical reading section ACT –Vocabulary is not directly assessed, but aids reading comprehension SAT ACT and SAT

Assesses science reasonin g ACT Science –Readings, charts, experiments –Subjects: Biology Chemistry Earth/Space Physics ACT ACT and SAT

Essay is required ACT – Optional essay –Topics “intended to reflect the interests and experiences of HS students” SAT – Essay –Range of topics include literature, art, sports, politics, technology, science, history, current events SAT ACT and SAT

Essay requires student to take a position ACT SAT ACT and SAT

Includes student- response (grid-in) math questions SAT ACT and SAT

¼ point deduction for each incorrect answer This is known as the “penalty for guessing.” It is designed on the SAT to discourage random guessing. On SAT, students receive a 0 point deduction for blank answers. SAT

The SAT might be the test of best fit if….. You did great on the PSAT. You have a killer vocabulary. (You are comfortable with words like "didactic," "sedulous," and "esoteric.") You prefer starts and stops when taking tests. There are nine sections and an essay on the SAT. (Total test time = 3 hrs. 45 min. You can ace grammar. For example, you are comfortable with the sentence, "On the table, there ARE a pencil and some paper.“ You consider yourself "quick- thinking." You enjoy brain teasers and are good at reasoning and logic. You don’t have to study to pass tests. You are strong in math – 1/3 of test

The ACT might be the test of best fit if… Your PSAT or SAT score is inconsistent with your academic performance in school. Your vocabulary is not as strong as your reading. You read relatively quickly. You are more academic than test savvy. (The ACT test is more like a test you would take in school.) You prefer four longer sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science) to having interruptions and breaks during the test. (Total test time = 2 hrs. 55 min.) You are great at writing papers but do not have formal grammar instruction. You are “book smart”

SAT Subject Tests Required by some colleges – check each college’s website Subject tests cover knowledge of material in areas including science, history, literature, advanced math, foreign languages Each test graded on 800 point scale One hour in length ACT can sometimes substitute for SAT subject tests – again, check with college

SAT: DateRegular Registration Deadline November 2, 2013closed December 7, 2013November 8, 2013 January 25, 2014December 27, 2013 March 8, 2014February 7, 2014 May 3, 2014April 4, 2014 June 7, 2014May 9, 2014 ACT: Date Regular Registration Deadline October 26, 2013closed December 14, 2013November 8, 2013 February 8, 2014January 10, 2014 April 12, 2014March 7, 2014 June 14, 2014May 9, 2014 **B-CC High School Code: Test Dates

Additional Information Photo needs to be uploaded when registering Four free score reports sent when registering For SAT, you can sign up for Score Choice by test date SAT Subject tests available on: Nov 2, Dec 7, Jan 25, March 8, May 3, June 7 Think before you sign up for “student search service”. Do sign up for SAT Question of the Day

Practice Tests offered by PTSA/CAC: Full-length practice ACT on November 16 th in B-CC cafeteria Follow-up session: Dec. 5 th, 7 pm in B-CC Choral room. Full-length practice SAT on January 11th in B-CC cafeteria Follow-up session: Jan. 23rd at 7 pm in B-CC Choral Room

Sample Time table – grade October 16, 2013 November 16, 2013 January 11, 2014 March 8, 2014 April 12, 2014 May 3, 2014 June 7 or 14, 2014 PSATPractice ACT Practice SAT SAT IACTSAT Subject tests 2 nd SAT or 2 nd ACT January to Prep course March:

Accuplacer A computer adaptive placement test –Questions given are based on previous answers Test is not timed Offered at B-CC and at Montgomery College: –Students who do not earn a 550 on each section of the SAT or 24 on the ACT must take the Accuplacer for course placement. Used at MD community colleges and a very limited number of 4-year schools

Students with a disability Must apply through College Board or ACT testing service for accommodations Can now apply on-line or download forms Can take up to 3 months to process

Online Resources ACT –ACT site – SAT –College Board site – Accuplacer –College Board site for students: er/index.html er/index.html –Montgomery College: ssCtr/assessment-placement.html ssCtr/assessment-placement.html

There are some colleges that don’t require a standardized test for admission. Go to to see a list of these colleges

1.Types of courses student takes in high school - rigorous courses are important (Honors, AP, IB) 2.Grades in these courses 3.SAT/ACT scores 4.Activities in which a student is involved 5.Essay 6.Recommendations So what do colleges look for in a student?

A standardized test is only one key to open up the many doors to your future…….