College Entrance Exams An overview of the SAT I, SAT II, and ACT

The SAT I –Reasoning Test  SAT stood for “Scholastic Assessment Test”  Sections: –Critical Reading highest possible score –Math highest possible score –Writing – 800 highest possible score  Maximum Total Score: 2400  3 hours 45 minutes  ¼ point deducted for every wrong answer  Cost: $41.50 Late Reg. Fee: $21.50  Tips on Test Day Tips on Test Day

SAT - Writing Section  The Essay – 25 minutes, always 1 st -develop a point of view on an issue presented in an excerpt -support your point of view using reasoning and examples from your reading, studies, experience, or observations -follow the conventions of standard written English ***must use pencil! Sample Essay Prompt Online

SAT - Writing Section  Improving Sentences  This question type measures your ability to: -recognize and correct faults in usage and sentence structure -recognize effective sentences that follow the conventions of standard written English Sample Question Online

SAT - Writing Section  Identifying Sentences Errors  This question type measures your ability to: -recognize faults in usage -recognize effective sentences that follow the conventions of standard written English Example Question Online

 Improving Paragraphs  This type of question measures your ability to: - edit and revise sentences in the context of a paragraph or entire essay -organize and develop paragraphs in a coherent and logical manner -apply the conventions of standard written English Example Question Online SAT- Writing Section

SAT - Critical Reading Section  Sentence Completion  questions measure your: -knowledge of the meanings of words -ability to understand how the different parts of a sentence fit logically together Example Question Online

SAT - Critical Reading Section  Passage-Based Reading  Questions measure your: -ability to read and think carefully about several different passages (100 to about 850 words). -from the humanities, social studies, natural sciences, and literary fiction. The following kinds of questions may be asked about a passage: -Vocabulary in Context -Literal Comprehension -Extended Reasoning Example Question Online

SAT - Math Section  Standard Multiple Choice  Choose your answers from the list  Can use a calculator  Try solving before looking at answers  What math topics are covered? What math topics are covered?  Example Question Online Example Question Online

SAT-Math Section  Student-Produced Responses Sample Question Online

The SAT II – Subject Tests  Not required by all colleges  one-hour multiple-choice tests given in individual subjects.  student chooses which ones he or she will take (pick a subject you are good at)  student may take up to three SAT Subject tests on any given date, which are the same dates as for the administration of the SAT Reasoning Test.

SAT II Subject Tests: English  Literature HistoryHistory and Social StudiesSocial Studies  U.S. History (formerly American History and Social Studies)  World History Mathematics  Mathematics Level 1 (formerly Math IC)  Mathematics Level 2 (formerly Math IIC) Science  Biology E/M (Ecological/Molecular)  Chemistry  Physics Languages  Chinese with Listening  French  French with Listening  German  German with Listening  Spanish  Spanish with Listening  Modern Hebrew  Italian  Latin  Japanese with Listening  Korean with Listening

The ACT  Stands for American College Test  Sections: -English -Math -Reading -Science -Optional Writing Test  Takes about 4 hours  No deduction for incorrect answers  Highest Possible Score: 36  Cost: $29 Late reg. Fee = $19

ACT - The English Section  The English test is a 75-question, 45-minute test, covering:  Standard Written English -punctuation - grammar and usage -sentence structure  Rhetorical Skills  -strategy  -organization  -style  *Spelling, vocabulary, and rote recall of rules of grammar aren't tested  Example Questions Online Example Questions Online

ACT - The Math Section  The ACT Mathematics Test is a 60- question, 60-minute test designed to:  measure the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th grade.  multiple-choice questions  You need knowledge of basic formulas and computational skills, but you aren't required to know complex formulas  You may use a calculator  Example Questions Online Example Questions Online

ACT - The Reading Section  The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures your reading comprehension. You're asked to read several texts and answer questions that show your understanding of:  what is directly stated  statements with implied meanings  determine main ideas  locate and interpret significant details  understand sequences of events  make comparisons  Example Questions Online Example Questions Online

ACT - The Science Section  The Science Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving.  Earth science and/or physical science and a biology.  The test presents seven sets of scientific information, each followed by a number of multiple- choice test questions. data representation (graphs, tables, and other schematic forms)  Calculators may not be used on the Science Test.  Example Questions Online Example Questions Online

 The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures your writing skills—specifically those writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.  one writing prompt that will define an issue and describe two points of view on that issue.  You respond to question and take a position on the issue  Example Essay Prompt Online Example Essay Prompt Online ACT – Optional Writing Section

How Scores Affect Admission You can calculate your eligibility index: FORMULA: (High School GPA X 800) + SAT Score = Eligibility Index (High School GPA X 200) + (10 X ACT Composite Score) = Eligibility Index To get your A-G GPA online… Now check the Eligibility Index…

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