SAT vs ACT While most colleges across the country accept scores from either, the SAT and ACT, they are different in many ways. Here are some of the differences of the current exams: SATACT No science sectionScience reasoning section No TrigonometryMath section includes trigonometry Vocabulary emphasizedVocabulary less important Non multiple choice questions includedEntirely multiple choice Guessing penaltyNo guessing penalty No English grammarEnglish grammar tested Math accounts for 50% of your scoreMath accounts for 25% of you score Questions go from easy to hard in most sectionsEasy and hard questions mixed within section All your SAT scores reported to collegesReport scores only from the test dates you choose

Changes to SAT for class of 2017 and beyond ChangesThe Current SATRedesigned SAT (spring 2016) SECTIONS3 sections Math Critical Reading Writing Skills 2 sections Math Evidence-Based Reading and Writing SCORINGComposite score (600–2400) 3 section scores (200–800) Composite score (400–1600) 2 section scores (200–800) 3 test scores (10–40) 7 sub-scores (1–15) 2 cross-test scores LENGTH OF TEST (Without breaks) 3 hours, 45 minutes3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) ANSWER CHOICES5 answer choices per question4 answer choices per question

ChangesThe Current SATRedesigned SAT (spring 2016) INCORRECT ANSWER PENALTY 1/4 point off for each incorrect answer on multiple-choice questions No penalty for incorrect answers FORMAT OF TESTPaper and pencil onlyPaper and pencil AND a computer- based option READING AND WRITINGTwo sections: Critical Reading Writing Skills Vocabulary tested by sentence completion questions; famous for "SAT Words," often considered obscure Passage-based questions, with passages drawn from random topics Two tests: Reading Test Writing and Language Test No more sentence completions; focus on multiple-meaning words Passages will draw from significant historical or scientific documents – may include informational graphics, such as charts The reading passages will include complex structure and vocabulary Passage-based grammar – including punctuation Changes to SAT for class of 2017 and beyond

ChangesThe Current SATRedesigned SAT (spring 2016) MATHCovers: Arithmetic Algebra I Geometry Some Algebra II Focuses on: Application-based, multi-step questions Higher-level math, including trigonometry One “extended-thinking” grid-in question (worth 4 points); Core math competencies (translating math into English and English into math) A deep understanding of the theories behind mathematical principles, such as building equations CALCULATORSCalculators permitted in every math section Calculators only allowed in the longer of the two math sections THE ESSAYRequired first section of the test (25 minutes, timed) Students respond to a short prompt by providing personal opinion with supporting evidence The essay is optional (50 minutes, timed) Students will be provided a substantial passage (600– 700 words) and will then be asked to analyze how the author built their argument; students will need to understand the techniques authors used to write persuasively Previous 3 Tables from Princeton Review

How do you sign up? To sign up for the ACT go to To sign up for the SAT go to Juniors will be taking the ACT for free here at BNHS on April 28 th. This is the one time you do not have to sign up for it.

ACT/SAT Fee Waivers If you are in the 11 th or 12 th grade and qualify for free or reduced lunch you are eligible to receive a fee waiver for the ACT and SAT. You are eligible to receive two ACT fee waivers and two SAT fee waivers. See your counselor to receive your fee waivers.

College Application Fee Waivers If you received a fee waiver for the ACT or SAT, you are eligible to receive college application fee waivers. You can receive four waivers from SAT and an unlimited amount from ACT. Please check with the college or university that you are interested in to verify that they accept college application fee waivers from ACT or SAT

Resources to Prepare for the Exams  High Five Scholarships: This website has scholarship information, ACT/SAT practice tests and explains the differences between the ACT and SAT. High Five ScholarshipHigh Five Scholarship  Princeton Review: This website also has study guides for the ACT and SAT along with other helpful links when preparing for college. Princeton ReviewPrinceton Review  Boost My ACT Test Prep Workshops: This organization is located in Trophy Club and works with students preparing for the ACT. More information can be found on the attached flyer Boost My ACT Test Prep FlyerBoost My ACT Test Prep Flyer  PrepFactory: This website has practice questions, gaming elements and instructional videos. PrepFactoryPrepFactory

District Resources to help Prep for the Exams Naviance Family Connection: Also part of the Naviance Family Connection is the PrepMe courses. The PrepMe SAT and PrepMe ACT are an online course that will help you build your math, reading, writing, and SAT/ACT test prep skills. Through your school’s Naviance Family Connection site, you will be able to complete the course and track all of the work you complete. Method Test Prep uses proven strategies that are clear and easy to understand for any type of learner and students have seen measurable progress using the course. PrepMe features an adaptive learning platform that identifies your strengths and weaknesses to create personalized study plans based on your unique needs and timelines. In order to best prepare you for the ACT and to utilize this unique feature, we recommend that you take the Diagnostics Tests for each section first. These Diagnostic Tests will be on the home page of the PrepMe ACT course.

Access Prepme Go to BNHS Counselor website and click on Naviance link on the left side Login using your first.last name and your ID as your password Prepme link can be found at the top left corner