ACT AND SAT SUBJECT TESTS

ACT: What is it? Another national college admissions test that can be taken with or in place of SAT Four test areas: English, Math, Reading, Science Two versions of the test: ACT or ACT Plus Writing Takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete Scored out of 36

Difference between SAT and ACT Test on generally the same material, except science ACT is an achievement test, measuring what students are learning in school SAT is an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities Usually, students who do well in school do better on the ACT because it corresponds better with school material The writing section is optional (but many college require the writing section so check!) No penalty for guessing 4 answer options, not 5

Differences Cont’d… ACT questions are said to be more straightforward Less emphasis on vocabulary ACT tests more advanced math Has four general sections, not broken into many parts like SAT

Schools and their ACT Policy All American four-year colleges accept ACT Many schools will take the ACT Plus Writing in place of SAT

Which Should You Take? Depends on which format you feel most comfortable with Work through some practice questions from both exams and evaluate which you understand better More students are taking both to keep options open

Practice Materials To start, use the Real ACT Prep Guide But other great practice books are published by the Princeton Review, Barron’s, and Kaplan FREE online resources: varsitytutors.com The ACT website, actstudent.org, has a free practice test and practice questions Studying for the SAT will help with preparation for the ACT

How to Register Go to actstudent.org Make an account and then follow the directions on the website Next exam: April 12  late registration by March 21 Last exam for school year: June 14  register by May 9 Fewer exam dates than the SAT Fee: ACT: $36.50 ACT Plus Writing: $52.50 Fee waiver for ACT, check with guidance counselor

What are the SAT Subject Tests? National admissions test that measures students’ knowledge in one particular subject Closely linked to a high school curriculum Gives students the chance to distinguish themselves and prove proficiency in particular subjects Out of 800 points (kind of like one SAT section) Lasts one hour Administered on same dates as SATs, but not all subjects always offered Can take up to 3 subject tests each test date

School Policy on Subject Tests Schools differ significantly on this Some don’t require exams at all Many private schools require two  BUT, they often make an exception to the subject test rule if you take the ACT Plus Writing

Format of the Exam Multiple choice Differs from subject to subject Main subject areas: Language Language with Listening- need a CD player to listen and then answer multiple choice questions Math 1 and 2 History Sciences- Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics Literature

Which should you take? Many students take the exams that correspond to their AP exams Which subjects are your strong points? Which do you enjoy at school? What do you want to major in? Sometimes, colleges like to see your ability and strength in the subject you are planning on studying.

How to Register Same process at the SAT exam Go to collegeboard.com, make an account How many exams should you register for? Personal recommendation: two per test date But, the interesting thing is that you can arrive at the test center on the date and change which tests you take and the number of tests you take This is because they give you a big booklet with all the subject tests in them so you are allowed to change which exams you take Fees: $24.50 for basic fee and then $24 for a language with listening test and $13 for all other subject tests (per test) Look into fee waivers with guidance counselor!

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ACT PRACTICE QUESTIONS

ACT Preparation

Next week, join us for… A special visit from Kathy Czepiel of Quinnipiac University to discuss how to write a good academic paper for college Seniors are welcome to attend! This will be very helpful for you Note: If you haven’t filled out the REACH Googledoc, please do before you leave today!

QUESTIONS?

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