The Importance of the ACT In your notes, write why the ACT is important.

The Importance of the ACT How to play the game so you can control your future and become a contributing part of society:

A College Focus ► ► From the APS VISTA 2015 Strategic Plan: “Our vision is to graduate every student with the choice to attend college without remediation. This is a bold, no-excuses, no-blame vision that promises higher expectations and higher achievement for every student” (5). ► This means that we must take the ACT seriously if we are to meet this objective.

High Stakes ► The ACT, along with G.P.A., is the gateway to college. ► A prospective college student on average needs a 3.0 G.P.A. and a 24 (out of 36) ACT score to be accepted to 99% of Colorado colleges, including CU and CSU. ► A student would need a 33 on the ACT if he or she has a 2.0 G.P.A..

Reality Check ► The national average for the ACT is 21.1 ► The Colorado state average is 20.6 (which ranks us about 38 th ) ► APS average is 16.7, fluctuating slightly each year. ► Hinkley’s 2013 average is 17.1 – and that is an increase of 0.2 from ► Less than 40% of Hinkley students are ready for post-secondary educational options.

The Cost of Remediation ► To attend a non-remedial course at the Community College of Aurora, you need an 18 in English and Reading, and a 23 in Math (colleges do not place students in science courses based on ACT Science scores). ► A course at CCA is $ per credit hour. ► If a student has to take remedial courses to begin, he or she would pay between $ – $ (or more) before receiving any credit. ► Take a moment to imagine DU’s price.

ACT Sample Questions A Microscope in the Kitchen I grew up with buckets, shovels, and nets waiting by the back door; hip- waders hanging in the closet; tide table charts covering the refrigerator door; and a microscope was sitting on the kitchen table. Having studied, my mother is a marine biologist. Our household might have been described as uncooperative.…. 1. A.1. A. NO CHANGE B. B. waiting, by the back door, C.C. waiting by the back door, D.D. waiting by the back door 2. F.2. F. NO CHANGE G.G. would sit H.H. sitting J.J. sat 1 2

Benefits to students ► Acceptance into the college of your choice ► Scholarships for good scores ► Increased self-confidence ► Attractiveness to the opposite sex

Benefits to Students (cont.) ► Median salaries based on education level:  Some High School: $24,500  High School: $34,000  Some College: $38,000  Associate’s Degree: $40,500  Bachelor’s Degree: $57,500  Master’s Degree: $69,000  Doctoral Degree 84,500 Professional Degree: $89,000

Benefits to Students (cont.) ► You will make over the course of your life:  $1,100,000 if you do not graduate high school  $1,500,000 if you graduate high school  $1,800,000 if you get an Associate’s Degree  $2,600,000 if you get a Bachelor’s Degree  $3,100,000 if you get a Master’s Degree  $4,000,000 if you get a Professional Degree  $3,800,000 if you get a Doctorate Degree.

Benefits to Students (cont.) ► The Colorado unemployment rate is 5.5% right now.  National unemployment rates: 6.1 ► Less than a high school diploma = 11.0 ► A high school diploma = 7.5 ► Associate’s degree = 5.4 ► Bachelor’s degree = 4.0 A person with a college degree is 34% less likely to be unemployed in this market.

What Students Can Do ► Pay attention in English, math and science classes when ACT is the topic ► Take all practice tests seriously. If you learn from your mistakes, you will improve. ► Learn the strategies for taking the test. ► Pay attention to the format of the test so you get comfortable with what it will look like.

Sources ► The Bureau of Labor and Statistics  ► U.S. Census Bureau  ► Colorado Department of Education 

ACT Review 1. A student gets 20 Cs freshman year and 20 Cs his sophomore year for a grade point average of 2.0: ► (20 x 2.0) + (20 x 2.0) = = 80.0/40 = 2.0 ► If he gets very serious about school junior year and makes all A’s (20 x 4.0), what would his grade point average be?

ACT Review 2. On average, how much more will a person make per year if she has a four-year college degree rather than just finishing high school? 3. Over his working life, how much more would a person with a two-year associates degree make than a person with only a high school diploma?

ACT Review 4. Why is it important to try to avoid taking remedial English and math courses in college? 5. What are your plans for after you graduate high school?