SAT/ACT Information December, 2011 Mount Tabor High School SAT/ACT Overview SAT/ACT Registration SAT/ACT Preparation SAT/ACT Score Reporting

College Entrance Exams SATwww.collegeboard.org SATwww.collegeboard.org ACTwww.act.org ACTwww.act.orgwww.act.org Community College Placement Testing Community College Placement Testing ACCUPLACER/Computerized Placement ACCUPLACER/Computerized Placement Most colleges/universities require the SAT or ACT Most colleges/universities require the SAT or ACT Most colleges/universities will accept either the SAT or ACT Most colleges/universities will accept either the SAT or ACT Students may choose to take both the SAT and the ACT Students may choose to take both the SAT and the ACT Some colleges/universities allow students to apply without SAT/ACT Some colleges/universities allow students to apply without SAT/ACT

What Information do Colleges Use in Making Admissions Decisions? Grades Grades Course Rigor Course Rigor Class Rank Class Rank Grade Point Average Grade Point Average Activities Activities Interests Interests Accomplishments Accomplishments Talents Talents Recommendations Recommendations Community Service Community Service Career Plans Career Plans Test Scores Test Scores

Why Do Most Colleges Require the SAT or ACT ? Measures critical thinking skills necessary for college success Measures critical thinking skills necessary for college success Measures current levels of educational development Measures current levels of educational development Compares applicants on a standardized measure Compares applicants on a standardized measure Predicts academic success in college or a particular major (along with high school grades in rigorous academic courses) Predicts academic success in college or a particular major (along with high school grades in rigorous academic courses) Placement into appropriate beginning courses or course levels Placement into appropriate beginning courses or course levels Identification for scholarship opportunities Identification for scholarship opportunities

SAT Measures academic skills in three basic academic areas important for college success Measures academic skills in three basic academic areas important for college success Critical Reading Critical Reading Math Math Writing Writing Total Test Time: 3 hours 45 minutes Total Test Time: 3 hours 45 minutes Arrive before 8 am at test site Arrive before 8 am at test site Three short breaks Three short breaks

CRITICAL READING Question Types Question Types Passage-Based Reading48 Questions Passage-Based Reading48 Questions Sentence Completions19 Questions Sentence Completions19 Questions Three Sections – two 25-minute, one 20-minute Three Sections – two 25-minute, one 20-minute Score Score

MATHEMATICS Question Types Question Types Standard Multiple Choice44 Questions Standard Multiple Choice44 Questions Student-Produced Responses10 Questions Student-Produced Responses10 Questions Math Concepts Math Concepts Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 Integrated Math 1, 2, 3 Integrated Math 1, 2, 3 Three Sections – two 25-minute, one 20-minute Three Sections – two 25-minute, one 20-minute Score Score

WRITING Question Types Question Types Essay25 minutes Essay25 minutes Multiple Choiceone 25-minute, one 10-minute Multiple Choiceone 25-minute, one 10-minute The essay, which is always the first question on the SAT, measures a student’s skill in developing and expressing a point of view on an issue. The essay, which is always the first question on the SAT, measures a student’s skill in developing and expressing a point of view on an issue. Score Score Essay Subscore2-12 Essay Subscore2-12 Multiple Choice Subscore20-80 Multiple Choice Subscore20-80

Guessing on the SAT Points are deducted for wrong answers on multiple choice items Points are deducted for wrong answers on multiple choice items Random Guessing is not recommended Random Guessing is not recommended Eliminating wrong answer choices is a good test-taking strategy Eliminating wrong answer choices is a good test-taking strategy

ACT English Test-45 minutes1-36 English Test-45 minutes1-36 Reading Test-35 minutes1-36 Reading Test-35 minutes1-36 Mathematics Test-60 minutes1-36 Mathematics Test-60 minutes1-36 Science Test-35 minutes1-36 Science Test-35 minutes1-36 Writing Test-30 minutes1-36 Writing Test-30 minutes1-36 Essay Subscore 2-12 Essay Subscore 2-12 Composite1-36 Composite1-36 Average of 4 test scores-does not include writing Average of 4 test scores-does not include writing

English Test One 75-question, 45 minute test One 75-question, 45 minute test Measures understanding of conventions of standard written English (punctuation, grammar, usage, sentence structure and rhetorical skills) Measures understanding of conventions of standard written English (punctuation, grammar, usage, sentence structure and rhetorical skills) Five essays or passages with multiple choice questions Five essays or passages with multiple choice questions Total Score of 1-36 (benchmark=18) Total Score of 1-36 (benchmark=18) Usage/Mechanics Subscore Usage/Mechanics Subscore Rhetorical Skills Subscore Rhetorical Skills Subscore

Mathematics Test One 60-question, 60 minute test One 60-question, 60 minute test Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 (IM 1-3) Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 (IM 1-3) Calculator use is allowed and recommended Calculator use is allowed and recommended Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=22) Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=22) Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra Subscore Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra Subscore Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry Subscore Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry Subscore Geometry/Trigonometry Subscore Geometry/Trigonometry Subscore

Reading Test One 40-question, 35 minute test One 40-question, 35 minute test Measures reading comprehension skills Measures reading comprehension skills Four prose passages with multiple choice questions Four prose passages with multiple choice questions Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=21) Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=21) Social Studies/Science Subscore Social Studies/Science Subscore Arts/Literature Subscore Arts/Literature Subscore

Science Test One 40-question, 35 minute test One 40-question, 35 minute test Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in natural science Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in natural science Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=24) Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=24)

Writing Test One 30-minute essay One 30-minute essay Defines an issue with two points of view Defines an issue with two points of view Write in response to a question about your position on the issue Write in response to a question about your position on the issue Total Score 1-12 Total Score 1-12 Optional (decide when your register), but most colleges require Optional (decide when your register), but most colleges require

SAT SUBJECT TESTS Designed to measure students’ knowledge in particular subject areas Designed to measure students’ knowledge in particular subject areas Some colleges use them for admissions, course placement, and advising students about course selection Some colleges use them for admissions, course placement, and advising students about course selection Students should review the admissions requirements of each college/university of interest Students should review the admissions requirements of each college/university of interest Up to 3 subject tests can be taken on a test date (except March date) Up to 3 subject tests can be taken on a test date (except March date) Fee-$22 per registration (additional tests $11 each) Fee-$22 per registration (additional tests $11 each)

How Do Students Register for the SAT Reasoning Test Online Registration at sat.collegeboard.org/register $49.00 Online Registration at sat.collegeboard.org/register $49.00 Mail Registration $49.00 Mail Registration $49.00 Late Registration $ $26.00 Late Registration $ $26.00 Standby Registration $ $43.00 Standby Registration $ $43.00 Registration materials are available at all high school Guidance Offices. Registration materials are available at all high school Guidance Offices.

How do Students Register for the ACT? Online registration at $34.00 Online registration at $ Mail in registration$34.00 Mail in registration$34.00 Late registration$55.00 Late registration$55.00 Standby registration$76.00 Standby registration$76.00 Additional fee for Writing$15.50 Additional fee for Writing$15.50 Registration Materials are available at all high school Guidance Offices. Registration Materials are available at all high school Guidance Offices.

Benefits of Online Registration Choose the test date and test center immediately Choose the test date and test center immediately Get immediate registration confirmation Get immediate registration confirmation 24-hour access to registration 24-hour access to registration Print admission ticket immediately Print admission ticket immediately Use same account to register for additional test dates Use same account to register for additional test dates Fee waiver registration is available online Fee waiver registration is available online Approved accommodation request also online Approved accommodation request also online Online account allows more timely access to score report Online account allows more timely access to score report

Preparation for the SAT Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving in and out of school Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving in and out of school Rigorous Academic Courses Rigorous Academic Courses PSAT/NMSQT (review of the Score Report & My College QuickStart) PSAT/NMSQT (review of the Score Report & My College QuickStart) SAT Practice Booklet & Practice Test (full-length practice test) SAT Practice Booklet & Practice Test (full-length practice test) CFNC.org (test prep module) CFNC.org (test prep module) College Board Web Site (sat.collegeboard.org/practice) College Board Web Site (sat.collegeboard.org/practice) SAT Question of the Day SAT Question of the Day General Test Taking Approaches General Test Taking Approaches Test Item Practice (each area) Test Item Practice (each area) Official SAT Practice Test (free) Official SAT Practice Test (free) Official SAT Online Course ($69.95) Official SAT Online Course ($69.95) Official SAT Study Guide ($21.99) Official SAT Study Guide ($21.99) SAT Test Prep Programs SAT Test Prep Programs WS/FCS SAT Prep semester course (.50 credit) WS/FCS SAT Prep semester course (.50 credit) Various programs and courses in our community (see your high school counselor) Various programs and courses in our community (see your high school counselor)

SAT Test Sites East Forsyth High School East Forsyth High School Mount Tabor High School Mount Tabor High School Parkland High School Parkland High School Quality Education Academy (October & June) Quality Education Academy (October & June) West Forsyth High School (October & March) West Forsyth High School (October & March)

Preparation for the ACT Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving in and out of school Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving in and out of school Rigorous Academic Courses Rigorous Academic Courses Test Preparation Booklet (full-length practice test) Test Preparation Booklet (full-length practice test) CFNC.org (test prep module) CFNC.org (test prep module) Sample Questions and Writing Prompt at Sample Questions and Writing Prompt at ACT Online Prep available at ACT Online Prep available at Cost is $19.95 Cost is $19.95 The Real ACT Prep Guide at The Real ACT Prep Guide at Cost is $19.95 Cost is $19.95

ACT Test Sites Mount Tabor High School Mount Tabor High School Parkland High School Parkland High School

Test Day Preparation Be well-rested. Be well-rested. Eat breakfast. Eat breakfast. Bring acceptable photo ID and admission ticket. Bring acceptable photo ID and admission ticket. Bring several #2 pencils with good erasers. Bring several #2 pencils with good erasers. Bring an acceptable calculator with fresh batteries. Bring an acceptable calculator with fresh batteries. Bring healthy snacks. Bring healthy snacks. Arrive at the test center by 7:45 am. Arrive at the test center by 7:45 am. Know the directions about guessing. Know the directions about guessing. Believe that you will do your best. Believe that you will do your best.

Scoring the SAT Students receive a separate score on each section of the SAT ( ) Students receive a separate score on each section of the SAT ( ) For example:ScoreNat’l %State% For example:ScoreNat’l %State% Critical Reading Critical Reading Mathematics Mathematics Writing Writing Multiple Choice52 Multiple Choice52 Essay08 Essay08

Scoring the ACT Students receive a score for each part of the test and a Composite Score Students receive a score for each part of the test and a Composite Score For example:ScoreNat’l %ile State %ile For example:ScoreNat’l %ile State %ile English English Mathematics Mathematics Reading Reading Science Science English/Wriitng English/Wriitng Writing(2-12)10 Writing(2-12)10 COMPOSITE COMPOSITE247577

Score Reports Score Reports Mailed to Student’s Home Address Mailed to Student’s Home Address Available online Available online Mailed to Student’s High School Mailed to Student’s High School Sent Electronically to Colleges/Universities Sent Electronically to Colleges/Universities Select up to 4 (SAT) or 6 (ACT) schools for regular fee Select up to 4 (SAT) or 6 (ACT) schools for regular fee Additional cost for each school beyond 4 or 6 Additional cost for each school beyond 4 or 6 Most colleges/universities require that scores are received directly from the College Board or ACT Most colleges/universities require that scores are received directly from the College Board or ACT

How Do Colleges/Universities Use SAT/ACT Scores Admissions Decisions Admissions Decisions Scholarship Decisions Scholarship Decisions Course Placement Course Placement Program Placement Program Placement Course Exemption Course Exemption

Comparison of Colleges/Universities Middle 50% CRMW Appalachian State Winston-Salem State UNC-Chapel Hill UNC-Greensboro North Carolina Central Wake Forest Johnson C. Smith

Comparison of Colleges/Universities Middle 50% Composite Range Appalachian State22-26 Winston-Salem State16-19 UNC-Chapel Hill27-31 UNC-Greensboro North Carolina Central15-18 Duke University29-34 Johnson C. Smith16-19

You Should Also Know… Fee Waivers are available to students who qualify (see your school counselor) Fee Waivers are available to students who qualify (see your school counselor) Two for SAT Reasoning and two for SAT Subject Tests Two for SAT Reasoning and two for SAT Subject Tests Two for the ACT Two for the ACT Students with disabilities may request accommodations Students with disabilities may request accommodations Student, Parent, and School Official complete the SSD Form Student, Parent, and School Official complete the SSD Form

College Planning during Junior Year Take rigorous courses and earn good grades Take rigorous courses and earn good grades Register for and take the SAT and/or ACT Register for and take the SAT and/or ACT Search web sites for college/university information Search web sites for college/university information Visit colleges/universities (breaks from school and summer) Visit colleges/universities (breaks from school and summer) Involve yourself in school activities Involve yourself in school activities Involve yourself in community service activities Involve yourself in community service activities Seek opportunities to be a leader Seek opportunities to be a leader Seek enrichment opportunities now and during the summer Seek enrichment opportunities now and during the summer Learn about financial aid possibilities Learn about financial aid possibilities Free application for federal student aid (fafsa.ed.gov) Free application for federal student aid (fafsa.ed.gov)