1. standardized Test prep
for parents
Presenters
Bo Smeureanu
Sebastian Smeureanu

2. On the agenda... why we should take the tests what are these tests
how to prepare for them
how to handle the scores
when to take them
how to plan

3. WHY? A) I only B) II and IV C) II and III D) I, II, and III
I. we LOVE tests!
II. they’re required
III. they provide for a fair comparison to students from other regions
IV. we prefer it to the time spent on some resort vacation in Bora Bora... hot sun, cool water, refreshing breeze, nice cold... anyway!
A) I only
B) II and IV
C) II and III
D) I, II, and III

4. why? assess strengths and weaknesses before reaching college
demonstrate the ability to learn and apply knowledge
compare ourselves with students at colleges we’re considering
qualify for National Merit Scholarship (PSAT)
obtain Merit Aid (SAT/ACT)
obtain college credit (AP/CLEP)
place in higher-level course work in first year of college (Subject Tests)

5. The tests The SAT The PSAT/NMSQT
equally used by colleges as ACT
tests student’s basic knowledge of reading, mathematics, and writing
demonstrates student’s ability to reason, solve problems, and communicate
it emphasizes the application of knowledge
co-sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
chance to practice for the SAT
a “heads-up” to strengths and weaknesses
a chance to enter scholarship competitions
an opportunity to start receiving more junk mail!

6. The tests The SAT Subject Test The ACT
shows colleges a student’s mastery with a particular subject area
used in admissions and placement decisions
helps colleges match students with programs
helps with advice in college course selection
given in English Lit, Math, History, Science, and Languages
one hour each, max three tests on one day
used to be the “new kid in town”
substitutes for the SAT
unfortunately, many times, it complements the SAT :(
measures English and mathematical skills, reading comprehension, and scientific reasoning
is the biggest culprit in scheduling/planning issues!

7. The tests Advanced Placement Program (AP)
College-level Examination Program (CLEP)
opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while still in high school
chance to earn college credit or advanced placement
open to students of all ages
a chance to graduate faster by earning credit for what you already know (i.e., language, math)
could save you money, speed up graduation, or even... allow you to graduate on time!

8. The tests
PSAT v. SAT

9. The tests
SAT v. ACT

10. The tests
SAT v. ACT

11. Scores – PSAT

12. Scores - PSAT

13. Scores - PSAT

14. Scores - PSAT

15. Scores - PSAT
In the past the national index for commendation was 209 and for semifinalist for NJ was 222(different for each state--NJ one of the highest)

16. Scores - PSAT

17. preparing the Student’s Job english math science learn grammar
acquire vocabulary
read out of comfort zone
read within comfort zone!
develop a structured writing style
know the basics!
do your homework
take challenging classes
understand concepts
understand concepts
analyze relationships among data, concepts, processes
know how to read a graph!

18. preparing know your child track school progress (from early on)
Your Job
know your child
track school progress (from early on)
involve them in mentally challenging activities
facilitate them finding a direction early on
have a plan
... save $$$!

19. timing
when...?

20. q & a