1. PSAT/SAT PLAN/ACT

2.  Why the PSAT/NMSQT?  The PSAT/NMSQT is more than just a test. It gives students:  Suggestions on how to improve academically. The PSAT/NMSQT score report gives students personalized feedback on their test performance.  Preparation for the SAT®.  Opportunities to earn scholarships and academic recognition. For more information, go to Scholarships and Recognition.  Information from colleges and universities through Student Search Service® (SSS®).  A free personalized online college planning kit based on their test results. For more information, go to My College QuickStart™ and MyRoad™.

3. 4 Major Parts of Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Your Scores Your Skills Your Answers Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Skills Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Next Steps 3 Test Sections

4. Your Scores Percentile If you are a junior, your scores are compared to those of other juniors. If you are a sophomore or younger student, your scores are compared to those of sophomores. Score You can see your projected SAT score online in My College QuickStart (www.collegeboard.org/quickstart).www.collegeboard.org/quickstart Score Range

5. Sample Score Report What’s next? Use the access code on your report to log in to My College QuickStart, a personalized college and career planning kit. There you can: Search for colleges Get a personalized SAT study plan Take a personality test to find majors and careers that fit you www.collegeboard.org/quickstart Next Steps

6.  The SAT helps college admissions officers make fair and informed admission decisions. Combined with a student's academic record, it is a proven, reliable indicator of college success. The SAT tests the subject matter learned by students in high school and how well they apply that knowledge—the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in college.  SAT facts  Offered 7 in the United States and six times at international sites.  3 hours and 45 minutes  Consists of 10 separately timed sections: ◦ One variable (unscored) section tests critical reading, mathematics, or writing (25 minutes total)  Assesses subject matter learned in high school and problem solving skills in 3 areas: ◦ Critical reading ◦ Mathematics ◦ Writing  Includes three kinds of questions: ◦ Multiple-choice questions ◦ Student-produced responses (mathematics only) ◦ Essay question  Is machine scored except for the essay

7.  Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT. Reasons include:  All colleges accept the SAT as an objective measurement of students' college readiness.  Used with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges to fairly compare applicants.  Taking the SAT gives students access to scholarship opportunities.  Most colleges require an admission test like the SAT.  The SAT provides students with the most comprehensive performance feedback of any admission test.

8.  The SAT is developed to reflect accepted educational standards. The data show that the material on the SAT and the time allocated to each section are appropriate for the intended test-taking population:  On average, students answer 50 to 60 percent of questions correctly.  80 percent finish nearly the entire test.  Almost all students complete at least 75 percent of the questions.  Encourage your students to become familiar with the test before they take their first SAT. (The following link takes you to the student area of this site.) The SAT practice section of the site offers:  Sample questions  Answer explanations  Official SAT practice test  Personalized score report

9. SECTIONFORMAT/ TIMEQUESTION TYPESSCORE 2012 Averages Math 3 Sections Multiple Choice Grid-Ins 200–800514 The SAT at-a-Glance 200–800 Critical Reading 496 3 Sections Multiple Choice Writing 3 Sections Multiple Choice Essay 200–800 0–127.1 488 Total 10 Sections 3 hours, 45 minutes Multiple Choice Grid-Ins Essay 600–2400 1498 Experimental Multiple Choice1 SectionNot Scored N/A Mallard Creek 2012 College Bound Seniors - SAT Average:1431 Critical Reading Mean = 490, Mathematics Mean= 482 Writing Mean= 459

10. Slide 10 PLAN shows your strengths and weaknesses in English, mathematics, reading, and science. PLAN lets you know if you’re on target for college. PLAN helps you find careers that match your interests. PLAN helps you prepare for the ACT.

11. Slide 11 What is the Student Score Report? This individualized report details scores received on the assessment and the career plans and needs indicated by the student. What does the Student Score Report provide? Suggestions for improving student academic skills Careers that match student interests indicators of college readiness

12. Slide 12

13.  Contains 5 curriculum-based tests: the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science  Tests are standardized multiplechoice  Tests based on the major areas of high school and postsecondary instructional programs; the optional Writing Test is an impromptu essay on a given prompt.  Performance on these tests has a direct relationship to a student’s educational achievement.

14.  The ACT is based on information your students are learning in high school.  The ACT rewards your students for what they know.  The ACT is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S.  ACT’s Writing Test is optional.  All 11 th graders will take the ACT @ Mallard Creek March 5, 2013 for FREE!

15. FORMAT/ TIME English 1 SectionMultiple Choice 1–3620.5 The ACT at-a-Glance Math1 SectionMultiple Choice1–3621.1 Reading 1 SectionMultiple Choice1–3621.3 Science 1 SectionMultiple Choice1–3620.9 Writing1 Section Essay (Optional) 1 – 3620.8 2 – 127.1 4–5 Sections 2 hrs, 55 minutes 3 hrs, 25 minutes Multiple Choice Essay 1–36 21.1 NC: 21.9 Total: Mallard Creek 2011 ACT Average Composite= 21.8 English= 21.4 Mathematics = 22.0 Reading = 22.2 Science = 21.1

16. Key Differences ACT has “Science” reasoning questions. ACT has some trigonometry questions. SAT essay is required and first. ACT essay is last and not always required. SAT is 20 minutes longer.

17.  If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, you are eligible for 2 SAT and/or ACT fee waivers  If you take the SAT with a waiver you are eligible for 4 college fee application waivers- accepted by MOST 4 year colleges/universities

18. Common Myths The SAT is an IQ test. The ACT is easier. Only take the ACT if you’re good at science. Competitive schools only accept the SAT.

19. What Do Colleges Think? Facts: Nearly all schools accept the SAT or ACT. 89% of schools use SAT or ACT test scores in making admissions decisions*. Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, “Preparation for College Admissions Exams”, 2009