Junior Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
School Counselors
Mount Tabor High School
PSAT Score Report
College and Career Preparation
SAT
ACT
My College QuickStart
My Online Score Report
My SAT Study Plan
My Personality
My Major & Career Matches
My AP Potential
College Entrance Exams
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SAT
www.collegeboard.org/register
ACT
www.actstudent.org
Community College Placement Testing
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ACCUPLACER/Computerized Placement Test @FTCC
Most colleges/universities require the SAT or ACT
Most colleges/universities will accept either the SAT or ACT
Students may take both the SAT and the ACT
Some colleges/universities allow students to apply without SAT/ACT
What Information do Colleges Use in Making
Admissions Decisions?
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Grades
Course Rigor
Class Rank
Grade Point Average
Activities
Interests
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Accomplishments
Talents
Recommendations
Community Service
Career Plans
Test Scores
Why Do Most Colleges Require the
SAT or ACT ?
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Measures critical thinking skills necessary for college success
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Measures current levels of educational development
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Compares applicants on a standardized measure
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Indicates College Readiness
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Predicts academic success in college or a particular major (along
with high school grades in rigorous academic courses)
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Placement into appropriate beginning courses or course levels
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Identification for scholarship opportunities
Second Semester Test Dates
SAT
 January 24th
 March 14th
 May 2nd
 June 6th
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Fall 2015
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October 3rd
November 7th
December 5th
ACT
 February 7th
 March 3rd (school test)
 April 18th
 June 13th
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Fall 2015
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September 12th
October 24th
December 12th
SAT
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Measures academic skills in three basic academic areas
important for college success
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Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Total Test Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
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Arrive before 8 am at test site
Three short breaks
CRITICAL READING
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Question Types
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Passage-Based Reading
Sentence Completions
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Three Sections –
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Score
48 Questions
19 Questions
two 25-minute, one 20-minute
200-800
MATHEMATICS
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Question Types
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Standard Multiple Choice
Student-Produced Responses
44 Questions
10 Questions
Math Concepts
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Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2
Math 1, Math 2, Math 3
Integrated Math 1, 2, 3
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Three Sections –
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Score
two 25-minute, one 20-minute
200-800
WRITING
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Question Types
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Essay
Multiple Choice
25 minutes
one 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.
Score
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Essay Subscore
Multiple Choice Subscore
200-800
2-12
20-80
Guessing on the SAT
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¼ Point is deducted for each wrong
answer on multiple choice items
Random Guessing is not recommended
Eliminating wrong answer choices is a
good test-taking strategy
ACT
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English Test-45 minutes
Reading Test-35 minutes
Mathematics Test-60 minutes
Science Test-35 minutes
Writing Test-30 minutes
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Essay Subscore 2-12
Composite
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1-36
1-36
1-36
1-36
1-36
Average of 4 test scores-does not include writing
1-36
English Test
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One 75-question, 45 minute test
Measures understanding of conventions of standard written English
(punctuation, grammar, usage, sentence structure and rhetorical
skills)
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Five essays or passages with multiple choice questions
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Total Score of 1-36 (benchmark=18)
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Usage/Mechanics Subscore
Rhetorical Skills Subscore
Mathematics Test
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One 60-question, 60 minute test
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Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 (or Integrated
Math 1-3)
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Calculator use is allowed and recommended
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Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=22)
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Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra Subscore
Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry Subscore
Geometry/Trigonometry Subscore
Reading Test
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One 40-question, 35 minute test
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Measures reading comprehension skills
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Four prose passages with multiple choice questions
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Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=21)
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Social Studies/Science Subscore
Arts/Literature Subscore
Science Test
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One 40-question, 35 minute test
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Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation,
reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in natural
science
Content covers biology, chemistry, physics and the
earth/space sciences
Emphasizes scientific reasoning skills
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Total Score 1-36 (benchmark=24)
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Writing Test
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One 30-minute essay
 Defines an issue with two points of view
 Write in response to a question about your position
on the issue
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Total Score 1-12
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Combined English/Writing Score 1-36
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Optional (decide when your register), but included for
School-Based Testing in March
ACT Benchmarks
(Scores: 1-36)
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Mathematics
Reading
English
Science
Writing
22
21
18
24
7
Students who meet ACT’s College
Readiness Benchmarks are:
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Substantially more likely to enroll in college
Less likely to need remediation
More likely to achieve a grade of B or higher in
specific college courses
More likely to re-enroll at the same
postsecondary institution their second year
More likely to persist to degree completion
However, not meeting benchmarks should not
discourage students from pursuing college
Based on data from ACT.org and NC DPI
Spring 2014 ACT Administration
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All WS/FCS juniors will take the test
Administered on March 3, 2015
No cost to students/parents
Scores sent to four colleges/universities at
no cost
Score Reports are mailed to students
PLAN
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Let’s you know if you’re on track for college
Points out your academic strengths and area
you need to improve
Helps you find careers that match your interests
Connects you with college choices and financial
aid opportunities
Prepares you for the ACT
PLAN
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Current Juniors took the test in October of
2013
Score Reports & Test Book received in
January 2014
Review PLAN materials as you prepare for
the ACT
Guessing on the ACT
No points deducted for wrong
answers
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Eliminating wrong answer
choices is a good strategy
How Do Students Register for the
SAT Reasoning Test
Online Registration at
sat.collegeboard.org/register
$52.50
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Mail Registration
$52.50
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Late Registration
$52.50 + $28.00
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Wait List Registration
$52.50 + $46.00
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Registration materials are available in the Mount Tabor Guidance Office.
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Test Security Measures
SAT & ACT
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Effective with the 2012-13 test year:
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You will be prompted to provide an acceptable photo during
registration that will appear on your Admission Ticket.
You must present your admission ticket and acceptable ID to
enter the test center.
Standby Testing is only available during a short window of time
prior to the test date through online registration.
An approved picture identification is required on test day.
A Student ID Form/Letter is available from the Guidance Office if
you have no acceptable picture id.
How do Students Register for the ACT?
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Online registration at www.actstudent.org
Late registration
Standby registration
Additional fee for Writing
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Registration Materials are available in the Mount Tabor
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Guidance Office.
$38.00
$62.00
$85.00
$16.50
Fee Waiver Eligibility
SAT
 2 SAT fee waivers
 2 SAT Subject Tests
 Can be used for late
registration
 4 additional score reports
 4 college application fee
waivers made available in
your college board
account
ACT
 2 ACT fee waivers
 Cannot be used for late
registration
Disability Services
SAT
 Online Request made
through your school
counselor
 Approval covers all
College Board tests
 Discuss accommodations
with your counselor
ACT
 Request for
Accommodations Form
completed with your
school counselor
 Form submitted when
you register for the ACT
 Approval covers
additional test dates
 Discuss accommodations
with your counselor
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
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Designed to measure students’ knowledge in particular subject areas
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Twenty tests in 5 general areas: English, history, languages, mathematics
and science
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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
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Up to 3 subject tests can be taken on a test date (except March date)
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Fee-$26 per registration (additional tests $16 each)
Preparation for the SAT
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Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving in and out of school
Rigorous Academic Courses
PSAT/NMSQT (review of the Score Report & My College QuickStart)
SAT Practice Booklet & Practice Test (full-length practice test)
CFNC.org (test prep module)
Khan Academy (free full-length SAT & tutorial videos)
College Board Web Site (sat.collegeboard.org/practice)
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SAT Question of the Day
General Test Taking Approaches
Test Item Practice (each area)
Official SAT Practice Test (free)
Official SAT Online Course ($69.95)
Official SAT Study Guide ($31.99)
SAT Test Prep Programs
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WS/FCS SAT Prep semester course (.50 credit)
Various programs and courses in our community (see your high school counselor)
Preparation for the ACT
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Reading, Writing, and Problem Solving in and out of school
Rigorous Academic Courses
PLAN (comprehensive score report & test booklet)
Test Preparation Booklet (full-length practice test)
CFNC.org (test prep module)
Preparing for the ACT available free at www.actstudent.org
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ACT Online Prep available at www.actstudent.org/testprep
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Test Information
Complete Practice Tests
Writing Prompt with Sample Essays
Cost is $24.95
The Real ACT Prep Guide at www.actstudent.org/testprep
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Cost is $24.95
Test Day Preparation
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Be well-rested.
Eat breakfast.
Bring acceptable photo ID and admission ticket.
Bring several #2 pencils with good erasers.
Bring an acceptable calculator with fresh batteries.
Bring healthy snacks.
Arrive at the test center by 7:45 am (for March 3rd ACT, arrive at
school well before 8:55 and find your test room).
Know the directions about guessing.
Believe that you will do your best.
Scoring the SAT
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Students receive a separate score on each
section of the SAT (200-800)
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For example:
Score
Nat’l % State%
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Critical Reading
690
94
96
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Mathematics
540
56
58
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Writing
530
62
67
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Multiple Choice
Essay
52
08
Scoring the ACT
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Students receive a score for each part of the test and a
Composite Score
For example:
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Score
Nat’l %ile
English
Mathematics
Reading
Science
English/Wriitng
25
21
26
22
26
80
58
78
65
82
83
58
79
69
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Writing(2-12)
10
75
77
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COMPOSITE
24
State %ile
SAT Score Reports
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Only mailed to home if requested
Available online at College Board Account
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Usually 2-3 weeks after test date
Mailed to Student’s High School
Sent Electronically to Colleges/Universities
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Select up to 4 schools for regular fee
Additional cost for each school beyond 4
Score Choice services
Most colleges/universities require that scores are
received directly from the College Board
ACT Score Reports
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Available online at ACT Web Account
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March Score Report Mailed to Home
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About 2 weeks after test date
Multiple Choice scores available first
Set up ACT Web Account with ACT ID
Mailed to Students’ High School
Sent Electronically to Colleges/Universities
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Select for up to 4 schools for regular fee
Additional cost for each school beyond 4
Most colleges/universities require that scores are received
directly from ACT
How Do Colleges/Universities Use
SAT/ACT Scores
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Admissions Decisions
Scholarship Decisions
Course Placement
Program Placement
Course Exemption
Comparison of Colleges/Universities
Middle 50%
Appalachian State
Winston-Salem State
UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC-Greensboro
North Carolina Central
Wake Forest
Johnson C. Smith
CR
M
W
520-610
400-470
590-700
470-560
400-470
600-700
360-470
530-610
420-480
610-710
480-560
400-480
630-720
370-450
500-600
380-460
590-690
450-550
370-450
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Comparison of Colleges/Universities
Middle 50%
Composite Range
Appalachian State
Winston-Salem State
UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC-Greensboro
North Carolina Central
Duke University
Johnson C. Smith
24-28
16-19
26-31
21-25
16-19
31-34
15-19
UNC Minimum Admissions
Requirements
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English, Math, Science, Social Studies
Foreign Language (2 units)
2.5 weighted Grade Point Average
SAT (CR + M = 800) or ACT = 17
Community College Admission
Requirements
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High School Graduation (transcript)
SAT or ACT scores welcomed for
placement
ACCUPLACER placement test
Allied Health/Nursing
Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate
Nursing (RIBN)-FTCC & WSSU
College Planning during Junior
Year
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Take rigorous courses and earn good grades
Register for and take the SAT and/or ACT
Involve yourself in school activities
Involve yourself in community service activities
Seek opportunities to be a leader
Seek enrichment opportunities now and during
the summer
College Planning During
Junior Year
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Explore Colleges & Universities
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www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org
www.cfnc.org
College & University Web Sites
Admission Information
 Application Process
 Financial Aid & Scholarships
 Student Life
 Athletics-Arts-Activities
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Visit Colleges & Universities
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Attend Spring Visit Days or Weekends
Schedule Visit with Admissions
Prepare with Online Resources
Engage
Ask Questions
Learn About Financial Aid &
Scholarship Opportunities
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Merit-Based Scholarships
Need-Based Financial Aid
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Understand College Expenses
Compare College Costs
FAFSA
CSS/Profile
Net Price Calculators
Learn About Financial Aid &
Scholarship Opportunities
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Scholarship Information Sources
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Mount Tabor Scholarship Update at web site
College & University web sites
www.fastweb.com
Financial Aid Information Sources
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www.cfnc.org
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.fafsa.ed.gov
Upcoming Events
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Spartan Showcase
January 26th
6:30-8:30 pm
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Career Center Open House January 29th
6-8 pm
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Ready, Set…..Seniors
6:30-8 pm
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Senior Parent Meeting
Financial Aid Meetings
April 29th
Auditorium
August
October