Welcome to ACT/SAT
Informational Night
Matt Barber
Counselor
Information Booths
ACT/SAT test prep:
► Princeton Review
www.princetonreview.com
► RMASS
www.rmass.com
Tonight’s Agenda
► SAT I
► SAT II Subject Area Tests
► ACT
► SAT v ACT
► PSAT
► PLAN
► Colleges/Extras
► Questions
► Sign Up for PSAT/PLAN
► Visit Test Prep Booths
SAT I
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
►
Typically taken for the first time spring of your Junior year
It tells students how well they use skills and knowledge they have
attained in and out of the classroom. Including how they think,
solve problems, and communicate. The SAT is more of an aptitude
test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities.
3 hour and 45 minute exam
10 sections
 3 critical reading sections
 3 math sections
 3 writing sections
 1 experimental section
Scored range is a 200-800 in three sections
Total score is between 600-2400
Between 400-1600 (Only R/M)
National average for the SAT is 1510.
SAT I
► Offered
7 times a year
 January, March, May, June, October, November,
December
► Students
can register at www.collegeboard.com
► SAT Fee Waivers are available
► Cost is $45.00 and includes 4 score reports.
► Test is given on Saturday mornings at selected
high schools all over Arizona.
► ¼ point deducted for each wrong answer.
SAT I
► The
Math Section
 Score range is between a 200-800.
 Two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section
 There’s 5-choice multiple choice questions and student
produced responses.
 It’s on number and operations, algebra and functions,
geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis
 It includes mathematics topics through a 3rd year
college prep course (algebra 2).
 Students may use a calculator
 There are formulas at the top of each math section.
SAT I
► The
Critical Reading Section
 Score range is between 200-800 points.
 Two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute
section
 There is reading comprehension, sentence
completion, and paragraph-length critical
reading.
 It includes critical reading and sentence-level
reading.
SAT I
► The
Writing Section
 Score range is between 200-800.
 60 minute section
 There are multiple choice questions (35 min)
and student-written essay (25 min).
SAT II Subject Area Tests
►
►
Subject area tests measure your knowledge and skills in
particular subject areas.
SAT Subject Tests fall into five general subject areas:
English
Languages
Literature
Chinese with Listening
History
French
US History
French with Listening
World History
German
Mathematics
German with Listening
Mathematics Level 1
Spanish
Mathematics Level 2
Spanish with Listening
Science
Modern Hebrew
Biology E/M
Italian
Chemistry
Latin
Physics
Japanese with Listening
Korean with Listening
Collegeboard’s List of Schools that Require SAT II Subject Tests 2008
Please visit the individual school’s website for details.
Arkansas
► Henderson State University
California
California Institute of Technology
Fresno Pacific University
► Harvey Mudd College
► Pomona College
► University of California
►
►
 Berkeley
 Davis
 Irvine
 Los Angeles
 Merced
 Riverside
 San Diego
 Santa Barbara
 Santa Cruz
Connecticut
► Connecticut College
► Wesleyan University
► Yale University
Kansas
► Newman University
Massachusetts
► Amherst College
► Boston College
► Boston University
► Brandeis University
► Framingham State College
► Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
► Harvard College
► Massachusetts Institute of Technology
► Tufts University
► Wellesley College
► Williams College
Michigan
► Kendall College of Art and Design
of Ferris State University
Minnesota
► Winona State University
Nebraska
► University of Nebraska
 Kearney
 Lincoln
New Hampshire
► Dartmouth College
New Jersey
► Princeton University
Collegeboard’s List of Schools that Require SAT II Subject Tests 2008
Please visit the individual school’s website for details.
New York
► Barnard College
► City University of New York
 John Jay College of
Criminal Justice
► Columbia University
 Columbia College
 Fu Foundation School of
Engineering and Applied Science
► New York University
► Vassar College
► Webb Institute
North Carolina
► Duke University
► North Carolina Agricultural and Technical
State University
Ohio
► Bowling Green State University
Pennsylvania
► Byrn Mawr College
► Haverford College
► Manor College
► Swarthmore College
► University of Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
► Brown University
South Carolina
► North Greenville University
► Presbyterian College
South Dakota
► University of South Dakota
Texas
► Rice University
► Trinity University
Utah
► University of Utah
Vermont
► Middlebury College
Virginia
► Washington and Lee University
West Virginia
► Alderson-Broaddus College
SAT Test Dates
U.S. Registration Deadlines
2010-11 Test Dates
Test
Regular Registration Deadline
October 9, 2010
SAT & Subject Tests
September 10, 2010
November 6, 2010
SAT & Subject Tests
October 8, 2010
December 4, 2010
SAT & Subject Tests
November 5, 2010
January 22, 2011
SAT & Subject Tests
December 23, 2010
March 12, 2011
SAT only
February 11, 2011
May 7, 2011
SAT & Subject Tests
April 8, 2011
June 4, 2011
SAT & Subject Tests
May 6, 2011
ACT
►
►
►
►
►
►
Typically taken for the first time spring of your junior year.
The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student
has learned in school.
The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics,
Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.
Scale scores range from 1(low) to 36(high) for each of the
four multiple-choice tests and the Composite score.
Two scores are reported for the optional Writing Test: a
Combined English/Writing score on a scale of 1-36 and a
Writing sub-score on a scale of 2-12. ACT also provides
Comments from one of the trained readers who scored
each student’s essay.
The ACT national average is 21.
ACT
► Offered
6 times a year
 February, April, June, September, October,
December
 Students can register at www.act.org
 Cost is $32 for no writing and $47 with writing
 ACT Fee Waivers are available
 Tests are given on Saturday mornings at
selected high schools in Arizona
 No point deducted for a wrong answer
ACT
The English Section
►
Score range is between 1-36.
►
Test is a 75-question, 45-minute test
►
Covers punctuation, grammar and usage,
sentence structure, strategy,
organization, and style
ACT
The Math Section
►
Score range is between a 1-36
►
Test is a 60-question, 60-minute test
designed to measure the mathematical
skills students have typically acquired in
courses taken by the end of 11th grade
(Algebra 2). Includes trigonometry.
►
Students may use calculators.
►
No formula sheet given.
ACT
► The
Reading Section
 Score Range is 1-36
 Has a 40-question, 35-minute test that
measures your reading comprehension.
 You’re asked to read four passages and answer
questions that show your understanding of
what is directly stated.
 Statements with implied meanings
ACT
► The
Science Section
 Score range is 1-36
 Has a 40-question, 35-minute test that
measures the skills required in the natural
sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation,
reasoning , and problem solving.
 The test assumes students have completed a
course in Earth Science and/or physical science
and a course in biology.
ACT
►
►
►
►
The Writing Section
Two scores are reported for the optional Writing Test: a
Combined English/Writing score on a scale of 1-36 and a
Writing sub-score on a scale of 2-12.
The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures
your writing skills-specifically those writing skills
emphasized in high school English classes.
Test consists of one writing prompt that will define an issue
and describe two points of view on that issue. You are
asked to respond to a question about your position on the
issue described in the writing prompt.
ACT Dates
2010-2011
Test Date
Registration
Deadline
(Late Fee Required)
Sept. 11, 2010
Aug. 6, 2010
Aug. 7-20, 2010
Oct. 23, 2010
Sept. 17, 2010
Sept. 18-Oct. 1, 2010
Dec. 11, 2010
Nov. 5, 2010
Nov. 6-19, 2010
Feb. 12, 2011
Jan. 7, 2011
Jan. 8-21, 2011
April 9, 2011
Mar 4, 2011
Mar 5-18, 2011
June 11, 2011
May 6, 2011
May 7-20, 2011
SAT vs ACT
► SAT
 Aptitude Test
 Given 7 times per year
 Reading, Math, and
Writing
 ¼ of a point deduction
for wrong answer on
multiple choice
 200-800 per section, for
a score of 600-2400
► ACT
 Achievement Test
 Given 6 times per year
 English, Math, Reading,
Science Reasoning, and
optional Writing
 No penalty for wrong
answer
 1-36 for each subject,
averaged for a
composite score, 2-12
for the Writing Test
SAT VS ACT
► SAT
 Math section includes
Algebra I, Geometry,
and Algebra 2
 Sends 4 free reports to
colleges of your choice,
each additional report is
$10
 Formulas given for
math section
► ACT
 Math section includes
Algebra I, Geometry,
Algebra 2, and
Trigonometry
 Sends 4 free reports to
colleges of your choice,
each additional report is
$10
 No formulas given for
math section
ACT/SAT Comparison Chart
ACT Composite Score
Estimated SAT CR+M+W
SAT CR+M (Score Range)
36
2380-2400
1600
35
2290-2370
1540-1590
34
2220-2280
1490-1530
33
2140-2210
1440-1480
32
2080-2130
1400-1430
31
2020-2070
1360-1390
30
1980-2010
1330-1350
29
1920-1970
1290-1320
28
1860-1910
1250-1280
27
1800-1850
1210-1240
26
1740-1790
1170-1200
25
1680-1730
1130-1160
24
1620-1670
1090-1120
23
1560-1610
1050-1080
22
1510-1550
1020-1040
ACT/SAT Comparison Chart
ACT Composite Score
Estimated SAT CR+M+W
SAT CR+M (Score Range)
21
1450-1500
980-1010
20
1390-1440
940-970
19
1330-1380
900-930
18
1270-1320
860-890
17
1210-1260
820-850
16
1140-1200
770-810
15
1060-1130
720-760
14
990-1050
670-710
13
910-980
620-660
12
820-900
560-610
11
750-810
510-550
SAT vs ACT
► So
how do I know whether my
son/daughter will score higher on the ACT
or SAT????
PSAT
►
►
►
►
►
►
The PSAT is a standardized test that provides first hand practice for the
SAT.
Also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship
Corporation scholarship programs and gain access to college and
career planning tools. Only available to high school juniors
AP Potential for high school AP courses
Is given on Wednesday, October 13th or Saturday, October 16th of this
year depending on the high school.
Basha High School is giving the test on October 16th. Cost is $20.
Students can sign-up and pay in the school bookstore.
Perry High School is giving the test on October 13th. Cost is $20.
Contact Perry High School to sign up.
PSAT
► The
PSAT/NMSQT measures
 Critical reading skills
 Math problem-solving skills
 Writing skills
Scholarships
National Merit Scholarship
National Hispanic Recognition Program
National Achievement Scholarship Program
PSAT
► Students
who take the PSAT/NMSQT receive a
free, personalized college and career planning kit.
This allows students to:
 Access your enhanced online score report
 Prepare for the SAT with a customized study plan,
based on PSAT results
 View a starter list of colleges determined by your home
state and indicated choice of major
 Connect to detailed profiles of colleges, majors, and
careers
PLAN
► The
PLAN is the Pre-ACT test and is a
predictor of what a student will score on the
ACT.
► No scholarships tied to this test.
► Can be given at any time during the year.
► Basha High School will give this test on
Saturday, December 4th. Cost for the test is
$15, students can sign-up and pay in the
bookstore.
PLAN
► The
PLAN is an achievement test like the ACT.
► The PLAN measures
 English
 Mathematics
 Reading
 Science
It also has an Interest Inventory that helps
students explore personally relevant career options.
SAT vs ACT
► How
do I know whether my son/daughter
will score higher on the SAT or ACT?
Have your son/daughter take the PSAT and
PLAN tests. They will give you a predictor
of what they will score. Then you can
compare.
Colleges
► The
following schools are looking for ACT/SAT
scores around this mark.
 ASU/NAU- 22 ACT and 1040 SAT (CR/M)
 BYU- ACT Score in the mid 20’s to be competitive for
admission
 Florida State- Middle 50% of incoming 2010 freshman
had 25-29 ACT, 1730-1950 SAT (CR/M/W)
 Colorado- Middle 50% of incoming 2009 freshman had
24-28 ACT, 1070-1280 (CR/M)
 All other schools please visit their website!!
Extras
► How
to study??
 Free practice tests in career center and on
Basha website.
 Use your PSAT or PLAN test.
 Try the SAT and/or ACT Question of the Day!
 Buy a SAT/ACT practice book at a local
bookstore.
 Take a free practice exam.
 Take an SAT/ACT prep class.
Websites
► College






Information
CSO College Center: www.CSOcollegecenter.org
The College Board: www.collegeboard.com
Peterson’s: www.petersons.com
The Common App: www.commonapp.org
Hobson’s Collegeview: www.collegeview.com
Colleges That Change Lives: www.ctcl.org
Websites
► Testing
 ACT: www.act.org
 ACT Fee Waiver Instructions:
www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/feewaiver.html
 SAT: The College Board: www.collegeboard.com
 SAT Fee Waiver Instructions:
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/feewaivers.html
 Preliminary SAT(PSAT):
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about/html
 Free Test Prep from Number2.com: www.number2.com
 The Princeton Review: www.princetonreview.com
 Kaplan’s Test Prep: www.kaptest.com
 Zapps/Rmass: www.rmass.com
Test Prep Classes
► ZAPS/RMASS
Educational Seminars
 PSAT/SAT Seminar, Hamilton High School,
September 27 & 28 (Mon & Tue), 6:30 PM –
9:00 PM and Perry High School, September 29
& 30 (Wed & Thurs), 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
 ACT Seminar, Basha High School, October 2
(Saturday Only), 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM,
 The fee for the five-hour seminar is $99. Sign
up at www.CUSDcommunity.com and follow the
instructions for registration.
SAT/ACT Practice Tests
►
►
Princeton Review: All classes at Basha High School
(Sign up at www.princetonreview.com/events or call 800-2Review)






SAT Practice Test, Wednesday, October 20th from 3-7PM
Test Follow Up, Wednesday, October 27th from 6:30-8PM
ACT Practice Test, Tuesday, September 21st from 3-7PM
Test Follow Up, Tuesday, September 28th from 6:30-8PM
PSAT Practice Test, Saturday, September 11th from 8-10:30AM
Test Follow Up, Wednesday, September 15th from 6:30-8PM
For Up Coming SAT/ACT Information
and more…
► Visit
the Basha High School Counseling
Webpage at:
http://ww2.chandler.k12.az.us/bhs/counselors.html