ACT, SAT + SAT Subject TestsAn Introduction to College Entrance

Exams

Our Agenda

❖ Overview of each standardized test❖Ways colleges use the test scores❖ Timeline for testing❖ Test preparation options❖ Test-optional colleges

ACT vs. SAT

http://magoosh.com/sat/2013/act-vs-sat/

ACT

ACT

The ACT is a curriculum-based test, meant to assess students’ academic readiness for college.

The ACT is a four-part multiple choice test that measures (1) English: Usage, Mechanics, and Rhetoric (2) Mathematics: Knowledge in pre/elementary/intermediate

algebra, plane/coordinate geometry, and trigonometry (3) Reading: Comprehension in the areas of social sciences/studies

and arts & literature(4) Science: Interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and

problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences

ACT

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36. Students receive a score for each of the four parts of the test, as well as a Composite/Average score.

Example: English 28 Math 31Reading 30 Science 28

Composite 29

● The average ACT score ○ MN state average is 21.3. ○ National average is 20.8.

● Highly selective schools generally consider applicants with a Composite score of 30 or above.

The ACT also has an optional Writing test; some colleges require the writing test score for admission to their college. Students also receive a STEM score and an ELA score.

The ACT Writing Scores

Subject-Level Writing Score 1-12

Individual Domain Scores:

Ideas and Analysis 2-12

Development and Support 2-12

Organization 2-12

Language Use and Conventions 2-12

ELA Score (an average of the English,Reading and

Writing tests combined) 1-36

STEM Score (an average of the Math and Science tests) 1-36

ACT

ACT

Test Fee: ACT Plus Writing = $68.00ACT test (No Writing) = $52.00

Register online at actstudent.org

At the time of registration, you may request scores be sent to 4 colleges free of charge. NOTE: scores will be sent before results are known.

After a test date, the fee to send scores to a college is $12.00 per test date per score report.

The Writing Portion of the ACT

Colleges to which SLP students often apply

Schools that Recommend the Writing Portion of the ACT

Augsburg UniversityGustavus Adolphus CollegeHamline UniversityUniversity of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Schools that DO NOT require the Writing Portion of the ACT

Bethel UniversityIowa State UniversityUniversity of KansasLoyola University ChicagoMinnesota State University MankatoUniversity of Minnesota - DuluthNorth Dakota State UniversityUniversity of North DakotaCollege of Saint BenedictSaint John’s UniversityUniversity of Wisconsin - MadisonUniversity of Wisconsin - Eau ClaireUniversity of Wisconsin - River FallsUniversity of St. ThomasWinona State University

SAT

The SAT and SAT Subject Tests, both administered by the College Board, are meant to assess students’ academic readiness for college.

The SAT test has three-parts: (1)Reading, Writing and Language: Includes text analysis,

explaining words in context, expressing ideas and understanding standard English conventions.

(2)Mathematics: Includes algebra, data analysis and advanced math

(3)Optional SAT Essay: Measures reading, analysis, and writing

The SAT is scored on a 400-1600 point scale; each “section” score required has a possible score of 200-800. Students receive a score for each of the “section” parts of the test, as well as a total score.

Example: Reading, Writing & Language 670Mathematics 780

Total 1450

● Too few SLP students take the SAT for us to report an average score.● MN state average is 1298. ● National average is 1059.● Most SLP students taking the SAT tend to be those applying to highly selective

colleges

Test Fee: SAT w/out Essay = $49.50SAT w/ Essay = $64.50

Register online at collegeboard.com

At the time of registration, and up to nine days after the test date, you may request scores be sent to 4 colleges free of charge. NOTE: scores will be sent before results are known.

Afterward, the fee to send scores to a college is $12.00 per score report without qualifying fee waiver.

SAT Subject Tests:

❖ individual tests offered on a variety of subjects such as math, physics, literature, world history, etc.

❖ offer students an additional opportunity to show colleges what they know and can do.

Many highly selective colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some selective colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.

Visit College Board to see a list of school that MAY use the SAT subject tests for admission or placement. Always check the college’'s website for the most up to date information.

$26 = SAT Subject Test Registration Fee+ $26 = Fee per language test with listening component+ $22 = Fee per test for all other tests

Register online at collegeboard.com

Students typically take SAT Subject Tests in May or June, at the end of Junior year. The tests are not offered again until October of Senior year, which may be too late if applying early action or early decision.

Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date, and may not take SAT Subject Tests and the SAT on the same date.

Some Colleges ‘Super Score’

ACT Test 1st Test Date 2nd Test Date 3rd Test Date Best Sub Score

English 28 26 24 28

Math 25 23 17 25

Reading 23 28 29 29

Science 26 24 20 26

Composite 26 25 23 NEW: 27

Super Scoring means taking the highest ACT sub scores (from each time the student has tested) to determine a new Composite score. Some colleges Super Score to determine college admission and/or scholarships.

Testing Timelines Spring ~ 2020

ACT❖ March 24, 2020 ~ State ACT testing day❖ All 11th graders in the state of MN will take the ACT

plus writing exam❖ No cost ~ Students will be pre-registered

ACT: February 8, April 4, June 13, July 18(Senior year: first test is in September)

Testing Timelines - Spring 2020

SAT: March 14, May 2, June 6(Senior year: first test is in October)

SAT Subject Tests: May 2, June 6 (Senior year: first test is in August or October)

Test Prep Options

● Online○ ACT/SAT websites

● Paper books and study materials

● Personal tutors

● Test Prep classes○ SLP*○ Kaplan○ Sylvan○ Huntington

Test-Optional Colleges

There are some schools across the U.S. that make standardized test scores an ‘optional’ part of their admissions process; however, they may still require official SAT or ACT test scores for course placement.

Check college websites for their test requirements.

Fairtest.org manages a list of colleges/universities that do not require standardized test scores. You can go straight to the college's website too.

Reminder

If you haven’t already, set up a Junior Meeting with your counselor!

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