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Here is "Part 3: Testing" of a comprehensive guide to college readiness: Get Me To College A College Readiness Primer Written by Dr. Rebecca Joseph Please use this but cite me. I provide free or low-cost consulting to those working with under-represented students and also lead workshops to schools and community groups around the country and Canada. [email protected]
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TO LEARN MORE
Email [email protected] [email protected]
Phone 323-646-5759
Facebook Getmetocollege Freeadvice
Twitter @getmetocollege
Website getmetocollege.org (focus on first
generation and under-represented students)
Grades Academic Rigor Standardized Test Scores Strong applications Great essays Counselor Reports Extracurricular Activities Teacher Letters of
Recommendation Other Unique Features
WHAT COLLEGES LOOK FOR IN MATCH STUDENTS NACAC 2013
A NECESSARY EVIL?
They were never intended for current use
Colleges use these tests to compare students
Understanding test options and readiness will empower students in the admissions process
STANDARDIZED TESTS!
SAT I—Reading, Math, and Writing ACT with writing-Reading, English,
Social Science, and Science SAT Subject Tests-One hour multiple
choice in several content areas AP tests-Three hour content specific
tests IB tests-Year end tests for students in
IB programs.
THE TEST OPTIONS
BEST PREDICTORS
Research shows SAT Subject Tests AP Tests
Are BEST predictors
YET SAT AND ACT
Still Prevail
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
70% of students do the same on both tests.
For 30% of others, let’s look at differences
Can I take the tests too many times? Yes, of course. Taking it five or six times is
torture and students rarely go up after the third time.
No. Take it as many times as you think will help students.
Note: Students would be wise to try it at least once or twice in spring of junior year and once or twice in fall of senior year. There are huge increases between junior and senior year. Think of 16 versus 17 years old and 17 versus 18. There are huge critical thinking gains.
RECOMMENDED STANDARDIZED TEST TIMELINE
SAT VS ACT
(1) ACT content / SAT problem solving
(2) Some students may score higher on one test than on the other
Act’s less dependence on vocabulary favors students of limited English proficiency, for students with higher GPAs (above 3.4), and for females. SAT good problem solvers do well.
(3) Less emphasis on defensive test taking strategies
ACT does not penalize for wrong answers so more students can take risks and guess, while SAT does penalize.
(4) ACT provides a more detailed score reportSAT(highest possible individual test 800) provides
scores for three sections and for essay (scale of 6). Total score is three sections totaled (highest possible 2400)
ACT provides details subsection scores (highest possible score (36) broken by math content area and for essay (scale of 12). They provide composite score as well.
(5) Both offer score choice. ACT--you can send by test dateSAT I-you can send by test dateSAT II-you can send by test and dateYet UCs and top colleges will not accept SAT score
choice.
RECOMMENDED STANDARDIZED TEST TIMELINE
Sophomore/Junior Fall-Take the PSAT (SAT readiness) and/or PLAN (ACT readiness). If there is real strength in one versus the other, focus on that test. If not try both…through junior year spring.
Then go with ACT or SAT…Don’t overstress your child….
If you go ACT route, your child still needs to take SAT IIs for top colleges, including UCs through high school class of 2011.
Develop a testing schedule that includes SAT Subject Tests at end of sophomore and
junior years. SAT/ACT in spring of junior year and fall of
senior year. Consider test prep…courses, books,
tutoring...Test prep does help. Aptitude and content knowledge are not fixed. The tests , especially testing strategies, are coachable.
SOME GOOD NEWS…COLLEGES ARE
BEGINNING TO REBEL April 20, 2009 NYU announces new test
policyACT or SAT
OrThree SAT subject tests
OrThree AP tests
For SAT II and AP options 1 test humanities or literature 1 test math or science
COLBY ALSO JOINS…
Colby requires official results of one of the following:
the College Board SAT Reasoning Test
the American College Test (ACT) with writing
the SAT Subject Tests (in three different subject areas)
Colby will use the set of test results that best advantage each applicant.
COLBY ALSO JOINS
STANDARDIZED TESTING NOTES
More than 750 colleges do not require tests!!! http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional
See the following site for the most up-to-date testing requirements of top colleges: http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx
My app All College Application Essays has all testing requirements for more than 750 colleges.http://www.allcollegeessays.org
GREAT NEWS!!
Many schools allow ACT to count for SAT and 2 Subject Tests. Check.
Please take Subject Tests at end of year that you take the classes.
Make sure to get contact your counselor for free waivers. If you get free or reduced lunch, then you qualify.
DIFFERENT ROUTES TO UC…
Eligibility in the Statewide ContextStudents who meet minimum requirements for coursework, grade point average and test scores are admitted by this path.
Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)Students who rank in the top 9 percent at participating California high schools may be admitted through ELC. Must meet GPA and testing requirements.
Eligibility by Examination AloneStudents may qualify for admission by achieving high scores on the ACT Assessment plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test, and on two SAT Subject Tests.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/
TO LEARN MORE
Email [email protected] [email protected]
Phone 323-646-5759
Facebook Getmetocollege Freeadvice
Twitter @getmetocollege
Website getmetocollege.org (focus on first
generation and under-represented students)
