SAT vs. ACT: Which Test Should I Take? Prep smarter, score higher guaranteed or your money back! 1-800-KAP-TEST kaptest.com/college
Agenda Get to know the SAT & ACT Your results SAT/ACT - What do the colleges think? Prep smarter, not harder
Let s Get to Know the SAT & ACT
Top Factors in College Admissions 1a) Grades in College Prep Courses Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate Dual-enrollment Courses Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 2010 State of College Admission
Top Factors in College Admissions 1b) Strength of Curriculum Rigor Relevance Quantity Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 2010 State of College Admission
Top Factors in College Admissions 2) Admissions Test Scores SAT ACT AP & Subject Tests Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 2010 State of College Admission
Top Factors in College Admissions 3) High School GPA Overall Don t fall behind Don t lose focus Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 2010 State of College Admission
The SAT at-a-glance SECTION FORMAT/ TIME QUESTION TYPES SCORE Math 3 Sections Multiple Choice Grid-Ins Critical Reading 3 Sections Multiple Choice Writing 3 Sections Multiple Choice Essay 2012 Averages 200 800 514 200 800 496 200 800 488 0 12 7.3 Experimental 1 Section Multiple Choice Not Scored N/A Total 10 Sections 3 hours, 45 minutes Multiple Choice Grid-Ins Essay 600 2400 1498
The SAT at-a-glance Understanding SAT Scoring Correct Answer: +1 point Omitted Question: 0 points Incorrect Answer (multiple choice): -1/4 point Incorrect Answer (non-multiple choice math questions): 0 points Test Day Tip: If you can eliminate 1 answer choice, guess!
Score Choice In effect for three years. Majority of students send all scores to all schools, but, wait to see their actual scores first. Each test registration comes with 4 free score reports. Most schools take the top score for each section from all of your scores.
The ACT at-a-glance SECTION FORMAT/ TIME QUESTION TYPES SCORE 2012 Averages English 1 Section Multiple Choice 1 36 20.5 Math 1 Section Multiple Choice 1 36 21.0 Reading 1 Section Multiple Choice 1 36 21.3 FORMAT/ TIME Science 1 Section Multiple Choice 1 36 20.9 Writing 1 Section Essay (Optional) Total: 4 5 Sections 2 hrs, 55 minutes 3 hrs, 25 minutes Multiple Choice Essay 1 36 20.8 2 12 7.1 1 36 21.1
The ACT at-a-glance Understanding ACT Scoring Correct Answer: +1 point Omitted Question: 0 points Incorrect Answer: 0 points Test Day Tip: Answer every question. If you don t know the answer, guess!
Reading your Score Report 1. Overall Results 2. Section Breakdown
Reading your Score Report 1. Overall Results 2. Section Breakdown
ACT vs. SAT ACT SAT Length 3 hours, 25 minutes 3 hours, 45 minutes Sections 5 Sections 10 Sections Reading 4 reading comprehension passages, 10 questions per passage Reading comprehension passages and questions, and sentence completion questions Math Accounts for 1/4 of overall score Accounts for 1/3 of overall score Science Included Not Included Essay Last thing you do (optional); 30 minutes First thing you do; 25 minutes Scoring Total composite score of 1 36 Total score out of 2400 Wrong Answer Penalty No wrong answer penalty 1/4 point subtracted per wrong answer (except for Math Grid-In questions) Sending Score History You decide You decide Test Contact Information ACT, Inc. (319) 337-1270 www.actstudent.org The College Board 1-866-756-7346 www.collegeboard.com
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.
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
Test Score Snapshot Average ACT Scores 2012 Average SAT Scores 2012 29 2005 (CR+M+W) Schools Boston University 29 1360 (CR+M) Lehigh 27 1710-2010 (CR+M+W Rutgers 24-28 1110-1270(CR+M) JMU 29 1780-2010 (CR+M+W) University of Delaware 26 1080-1280 (CR +M) Ramapo 20 1500 CR+M+W Montclair State University
College Prep Timeline
College Prep Timeline Freshman Year Extracurricular activities Prep for AP/Honors Sophomore Year PSAT in October Take AP and SAT Subject Tests after completing courses Summer prep for PSAT
College Prep Timeline Junior Year PSAT in October for National Merit Focus on academics this is the critical year! Research admissions requirements for chosen schools Prepare for SAT and/or ACT Take required SAT Subject Tests Senior Year Take SAT and/or ACT for the last time Take required SAT Subject Tests Request letters of recommendation Fill out FAFSA and research scholarships Visit schools
Jaime Capra 201-317-3778 Jaime.Capra@kaplan.com www.kaplanatschool.com/ verona