SAT and ACT Beth Dungey- GT Resource Teacher Glen Smith- Math Teacher Teachers for Advanced SAT Prep
Facts about Colleges and the SAT/ACT 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
Basic Formatting SAT
Scoring for the SAT and ACT
ACT Timing and # of Questions
SAT Timing and # of Questions Test # Questions Time Allotted Reading 52 Multiple Choice 65 minutes Writing 44 Multiple Choice 35 Minutes Math (No Calculator) 15 Multiple Choice 5 Grid In 25 Minutes Math (Calculator) 30 Multiple Choice 8 Grid In 55 Minutes Essay 1 Evidence-Basd Essay 50 minutes
SAT VS ACT
SAT VS ACT
SAT VS ACT
Average Scores For Last Year s Freshmen School GPA (weighted) SAT ACT UMD 4.21 1320 32 UMBC 3.82 1250 27 Salisbury 3.69 1240 24 Towson 3.62 1130 23 JHU 3.9 1510 33
ACT at a Glance Test length: 2 hours and 55 minutes, unless students choose to take the optional 30 minute Writing Test in which case the total testing time increases to 3 hours, 25 minutes 5 tests (the ACT refers to sections as tests) 1 English Test 1 Math Test 1 Reading Test 1 Science Test 1 Optional Writing Test Students receive a composite score between 1 and 36. **** The ACT is a much faster test. There is less time to answer each question.
The ACT Scoring at-a-glance
About the Redesigned SAT *Please note: All time limits are tentative and subject to research. 2014 The College Board
8 Key Facts About the SAT 2014 The College Board
8 Key Facts About the SAT Students will need to: Interpret meaning based on context Master relevant vocabulary Engage in close reading 2014 The College Board
Redesigned SAT Sample Item: Relevant Words in Context (Reading Test) 2014 The College Board
8 Key Facts About the SAT Students will be asked to: Interpret, synthesize, and use evidence found in a wide range of sources Support the answers they choose Integrate information conveyed through both reading passages and informational graphics 2014 The College Board
Redesigned SAT Sample Item: Command of Evidence (Reading Test) 2014 The College Board
Command of Evidence (Writing & Language Test) 2014 The College Board
8 Key Facts About the SAT The redesigned essay will: More closely mirror college writing assignments Cultivate close reading, careful analysis, and clear writing Promote the practice of reading a wide variety of arguments and analyzing an author s work 2014 The College Board
Redesigned SAT Essay Prompt 1 Same each time- just changes author s name 2 [Sample Passage here] (In this example, passage is adapted from Why Literature Matters by Dana Gioia. 2005 by The New York Times Company. Originally published April 10, 2005.) 3 Read this first (before the passage) because it tells you the purpose for reading and essentially the thesis. 2014 The College Board
8 Key Facts About the SAT Students will engage with questions that: Directly relate to the work performed in college and career Include charts, graphs, and passages likely to be encountered in science, social science, and other majors and careers Feature multistep applications to solve problems in science, social science, career scenarios, and other real-life contexts 2014 The College Board
Redesigned SAT Sample Item: Analysis in Social Studies Sample Question (Reading Test) Which claim about traffic congestion is supported by the graph? A) New York City commuters spend less time annually delayed by traffic congestion than the average for very large cities. B) Los Angeles commuters are delayed more hours annually by traffic congestion than are commuters in Washington, D.C. C) Commuters in Washington, D.C., face greater delays annually due to traffic congestion than do commuters in New York City. D) Commuters in Detroit spend more time delayed annually by traffic congestion than do commuters in Houston, Atlanta, and Chicago. 2014 The College Board
Math Test Overview Focus on content that matters most for college and career readiness: Assesses fluency with, understanding of, and ability to apply mathematical concepts Algebra and linear equations Problem solving and data analysis Advanced mathematical practices Certain key elements will be woven throughout the Math Test: Emphasis on mathematical application and reasoning Problems from a range of disciplines addressing real-world problems drawn from science, social studies, and careers Inclusion of both calculator and no-calculator portions as well as attention to the use of a calculator as a tool Includes both multiple choice questions and student-produced response questions 25 2015 The College Board
What math is on the SAT? Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and a few Geometry questions for fun and READING 1. Algebra 1 - linear equations and inequalities 1. interpreting equations 2. graphing and solving 2. Algebra 2: Quadratics, Exponential Equations, Polynomials, basic Trig 3. Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Parallel lines, 4. Careful Reading!!! Solving for x/2 or changing units 2015 The College Board
Score Reporting on the Redesigned SAT 29 2015 The College Board
How To Help Students Prepare for the Redesigned SAT 2015 The College Board
Practice with Khan Academy The College Board and Khan Academy have partnered to provide online SAT test preparation programs and resources entirely free of charge. Khan Academy has released an interactive and personalized practice program for the redesigned SAT. Features include: Thousands of practice problems Personalized tutorials on test content Official SAT practice questions and full-length tests Comprehensive reporting for students Access anytime, anywhere for free The College Board is working with educators, community groups, college access organizations, and parents to provide the necessary resources to propel students to college success. 31 2015 The College Board
Practice with Khan Academy Practice programs will be individually targeted to address each student s greatest areas of need (based on diagnostic assessment on khanacademy.org.). Khan Academy provides online guides and suggestions to help teachers use Khan Academy supports in classroom instruction. www.khanacademy.org/sat 32 2015 The College Board
2015 The College Board
How to prep for the test You wouldn t practice for a high school baseball team using a wiffle ball the whole time. You have to practice with the real thing. Real SAT questions can be found: Real ACT Questions can be found: 1. 1. In the Official ACT Book 2. On the ACT Website 3. Using the Online ACT Prep Program ($50) Includes thousands of practice questions organized by topics created by test writers In the official College Board SAT book. 2. At Khan Academy (free) - Includes all 8 online tests - Also includes thousands of practice questions created by test writers. 3. On The College Board Website -
2015 The College Board
How to prep for the test 1. Focus on questions you got wrong or guessed on 2. Make note of concepts that you don t know or that confuse you 3 Continue focusing on all question types during practice 4. Build skill recognition while you practice 5. Do a substantial amount of practice, but not multiple hours in a row 6. Practice with purpose- focus on WHY you get things wrong
SAT Prep at LRHS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. PSAT freshman, sophomore, and junior year SAT Prep Course during school, first semester or year long Advanced SAT Prep runs 6 times each year to prepare students for the October, November, December, March, May, and June tests. Online resources or books and teachers can help with particular questions. Outreach SAT Tutoring The Answer ACT prep course
Contact Info: Glen Smith: glen_smith@hcpss.org Beth Dungey: beth_dungey@hcpss.org