College Admissions Testing Julia Browne Senior Manager of Outreach jbrowne@review.com 1

College Admissions Testing

Julia BrowneSenior Manager of Outreachjbrowne@review.com

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Agenda

Overview of ACT-SAT StartUp Exam

True or False: Dispelling the SAT & ACT Myths

Testing Timeline: Now What?

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ACT-SAT StartUp Exam

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This exam is designed to give your 9th graders a taste for the official ACT and SAT exams; NOT be a call for action or scare tactic to have them register for official exams or test prep!

Your Score Report

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SAT Math – Example Question

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Use Process of Elimination

n=2

• Plug in with your number in the answer choices – eliminate what doesn’t work

A) (7 + 0.13)2 + 129.99

B) 1.13(2)(129.99 + 7)

C) 7(2) + (129.99 + 1.13)

D) 129.99(1.13) + 7(2) =160.88

=144.25

=309.59

=145.12

target answer = 160.88

ACT Science – Example Question

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Try to get a feel for the data first:

• Identify variables

• Identify trends

SAT Grammar – Example Question

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Read Carefully!

• Always read entire sentences, never just the underlined portion

• Read as much as you need to answer the question

SAT & ACT True or False

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The SAT and ACT measure your intelligence.

SAT & ACT True or False

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The SAT and ACT measure your intelligence.

FALSE

SAT & ACT True or False

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If you have a high GPA in school, that means you will automatically do well on the SAT or ACT.

SAT & ACT True or False

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If you have a high GPA in school, that means you will automatically do well on the SAT or ACT.

FALSE

SAT & ACT True or False

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Even if you don’t have a high GPA in school, you can learn how to increase your scores on the SAT and ACT.

SAT & ACT True or False

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Even if you don’t have a high GPA in school, you can learn how to increase your scores on the SAT and ACT.

TRUE!

SAT & ACT True or False

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All four-year colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT without preference. You can take and submit both, but that’s not required.

SAT & ACT True or False

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All four-year colleges and universities accept either SAT or ACT without preference. You can take and submit both, but that’s not required.

TRUE

SAT vs. ACT

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SAT

More Common on the Coasts

No Penalty for Wrong Answers

Rewards Reasoning and Logic

Stops at Algebra II

Very Coachable – Rewards Strategy

SAT vs. ACT

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For detailed explanation on the new SAT, please visit www.PrincetonReview.com/SATChanges

SAT ACT

Sections of the Test Math Evidence-Based Reading and

Writing

MathScienceEnglishReading

How is the test scored? Each of the two sections is 200-800 points, for a total of

1600 points

Each section is out of 36 and your total score is an average

of the sections

Guessing Penalty? No No

Score Choice Yes Yes

Essay Optional –aka mandatory Optional – aka mandatory

Bottom Line? Both tests are valid options for the college admissions

process!

Both tests are valid options for the college admissions

process!

College Readiness Timeline

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9th and 10th Grades

•Focus on grades in school and participating in activities•Possible SAT Subject Test – if you’re in AP or Honors for that subject matter

College Readiness Timeline

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Summer after 10th Grade

(into 11th grade Fall)•Great time to start preparing for SAT and/or ACT•Continue activities you are passionate about•Focus on doing well in the classroom, retake courses if needed

College Readiness Timeline

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11th Grade

•Take the official SAT or ACT exam•Continue doing well in the classroom•Begin college exploration process

College Admissions Timeline

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12th Grade

•Fall: apply to colleges•Spring: evaluate your options and decide next steps!

What Can I Do NOW to Stay Test Ready?

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• “Word Of The Day” – sign up at www.collegeboard.org.

• Focus on your academics. Do well in your classes.

• Read, read, read!

Our Promise

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All students should have the opportunity to go to their best fit college or grad school. No matter where they start, our mission is

to get them there.

Your Goals. Our Expertise.