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ACT vs. SAT: Choosing the Right Exam for Your Teen

Explore the history, differences, and considerations between the ACT and SAT exams to determine the best match for your teen. Understand scoring changes, test formats, and Maryland statistics for informed decision-making.

dustinbradley
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ACT vs. SAT: Choosing the Right Exam for Your Teen

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  1. ACT vs. SAT The Facts vs. The Hype Which Exam is the best match for your teen?

  2. Mission for today’s talk Who is your student? Brief history of the exams and Maryland stats How to determine which test is the match for your teen ACT vs. SAT Understanding the differences between the exams: redesigned SAT and the ACT

  3. Test Prep Considerations • Choosing the proper test assessment for your child • Picking the proper tutoring program for your child • Level of students needs addressed and personalize • Level/motivation of students towards the process • Types of Learners: SOUND, ACCELERATED, HANDS-ON, UNMOTIVATED, OVER-ACHIEVER, MAVERICK

  4. STUDENT PROFILE • Academic profile • Mandatory Skill Sets and Mindset • Type of learner • Prior test score(s) • Student goals

  5. SAT History Administered initially in 1926 Most popular in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and West Coast States Since the early 80’s- over 7 major changes in scoring and format Most recent change: the PSAT on October 14 2015; SAT on March 5 2016

  6. What's in a Name? 1926, S.A.T. : Scholastic Aptitude Test – measures the student's learning aptitude 1990, S.A.T.: Scholastic Assessment Test - integrates measuring levels of achievement as well as aptitude 1994, S.AT. I: Reasoning Test and S.A.T. II: Subject Tests 1997, SAT does not stand for anything 2004, SAT Reasoning Test is now the official name

  7. The SAT: Major Changes 1979: The Truth in Testing law was passed. Students could receive a copy of the test they had taken, though not all are released, even now! 1980: College Board began selling books of past administered SAT's. 1994: the Antonym question is dropped as well as the grammar section - TSWE. Reading is now termed, 'Critical Reading'. 1995: The SAT scores are 'recentered' to raise the average Verbal score around 80 points and the average math score around 20 points. Students can score an 800 and NOT get all the questions correct. 2005: In response to the USC threatening to drop the SAT I as an entrance requirement, the College Board merged the SAT I and SAT II Writing - adding a grammar section inclusive of an essay. Analogies and quantitative comparison questions were dropped and the length of the exam increased to 3 hours and 45 minutes. Scoring: from 1600 to 2400. COST OF TAKING THE EXAM ALMOST DOUBLED! 2009: Score choice or Superscoring option added (based on college preference) 2013: College Board announced the most recent changes effective March 5, 2016

  8. History • Started in 1959 • More popular in the Midwest and Southern States • Since 2007, accepted at ALL colleges and universities, who, often take the ACT in lieu of the SAT and SAT subject tests

  9. Changes Started in 1959 to offer an alternative to the SAT: -not just used by selective Northeastern colleges -used not just for admissions, but for placement -an indicator of academic readiness 1980: scores recentered almost 2 points (The average score is 20) 2005: a 30 minute test optional essay added 2015: essay format changed, now 40 minutes

  10. 2014 Nationally • 1.8+ million students took the ACT (since 2001, 13 states have testing contracts) • 1.6+ million took the SAT (2 states have testing contracts) Over seven years, the declines in SAT test-takers exceeded 20 percent in 19 states

  11. Additional Facts for MD • Montgomery County, ACT participation has increased 21% over the past five years • Fall semester at the University of Maryland- the middle 50% scored ACT 29 – 32 SAT 1260 - 1420 (NOTE: UMD does not require the SAT or ACT essay )

  12. 2013 Stats for MD • 78% more students took the ACT • 15% of all students took the ACT • 85% took the SAT • -8, SAT share, change in points

  13. Let’s get started…what is the difference?

  14. WHICH TEST FITS YOUR TEEN'S THINKING STYLE and PERSONALITY: 60 SECOND ACT VS. SAT ASSESSMENTTM Select the choice that fits you better. Don't over think the question - pick the one you are initially attracted to. 1. I am stronger in (A) analyzing information to justify a choice (B) drawing a conclusion when directly stated 2. I have a knack to be better able at (A) reading a paragraph and zeroing in on the point (B) scanning a multi-paragraph passage to find specific information 3. I am normally a reader who (A) needs more time to process information (B) can quickly go through a passage and identify the point 4. I consider my strength to be more (A) a strong writing style (B) a solid understanding of grammar and mechanics GO TO BREAKTHROUGHTESTPREP.COM FOR THE REMAINING 7 QUESTIONS

  15. How the Redesigned SAT compares to the ACT • Both have no penalty for guessing • Both have 4 choices (ACT math has 5 choices) • Similar format for testing grammar, sentence structure and rhetoric as well as reading. • The genre and writing style of both are excerpted from similar disciplines • Math will be related more to school math • Interpreting charts and graphs; 2-3 dispersed through Reading and Writing/language sections; – similar to the ACT science section

  16. Suggestions to help your child be more prepared for the ACT or SAT • Take challenging classes in school and . . read, read, read! (TIP: 15 minutes of daily leisure reading improves grades AND test scores.) Contact me for a list of recommended books. • Read editorials, concert, movie or CD reviews. Contact me for a ‘how-to’ handout • Rising freshmen or sophomores: Our Efficient Reading Skills Program • Juniors I’d love the opportunity to help your teen. SIGN UP HERE: TEST PREP STRATEGY SESSION!

  17. Choosing the right test prep company Why BreakThrough Test Prep? • Known and experienced in the metro DC area for over 25 years • Author of Amazon bestseller, 6 Secrets to Mastering Success SAT or ACT Test-taking: Develop the Skills and Mindset to Get the Scores You Want and BEYOND! • Efficient reading, mindset shift and critical thinking skills are essential to our Breakthrough Test Prep System = increased test scores, skill sets and confidence for college and beyond • We pride ourselves on being accessible – any question or issue addressed in less than 24 hours via email or phone • Unique to test preparation-instruction based on assessment of your teen specific to the type of learner. • All levels of students experience significant improvement.

  18. Don’t “roll the dice” with your child’s future.Ask the right questions & find the right resources!

  19. BreakThrough Test Prep is here to support you. Come talk to me now to schedule your complimentary Test Prep Strategy Session. LIMITED OPENINGS AVAILABLE!

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