Standardized Testing What does it all mean?

1. Standardized TestingWhat does it all mean? October 17, 2013

5. Preparation Tests • Both tests allow the student to: • receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses • become familiar with the format of the test • compare his/her performance to peers

6. Which test is the best fit for your child? • PSAT and PLAN results may help you make an informed decision • After each test, ask the following questions: • How did the test feel? • Which was more stressful? • Did I understand the format? • On which test did I perform better? • Option to take both the SAT and ACT

7. Suggested Time Table • September: PSAT registration for 10th and 11th graders • October: PSAT administered to 10th and 11th graders • December: PSAT results sent to students • January–June: SAT/ACT for 11thgraders • March: PLAN registration for 10th graders • April: PLAN administration for 10th graders • May/June: SAT Subject tests for 11th graders • (available to all grades) • Sept–Dec: SAT/ACT for 12th graders • Students and parents are encouraged to consult with their counselor regarding individual plans for college testing

8. SAT Subject Tests • 20 individual subject tests available • 1-hour timed tests • Can take up to three tests in one day • CANNOT take SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject tests • on the same date • Taken at the completion of coursework in May or June • (honors or AP recommended) • Each individual test is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 • Students typically choose which tests to take depending on • college entrance requirements and academic areas of • strength • Students applying for particular majors, such as • engineering, may have more specific subject test • requirements

9. 20 Subject Tests to Choose From • Literature • US History • World History • Mathematics Level I • Mathematics Level II • Biology • Chemistry • Physics • Chinese • Spanish Speaking • Spanish Listening • French Speaking • French Listening • German Speaking • German Listening • Modern Hebrew • Italian • Japanese • Korean • Latin

10. Sending Scores • For SAT Subject Tests: scores for an individual test can be sent even if student takes multiple tests in one day. • Although most schools super score and will only look at your highest scores on each section, some schools may still want to see all of your scores from every test date. Check with each school’s policy. • Do not plan to take the SAT more than three times maximum. Scores are not likely to improve after the 3rd time.

11. Score choice vs. SuperScore • Score Choice refers to your sending your highest scores from among the several times you took the SAT or ACT to a college.  • SuperScorerefers to the school considering just your highest score.  • Most colleges explain their policy on their website.  Unfortunately, students aren’t the only ones who benefit from these policies; the colleges do, too.  Colleges like to report higher test scores for a very simple reason: it raises their ranking!

12. Score Choice • Score Choice allows students to choose which SAT test dates to send to colleges. • If Score Choice is not selected, prospective colleges will receive ALL scores. • Sends all scores from one test date: cannot send scores by individual section.

13. Important Tips • Visit these sites for test dates and registration information: • SAT- www.collegeboard.com • ACT- www.actstudent.org • Visit www.fairtest.orgfor a list of colleges that do not require standardized testing • For students with accommodations such as extended time, please contact Dr. Becourtney if you have an IEP or Ms. Peterfriend if you have a 504 Plan • Helpful Study Guides: “The Real ACT Prep Guide” • “The Official SAT Study Guide” (College Board) • You are responsible for sending the scores directly to the colleges • Always include our CEEB Code (310-001) when you register for the ACT or SAT