SAT and ACT: What are these tests?

1. SAT and ACT: What are these tests? Nancy Daves, MA VP of Customer Relations nancy@methodtestprep.com

2. SAT

3. ACT

4. Differences between SAT and ACT • SAT • Math section only contains Algebra and Geometry • Explicitly tests vocabulary • Questions are abstract: the questions look and feel different than those from school • Essay is mandatory • No science section • Timing is not as difficult • ACT • Math section contains Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry • Vocabulary is not tested • Questions are much more straightforward (almost the same as questions students see in school) • Essay is optional • Contains a science section • Time is extremely difficult *Both tests offer score choice*

5. SAT vs ACT English

6. SAT vs ACT Math

7. Important Notes About the SAT • If at least one answer choice can be eliminated, guess • ¼ pt. deducted for wrong answers • More inferring/reasoning • All sections go from easiest to hardest except reading passages questions • Vocabulary is extremely important • More intimidating-questions look worse than they are • Plugging in numbers almost 20-25 of the 54 math questions

8. Important Notes About the ACT • Answer every question • Sections are longer than SAT—students who work quicker and have better time management tend to do better • Reading comp—more literal than the SAT, less complicated • 4 answer choices on all sections except math • Science looks more intimidating than it is - more a test of reading and reasoning skills • Biggest challenge of English section is time crunch • Math has a larger range of difficulty than the SAT: covers higher level Algebra and includes Trigonometry

9. Students May Prefer… • SAT if – • Tests well • Very strong in math • Have time management issues • Good at changing gears • ACT if - • Strong time management • Stronger in English • Like science • Do well in class

10. Test Feedback • ACT • Test Information Release (TIR) • Get the entire test booklet back – test scores and answers! • Offered for 3 of the 6 tests • April • June • December • SAT • Question-and-Answer Service (Q&A) • Get the entire test booklet back – test scores and answers! • Offered for 3 of the 7 tests • January • May • October Students should be encouraged to take these exams and use the returned tests to their advantage!

11. SAT Timeline • PSAT/NMSQT: October • Results in December • SAT • Start preparing after PSAT • Ideal first test in January* • Order Question-And-Answer Service (QAS*) • Leaves time for another test in spring (March, May*, June) • Last: Oct*/Nov senior year • ACT Timeline • PLAN • Sophomore year • ACT • Start preparing January • Ideal first test in April* • Order Test Information Release (TIR*) • Leaves time for another test in summer (June*) • Must know more math • Last: Sep/Oct senior year

12. Root Causes of Mistakes • Lack of familiarity with content • Failure to read carefully • Assumption that questions are like the ones in high school classes • Nervousness/time stress

13. Essential Keys to Performing on Test Day • Information—Being informed is key. Students who are well prepared will NEVER be surprised by the test. • Confidence—If students have a strong belief that they have done all they need to in order to be ready, they will do better. • Competitive fire—students pit themselves not only against the test but against others in the room. • Relax—Overcoming anxiety is crucial to success.

14. Super-Scoring • Every Test Counts! • Some schools will “super score” the SAT or ACT, meaning that they will take the best scores from each section and combine them for a new composite score. • Example SAT super score: • Test 1: M: 520 R: 600 W: 640 • Test 2: M: 640 R: 590 W: 650 • Test 3: M: 590 R: 680 W: 570 FINAL: M: 640 R: 680 W: 650

15. It is my hope you will walk away from this presentation with a better understanding of the SAT and ACT tests. • If you have any follow up questions: nancy@methodtestprep.com 877-871-7737 ext 31