College Testing! ACT and SAT

• Most Colleges & Universities require students to take either the SAT or ACT with Writing. Students can take both! – Some colleges offer alternatives to

testing (test optional schools)

• Cost: ACT ($54.50) & SAT ($52.50)

• Traditional testing timeline suggests Students sign up to take these tests in the Spring of Junior Year.

• Differences? (see handout)

The SAT is Changing for the Class of 2017 and beyond!• The new SAT is coming out Spring 2016!

– 1600 possible points between 2 sections instead of 2400 between 3 sections.

– No Penalty for incorrect scores!– Length of test is now 3 hours OR 3 hours and

50 minutes with Essay. – Greater focus on application-based

questions for Math and Evidence-based reading and writing• Examples: vocabulary will be more likely to be

found in real life and math will focus on problem solving and the “heart of Algebra”.

• Calculators allowed at times

• Please refer to hand out or the website for specific details.

• http://sat.collegeboard.org

Advanced Placement

• Subject-specific tests– 36 different exams, running

about $95 per exam– Taken first 2 weeks of May

each year– Typically are 3 hour tests

combining multiple-choice and free-response questions

– Grades range from 1 to 5, with a passing grade of 3.

Subject Tests • Subject-specific tests

– 20 different exams, running about $53 per exam– Offered multiple times per year– 1 hour multiple-choice tests

• Great way to showcase your skills in a specific content area

• Some College majors require certain subject tests for admission– For example, many engineering programs require Math 2

and a Science Subject test exam

• Both AP and Subject Tests COULD potentially fulfill basic requirements or receive credit for introductory-level courses*– *completely dependent on a students’ score AND on

college/university applying to.

PSAT & Accommodations

• PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is taken in October of Junior year. – Only this sitting counts for National Merit status– All Juniors take exam during the school day

• If your student has a 504 or is in Special Education, there is specific documentation that must be submitted to either College Board and/or ACT prior to your students test date.– Visit their websites for more information on important deadlines,

details, and forms required.– Make an appointment with your counselor if you need assistance.– Accommodations available for all College Testing

Where/How to get help?• SAT and ACT Question of the Day

– Free online• Books to Borrow

– Come by the College & Career Center to borrow test prep books

• Shmoop– Online self-paced test prep for all

SAT/ACT/AP/Subject Test exams– Free (see handout)

• Princetonreview.com– Great for small group or one-on-one test prep– Prices range from a couple hundred to over

$1000 for a class– Stay tuned early next year for discounts and

deals for SBHS students