Post on 30-Dec-2015
transcript
College Admissions Testing
Megan PhillipsEndeavor Academics
The ACT
• Four sections:• English• Math• Reading• Science
• Each section is scored on a scale from 1 to 36.• Four sections averaged for composite score out of
36.• The national average for each section is roughly 21
The ACT Timeline and Section Breakdown
English Math Reading Science Essay
45 Minutes 60 Minutes 35 Minutes 35 Minutes 40 Minutes
75 Questions 60 Questions 40 Questions 40 Questions 1 Essay Prompt
ACT English
Usage/Mechanics• Asks students to evaluate:
• Punctuation• Grammar and Syntax• Sentence Structure
Rhetorical Skills• Asks students to evaluate:
• Writing Strategy• Organization• Style
ACT Math
Mathematics skills typically acquired through 11th grade:• Arithmetic• Algebra I & II • Geometry• Trigonometry
Important Tips• Questions are arranged by order of difficulty.• Only four trigonometry problems appear on the test.
ACT Reading
Section Structure and Passage Types• Prose Fiction• Social Science• Humanities• Natural Sciences
Important Tips• Tests reading comprehension in a multiple-choice format.• No vocabulary study necessary. • Routine practice to ensure proper speed and timing is
necessary.
ACT Science
Three passage formats:• Data Representation (graphs & tables)• Research Summaries (descriptions of related
experiments)• Conflicting Viewpoints (expressions of related
hypotheses or inconsistent viewpoints)
Important Tips:• Only basic knowledge of scientific terms and concepts
needed.• Section tests a student’s ability to quickly retrieve
information, not memorize data.
ACT Essay
Writing composition skills:• Well-developed point of view• Consideration of given perspectives• Use of specific examples• Sentence structure • Cogent essay structure
Important Tips:•The ACT essay is scored separately from the remainder of the exam.•Section tests a student’s ability to take a position and defend the position with relevant reasons and examples.
Changes to the ACT
• Expanded reporting categories-2016– STEM, English Language Arts, College Readiness
indicator, Test Complexity indicator
• Essay Changes-Fall 2015– 4 scores: ideas and analysis, development and
support, organization, language use– 3 perspectives
• Online testing-pilot in 2014, expanding in 2015
ACT Wrap-Up
• General Summary • The ACT is a 5-section test.• Assesses a student’s ability to work quickly over lengthy
periods.
• For Further Information visit http://www.actstudent.org
• ACT Test Dates: Saturdays in…• Fall: September, October, December• Spring: February, April, June
Which test(s) should I take?
• Take practice tests.
• Choose one test type (ACT or SAT current version or SAT new version).
• Consider your college list, particularly when deciding whether to take SAT Subject Tests.
SAT ACT
2380-2400 36
2290-2370 35
2220-2280 34
2140-2210 33
2080-2130 32
2020-2070 31
1980-2010 30
1920-1970 29
1860-1910 28
1800-1850 27
SAT ACT
1740-1790 26
1680-1730 25
1620-1670 24
1560-1610 23
1510-1550 22
1450-1500 21
1390-1440 20
1330-1380 19
1270-1320 18
1210-1260 17
SAT to ACT Conversion
When should I test?
• What was your sophomore year PSAT score?
• What is your junior year extracurricular schedule like?
• Unique to this year: which SAT format is a better fit for you?
• SAT Test Months• Fall: October, November, December• Spring: January, March, May, June
• ACT Test Months• Fall: September, November, December• Spring: February, April, June
Testing Timeline
Junior Year
Senior Year
Should I Prep?
• What are your current scores?
• What are the average scores at schools on your list?
• How do your grades compare to the average GPA of admitted students?
How should I prep?
• Do you have the time and discipline to self study?
Use real practice exams.
• If not, is your schedule flexible enough for a group class?
Group classes tend to be best for students with average starting scores.
Trends We’re Noticing
• Students are prepping earlier.
• ACT is significantly more popular this year.
• Students take official tests 2+ times.
• More families are choosing tutoring.
• More students are using accommodations.
Please feel free to reach out with questions!
Megan Phillips
megan@endeavoracademics.com
512-222-7281