PSAT SAT ACT PERT

SAT/ACT SCORE REPORTING PREPARINGFOR THE SAT SUBJECT TESTS SAT TES DATES AND FEES SAT TEST FEE WAIVER POLICY COLLEGE APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS ACT TEST DATES AND FEES REQUESTING A CO

ISCHS COLLEGE ADVISEMENT PROGRAM (CAP)

Dr Jon Page, Advisor COLLEGEDRJP@aol.com; 305.904.2906

PSAT- SAT / ACT- PERT

THE PSAT/ NMSQT

PARENT PERSPECTIVE PSAT/ NMSQT

SAMPLE PSAT SCORE REPORT

MY COLLEGE QUICK START

SAT/ACT COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION

SAT/ACT SCORE WHAT SCORES ARE NEEDED?

SAT/ACT SCORE REPORTING

PREPARINGFOR THE SAT SUBJECT TESTS

SAT TES DATES AND FEES

SAT TEST FEE WAIVER POLICY

COLLEGE APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS

ACT TEST DATES AND FEES

REQUESTING A COPY OF YOUR ACT TEST Q&A

ACT TEST FEE WAIVER POLICY

SAT/ACT TEST PREPACT: SAT CONCORDONANCE

ACT TO SAT CONVERSION CHART COMPARE SAT AND ACT SCORES ACT: NATIONAL RANKS FOR TEST AND COMPOSITE SCORE ACT SCORES FOR ADMISSION TO TOP COLLEGES

SAT SCORES FOR ADMISSION TO TOP COLLEGES

PERT

COLLEGE SEARCH AND INFORMATION WEBSITES

COLLEGE MAJORS AND CAREER INFORMATION WEBSITES

Please Note: This info booklet provides information on the major assessments that

determine college-readiness

The PSAT is an accurate predictor of SAT performance After taking the PSAT, students

can access College Quick Start to practice improving on areas they missed

The PERT is given in grade 11 to determine if a student is “college ready;” students may

be placed in remedial classes based upon their performance to ensure they are college-

ready by the end of their Senior Year

The ACT, like the SAT, is an assessment that colleges use in the admissions process

While the SAT remains more popular in Miami-Dade high schools, the ACT is equally

recognized by colleges

Gr 9,10,11- PSAT - OCT 17 th !!!

For copy of this bulletin, email Dr Page: COLLEGEDRJP@aol.com

PSAT PREP: PSAT Prep Booklets will be distributed by English teachers

Also: PSAT TEST PREP:http://www.testprepreview.com/psat_practice.htm See also SAT Prep,

SAT / ACT TEST PREP

Free test prep: http:/number2.com

Free test prep: http://www.testprepreview.com

On left, under ‘Free Practice Tests’, Select ‘SAT Practice Tests’ or ‘ACT Practice Tests’ or

‘PSAT Practice Tests’

Then, Scroll down to SAT Test Self-Assessment Modules; select your area of need

Ignore the advertising for services you need to pay for.

ACT ‘QUICK’ PREP

Get ready for the ACT with English, math, reading, science, and writing practice questions Go

to: http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html

SAT / ACT TEST PREP – ONLINE INSTRUCTION / CLASSES

SAT Prep: SAT ONLINECOURSE ($69.95 for one year),

Go to: https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/loginAction.do

ACT Prep: ACT ONLINE COURSE $19.95 for one year http://www.actstudent.org/onlineprep/order.html

• Practice tests with real ACT test questions

• Practice essays for the new optional ACT Writing Test, with real-time scoring

• Comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's four required tests—English, Math, Reading, and Science

• Diagnostic test and personalized Study Path

• Anywhere, anytime access via the Internet

YOU HAVE TAKEN THE PSAT

YOU HAVE YOUR SCORE REPORT WHAT NOW?

Dr Page, ISCHS, CAP, jonepage@aol.com

Do you know that each PSAT test taker has access to My College QuickStart free of

charge? My College QuickStart is an easy-to-use, online, personalized college and career

planning kit comprised of four main sections

My Online Score Report: An enhanced score report that allows students to review each

test question, the student's answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations

My SAT Study Plan™: A customized SAT® study plan based on student PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice

My College Matches: A starter list of colleges based on the student's state and indicated

choice of major

My Major and Career Matches: Major and career matches that are compatible with the

student's general interests and personality type

Your access codes are

on your PSAT score report

Students will have access to My College QuickStart

throughout their high school careers

Go to:

http://www.collegeboard.org/

In left column, beneath “Students”, click on

My College Quick Start’

(You will need the access code from your PSAT SCORE REPORT)

My College QuickStart™

for PSAT/NMSQT® Test Takers

ISCHS COLLEGE ADVISEMENT PROGRAM (CAP)

Dr Jon Page, Advisor COLLEGEDRJP@aol.com; 305.904.2906

SAT / ACT COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION

SAT / ACT COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION

Dr Page, CAP, ISCHS

In this bulletin:

SAT/ACT SCORES What scores are needed?

College Application Fee Waivers

ACT Test Dates & fees

Requesting a Copy of Your ACT Test Questions and Answers

ACT Test Fee Waiver Policy

SAT / ACT Test Prep

ACT:SAT Score Concordance (Comparisons)

Compare SAT and ACT Scores

ACT: National Ranks for Test Scores and Composite Score

For an informing video on the SAT, go to:

SAT/ACT SCORES What scores are needed?

Minimum Requirements for State Public University Admissions:

The State of Florida has implemented new minimum admission standards for freshman applicants to all

state universities

In order to be considered, students must have:

a) a minimum 2.5 recalculated GPA, on a 4.0 scale, b) meet minimum test score requirements:

SAT: 460 SAT Critical Reading, 460 SAT Math, 440 SAT Writing; or ACT: 19 ACT Reading, 19 ACT Math, 18 ACT English/Writing)

Keep in mind that these standards only outline potential eligibility for admission to a state

university University admissions criteria will depend on the applicant pool and will likely be higher

than these minimums (much higher!! … eg., 550 + in each area Consult the SUS (State University System) Matrix

What scores do you need for colleges? A general guideline follows

More demanding Florida Public Universities: middle 50%:

SAT: 580-690 in each area ACT: 28-32 composite

Less demanding Florida Public Universities:

SAT: 550 in each area ACT: 24-27 composite

Selective Colleges (non-Florida public universities):

SAT: Approx mid 50%: 600 650

PLUS PERFORMANCE ON 2-3 SUBJECT TESTS

Highly Selective colleges (non-Florida public universities):

Higher for the Ivies, Stanford, MIT

SAT: Approx mid-50% Reading and Math: 650-700 in each

PLUS strong performance on 2-3 SUBJECT TESTS

Miami- Dade College - Minimal scores for college credit classes:

SAT: Reading: 440 (might change to 460) Math: 440; 500 for Coll Math

For Miami Dade College: (see also PERT information for MDC)

SAT / ACT SCORE REPORTING

Students are often nervous about requesting scores being sent to colleges before they know how they performed

I suggest you always request your scores to be sent to the perspective college – Don’t wait to see the score if you have a deadline pending Most colleges will continue to accept SAT / ACT scores till a particular cutoff point Example, last year, UF accepted SAT / ACT scores through the end Dec for students who applied for their Nov 1 deadline; FSU took scores through the end of December for their early Oct 14 deadline The state universities will only see the highest scores submitted If a score is too low, they are likely going to send you a notice to keep them informed of new scores You can always confirm the college’s policy by contacting their admissions office – and you should do this for the more competitive colleges as well

You have 4 free score reports with each SAT registration You can request that the colleges receive your scores when you register, when you take the test, and up to 9 days after taking the test After this period, there is a

$9.50 fee (2009-2010) for each score report

It takes a college about 2 weeks to receive your SAT score, but you don’t know how long it takes for the college

to process the score (just because it was sent, doesn’t mean it was processed) – so you need to be careful to

meet deadlines

Similarly, I suggest you not delay reporting ACT scores!

Preparing for the SAT / ACT

Excerpts from http://www.nacnac.net.org

It's Not as Bad as You Think

Standardized tests can be intimidating And all the hype about test scores doesn't help By the time you finish talking to your friends and reading about the tests, it may feel like those little ovals will determine your future True-test scores are important But they're not nearly as important as many students think Different colleges use test scores differently, but no colleges make admission decisions based solely on test scores In fact, your academic record—the courses you've taken and the grades you've received—is looked at much more closely than your test scores

"The transcript is the number one indicator of a student's potential for success at Alfred, with all other

credentials used to support this," says Mary E Lindner, assistant director of admission at Alfred University (NY)

"I would rather go to bat for a student who is a hard worker and has done well in high school, but scored lower than we would like on the SAT, than a student who has done just what he had to do in high school and scores better on the SATs."

Test-Taking Strategies

Test-taking skills can be learned through practice Try a few of these strategies to improve your performance on standardized tests

• Take the practice test in the materials you receive from the SAT or ACT

• Find practice tests online or in books (check your guidance office or library)

• After taking a practice test, look carefully at the questions you get wrong Read the explanations of the right answers

• If you find that certain types of questions or certain topics stump you, get some help from a teacher in those areas For example, a math teacher can recommend a good book to review the basics of

geometry or algebra

• Learn from every test you take Take the opportunity to see the answers for the questions you got wrong, if the testing service offers this service Don't just study the answers themselves—look at the reasoning behind each answer Then, if you decide to take the test again, you'll be better prepared

The Big Day

"A good night's rest and nutritious snacks are still high on my list" of test-taking strategies, says Mary E

Lindner, assistant director of admission at Alfred University (NY) In other words, don't stay up late

cramming-or wcramming-orrying Here are some other do's and don'ts

The night before:

• Do set out everything you'll need (including your no 2 pencil!) Then you won't have to run around early the next morning

• Don't schedule a huge social event

• Do plan to do something that relaxes you—reading a favorite book, watching TV, talking on the phone (but not about the test!), taking a walk

• Don't stay up late!

Preparing for the SAT / ACT (continued)

• Do go to bed early—you'll think better if you're well-rested

The morning of:

• Do plan to arrive at the testing center early

• Don't skip breakfast When you're hungry, it's harder to concentrate—and you'll feel more sleepy

• Do bring a snack If a full breakfast is too much for you first thing in the morning, eat an apple on the way to the test center And bring a snack to munch on during the break

Finally…

A pep talk from Jonathan Burdick, associate dean at the University of Southern California:

• "Stop worrying about it so much [Tests are] supposed to be a guideline, not a new way of life If a college is going to admit or deny you based on your test score, you don't want to be there anyway, and it's their loss Go to some place that's prepared to appreciate you for who you really are."

• Written by Jennifer Gross

• Published November/December 2000 Updated April 2006.

Retrieved July, 2010 from www.nacacnet.org

Dr Page’s added tips:

REGISTER EARLY, SO YOU GET THE TEST SITE OF YOUR CHOICE

If you’re not familiar with the testing location, drive their a week earlier at the same as the test so you know the route and the traffic

If you’re practicing for the SAT, put a check next to items you guess at, then check your answers – learn how to be

a ‘better guesser’ Guessing is discounted on the SAT

About the SAT Subject Tests

IF YOU ARE APPLYING TO A SELECTIVE UNIVERSITY, YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO TAKE UP TO 3 SAT SUBJECT TESTS If so, you should try to take two of these in the spring OF THE YEAR YOU TAKE A COMPARABLE ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM Subject Tests are in: Literature, U.S History, World History, Math Level 1, Math level 2, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics; several Modern Languages (Test in Nov with Listening)

If you are applying to Selective Colleges, you likely will need at least (2) Subject Tests (sometimes, 3)

If a science or Math major, you should take a Science and/or Math subject test; otherwise, you have free choice usually

• Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date

• Students cannot take the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT during the same test administration

• Students must indicate which SAT Subject Tests they plan to take when they register for a test

However, they may change which tests they take on the day of the test—except for Language with Listening Tests This applies to center testing only (not school-based testing, which involves student-specific materials that may not be available)

• Calculators may be used only on the Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 SAT Subject Tests Students may not use calculators for other SAT Subject Tests and must put them away when not taking a mathematics test

• The Language with Listening Tests are always given in the first hour of testing Only one listening test can be taken per test date

• The SAT Subject Tests offered on each test date are subject to change

• There are 20 subjects For practice tests and info., go to:

http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-subject-test-preparation

For a quick view of what colleges require subject tests, go

to: http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx For a list of the SAT / ACT and SAT subject

test requirements for the 300 Common Application schools, go to: http://www.commonapp.org/

ALWAYS Check the college website specifically to ensure you are taking the correct tests

Note: With several colleges, if you score well in all ACT areas, you don’t need Subject Tests (e.g., U Penn, Duke)

 Japanese with Listening

 Korean with Listening

Links for descriptions for each of these tests are found at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html

All SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests However, some of these tests have unique formats:

When should you take SAT Subject Tests?

Most students take SAT Subject Tests toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year BUT! Take tests such as World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind If you take such courses in your freshman or sophomore year, and you are eligible for fee waivers, you can request a fee waiver to test before your junior year For foreign language tests, you'll do better after at least two years of study

Which SAT Subject Tests should you take?

Before deciding which tests to take, make a list of the colleges you're considering Then review school

catalogs, College Search Engines, or College Handbooks to find out whether the schools require scores for admission and, if so, how many tests and in which subjects Many colleges that don't require SAT Subject Test scores will still review them since they can give a fuller picture of your academic background

For a quick view of what colleges require subject tests, go

to: http://www.compassprep.com/admissions_req_subjects.aspx For a list of the SAT / ACT and SAT subject

test requirements for the 300 Common Application schools, go to: http://www.commonapp.org/

ALWAYS Check the college website specifically to ensure you are taking the correct tests

If you're not sure which SAT Subject Test to take from a subject area, visit the Subject Tests Preparation Center at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/lc_two.html

When should you take SAT Subject Tests?

Most students take SAT Subject Tests toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year BUT! Take tests such as World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind If you take such courses in your freshman or sophomore year, and you are eligible for fee waivers, you can request a fee waiver to test before your junior year For foreign language tests, you'll do better after at least two years of study

Notes about the SAT Subject Tests

• Students may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date

• Students cannot take the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT during the same test administration

• Students must indicate which SAT Subject Tests they plan to take when they register for a test However, they may change which tests they take up to the test date—except for Language Tests with Listening This applies to center testing only (not school-based testing, which involves specialized materials that may not be available)

• Calculators may be used only on the Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2 SAT Subject Tests Students may not use calculators for other SAT Subject Tests and must put them away when not taking a mathematics test

• The Language Tests with Listening are always given in the first hour of testing Only one listening test can

be taken per test date The Language Tests with Listening are offered only in November

• Sunday administrations usually occur the day after each Saturday test date, for students who cannot test

on Saturday due to religious observance For the test administration on October 10, the Sunday test date has been moved to October 18 to avoid conflict with the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah

• The SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M contains a common core of 60 general-knowledge multiple-choice

questions, followed by 20 multiple-choice questions that emphasize either ecological (Biology E) or

molecular (Biology M) subject matter Before testing begins, you must choose which test you will take,

either the ecological or molecular Students are not allowed to take both tests in one sitting If you do,

your scores may be canceled

• The SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics (Level 1 and Level 2) have some questions that require the use

of at least a scientific or graphing calculator Mathematics Subject Tests are developed with the expectation that most students will use a graphing calculator

• The SAT Subject Tests in Languages with Listening (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and

Spanish offered only in Nov.) consist of a listening section and a reading section Students taking these tests are required to bring an acceptable CD player with earphones to the test center

• For more detailed information, including recommended preparation, anticipated skills, test format, sample questions, and more, visit the Subject Tests Preparation Center

at: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/lc_two.html

Consult the SAT Subject Test calendar for test dates Not all subject tests are given on the SAT test dates: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calensubj.html

SAT Test Dates and Fees Check the www.collegeboard.com website for current year testing dates, fees

if you register late or make changes to your test type, center or date after registering

Sunday administrations usually occur the day after each Saturday test date for students who cannot test on Saturday due to religious observance

SAT Test Fee Waivers

College Board Student phone no.: 800.787.74771

If you are a high school junior or senior who cannot afford to pay the test fees, AND IF YOU QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH, you can receive a fee waiver SEE DR PAGE FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES CAN USE FEE WAIVERS ONLY FOR THE SUBJECT TESTS

Test Fee Waivers cover the basic test fees for SAT or SAT Subject Tests (separate waivers) Students can receive up to two fee waivers for the SAT (total, gr 11 & 12 only) and up to two fee waivers for the SAT Subject Tests 1 waiver can cover up to 3 SAT Subject Tests on one test day

 cannot be used for late registration except for the October test date

 cannot be used for standby registrations

 may qualify you for application fee waivers at many colleges, if the institution has agreed to cooperate with the SAT Program Fee-Waiver Service Students who have used an SAT test fee waiver may qualify for up to FOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS at many colleges SEE DR PAGE

 Entitle you to a discount on the Official SAT Online Course™ when ordered during an online registration

Flexible Score Reports for Fee-Waiver Eligible Students

If you are eligible for a fee waiver, you get up to four free additional flexible score reports that can be used while you are

in high school Only four flexible score reports can be used, regardless of the number of times you register

If you are eligible for a fee waiver and you want to use flexible score reports, sign in to your personal collegeboard.com account and view the My SAT home page to determine how many credits you have left before placing your order The number of flexible score reports for students who are eligible for fee waivers appears automatically if you have previously registered for the SAT or SAT Subject Tests using a fee waiver

If you have not previously registered with a fee waiver and you meet our eligibility guidelines, you can still obtain flexible score reports by seeing your counselor If you are eligible, your counselor will give you a fee-waiver card By entering the 12-digit code from the card, you can use a total of four additional flexible score reports

College Application Fee Waivers Waiving College Application Fees: If you use SAT or SAT Subject Test fee waivers, you are eligible to receive

up to four Request for Waiver of College Application Fee forms These forms notify participating colleges that

you have used the SAT Program Fee-Waiver Service and request that they consider waiving their application fees

To use a form, first make sure the college accepts it, and then mail the completed, signed form with your college

application See Dr Page CEEB CODE: 101983

College application fee waivers are also available from the ACT organization and NACAC;

the College Board /SAT college application fee waivers seem to be accepted more generously by colleges

NACAC REQUEST FOR COLLEGE APPLICATION FEE WAIVER

The National Assoc for College Admission Counseling supplies a Request for Application Fee Waiver This form requires the Advisor’s

signature and the School Seal Remember that this is is a ‘request’; there is no guarantee this fee waiver request will be honored by

the college See Dr Page

Requesting a Copy of Your ACT Test Questions and Answers

Check the www.actstudent.org website for updated information

If you order and pay for Test Information Release (TIR) and test at a national test center on a national test date that offers this service, you will receive a list of your answers, a copy of the

multiple-choice test questions used to determine your score, the answer key, and scoring instructions (If you took the Writing Test, you will also receive a copy of the writing prompt, the scoring rubric, and the scores assigned to your essay by two readers.) Information about ordering a photocopy of your answer document (including your essay if you took the Writing Test) for an additional fee will be included with your materials

The TIR fee for the 2010-2011 test dates is $18.00

ACT TEST FEE WAIVERS

If you are a high school junior or senior who cannot afford to pay the test fees, AND IF YOU QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH, you can receive an ACT test fee waiver SEE DR PAGE

Grade Level Fee waivers are available ONLY to students currently enrolled in high school as juniors or

seniors

Usage Restriction Students may use a maximum of TWO fee waivers total Due to processing costs, the

waiver is used once the student registers (or is approved for Special Testing), even if the student does not test on the requested test date

What the ACT Fee Waiver Covers

Fee waivers cover the basic registration fee, including one report to the high school (if the student authorizes reporting) and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when the student

registers)

Waivers may NOT be used to pay for any of the following:

■ Late registration fee ■ Test date, test option, or test center change fee

■ Additional college choices ■ Standby fee

■ Other services or products ■ Residual (on-campus) testing

SAT / ACT TEST PREP SAT TEST PREP

SAT ‘QUICK’ PREP

http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-questions

Links to SAT practice questions, full practice tests, and SAT Subject Test tips and practice questions

SAT ONLINECOURSE ($69.95 for one year),

At the bottom, click on “My College Quick Start”

If you do not already have a College Board account, you'll be prompted to create one It typically takes less than two minutes

to create your FREE account

My College QuickStart includes these features:

 My Online Score Report – An enhanced score report that allows you to review each test question, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations

 My SAT Study Plan – A customized SAT study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice

 My College Matches – A starter list of colleges based on the your home state and indicated choice of major

My Major & Career Matches – Personalized lists of majors and careers plus access to a personality assessment that suggests other compatible career or major matches

SAT AND ACT TEST PREP

Free test prep: http://number2.com

Free test prep: http://www.testprepreview.com

On left, under ‘Free Practice Tests’, Select ‘SAT Practice Tests’ or ‘ACT Practice Tests’ or

‘PSAT Practice Tests’

Then, Scroll down to SAT Test Self-Assessment Modules; select your area of need

Ignore the advertising for services you need to pay for

ACT ‘QUICK’ PREP

(1) Get ready for the ACT with English, math, reading, science, and writing practice questions Go

to: http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html

ACT ONLINE COURSE $19.95 for one year http://www.actstudent.org/onlineprep/order.html

• Practice tests with real ACT test questions

• Practice essays for the new optional ACT Writing Test, with real-time scoring

• Comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's four required tests—English, Math, Reading, and Science

• Diagnostic test and personalized Study Path

• Anywhere, anytime access via the Internet

ACT:SCORE CONCORDANCE (COMPARISONS) ACT TO SAT CONVERSION CHART

Convert ACT to SAT

Compare ACT & SAT Scores

The ACT and SAT are different tests that measure similar but distinct constructs The ACT measures achievement related to high school curricula, while the SAT measures general verbal and quantitative reasoning

ACT and the College Board have completed a concordance study that is designed to examine the relationship between two scores on the ACT and SAT These concordance tables do not equate scores, but rather provide a tool for finding comparable scores ( Understanding

concordance )

Table 1 Concordance between ACT Composite Score and Sum of SAT Critical Reading and Mathematics Scores

Table 2 Concordance between ACT Combined English/Writing Score and SAT Writing Score

ACT: National Ranks for Test Scores and Composite Score

(based on ACT-tested high school graduates from 2008, 2009, and 2010 and reported on score reports during 2010–2011)

Find one of your subject area scores or Composite score in the far left or far right column Read across to the column for that subject area to locate the national rank for that score For example, the national rank for a Composite score of 22 is 62 This means 62 percent of recent high school graduates who took the ACT achieved a Composite score of 22 or below

Score English Mathematics Reading Science Composite Score