Parent University

Agenda

• SAT vs. ACT
• PSAT & National Merit
• Testing Timeline
• Q&A
• Resources - information & study tools

SAT or ACT?

SAT: Math

• Algebra, data analysis, arithmetic, pre-cal & trig
• Provides commonly used formulas
• MC and Grid-in Questions
• Tests ability to apply math concepts
• No calculator on 34% of exam

ACT: Math

• Same material as SAT, but more geometry
• No formulas given
• Multiple choice only
• Tests ability to apply math concepts
• Calculator allowed on entire exam

SAT: REading

• Tests ability to draw inferences & conclusions
• Questions include line numbers & appear in order
• Some graphics (charts, diagrams)
• Includes Founding Documents/Global Conversation passage
• Vocabulary tested in-context

ACT: Reading

• Tests speed & instant recall
• Few line number questions, so Ss must remember what they've read
• Vocabulary in context

SAT: Writing

• Tests grammar: verbs, pronouns, idiom, sentence structure, style & punctuation
• Questions are passage-based
• One passage with graphics-related questions

ACT: English

• Tests same language material as SAT
• Passage-based questions
• No graphics

Sat: Essay

• Tests ability to analyze a given passage by discussing HOW the author uses evidence and develops an argument

ACT: Essay

• Tests ability to write a persuasive argument in response to a modern-day issue
• Students must incorporate three short viewpoints from different sides of the debate provided in the prompt

SAT: Scoring

• Composite: 1600
• Reading/Writing: 800
• Math: 800
• Essay: 2-8
• No penalty for guessing

ACT: Scoring

• Composite: 36
• English, Math, Reading & Science: 36
• Essay: 2-36
• No penalty for guessing

PSAT

Section 1: Reading

• 47 Questions/60 Min.
• Longer Passages
• Less Vocabulary
• Graphs & Charts
• Founding Document/Global Conversation Passage
• Find Your Evidence Questions

Section 2: Writing

• 44 Questions / 35 Min.
• Punctuation passage-based
• Questions have context
• Graphs & Charts

Section 3: Math

• 17 Questions / 25 Min.
• No Calculator
• Multi-Part Questions
• More Algebra & Data Analysis
• Higher-Level Math

Section 4: math

• 31 Questions/ 45 Min.
• Calculator Allowed
• Multi-Part Questions
• More Algebra & Data Analysis
• Higher-Level Math

PSAT/NMSQT

What does it all mean?

Online Score Report

Selection Index

Selection Index

Untitled Slide

Timeline

PSAT/NMSQT

• October: PSAT (10th)
• Spring: Focus on weaknesses
• Select rigorous courses in strengths
• October: PSAT (11th)
• May/June: SAT (11th)

ACT

• March 2016: Select rigorous courses for 2016-2017
• April 19th - ALL Juniors take ACT with Writing at BJHS
• June 2016: Take the ACT (10th)
• December 2016: Seniors (last time)

Q & A