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Parent University: Testing - What's the Big Deal?

Published on Jan 26, 2016

This parent university session is about the SAT, ACT & PSAT and resources for improving standardized test scores.

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Parent University

Testing: What's the Big Deal?
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Agenda

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

What's the difference?
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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
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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
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ACT: Reading

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT'S NEW?
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Section 1: Reading

  • 47 Questions/60 Min.
  • Longer Passages
  • Less Vocabulary
  • Graphs & Charts
  • Founding Document/Global Conversation Passage
  • Find Your Evidence Questions
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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
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Section 4: math

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

Only Counts Junior Year

What does it all mean?

Online Score Report

Selection Index

Selection Index

Untitled Slide

Timeline

PSAT-SAT-ACT
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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)
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Q & A

Check out the Free resources Handout
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