College Admissions Testing Dublin City Schools Parent Program September 13, 2012
Mar 19, 2016
College Admissions Testing
Dublin City Schools Parent ProgramSeptember 13, 2012
AgendaWhy test?A closer look at each testHow to register for these testsHow all this pertains to college readinessWrap up –questions and answers
Why Test?o Guide the academic
preparation while in high school (course selection)
o Level the playing field – an “A” varies from class to class, school to school, district to district
o Assessing critical thinking vs. knowledge
Why Test? College recruitmentScholarship opportunitiesCollege readiness (benchmark score vs. composite scores)
“The Big Picture” Dublin City Schools is committed to providing practice & tools needed to be successful on
high-stakes tests.
8th grade – Explore Test10th grade – PLAN Test11th grade – ACT Practice 11th grade – ACT Test
9th grade – PSAT (optional)10th grade – PSAT (optional)11th grade – PSAT Test11th grade – SAT Test
ACT Sequence SAT Sequence
PSAT/NMSQT Practice for the SAT testCritical Reading, Math & Writing Skills Scored on a 20-80 scaleAssessment of strengths and weaknessesTop scores from Junior year only can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship (9th and 10th practice) Scores are also used for National Achievement & National Hispanic Recognition programs
SAT Reasoning Testo Sections• Math• Critical Reading
(Vocabulary & Reading Comprehension)
• Writing (Grammar & Required Essay)
o Scoring• 200-800 per
section• Perfect score is
now 2400
SAT Subject TestsMeasures knowledge in a specific subject areaRequired by top tier schoolsConsult application & school requirementsRegister and sit for these exams at the completion of the highest level of coursework
AP ExamsCreated by the College Board College level curriculumAdministered on national dates in MayScored on a scale of 1 to 5. No penalty for incorrect answers Students earning a 3 or higher may earn college credit at the university level
PLAN TestPractice test for ACTAdministered to ALL sophomore students Career Assessment InventoryMeasures achievement in four areas:
English MathReading Science Reasoning
ACTSections
EnglishMath ReadingScience ReasoningOptional EssayRecommended
all students take at least once.
Scoring1-36Average of four required sectionsScore is good predictor of college readiness
ACT College Readiness
Benchmarks50% Likelihood of obtaining a B or higher
College Course ACT Test ScoreEnglish Composition 18 ACT English Test
Algebra 22 ACT Math Test
Social Science 21 ACT Reading Test
Biology 24 ACT Science Test
September 26, 20128th grade EXPLORE
10th grade PLAN
11th grade ACT Practice Test (seniors welcome too)
What’s a Good Score? SAT - National average is 1500
ACT - National average is 21OSU – Around 1250 for SAT (CR/M) & 28 for ACTCSCC – does not require scores, but students are encouraged to take the test regardlessSee scores required for merit scholarships
Super Scoring
Super Scoring involves taking the highest section scores from multiple SAT Test sittings and creating a composite. Although the College Board itself does not take on this practice, it has become commonplace in the college admissions process.
Dublin City Schools: SAT/ACTBased on 2011 Graduation Year:
AVERAGE SAT SCORES: Critical Reading: 559 out of 800Mathematics: 589 out of 800
Writing: 546 out of 800
AVERAGE ACT SCORES: English: 24.8 out of 36 Mathematics: 24.7 out of 36 Reading: 24.8 out of 36 Science: 24.7 out of 36 Composite: 24.9 out of 36
Source: J. Meade “ Dublin City Schools 5 Year Trends SAT/ACT”
o Guessing Penalty
o Easy to Hardo Vocab is
emphasizedo Essay required
o No Guessing Penalty
o Mixture of difficulty
o Science, Trigonometry
o Essay optional
SAT ACT
Differences Between Tests
Which Test is Best for my Child?
Utilize pre-administered tests PLAN, PSAT, Practice ACTWhat is the purpose?
College ReadinessCollege Admission
When to take the ACT/SAT:Recommend for Juniors to sign up NOW for test in the late winter and spring
Ideally seniors should enter fall with at least one test score
Most colleges will not accept scores sent after December test date of senior year
Test Dates in DublinACT
October 27, 2012 (DCHS)December 8, 2012 (DJHS)April 13, 2013 (DSHS)
SATNovember 3, 2012 (DSHS)January 26, 2013 (DCHS)May 4, 2012 (DJHS)
How to RegisterOn line (must use a credit card)Fee Waiver available for students who qualify (see your counselor)Set aside 1 hour to completeUtilize PSAT and PLAN to set up an account early. Pre-populates application and reduces amount of time needed to complete from. October 2012 and or a later test date - photo identification required
While Registering…ACT
Register for Writing TestSelect colleges to report scores
SATEssay includedSelect colleges to report scores
Sending Scoreso Dublin City Schools does
NOT report test scores nor are scores included on a student’s transcript
o You have the option of having scores sent when you register
Free Preparation: Read, write & problem solve as much as possibleCourse Selection/Rigor (ACT/SAT Test Prep Class)Test Prep Courses offered by districtBuild vocabulary NavianceTake practice tests
ACT.orgCollegeboard.org
Questions for Colleges:“When is the last day I can submit test scores to be considered for admission?”“When is the last day I can submit test scores for scholarship consideration?”“Do you ‘Super-Score’?” For scholarships and/or admissions?
Admittance is More than Test Scores
Colleges look at GPA, Course Selection/Rigor and Test Scores as top three criteriaTop tier schools frequently turn away students who earn perfect SAT and/or ACT scoresLeadership, community service, student essays and extracurricular activities are all evaluated
Upcoming Parent Meetings
October 2, 2012 – “College Fair for Students with Learning Disabilities”October 4, 2012 – “Scholarships / Financial Aid” November 7, 2012 – “ Information for College Bound Students with IEPs”January 9, 2012 – “FAFSA Workshop”January 15, 2013 – “AP / IB Meeting”
Thank You!
Please complete the feedback survey and return it to the table outside the theatre.