College Admissions Testing Mamaroneck High School October 2014 Jill Steinberg New York Director of Business Development [email protected].

College Admissions Testing

Mamaroneck High SchoolOctober 2014

Jill SteinbergNew York Director of Business [email protected]

How Important are the Tests?

• Grades in college preparatory classes• Strength of curriculum/academic rigor• Test scores• Essays

Why Testing Has Increased in Importance

• Huge boom in the # of college applicants

• Standardized, which allows for easy comparison across geographic & demographic lines

• A hedge against grade inflation

• Efficient way to make big cuts

• Moderately useful predictor of success in college

Today the SAT and ACT are universally accepted

Any college will take either the SAT or ACT without prejudice

Colleges will accept either test without

prejudice.

A Quick Anatomy of the Tests

• Abstract• Foreign • Learn the language of, solve the mysteries of the test

• Concrete• Familiar • Practice, get more familiar with the test

ACTSAT

SATACT

Section Score 200-800

1-36

Total Score 600-2400

1-36

Timing 3h 45m

2h 55m

# of sections 10 short

4 long

Math tricky wording

tougher concepts

Grammar required essay

optional essay

Reading vocabulary

no vocabulary

Science no science

science section

Guessing Penalty –0.25 points per no penalty for

missed question

missed questions

Basic Differences: SAT vs ACT

Which Test Should I Take?

• Take a practice SAT and ACT to establish dual baselines

• Three-Step Analysis:– 1. Start with your STRENGTH. If none,– 2. Prep to your PREFERENCE. If still

none,– 3. Choose the more COACHABLE test, the

SAT.

• If SAT prep is not yielding results, switch to the ACT. If you have to switch, 80% of the content transfers

What about the PSAT?

Does the PSAT Matter?

• Only if you are a junior on the cusp of the National Merit Scholarship.

• If not, look at the PSAT as practice.

• 2:10 versus 3:45

National Merit Scholarship Selection Index:

CR + M + W

This is a very competitive score! Roughly top 0.5% of students in the state.

For New York, the 2014 Selection Index

for National Merit was 218.

Example: 72CR + 73M + 72W

The “new” SAT- March 2016Current SAT

• Reading Comprehension– Vocabulary– Reading passages

• Math– Helpful tips and tricks to work

around problems (pick numbers)

• Writing– Correct separate sentences

• Essay– Factored into Writing score

• Guess penalty• No science

Redesigned SAT• Align with Common Core standards• Reading Comprehension

– vocabulary in context– “Founding documents” featured in

passages• Math

– Less opportunity for tips and tricks

– Higher-level math (pre-calc/trig)• Writing

– Grammar and rhetorical questions within context of passage

• Essay– Optional; schools may still require

• No penalty for guessing• Science-type questions added to

math and verbal sections

Trends

• Super-scoring the SAT and ACT• Sending all scores (elite schools only)• Students taking (and sending) both

SAT and ACT

Accommodations

• If you need them, APPLY through the testing services. But start early. If

you have to appeal, DO IT. • See your counselor.

SAT Subject Tests

• Of 3,000 + US colleges, roughly 100 use Subject Tests for admissions (check college websites)

• How many to take: check college websites• Timing: May and June are ideal, aligned with APs• Some schools accept the ACT as a replacement for the SAT+ SAT

subject tests• UC Systems dropped Subject Tests for class of 2012 and beyond.

(“You will not be penalized for failing to take the SAT Subject Tests. On the other hand, submission of these test scores may add positively to the review of your application “)

20% of schools Assign Considerable to Moderate Importance to SAT IIs

Suggested TimelinesHow do I do the right things at the

right time?

Caveat! Each student has his or her own schedule, activities, requirements to work around. This is a general timeline.

Sophomore Year Timeline

• Oct: Take the PSAT. It’s practice this year, but if you score a 180+ you’ll probably want to do some prep before next year.

• Feb – May: Take your first mock SAT/ACT exams to determine which test you prefer.

Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

PSAT

Feb Mar Apr May

First mock SAT/ACT exams

Junior Year Timeline (first half)

• Oct: PSAT. PSAT prep course if you are a potential National Merit Scholar or want to jumpstart SAT prep.

• Nov – Jan: Take first SAT or ACT. Prepare 8 to 12 weeks prior to scheduled test date.

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

PSAT

First SAT/ACT

Junior Year Timeline (second half)

• Jan – Feb: Meet with guidance counselor to discuss college list, school visits, explore financial aid/ scholarships/ grants for college. Visit some schools.

• May – June: Take APs, SAT subject tests, ACT, SAT (prep as needed).

• Late Summer/Early Fall:Make or refine the college list Begin applications/essays Set up interviews and college visits

Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Testing, Testing, Testing

Senior Year Timeline (first half)

• Sep – NovSAT/ACT final push if neededMeet with your guidance counselor

for application advice Finish early applicationsOctober: ED deadlines

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Final SAT/ACT Tests for EA/ED, ED/EA Applications DueCollege Visits

Test Prep at MHS

MOCK TESTS:

SAT - Nov 1, Feb 7

ACT - Nov 15, March 21

CLASSES:

SAT Class: Begins January and leads up to March 14 SAT

ACT Class: Begins February and leads up to

April 18 ACT

Questions?

Contact us at 866-789-PREP or at [email protected]

Jill [email protected]