testing strategies. know your test test differences iowa psat act sat + more!

TESTING STRATEGIES

KNOW YOUR TEST

Test Differences

IOWA

PSAT

ACT

SAT

+ More!

IOWA Tests

Given to elementary grades and grades 9-10.

Provide great practice for test taking.

Cover: reading, written expression, mathematics, science, social studies, vocabulary, and computation.

Scores help monitor your growth, determine college readiness, and measure your mastery of core standards.

PSAT Test

Known as the preliminary SAT

Also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Prepares you for taking the SAT by showing you areas you need to prepare in.

Provides a free score report and online study resources that are useful for ACT and SAT test preparation.

SAT TestPopular on East and West coasts

Ten sections include:

Writing (a 25 minute essay) and multiple sections including multiple choice

Mathematics

Critical reading

Perfect score is 2400

Includes no science test

Vocabulary driven

Don’t guess!

ACT TestPopular in the Midwest

Composed of four sections (English, Math, Reading, Science) plus an optional writing test

Perfect score of 36

Best to answer all questions even if you do not know the answer

Prepare by taking sample tests on ACT’s website

More Tests!

GRE: Graduate Record Exam

TOEFL: Test for International Students

MCAT: Medical College Admission Test

LSAT: Law School Admission Test

NCLEX: Test for Nursing Licenses

PRAXIS: Test for Teacher Certification

+ More!!

BEFORE TESTING DAY

Practicing for Tests

Practice for the test by:

Doing sample tests online (check the test websites for good sample tests)

Use practice books (ACT/SAT have published books)

Ask a teacher to tutor you in your weaker subjects

PLAN AHEAD!

Preparing for your Test

Practice with sample questions (usually on test websites)

Ask teachers for tutoring in areas in which you struggle

Get physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally ready with 8 basic principals

Basic Principles:

N: Nutrition

E: Exercise

W: Water

S: Sunlight

T: Temperance

A: Air

R: Rest

T: Trust in Divine Power

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SIGNING UP FOR TESTS

Signing Up for Tests

IOWA Tests: Schools automatically sign up their students

PSAT: Varies by school - talk to your administrator

ACT: 1) know your school test center code (ask your registrar), 2) sign up online at www.act.org

SAT: 1) sign up via paper application, 2) know your school test center code, 3) you will need a letter from clergy (or chaplain) stating that you need non-Saturday testing

SCORES

ScoresKnow what kind of test/scores are needed in order to get into the colleges you are interested in.

Scores are requested by colleges.

Scores may quality/disqualify you for scholarships.

If you have low scores (esp. SAT/ACT), consider re-taking the tests before college in order to raise your chance for scholarships.

Some tests have free resources for students.

ACT and SAT do free score reporting to colleges of your choice.

ACT offers an interest inventory that helps you understand what career areas might be good for you.

TIMELINES FOR TEST TAKING

Your Testing Timeline

Freshman YearIOWA Test

Sophomore YearIOWA TestConsider taking the ACT early to have more time to increase test scores.

Junior YearPSAT - if offered at your schoolACT (plus additional retakes if you want to raise your score)

Senior YearACT retakesSAT retakes/subject tests (if needed to get into college)