PSAT
Wednesday, October 14, 2015Results in December—very useful!9th graders-PSAT 8/9—baseline10th graders—just practice11th graders—practice and National Merit Qualifying
Old PSAT vs. New PSAT
3 sections•Math•Critical reading•Writing skillsTotal score = 60-240
3 section scoresEach section worth 20-80
2 hours, 10 minutes
¼ point deduction for incorrect answers
2 sections•Math•Evidence-based reading
and writingTotal score = 320-1520
2 section scoresEach section worth 160-760
2 hours, 45 minutes
No penalty for incorrect answers
Similar to new SAT
New PSAT (2015)
Relevant Words in ContextCommand of EvidenceEssay Analyzing a SourceFocus on Math that Matters MostProblems Grounded in Real-World Contexts
Analysis in Science and in History/Social Studies
Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation
No Penalty for Wrong Answers
Current SAT(Scholastic Aptitude Test)
3 sections: Math, Critical Reading, Writing
Writing is not optionalAre colleges looking at the writing section?
Offered 7 times throughout the yearSitting: 2-3 times in winter/spring of 11th grade/fall of 12th grade
Structure of Current SAT
• 10 sections: 3 hours and 45 minutes• One 25 minute Essay section• Two 25 minute Math sections• Two 25 minute Critical Reading sections• One 25 minute multiple choice Writing section
• One 20 minute Math section• One 20 minute Critical Reading section• One additional 25 minute section of Math, CR, or Writing (unscored “variable” section)
• One 10 minute multiple choice writing section
Scoring for Current SAT
A raw score between 200 and 800 is given in 10-pt. increments for each section category: Reading, Writing and Math.
2014 National Average ScoresReading – 495Math – 511Writing – 484
Total score mean = 1490
New SAT (2016)
3 Hours/4 parts: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and 50-min optional essay (recommended)
Relevant Words in ContextCommand of EvidenceEssay Analyzing a SourceFocus on Math that Matters MostProblems Grounded in Real-World ContextsAnalysis in Science and in History/Social Studies
Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation
400–1600 score scale4 answer choicesNo Penalty for Wrong Answers
SAT Registration
Offered at EA (testing site) on select dates
EA Code 393300Students with accommodations A valid ID is a must
SAT II: Subject Tests
LiteratureUnited States History
World HistoryMath 1- Alg 2 and Geom
Math 2- Pre-calc/Trig
BiologyChemistry Physics
ChineseFrench GermanHebrew (reading only)
Italian (reading only)
JapaneseKoreanLatin (reading only)
Spanish
Score Choice
SAT Select by date (not by section)
Subject Tests Select by subject test
NOT likely to make a difference
ACT (American College Testing)
English, Reading, Math, ScienceWriting is optional, but take it!Not penalized for wrong answersScore choice by dateCan replace SAT with Subject Tests at some colleges
Offered 6 times throughout the yearStudents with testing accommodations
ACT Structure
Four tests and one optional Essay test English
75 multiple choice questions 45 minute test
Math 60 multiple choice questions 60 minute test Emphasis on Geometry with some Algebra and Trigonometry
Reading 40 multiple choice questions 35 minute test
Science 40 multiple choice questions 35 minute test Questions based on science-related passages
Writing 1 optional essay 30 minute test
New for ACT (2015)
Presents conversations around contemporary issues
Offers three diverse perspectives that encourage critical engagement with the issue
Asks students to develop an argument that puts their own perspective in dialogue with others
40 minutes to plan and composeGuidance and structure for planning and prewriting
In previous version, students are given two different viewpoints, and are asked to take a position on one.
How the ACT is Scored
Student will earn 1 to 36 on each testACT composite score is the average of the (sub)tests (does not include writing).
The national average is 20.9.
Students will see sub scores between 1-18 in some tests. These just provide more detail about performance. They are not used by colleges or universities.
Current SAT vs. ACT The Princeton Review…
ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
ACT has a science section; SAT does not.ACT tests more advanced math concepts.ACT Writing is “optional.” (Take it.)The SAT is broken up into more sections.The ACT is more of a“big picture”exam.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
Register in March-EA automatically registers students Use same name and SS#
Classroom teacher will provide detailsCan help with admissions and earn credit/advanced standing
Students with accommodations—get the same accommodations as for PSAT/SAT
Testing Preparation
SAT/ACT Independent work Online resources (e.g., Khan Academy, SAT Question of the Day)
Group classes Individual tutors
Subject Tests/AP Must study! Classes, study books, etc.
General Strategies
AssessmentGrade Levels
Time Frame
PSAT 8/9 9 October
PSAT 10-11 October
Various Subject-Specific Achievement Tests/Competitions
9-12 Late Winter/Spring
SAT: I (Reasoning Test) and SAT: II (Subject Tests)
11-12 Varies- Student Option
ACT 11-12 Varies- Student Option
Advanced Placement 10-12
Standardized Testing Calendar
National Center for Fair and Open Testing
www.fairtest.org
Hundreds of schools no longer require standardized testing
Mostly liberal arts colleges including some selective ones
Usually need to provide a writing sample or alternative submission
There may be exceptions
FREE SAT/ACT Prep:https://www.khanacademy.orgwww.mystudentedge.com (both)www.ineedapencil.com (SAT only)
Resourceswww.collegeboard.comwww.actstudent.orgwww.fairtest.orgNaviance- access through EA’s website.