SAT & ACT: A Method for Success Essential Information for Students, Parents, Teachers Middle Country Central School District 2017-2018

Outline SAT & ACT: Similarities & Differences Assessment & Creating a Test Prep Plan Utilizing Method Test Prep’s Web Program

If You Remember Just One Thing… These tests are predictable. Predictability warrants preparation!

An Example Where’s the error? The English department inspired their students to succeed beyond all expectations. The English department inspired their students. The English department inspired its students.

Comparing the Tests SAT vs. ACT

Overview of Tests SAT ACT More abstract: questions are generally more analytical; requires digging deeper into each concept More time for each question and each section Emphasis on critical reading and ability to decipher what is being asked More straightforward: questions are generally more direct and closer to test questions on school exams Moves quickly: less time for each question and each section Emphasis on finding information quickly and answering efficiently

What’s the Difference? Parameter New SAT ACT STRUCTURE 4 Sections + Essay (4 hrs) Reading (No Vocab) Writing & Language Math (No Calculator) Math (Calculator) Essay (optional) English Math Reading Science CONTENT Math – Up to Trigonometry Grammar & Rhetoric Reading/Data Comp Scale: 1600 Reading/Data Comp/Science Scale: 1-36 SCORING 200-800 MC GRID-IN 1-36 CORRECT +1 raw INCORRECT OMIT SCALING 1 raw pt ≈ 10 scaled pts 1-2 raw pts ≈ 1 scaled pt

Reading ACT SAT Content Areas 5-6 Passages: Narrative, Non-Fiction, Paired Passages Reading comprehension: Main idea; graphics & data interpretation Evidence-based questions Words in context Structure & Scoring 1 section; 52 questions (65 mins) Score Range: 10-40 (combined w/ Writing-Language 200-800 score) Content Areas 4 Passages: Narrative, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science, (Paired) Reading comprehension: retrieving details, understanding purpose and point of view Words in context Structure & Scoring 1 section; 40 questions / 35 mins Score Range: Raw 0-40, Scale 1-36

English / Writing & Language SAT ACT Content Areas Improving sentences Finding errors; diction All passage-based Structure, punctuation, rhetorical Graphics integration Structure & Scoring 1 section: 44 questions / 35 mins Score Range: 10-40 (combine w/ Reading for score 200-800) Content Areas Improving sentences Finding errors; diction All passage-based Structure, punctuation, rhetorical Structure & Scoring 1 section; 75 questions / 45 mins Score Range: Raw 0-75 / Scale 1- 36

Mathematics SAT ACT Content Areas Content Areas Algebra (emphasis) Geometry (less) Algebra II (more) Trigonometry (some) Data & Statistics Structure & Scoring 2 sections: 57 questions Calc: 55 min / No-Calc: 25 min Score Range: 200-800 Content Areas Algebra Geometry Algebra II Trigonometry (some) Structure & Scoring 1 sections: 60 questions / 60 mins Score Range: Raw 0-60 / Scale 1-36

Essay SAT ACT Students will formulate arguments based on a provided document Understanding and analysis of a writer’s argument and the development of ideas Structure & Scoring 50 mins Graded 2-8 (on 3 areas) Separate score (optional) Students will formulate arguments based on a prompt and varying perspectives provided Building an argument in relation to other views; integrating ideas Structure & Scoring 40 mins Graded 2-12 (on 4 areas) Separate score (optional)

SAT ADVANTAGES More time for each question and section No vocabulary sentence completions Reading and Writing/Language combined score No Science section DISADVANTAGES Greater emphasis on reading comprehension, analytical skills and abstract reasoning; more Math & Algebra II focus Success requires a deeper understanding of each concept and the ability to decipher what each question is asking

ACT ADVANTAGES Straightforward questions and passages Reading passages slightly lower complexity Math is more problem solving, focus: Algebra I, Geometry Science is an “open book test” DISADVANTAGES Very fast paced test; timing is a challenge in each section Success requires moving through each section effectively and efficiently, with less opportunity for review

Creating a Test Prep Plan

Accessing Scores and What They Mean PSAT Accessing Scores and What They Mean

www.studentscores.collegeboard.org/home

www.studentscores.collegeboard.org/home

SAT Sub-Score Concepts

Steps to Decide PSAT (SAT) and Pre-ACT – Good introduction to the material, but not ideal for assessing actual test performance Practice Tests – Sitting for a timed, proctored diagnostic test from previous years provides the most accurate baseline Evaluation and Consultation – Review test results with a tutor to highlight strengths/weaknesses and overall potential College and Score Goals – Understand your target college programs, admission requirements, and preferences Set Your Calendar – review the upcoming academic year and set a testing plan that optimizes your chances for success

Self-Assessment Get a comprehensive look at each test and compare the positives and negatives as you see them Think about each test in terms of your academic strengths and current curriculum Decide which test you are more confident with overall Decide if you want to try for both tests or just one Consider if you have been awarded or are eligible for special accommodations for extra time

Setting Your Timeline Look at all the upcoming tests and determine best dates Think about timing, school and personal commitments or conflicts, and overall preparation time needed Consider score report timing and QAS (SAT) & TIR (ACT) Set a plan for self-study, class prep, tutoring and test dates Leave room for make-ups and re-testing before college applications are due

General Timeline 10th GRADE June – ACT, SAT II Subject Tests October – PSAT 12th GRADE May/June – SAT II Subject Tests September/October – ACT August/October – SAT 11th GRADE October – PSAT (National Merit) Dec/March/May – SAT Dec/April – ACT May – AP Exams

Official Test Dates 2017-2018

How to Prepare

MTP Web Program Complete SAT & ACT courses for all students All Strategies & Concepts: Checklist, Lessons, Quizzes, Audio/Video Explanations, Vocabulary Builder Two Full, Timed, Scored Practice Exams for each test Self-Paced, Access via laptop, tablet, smart phone Individualized: Data-driven, Scores by Concept

Detailed, Engaging Lessons

Instant Feedback

Video Explanations

Quick View Data

Help Videos on Every Topic

Study Guides

Practice like you Play

Instructions for Web Access and General Info: Access MTP Web Account Middle Country Students & Teachers access Method Test Prep Web Program via their Castle Learning Account Go to: WWW.CASTLELEARNING.COM Log-in using existing USERNAME and PASSWORD Click on “MTP SAT-ACT Test Prep” Button with MTP Logo Follow the Checklist Instructions for Web Access and General Info: www.methodtestprep.com/school/centereach www.methodtestprep.com/school/newfield

Summary SAT & ACT both have advantages and disadvantages SAT: Analytical, more time / ACT: Straightforward, fast! Each has unique characteristics, but are very similar tests (80% similar content, 75% similar student score range) Both exams are highly predictable, and thus teachable Take a practice test for each and make a smart plan Method Test Prep Web Program provides essential tools

Questions? Oliver Luisi THANK YOU Questions? Oliver Luisi oliver@methodtestprep.com 516-597-4999 www.methodtestprep.com Thank You