SAT/ACT Preparation Options UCHS Karen May-Newman PTSA Volunteer Coordinator

The Tests Most colleges accept either without preference SAT – – High score: 2400 – 3 sections: Math, Writing, Critical Reading – Format is changing in 2016 ACT – – High score: 36 – 4 sections (Math, English, Reading, Science) with subsections – Requires higher level math (trig)

Purpose Tests – to assess college readiness Prep Courses – to prepare students to take the tests – Advantages Provides directed learning and test-taking skills Practice exams – Disadvantages Small increase in scores demonstrated – A College Board study conducted in the mid 1990s showed that SAT coaching resulted in an average verbal increase of 8 points and an average math score increase of 18 points. – A 2009 study by NACAC, the National Association of College Admission Counseling, showed that SAT prep courses raised critical reading scores by about 10 points and math scores by about 20 points Costs money

Prep Course Options Private companies – Many companies offer a tiered level of SAT/ACT preparation Difficult to compare directly due to differences in length, prep exam feedback, etc Survey performed in to provide information for UCHS parents and students to compare and choose the best option for their budget, time commitment, and level of preparation desired Catalyst vendor selected for UCHS – Offer both SAT and ACT weekend “boot camps” on campus – Fall and Spring, usually 1 week before test – New Hybrid SAT/ACT Assessment allows students to evaluate their test-taking aptitude

Options for SAT/ACT Test Prep Survey from

Self-Study for Students Official SAT Study Guide with DVD $32 Official SAT Online Course $70 Free exam questions on website:

SAT Boot Camp Assessment of Catalyst was favorable from UCHS Students

Fall 2014 SAT Boot Camp Assessment of Catalyst was favorable from UCHS Students

Disclaimer The prices shown are based on a survey conducted in 2014 and may have changed since then, please check websites to confirm cost Prep courses for the SAT and ACT are optional, and not required to achieve an outstanding score on these exams. The UCHS PTSA does not endorse any particular test preparation service, but does coordinate for a private company to offer weekend, on-campus test prep for students. This offer extends not only to students from UCHS, but any student that wishes to register.