Testing and Senior Schedules

PSAT: Students received results in December Good diagnostic of strengths and weaknesses Good guide for SAT preparation National Merit Qualifying Exam as a junior

SAT or ACT Required by most colleges Colleges will use best scores UC takes best score from ONE sitting Others may use best individual math, writing, and critical reading scores from different sittings for a total highest score

SAT SUBJECT TESTS UC no longer requires them, but certain majors may recommend for admission CSU does not require subject tests Several colleges may require or strongly recommend – check policy Offered in Math, Foreign Language, History, Literature and Science

SAT vs. ACT What are the major differences?

What is the test structure? SAT: 10 section exam 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, and one Experimental. The Experimental section is masked to look like a regular section & is unscored 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, and one Experimental. The Experimental section is masked to look like a regular section & is unscored ACT: 4 section exam: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Writing optional Experimental section added only to certain dates and is clearly noted.

What is the test content? SAT Math: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II. Reading: Sentence completion, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension. Writing: Essay, questions testing grammar, usage, and word choice. ACT Math: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Trig Science: Charts, experiments. Reading: Reading comprehension, grammar usage. Writing option - essay

How is the test scored? SAT: per section, added together for a combined score is the highest possible combined score. *Penalty for wrong answers ACT: 1-36 for each subject, averaged for a composite score. A 36 is the highest possible composite score. *No wrong answer penalty

Are all scores sent to schools? SAT: YES and NO. Score Choice is option. However, many schools still want all scores sent. Students need to check individual college policy. ACT: NO. There has always been a “Score Choice” option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the schools will see.

When is each test administered? SAT Seven times per year Offered 4 times per year at each district school. ACT Six times per year Six times per year Not offered in our district. Not offered in our district.

Planning for the exams: Sign up for exams at or Plan to take SAT or ACT in spring of junior year. Plan to take SAT Subject tests in spring of junior year, if needed. Additional SAT test dates in October, November and December of senior year. ACT in June or September.

Test Preparation Many different ways to prepare Best method depends on how student learns “Independent” learners can prepare very effectively on their own Some students may need structure of a specific program and schedule Can help with “test anxiety”.

Test Preparation Programs Individual, small group, and regular classroom sized courses. Compare costs; compare programs - many to choose from! Extra workload with homework

How do colleges use these test scores for Eligibility? UC uses the SAT or the ACT scores and GPA in college prep classes CSU uses just the Math and Reading scores from SAT or just the composite score from the ACT, and GPA in college prep classes

CSU Eligibility Formulas Using SAT scores: GPA x SAT CR + Math total GPA x SAT CR + Math total Using ACT scores: GPA x x ACT Composite GPA x x ACT Composite Score must be 2900 or above for eligibility Automatic eligibility if GPA is 3.0 and above.

UC Eligibility Earn a minimum 3.0 GPA (with grades of C or better) in 15 courses, with 11 completed before senior year: a. History/Social science2 years b. English4 years c. Math3 years d. Lab science 2 years e. Foreign Language2 years f. Visual/performing arts1 year g. College prep elective1 year SAT or ACT test scores

Does eligibility mean admission? Distinction between “eligibility” for the system and “admission” to a specific campus. Eligibility also assumes students have all a-g course requirements completed. The more competitive campuses set different, higher scores for admission. Impacted campuses vs. Impacted majors

UC Comprehensive Review If student meets eligibility requirements, application will be reviewed comprehensively, emphasizing academic achievement as well as a wide range of personal accomplishments Student’s chances of admission varies by selectivity of different campuses – choose carefully and broadly

Admission Websites: UC: CSU: All California colleges: Many private and other public colleges may use:

Planning Senior Schedules

An Important Process Individual student conference (s) with counselors will begin in February Opportunity to make sure students have all graduation and college admission requirements in place Strengthen record in elective areas Make plans to makeup “D” grades

Course requirements for Admission UC and CSU course requirements are “aligned”. Both systems use the same a-g list. Other college course requirements may vary! Research other college requirements in the next few months College/Career Center and college websites are useful in this process Make changes in Senior courses if necessary!

Tips for Planning Senior Schedules Rigor of senior year curriculum is important! Senior year does count! Many colleges require transcripts from first semester senior year. Colleges expect the same level of achievement as presented in applications

Final Word on Senior Schedules Choose courses in academic areas that will challenge you. Don’t over schedule! Take courses that make sense given your interests and previous experiences. Do well in those classes!

What should Juniors be doing for the rest of this year?

January and February Prepare for Spring SAT or ACT Sign up for SAT I or ACT at:

March Students should have seen their counselors at least once to discuss senior schedules and their college planning process. Plan Spring Break college visit?

April-May Attend East Bay College Connection/ College Fair at St. Mary’s College, April 14 Take SAT or ACT For students applying to private colleges – Think about teacher recommendations! Who to ask? How to ask? When to ask Think about teacher recommendations! Who to ask? How to ask? When to ask

June Take SAT Subject Tests, if needed Do well on final exams! These are the last grades UC will see.

Summer Visit colleges Take enrichment classes Do community service Pursue a special interest Attend summer school to make up “D” grades if necessary.

August Get organized! Use Naviance to: Update resume Complete “Student Statement” Ask parents to complete “Parent Brag Sheet” Come up with preliminary college list Begin work on college essays and add to “journal section” in Naviance file

September Check list of college visits in Naviance or the College & Career Center. Sign up to attend via Naviance! Talk with your counselor soon if you think you might be doing Early Action or Early Decision Counselors make Senior English Class Visits and begin to check in with ALL their seniors.

Thank you all for coming this evening! Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s counselor with individual questions.