TESTING STRATEGIES
KNOW YOUR TEST
Test Differences IOWA PSAT ACT SAT + More!
IOWA Tests Given to elementary grades and grades 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 Test Popular 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 Test Popular 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
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 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
Scores Know 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 Year IOWA Test Sophomore Year IOWA Test Consider taking the ACT early to have more time to increase test scores. Junior Year PSAT - if offered at your school ACT (plus additional retakes if you want to raise your score) Senior Year ACT retakes SAT retakes/subject tests (if needed to get into college)