College Readiness

What are the SAT, ACT, EPT, and ELM exams SAT – Reading, Writing, Math ACT – Reading, Writing, Math, Science EPT – Reading and Writing ELM – Math According to College Board the SAT provides a “trusted indicator” of how you will be able to “apply thinking, writing and study skills required for college” rigor. The higher you score, the higher the chances of getting in!

What is the difference between the subjects tested on the SAT and ACT?

SAT Scores options Options

Consequences of Poor Performance in Entrance Exams Less options  less prestigious schools Indicator of inadequate preparation for college/university level courses If you are part of the Sweetwater Union High School District Compact for success program you loose eligibility “College Preparedness Lacking Forcing Students into Developmental Course Work, Prompting Some to Dropout.” Huffpost. N.p., 18 June Web. 20 Aug. 2013

Consequences of Poor Performance in Entrance Exams Worry about retaking exams Taking remedial classes, resulting in a waste of time and money 4/10 HS graduates need to take remedial classes - 2/3 of those graduates will take 6 yrs to earn - 2/3 of those graduates will take 6 yrs to earn their degree instead of 4 their degree instead of 4

What are the consequences of performing poorly on these exams?

Benefits of Doing Well Provides the opportunity to connect to scholarships Place out of certain college courses The better the score the more choices "Why Take the SAT." About the Tests. Collegeboard.org, n.d. Web. 13 Sept

Grades as predictors Focus on your Lessons and learning the Content standards Grades are the greatest Predictors of Performance on the College entrance exams and college Coursework. -Students with 2.5 high school GPA 20% graduate college -Students with a 4.0 high school GPA 97% graduate college ACT Success: Good Grades, Not Test Practice. Chicago: CCSR,2008. PDF.

Reading/Vocabulary Vocabulary development, conceptual background building and grammar acquisition is most effective when students read extensively for pleasure. Comfort Zone is key to make sure to understand a reading. Krashen, Steven.”Direct instruction of academic vocabulary:what about real reading?”SDkrashen Reading Research Quarterly.2012.Web 13 Aug. 2013

Rigorous Coursework Students with AP/ honors classes are 11 times more likely to attend 4 year university than community college. Students don’t prepare much for the sat/ act because they believe it is an intelligence test and cant be studied for. Brand, Jolyn, “How High School Courses Impact SAT Scores,” November 28, 2012, Blog

What are effective ways to prepare for these exams?

Resources Available for College CounselorsAVIDCollegeboard.orgCollegedata.com SAT/ACT Workshop Csumentor.eduFastweb.com

Resources Available for Doing Well in School Talent Search Upward Bound Beyond the Bell Homework Zone Teacher Tutoring Shmoop.comEAOP

What are some resources that you can use to inform yourself about college?

Timeline Join CLUBS & SPORTS Look into ZERO period Community Service Freshmen year= meet your counselor A’s and B’s Be aware of diagnostic test