Erikka Goff Georgetown Learning Centers

 Structure  Content  Scoring  Registration  Score Choice

 10 sections, ranging from minutes  3 hours, 45 minutes plus breaks

 Critical Reading-3 sections ◦ Vocabulary ◦ Reading Comprehension  Math-3 sections ◦ Number properties and operations, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry  Writing-2 multiple choice sections and 1 essay ◦ Essay always first section ◦ Grammar multiple choice questions

 Each section scored out of 800 points. Total of 2400 points  Average SAT Score is 1490 points  Guessing penalty ◦ Correct answers-1 point ◦ Blank answers-0 points ◦ Wrong answers-lose ¼ point

 Register at  Register early to get a good test location  Scores are available 3-4 weeks after SAT administration  SAT Score Choice allows students to choose which test dates are sent to colleges  Super-scoring: taking the highest score from each section, across test dates

 Structure  Content  Scoring  Registration

 Five sections, 30 to 60 minutes each  Total time: 3 hours and 35 minutes, including optional 40 minute essay

 English-45 minutes ◦ Passage-based questions in grammar, punctuation, writing style, and clarity ◦ 5 passages, 75 questions  Math-60 minutes ◦ 60 multiple choice questions ◦ Topics include Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry and Trigonometry  Reading-35 minutes ◦ 4 long passages (Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science)

 Science-35 minutes ◦ 7 passages on Data Representation, Research Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints ◦ No outside science knowledge required  Essay-optional, 40 minutes ◦ Essay gives students a topic and 3 perspectives on that topic ◦ Strongly recommend essay, some colleges require it

 “Rights only scoring” ◦ 1 point correct ◦ 0 point incorrect ◦ 0 point blank  Each of 4 sections is scored 1-36  4 sections are averaged for composite score out of 36 points  Average ACT Score is 21

 Visit actstudent.org to register  Register early for a good test location  The ACT will send only the test date that you designate, so wait until you receive all scores before choosing which test dates to send

 Why is the SAT Changing? ◦ ACT has been growing in popularity ◦ In 2012, more students took the ACT than the SAT ◦ General sentiment that SAT is a “tricky test” that relies on logic and test taking strategy, not course content

 Broad Strokes-what are the major changes? ◦ Eliminates writing section, scores will return to 1600 ◦ Eliminates guessing penalty. 4 answer choices instead of 5. ◦ Two “cross-test scores” in Science and Social Studies ◦ Eliminates most vocab ◦ Essay now optional ◦ Added non-calculator section

Current SAT New SAT ACT Power Test Speed Test Power Test Speed Test Curriculum Aptitude

 3 hours, 50 minutes (including 50 minute essay)  Sections in predictable order: Reading, Language, Non-calculator Math, Calculator Math, Essay

 Evidence Based Reading and Writing ◦ 65 minute reading section  4 single passages and 1 paired passage  Includes data tables, charts, infographics  “No Vocab” but some vocab in context ◦ 35 minute Writing and Language Section  4 passages  Passage-based questions relate to editing, grammar and punctuation

 Math ◦ Non-calculator-25 min. ◦ Calculator-55 min ◦ Heavy emphasis on Algebra ◦ Includes trig concepts  Essay ◦ Optional 50 minute essay ◦ Requires student to read a long passage and write an analysis

 Evidence Based Reading and Writing: points  Math: points  Cumulative score: points  Essay scored separately  Cross test scores do not factor into cumulative scores  No penalty for guessing

I am a senior The SAT won't change until the spring Current SAT or ACT I'm a sophomore or younger You don't have as many math and reading skills as you should to take the test (even if you're in advanced math!) New SAT or ACT I'm a junior that has completed Algebra 2 You have the math and reading skills necessary to take the current SAT Current SAT or ACT, but remember that you have the back-up option to take the new SAT in the spring I'm a junior that has not taken Algebra 2 You (probably) don't have the math skills to take the SAT now New SAT in the spring or ACT*

Junior Fall Start preparing for the current SAT or ACT If you're ready, try the current SAT in October or November Take as many advanced, honors, and AP classes that you can Junior Winter & Spring Take current SAT in December or January, or ACT anytime In the spring, try the new SAT if you're not happy with old SAT scores Visit colleges Take SAT Subject Tests in May or June if required (can't take SAT and Subj test on the same day) AP Tests in May Senior Summer Write college essays and start applications Ask for teacher recommendations before summer break Finalize list of colleges Final SAT/ACT prep for a fall test Senior Fall Take SAT or ACT one last time Submit applications Maintain senior year grades

SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates ACT Test Dates October 3, 2015September 12, 2015 November 7, 2015October 24, 2015 December 5, 2015December 12, 2015 January 23, 2016February 6, 2016 March 5, 2016* (SAT only)April 9, 2016 May 7, 2016*June 11, 2016 June 4, 2016* *New SAT Version

 October 2015 PSAT will be similar to new SAT ◦ Good way for students to preview the test ◦ ACPS pays for all sophomores and juniors to take the test ◦ Administered at school on Oct. 14th  National Merit Scholarship ◦ Juniors’ scores can qualify them for National Merit scholarship ◦ Score cutoff changes yearly but generally about 95 th percentile

 ACT can be a good option since the test is not changing  Don’t wait for the New SAT unless you’re limited by math  Challenges of ACT vs. New SAT ◦ ACT-timing and science section ◦ New SAT-difficulty of ‘tricky’ problems, no- calculator math section, unfamiliar evidence-based questions  Diagnostics are helpful in the initial decision making process

 Take a free SAT vs. ACT practice test at Georgetown Learning Centers.  Pick a test date, keeping AP’s, course load, sports, etc. in mind.  Register at or  Study!

Erikka Goff Director Georgetown Learning Centers