1. Which Exam is the best match for your teen?
ACT vs. SAT
The Facts vs. The Hype
Which Exam is the best match for your teen? 1

2. Mission for today’s talk
Who is your student?
Brief history of the exams and Maryland stats
How to determine which test is the match for your teen ACT vs. SAT
Understanding the differences between the exams: redesigned SAT and the ACT 2

3. Test Prep Considerations
Choosing the proper test assessment for your child
Picking the proper tutoring program for your child
Level of students needs addressed and personalize
Level/motivation of students towards the process
Types of Learners: SOUND, ACCELERATED, HANDS-ON,
UNMOTIVATED, OVER-ACHIEVER, MAVERICK 3

4. Academic profile Type of learner Prior test score(s) Student goals
STUDENT PROFILE
Academic profile
Mandatory Skill Sets and Mindset
Type of learner
Prior test score(s)
Student goals 4

5. SAT History Administered initially in 1926
Most popular in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and West Coast States
Since the early 80’s- over 7 major changes in scoring and format
Most recent change: the PSAT on October ; SAT on March 5

6. What's in a Name?
1926, S.A.T. : Scholastic Aptitude Test – measures the student's learning aptitude
1990, S.A.T.: Scholastic Assessment Test - integrates measuring levels of achievement as well as aptitude
1994, S.AT. I: Reasoning Test and S.A.T. II: Subject Tests
1997, SAT does not stand for anything
2004, SAT Reasoning Test is now the official name 6

7. The SAT: Major Changes
1979: The Truth in Testing law was passed. Students could receive a copy of the test they had taken, though not all are released, even now!
1980: College Board began selling books of past administered SAT's.
1994: the Antonym question is dropped as well as the grammar section - TSWE. Reading is now termed, 'Critical Reading'.
1995: The SAT scores are 'recentered' to raise the average Verbal score around 80 points and the average math score around 20 points. Students can score an 800 and NOT get all the questions correct.
2005: In response to the USC threatening to drop the SAT I as an entrance requirement, the College Board merged the SAT I and SAT II Writing - adding a grammar section inclusive of an essay. Analogies and quantitative comparison questions were dropped and the length of the exam increased to 3 hours and 45 minutes. Scoring: from 1600 to COST OF TAKING THE EXAM ALMOST DOUBLED!
2009: Score choice or Superscoring option added (based on college preference)
2013: College Board announced the most recent changes effective March 5, 2016 7

8. History
Started in 1959
More popular in the Midwest and Southern States
Since 2007, accepted at ALL colleges and universities, who, often take the ACT in lieu of the SAT and SAT subject tests 8

9. Changes Started in 1959 to offer an alternative to the SAT:
-not just used by selective Northeastern colleges
-used not just for admissions, but for placement
-an indicator of academic readiness
1980: scores recentered almost 2 points (The average score is 20)
2005: a 30 minute test optional essay added
2015: essay format changed, now 40 minutes 9

10. 2014 Nationally 1.8+ million students took the ACT
(since 2001, 13 states have testing contracts)
1.6+ million took the SAT
(2 states have testing contracts)
Over seven years, the declines in SAT test- takers exceeded 20 percent in 19 states 10

11. Additional Facts for MD
Montgomery County, ACT participation has increased 21% over the past five years
Fall semester at the University of Maryland- the middle 50% scored
ACT 29 – SAT
(NOTE: UMD does not require the SAT or ACT essay ) 11

12. 2013 Stats for MD 78% more students took the ACT
15% of all students took the ACT
85% took the SAT
-8, SAT share, change in points 12

13. Let’s get started…what is the difference?13

14. GO TO BREAKTHROUGHTESTPREP.COM FOR THE REMAINING 7 QUESTIONS
WHICH TEST FITS YOUR TEEN'S THINKING STYLE and PERSONALITY: 60 SECOND ACT VS. SAT ASSESSMENTTM
Select the choice that fits you better. Don't over think the question - pick the one you are initially attracted to.
1. I am stronger in
(A) analyzing information to justify a choice
(B) drawing a conclusion when directly stated
2. I have a knack to be better able at
(A) reading a paragraph and zeroing in on the point
(B) scanning a multi-paragraph passage to find specific information
3. I am normally a reader who
(A) needs more time to process information
(B) can quickly go through a passage and identify the point
4. I consider my strength to be more
(A) a strong writing style
(B) a solid understanding of grammar and mechanics
GO TO BREAKTHROUGHTESTPREP.COM
FOR THE REMAINING 7 QUESTIONS 14

15. 15

16. 16

17. 17

18. 18

19. How the Redesigned SAT compares to the ACT
Both have no penalty for guessing
Both have 4 choices (ACT math has 5 choices)
Similar format for testing grammar, sentence structure and rhetoric as well as reading.
The genre and writing style of both are excerpted from similar disciplines
Math will be related more to school math
Interpreting charts and graphs; 2-3 dispersed through Reading and Writing/language sections; – similar to the ACT science section 19

22. Suggestions to help your child be more prepared for the ACT or SAT
Take challenging classes in school and . . read, read, read! (TIP: 15 minutes of daily leisure reading improves grades AND test scores.) Contact me for a list of recommended books.
Read editorials, concert, movie or CD reviews Contact me for a ‘how-to’ handout
Rising freshmen or sophomores: Our Efficient Reading Skills Program
Juniors I’d love the opportunity to help your teen. SIGN UP HERE: TEST PREP STRATEGY SESSION! 22

23. Choosing the right test prep company Why BreakThrough Test Prep?
Known and experienced in the metro DC area for over 25 years
Author of Amazon bestseller, 6 Secrets to Mastering Success SAT or ACT Test-taking: Develop the Skills and Mindset to Get the Scores You Want and BEYOND!
Efficient reading, mindset shift and critical thinking skills are essential to our Breakthrough Test Prep System = increased test scores, skill sets and confidence for college and beyond
We pride ourselves on being accessible – any question or issue addressed in less than 24 hours via or phone
Unique to test preparation-instruction based on assessment of your teen specific to the type of learner.
All levels of students experience significant improvement. 23

24. Don’t “roll the dice” with your child’s future
Don’t “roll the dice” with your child’s future. Ask the right questions & find the right resources! 24

25. BreakThrough Test Prep is here to support you
BreakThrough Test Prep is here to support you Come talk to me now to schedule your complimentary Test Prep Strategy Session LIMITED OPENINGS AVAILABLE! 25