1. Creating a College Admissions Testing Plan
Western Alamance High School
January 12, 2017

2. Review of the Options PSAT/NMSQT Pre ACT SAT ACT AP Tests
Test Optional?
In two-years, 3 of 4 tests have changed and additional options available!

3. A Testing Plan Interpreting your test scores
Which tests are in your wheelhouse
How to prepare for them
Making a roadmap moving forward
Make the most of your time and money!!

4. The Pre Tests PSAT Pre ACT Should be taken after Math II
Can be taken as early as 8th grade
Score result is SAT score from same day
Max is 1520 (vs for SAT)
Leaves out complex Math III skills
Will be Saturday only moving forward
Can pay to test
Connected to National Merit Scholarship based on index score
Minimum 200 for current class
Pre ACT
Given to all 10th grade students in October during school for free
Gives predicted ACT score range
Includes scores for English, Math, Science, and reading
Includes STEM score
ACT scores at or above benchmark mean a student has a 50% chance of a B and 75% chance of a C in specific first year college course
Include Holland Interest Inventory
Neither test have a writing component

5. NEXT TEST DATE IS SATURDAY OCTOBER 19TH
Get to know the PSAT
Measures what you learn in high school
What you need to succeed in college
Measures reading, writing/language, math developed over years
Does not ask for facts or to recall math formulas. It measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills
No secret tricks or cramming
No penalty for guessing
Total testing time is 2 hours and 45 minutes
Cost is $15 and no fee waivers available at this time
NEXT TEST DATE IS SATURDAY OCTOBER 19TH

10. Your CollegeBoard Account
Use access code to create your account and establish collegeboard.com ID
Do not register for SAT by creating new account if you already set this up
Saves time and effort
Skills insight gives
Kahn Academy
Practice plan for intended test date
6 full length practice tests

11. Your AP Potential Only distributed to students who took the PSAT
Potential is based on students who scored similar and scored 3+ on AP exam
Exams are free and are out of 5
Classes can be semester or year long
+1 for GPA scale (same as ACC or Elon classes)
Can be difficult to drop, so think carefully
Know if AP is for you
What can it be used for in the future

12. Pre ACT ** too new for analysis**

13. Why PRE Test Scores ARE NOT sent to colleges
Prepares you at a reduced cost for the real thing
4 page packet report feedback including benchmarks
Actual test only gives scores, NO PREP!
Free personalized test prep
Predicted score for each test
Item response analysis
Ideas for Progress
Official SAT practice with Kahn Academy based on your score
ACT also offers free test prep, but less personalized
College, career and financial aid planning tools
Sets up your CollegeBoard and ACT account & ID numbers
Specific to PSAT
PSAT has National Merit Scholarship Program (11th graders only)
Personalized AP potential

14. The Actual Test SAT ACT Score scale 400-1600 No penalty for guessing
Average is 1100
No penalty for guessing
Optional Essay
Scored sections are evidence-based reading/writing & math
Revamped Vocab section
Total time is 3 hours (+50 mins for essay)
Most schools DO NOT require the essay (UNC- Carolina for example does not)
Duke only NC school to require
Check your school’s website!
ACT
Score scale out of 36
Average is 21
No penalty for guessing
Optional Essay
Four sections
Include Science
Reports a STEM score
Total time is 2 hours 55 minutes (40 min essay)
Score reports have become more in depth
Given for FREE to juniors in February/March
Includes essay
**All test records on file with counseling office
3rd most important component in college admissions

16. SAT Subject Tests 20 subject areas 1 hour each Score is 200-800
Can sit for up to 3 at a time
Higher Tier schools may require
SIT FOR THE SAT FIRST!

17. “I wish I would have tried harder”
Student Insight
“I wish I would have tried harder”
“I wish I would have taken this seriously”
Besides post high school, test scores can be used for dual enrollment programs at ACC and Elon.

18. Why Test? GPA is not always indicative of achievement
Grading criteria across classes/teachers/districts/ states vary
Puts everyone on an even playing field
Grades have continued to be inflated

19. Test Optional Analyzed things like: Academic record Writing samples
Personal interviews
Letters of recommendation
NC Schools
Wake Forest
Guilford College
Lees McRae
Catawba
Brevard
Belmont Abbey

20. Your Roadmap
Enroll in most challenging courses that you can do well in
Take both Pre ACT and PSAT
Determine what kind of test plays to your strength
DO NOT need to take both tests
Based on Pre Tests determine where time is best spent
Take exam 2-3 times
Spring Junior year and Fall Senior year
Math III and English III
Early birds can cross one more thing off senior year “to-do list”
Utilize resources
Know admission deadlines

21. Upcoming Test Dates

22. Test Prep Apps prep4ACT ACT practice prep ACT up Kahn Academy
Magoosh ACT
Grading Game
Math Brain boost
Full length tests=ENDURANCE
Math without a calculator
Reading short articles
ACT bootcamp at Eastern Alamance on February 25th from 9-1 with lunch provided
Topics include:
# of correct answers for the score you want
5 minutes to guessing effectively
Difference between right and best
Punctuation mark worth 20% of score
How to simplify word problems
Stop overthinking
See WAHS homepage to register and turn in $5 to Ms. Seligman to secure your spot! Seats limited.
Make it a priority and don’t pay for something you won’t really use.

23. While the “test” is important, remember it is just one small component of your application. The more you know about the test, the better prepared you can be to play the game correctly!

24. Questions?