1. SAT & ACT: A Method for Success Essential Information for Students, Parents, Teachers Middle Country Central School District

2. Outline SAT & ACT: Similarities & Differences
Assessment & Creating a Test Prep Plan
Utilizing Method Test Prep’s Web Program

3. If You Remember Just One Thing…
These tests are predictable. Predictability warrants preparation!

4. An Example Where’s the error?
The English department inspired their students to succeed beyond all expectations.
The English department inspired their students.
The English department inspired its students.

5. Comparing the Tests
SAT vs. ACT

6. Overview of Tests SAT ACT
More abstract: questions are generally more analytical; requires digging deeper into each concept
More time for each question and each section
Emphasis on critical reading and ability to decipher what is being asked
More straightforward: questions are generally more direct and closer to test questions on school exams
Moves quickly: less time for each question and each section
Emphasis on finding information quickly and answering efficiently

7. What’s the Difference? Parameter New SAT ACT STRUCTURE
4 Sections + Essay (4 hrs)
Reading (No Vocab)
Writing & Language
Math (No Calculator)
Math (Calculator)
Essay (optional)
English
Math
Reading
Science
CONTENT
Math – Up to Trigonometry
Grammar & Rhetoric
Reading/Data Comp
Scale: 1600
Reading/Data Comp/Science
Scale: 1-36
SCORING MC
GRID-IN
1-36
CORRECT
+1 raw
INCORRECT
OMIT
SCALING
1 raw pt ≈ 10 scaled pts
1-2 raw pts ≈ 1 scaled pt

8. Reading ACT SAT Content Areas
5-6 Passages: Narrative, Non-Fiction, Paired Passages
Reading comprehension: Main idea; graphics & data interpretation
Evidence-based questions
Words in context
Structure & Scoring
1 section; 52 questions (65 mins)
Score Range: (combined w/ Writing-Language score)
Content Areas
4 Passages: Narrative, Social Science, Humanities, Natural Science, (Paired)
Reading comprehension: retrieving details, understanding purpose and point of view
Words in context
Structure & Scoring
1 section; 40 questions / 35 mins
Score Range: Raw 0-40, Scale 1-36

9. English / Writing & Language
SAT
ACT
Content Areas
Improving sentences
Finding errors; diction
All passage-based
Structure, punctuation, rhetorical
Graphics integration
Structure & Scoring
1 section: 44 questions / 35 mins
Score Range: (combine w/ Reading for score )
Content Areas
Improving sentences
Finding errors; diction
All passage-based
Structure, punctuation, rhetorical
Structure & Scoring
1 section; 75 questions / 45 mins
Score Range: Raw / Scale 1- 36

10. Mathematics SAT ACT Content Areas Content Areas Algebra (emphasis)
Geometry (less)
Algebra II (more)
Trigonometry (some)
Data & Statistics
Structure & Scoring
2 sections: 57 questions
Calc: 55 min / No-Calc: 25 min
Score Range:
Content Areas
Algebra
Geometry
Algebra II
Trigonometry (some)
Structure & Scoring
1 sections: 60 questions / 60 mins
Score Range: Raw 0-60 / Scale 1-36

11. Essay
SAT
ACT
Students will formulate arguments based on a provided document
Understanding and analysis of a writer’s argument and the development of ideas
Structure & Scoring
50 mins
Graded 2-8 (on 3 areas)
Separate score (optional)
Students will formulate arguments based on a prompt and varying perspectives provided
Building an argument in relation to other views; integrating ideas
Structure & Scoring
40 mins
Graded 2-12 (on 4 areas)
Separate score (optional)

12. SAT ADVANTAGES More time for each question and section
No vocabulary sentence completions
Reading and Writing/Language combined score
No Science section
DISADVANTAGES
Greater emphasis on reading comprehension, analytical skills and abstract reasoning; more Math & Algebra II focus
Success requires a deeper understanding of each concept and the ability to decipher what each question is asking

13. ACT ADVANTAGES Straightforward questions and passages
Reading passages slightly lower complexity
Math is more problem solving, focus: Algebra I, Geometry
Science is an “open book test”
DISADVANTAGES
Very fast paced test; timing is a challenge in each section
Success requires moving through each section effectively and efficiently, with less opportunity for review

14. Creating a Test Prep Plan

15. Accessing Scores and What They Mean
PSAT
Accessing Scores and What They Mean

18. SAT Sub-Score Concepts

19. Steps to Decide
PSAT (SAT) and Pre-ACT – Good introduction to the material, but not ideal for assessing actual test performance
Practice Tests – Sitting for a timed, proctored diagnostic test from previous years provides the most accurate baseline
Evaluation and Consultation – Review test results with a tutor to highlight strengths/weaknesses and overall potential
College and Score Goals – Understand your target college programs, admission requirements, and preferences
Set Your Calendar – review the upcoming academic year and set a testing plan that optimizes your chances for success

20. Self-Assessment
Get a comprehensive look at each test and compare the positives and negatives as you see them
Think about each test in terms of your academic strengths and current curriculum
Decide which test you are more confident with overall
Decide if you want to try for both tests or just one
Consider if you have been awarded or are eligible for special accommodations for extra time

21. Setting Your Timeline
Look at all the upcoming tests and determine best dates
Think about timing, school and personal commitments or conflicts, and overall preparation time needed
Consider score report timing and QAS (SAT) & TIR (ACT)
Set a plan for self-study, class prep, tutoring and test dates
Leave room for make-ups and re-testing before college applications are due

22. General Timeline 10th GRADE June – ACT, SAT II Subject Tests
October – PSAT
12th GRADE
May/June – SAT II Subject Tests
September/October – ACT
August/October – SAT
11th GRADE
October – PSAT (National Merit)
Dec/March/May – SAT
Dec/April – ACT
May – AP Exams

23. Official Test Dates

24. How to Prepare

25. MTP Web Program Complete SAT & ACT courses for all students
All Strategies & Concepts: Checklist, Lessons, Quizzes, Audio/Video Explanations, Vocabulary Builder
Two Full, Timed, Scored Practice Exams for each test
Self-Paced, Access via laptop, tablet, smart phone
Individualized: Data-driven, Scores by Concept

27. Detailed, Engaging Lessons

28. Instant Feedback

29. Video Explanations

30. Quick View Data

31. Help Videos on Every Topic

32. Study Guides

33. Practice like you Play

35. Instructions for Web Access and General Info:
Access MTP Web Account
Middle Country Students & Teachers access Method Test Prep Web Program via their Castle Learning Account
Go to:
Log-in using existing USERNAME and PASSWORD
Click on “MTP SAT-ACT Test Prep” Button with MTP Logo
Follow the Checklist
Instructions for Web Access and General Info:

36. Summary SAT & ACT both have advantages and disadvantages
SAT: Analytical, more time / ACT: Straightforward, fast!
Each has unique characteristics, but are very similar tests (80% similar content, 75% similar student score range)
Both exams are highly predictable, and thus teachable
Take a practice test for each and make a smart plan
Method Test Prep Web Program provides essential tools

37. Questions? Oliver Luisi
THANK YOU
Questions? Oliver Luisi
Thank You