1. PSAT/SAT PLAN/ACT College Entrance Exams

2. PSAT: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test Why the PSAT/NMSQT? The PSAT/NMSQT is more than just a test. It gives students: Suggestions on how to improve academically Give students personalized feedback on their test performance. Preparation for the SAT®. Opportunities to earn scholarships and academic recognition. For more information, go to Scholarships and Recognition. Information from colleges and universities through Student Search Service® A free personalized online college planning kit based on their test results. For more information, go to My College QuickStart™ and MyRoad™.

3. 4 Major Parts of Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Your Scores Your Skills Your Answers Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Skills Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Results Next Steps 3 Test Sections

4. Your Scores Percentile If you are a junior, your scores are compared to those of other juniors. If you are a sophomore or younger student, your scores are compared to those of sophomores. Score You can see your projected SAT score online in My College QuickStart (www.collegeboard.org/quickstart).www.collegeboard.org/quickstart Score Range

5. Sample Score Report What’s next? Use the access code on your report to log in to My College QuickStart, a personalized college and career planning kit. There you can: Search for colleges Get a personalized SAT study plan Take a personality test to find majors and careers that fit you www.collegeboard.org/quickstart Next Steps

6. SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test One of the most widely used admissions tests The SAT helps college admissions officers make fair and informed admission decisions. Combined with a student's academic record, it is a proven, reliable indicator of college success. Tests the subject matter learned by students in high school and how well they apply that knowledge—the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in college.

7. Why should students take the SAT? Students and parents often ask why it is important to take the SAT. Reasons include: All colleges accept the SAT as an objective measurement of students' college readiness. Used with GPAs and high school transcripts, SAT scores allow colleges to fairly compare applicants. Taking the SAT gives students access to scholarship opportunities. The SAT provides students with the most comprehensive performance feedback of any admission test.

8. SECTIONFORMAT/ TIMEQUESTION TYPESSCORE 2012 Averages Math 3 Sections Multiple Choice Grid-Ins 200–800514 The SAT (Now) At-a-Glance 200–800 Critical Reading 496 3 Sections Multiple Choice Writing 3 Sections Multiple Choice Essay 200–800 0–127.1 488 Total 10 Sections 3 hours, 45 minutes Multiple Choice Grid-Ins Essay 600–2400 1498 Mallard Creek 2012 College Bound Seniors - SAT Average:1431 Critical Reading Mean = 490 Mathematics Mean= 482 Writing Mean= 459

9. The SAT Change **The PSAT will also change to align with the new SAT format

11. Slide 11 PLAN shows your strengths and weaknesses in English, mathematics, reading, and science. PLAN lets you know if you’re on target for college. PLAN helps you find careers that match your interests. PLAN helps you prepare for the ACT. PLAN : Practice ACT for 10 th grade

12. Slide 12 www.planstudent.org What is the Student Score Report? This individualized report details scores received on the assessment and the career plans and needs indicated by the student. What does the Student Score Report provide? Suggestions for improving student academic skills Careers that match student interests indicators of college readiness

13. Slide 13 Sample PLAN Score Report

14. ACT: American College Test Contains 5 curriculum-based tests: the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Tests are standardized multiple choice Tests based on the major areas of high school and postsecondary instructional programs; the optional Writing Test is an impromptu essay on a given prompt. Performance on these tests has a direct relationship to a student’s educational achievement.

15. Why take the ACT? The ACT is based on information your students are learning in high school. The ACT rewards your students for what they know. The ACT is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. ACT’s Writing Test is optional. All 11 th graders will take the ACT @ Mallard Creek March 1, 2015 for FREE!

16. FORMAT/ TIME English 1 SectionMultiple Choice 1–36 The ACT at-a-Glance Math1 SectionMultiple Choice1–36 19.0 (18.5) Reading 1 SectionMultiple Choice1–36 18.8 (18.3) Science 1 SectionMultiple Choice1–36 18.7 (18.4) Writing1 Section Essay (Optional) 2 – 12 6.2 4–5 Sections 2 hrs, 55 minutes 3 hrs, 25 minutes 1–36 USA: 20.9 NC: 18.5 MCHS: 18.2 Total: 2015 NC Avg. Vs. 2015 MCHS Avg. 17.1 (17.1)

17. Key Differences ACT has “Science” reasoning questions. ACT has some trigonometry questions. SAT essay is required and first (until March 2016, then becomes optional). ACT essay is last and not always required. SAT is 20 minutes longer. SAT/ACT Score Comparison Chart http://www.studypoint.com/ed/sat-act- concordance/

18. Common Myths The SAT is an IQ test. The ACT is easier. Only take the ACT if you’re good at science. Competitive schools only accept the SAT.

19. What Do Colleges Think? Facts: Nearly all schools accept the SAT or ACT. 89% of schools use SAT or ACT test scores in making admissions decisions*. Source: National Association of College Admissions Counseling, “Preparation for College Admissions Exams”, 2009

20. Mallard Creek Test Dates October 7, 2015 PLAN Test  All 10 th graders October 14, 2014 PSAT Test  All 10 th & 11 th graders March 1, 2015 ACT  All 11 th graders

21. Fee Waivers If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, you are eligible for 2 SAT and 1 ACT fee waiver If you take the SAT with a waiver you are eligible for 4 college fee application waivers- accepted by MOST 4 year colleges/universities

22. QUESTIONS????? Thank you