College Entrance ExamsPSAT/SATPLAN/ACT

Why the PSAT/NMSQT? The PSAT/NMSQT is more than just a test. It gives students: Suggestions on how to improve academically. The

PSAT/NMSQT score report gives 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® (SSS®).

A free personalized online college planning kit based on their test results. For more information, go to My College QuickStart™ and MyRoad™.

PSAT: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

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

Your Scores

PercentileIf 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).

Score Range

Sample Score ReportWhat’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

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. The SAT 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.

SAT facts Offered 7 in the United States and six times at international sites. 3 hours and 45 minutes Consists of 10 separately timed sections:

◦ One variable (unscored) section tests critical reading, mathematics, or writing (25 minutes total)

Assesses subject matter learned in high school and problem solving skills in 3 areas: ◦ Critical reading ◦ Mathematics ◦ Writing

Includes three kinds of questions: ◦ Multiple-choice questions ◦ Student-produced responses (mathematics only) ◦ Essay question

Is machine scored except for the essay

SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test

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.

Most colleges require an admission test like the SAT.

The SAT provides students with the most comprehensive performance feedback of any admission test.

Why should students take the SAT?

The SAT is developed to reflect accepted educational standards. The data show that the material on the SAT and the time allocated to each section are appropriate for the intended test-taking population:

On average, students answer 50 to 60 percent of questions correctly.

80 percent finish nearly the entire test. Almost all students complete at least 75 percent of the

questions. Encourage your students to become familiar with the test

before they take their first SAT. (The following link takes you to the student area of this site.) The SAT practice section of the site offers:

Sample questions Answer explanations Official SAT practice test Personalized score report

How difficult is the SAT?

SECTION FORMAT/ TIME QUESTION TYPES SCORE 2012Averages

Math 3 Sections Multiple Choice Grid-Ins

200–800 514

The SAT at-a-Glance

200–800Critical Reading

4963 Sections Multiple Choice

Writing 3 Sections Multiple ChoiceEssay

200–8000–12 7.1

488

Total10 Sections3 hours, 45

minutes

Multiple ChoiceGrid-Ins

Essay600–2400 1498

Experimental Multiple Choice1 Section Not Scored N/A

Mallard Creek 2012 College Bound Seniors - SAT Average:1431 Critical Reading Mean = 490,

Mathematics Mean= 482 Writing Mean= 459

Slide 10

• 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 10th grade

Slide 11

www.planstudent.orgWhat 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

Slide 12

Sample PLANScore Report

Contains 5 curriculum-based tests: the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science

Tests are standardized multiplechoice 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.

ACT: Overview and Purpose

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 11th graders will take the ACT @ Mallard

Creek March 5, 2013 for FREE!

Why take the ACT?

FORMAT/ TIME

English 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 20.5

The ACT at-a-Glance

Math 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 21.1

Reading 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 21.3

Science 1 Section Multiple Choice 1–36 20.9

Writing 1 Section Essay (Optional)1–36 20.82–12 7.1

4–5 Sections2 hrs, 55 minutes3 hrs, 25 minutes

Multiple Choice Essay

1–36 21.1NC: 21.9Total:

 Mallard Creek 2011 ACT Average Composite= 21.8English= 21.4 Mathematics = 22.0 Reading =

22.2 Science = 21.1

• ACT has “Science” reasoning questions.• ACT has some trigonometry questions.• SAT essay is required and first. • ACT essay is last and not always

required.• SAT is 20 minutes longer.

If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, you are eligible for 2 SAT and/or ACT fee waivers

If you take the SAT with a waiver you are eligible for 4 college fee application waivers- accepted by MOST 4 year colleges/universities

Fee Waivers

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.

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