Why Take Standardized Tests?
Standardized testing is an important part of the college admissions process. It also plays a role in determining who gets certain types of financial aid. Colleges will accept either test, so how do you decide which test to take?
At SOAR we offer diagnostic tests so that students can decide if the SAT or ACT is the better test for them to take. Although colleges will accept either test, we do not recommend that students study for both. Once the best test is determined, we have a complete SAT/ACT Test Prep Program that includes online prep, and for local students an in-person Boot Camp. This program also includes a workshop in writing the test essays-both SAT and ACT.
Now let’s take a look at the two tests.
The SAT Test
The SAT made its redesigned debut in March of 2016. The changes represent the biggest changes in 30 years. The content of the new SAT is quite similar to the content of the ACT and is designed to match the current focus on Common Core Standards.
The math section contains 3 main areas of concentration including Algebra, problem solving and data analysis and advanced expressions. The majority of the math section does not allow calculators. It requires a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts including trigonometry and is primarily made up of “word problems”. It allows 80 minutes for 58 questions and is worth 800 points.
The evidence-based reading and writing section tests your ability to understand complex passages and identify words in context. It contains lengthy passages, info graphics and “command of evidence” questions. This section allows 65 minutes to answer 52 questions.
The writing section tests your grammar and argument -building abilities and you have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions. The essay section is now optional, although we recommend that students always do the essay since some colleges will require it (The UCs, for example). You will have 50 minutes to write. You will read a long passage and then craft an evidence-based essay. This is quite a different format than the ACT.
The good news is that there are no penalties for wrong answers, there are only 4 answer choices, and there is less emphasis on vocabulary. The bad news is that questions will require multiple steps to get answers, basic math skills and critical thinking skills will be more important.
The ACT Test
The ACT consists of four multiple choice tests and an optional writing section. (Once again, we recommend that most students do the writing section). Besides English and Mathematics, the ACT also includes Reading and Science. Each section is timed, and one of the biggest challenges on the ACT is finishing the test. The English section has 75 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. The ACT math section includes Algebra 1 and 2, and geometry. But the ACT also includes some trigonometry. It is important to remember also, that the ACT does not penalize for guessing, so you should answer all the questions. The Composite Score is 1-36 (average of 4 sections). The national average is around 21. The Writing section has been changed and now asks the students to do a lot more. The old essay was an exercise in persuasion, and the new essay now adds analysis to the persuasion. Students are given three perspectives on an issue and asked to “evaluate and analyze” the three perspectives, “state and develop” their own perspective, and “explain the relationship” between their perspective and the given perspectives.
As part of our test prep program, we offer writing workshops to help students improve the writing section of both the SAT and the ACT.
Subject Tests
Some colleges also require the SAT Subject Tests. Each university determines which test is required (if any). These tests should be taken when the content is freshest in the student’s mind. It may be after a Biology class or when AP History is completed. The best plan for each student varies.
Sending Scores
We suggest that the best time to submit scores is about a month before the application deadline. This deadline may vary with each school. Students should call the college and get the specifics. It is important to remember that sometimes it take 3-5 weeks for the scores to be sent to the college once the request is made. We recommend that you do not send your scores until you see them. There is a fee to send test scores, so try to send them only once.
What test preparation program should I use?
There are many ways to approach the preparation process. There are seat-based programs, or online programs. There are free programs or costly programs. The best program for a particular student, depends on the student. We offer diagnostic test prep that includes an in-person seminar on writing the essay. Send us an email if you are interested in more information about our test-prep program.
