Testing Information - FLCS Guidance

Testing Information

1. SAT and ACT - either accepted at most colleges. However, one test or the other may be more common in different areas of the country. Take both the spring of your junior year. You can repeat the test with the better score to improve your chances of college acceptance and scholarship opportunities. Your PLAN (pre-ACT) and PSAT (pre-SAT) will help you determine which test might be best for you. Some colleges require SAT II. The ACT is offered as the ACT Assessment or the ACT Assessment Plus Writing (a 30-minute essay). Check your particular college for entrance requirements.

2. SAT/ACT? How are they different?

a. SAT consists of only two sections: a verbal section measuring critical reading and a math section for problem solving, plus a mandatory writing section and essay

ACT includes four test areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning to assess higher order thinking skills and critical reasoning skills, plus an essay if registered for the ACT Assessment Plus Writing

b. SAT is designed to measure verbal and math reasoning abilities, regardless of how these subjects have been taught in school.

ACT is designed to measure how well students have learned their high school's English, math, reading, and science curriculum.

c. SAT - Incorrect answers are penalized 25%, so it may make sense to skip a question if you can't eliminate some of the answer choices.

ACT - Incorrect answers are not penalized, so if you don't know an answer, it makes sense to guess.

d. SAT - Maximum scores are 800 on verbal, 800 on math, 800 on writing section

ACT - The maximum score on each section is 36. The ACT also generates a composite score (with a maximum of 36) that is the average of the four test scores to reflect overall performance on the test.

e. See page 7 to compare SAT and ACT score numbers.

2. Apply online for both the SAT and the ACT

SAT - www.collegeboard.com

ACT - www.actstudent.org

Don't wait until the deadline; you might not get your first choice of test site. Applying online in fast and efficient. You will need a credit card and our school code: 100489. You will need to pick a test site location and send your scores to all colleges on your long list. You are allowed four colleges for SAT and four for ACT as part of your basic testing fee. Others scores sent require an additional fee. The codes for test sites and colleges are on the website and also in the hard copy applications found in the guidance office. See page 5 for test dates.

3. Preparing yourself for the SAT or ACT

a. Familiarize yourself with the test format and testing process by reading the testing informational packets.

b. Take the sample test in the informational packet. Score your test and review the items you skipped or answered incorrectly. Ask for help from parents, teachers, and relatives to figure out why you got those items wrong and what you need to learn to answer similar items correctly in the future.

c. Prepare yourself physically to do your best on the day of the test. Be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before the test. Eat a good breakfast (not sweets) before leaving for the testing site in the morning.

d. Do what you can to avoid stress on testing day. The day before the test, be sure to organize everything you need: test admission card, directions to testing site (You might want to even visit the test site before your testing date to make sure you know how to get there.), several sharp or mechanical pencils with good erasers, a healthy snack for your break time, etc. Be sure to leave with lots of extra time to get to the testing site to allow for problems with the directions, traffic jams, and so forth.

4. For higher test scores:

Taking college entrance exams more than once is often a means of preparation in itself. Take both the SAT and ACT at least once the spring of your junior year. You can repeat the test with the best score in June. Do SAT/ACT prep over the summer and repeat the test with the best score in early fall. Initial test results can expose weaknesses that further study can overcome the next time around, and taking the tests early also gives you another chance if you have a bad testing day or miss the exam. Carefully examine your PLAN and PSAT to reveal areas of weakness and study needs.

a. Independent study - Many test prep books are available at local bookstores, online test prep services, etc. They require some discipline to practice on your own. Here are just a few to choose from:

*1. College board's bookstore online - www.collegeboard.com

or 1-800-323-7155

-The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT

*2. Thomson/Peterson's online test prep for SAT and/or ACT

-offered through FLCS

-One year's access to individualized computer study program

3. Kaplans - www.kaptest.com, 1-800-kap-item

-Kaplan's Higher Score on the SAT and ACT (CD rom)

-SAT Success 2005 - book

-ACT Success 2005 - book

4. ACT online prep - www.act.org 1-319-337-1429

b. Courses - These courses can be very expensive, and the degree of success varies widely among student. Any quality preparation for these tests requires a considerable commitment from the student. When the student, not the parent, is the motivating factor in the selection of the test preparation, the results are usually much better.

Remember: There are no "quick fixes." Some courses "guarantee" an increase in test scores. Look at the fine print. If the promised results do not come, the refund policy is usually the opportunity to take the course again at no extra cost. In most cases, the scores will improve considerably as students simply take the tests throughout their junior and senior years. The College Board who administers the test states that the average increase over one year is a combined 40 points

1. Broward Community College - call Continuing Education at 954-201-2204

2. Personal tutoring to work on your areas of weakness

3. Kaplans - 1-800-kap-test -www.kaptest.com/college

4. Princeton Review

5. Ivy Bound Test Prep - info@ivybound.net or 1-877-975-1600

6. Marty Feldman's SAT prep (local) - 954-346-9445

5. Frequently Asked Questions About Testing:

a. How important are my scores in the college admission process? The answer is VERY! This testing is the one comparison between you and other students across the country that is standard. Colleges will also look at your class rank, high school classes taken and grades, your extracurricular activities, quality of your teacher/counselor recommendations, and personal essays in determining admissions.

b. How long does it take to get scores back? It takes about five weeks to get scores by mail. Colleges usually receive them about one week earlier. SAT does provide a "rush" service to colleges that saves about two weeks. You can also get your scores online or by phone early.

c. What happens if I miss the registration deadline? Both the SAT and the ACT offer students a late registration deadline, however, there is an additional fee. If you miss both deadlines, SAT and ACT both offer a "standby" option. You may "walk-in" to a test center and will be allowed to take the test if there is space available. There is also an additional fee for standby.

d. Can I "hide" a poor score or cancel a score? Testing registration allows you to send test scores to colleges. It is usually to your advantage to report scores to colleges of interest each time you register. The colleges will automatically use the highest scores in determining your admission status. And once you release any SAT score to a school, all the scores are automatically released. ACT only releases the score you pay to have released. Your scores are also put on your FLCS transcript. You can choose to have just your highest score noted, if you desire. Note: Make sure that every college where you apply has your highest score. You can "cancel" a test score, either the day of the test or early the following week. See your registration bulletins for specific details for SAT and ACT.

e. What type of identification do I need on test day? You will need you admission ticket and a current official photo ID (driver's license). If you do not have a driver's license, check with guidance about approved identification before your test day.

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Testing Information
1. SAT and ACT - either accepted at most colleges. However, one test or the other may be more common in different areas of the country. Take both the spring of your junior year. You can repeat the test with the better score to improve your chances of college acceptance and scholarship opportunities. Your PLAN (pre-ACT) and PSAT (pre-SAT) will help you determine which test might be best for you. Some colleges require SAT II. The ACT is offered as the ACT Assessment or the ACT Assessment Plus Writing (a 30-minute essay). Check your particular college for entrance requirements.
2. SAT/ACT? How are they different?
	a. SAT consists of only two sections: a verbal section measuring critical reading and a math section for problem solving, plus a mandatory writing section and essay ACT includes four test areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning to assess higher order thinking skills and critical reasoning skills, plus an essay if registered for the ACT Assessment Plus Writing b. SAT is designed to measure verbal and math reasoning abilities, regardless of how these subjects have been taught in school. ACT is designed to measure how well students have learned their high school's English, math, reading, and science curriculum. c. SAT - Incorrect answers are penalized 25%, so it may make sense to skip a question if you can't eliminate some of the answer choices. ACT - Incorrect answers are not penalized, so if you don't know an answer, it makes sense to guess. d. SAT - Maximum scores are 800 on verbal, 800 on math, 800 on writing section ACT - The maximum score on each section is 36. The ACT also generates a composite score (with a maximum of 36) that is the average of the four test scores to reflect overall performance on the test. e. See page 7 to compare SAT and ACT score numbers.
2. Apply online for both the SAT and the ACT
	SAT - www.collegeboard.com
	ACT - www.actstudent.org
	Don't wait until the deadline; you might not get your first choice of test site. Applying online in fast and efficient. You will need a credit card and our school code: 100489. You will need to pick a test site location and send your scores to all colleges on your long list. You are allowed four colleges for SAT and four for ACT as part of your basic testing fee. Others scores sent require an additional fee. The codes for test sites and colleges are on the website and also in the hard copy applications found in the guidance office. See page 5 for test dates.
3. Preparing yourself for the SAT or ACT
	a. Familiarize yourself with the test format and testing process by reading the testing informational packets. b. Take the sample test in the informational packet. Score your test and review the items you skipped or answered incorrectly. Ask for help from parents, teachers, and relatives to figure out why you got those items wrong and what you need to learn to answer similar items correctly in the future. c. Prepare yourself physically to do your best on the day of the test. Be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before the test. Eat a good breakfast (not sweets) before leaving for the testing site in the morning. d. Do what you can to avoid stress on testing day. The day before the test, be sure to organize everything you need: test admission card, directions to testing site (You might want to even visit the test site before your testing date to make sure you know how to get there.), several sharp or mechanical pencils with good erasers, a healthy snack for your break time, etc. Be sure to leave with lots of extra time to get to the testing site to allow for problems with the directions, traffic jams, and so forth.
4. For higher test scores: Taking college entrance exams more than once is often a means of preparation in itself. Take both the SAT and ACT at least once the spring of your junior year. You can repeat the test with the best score in June. Do SAT/ACT prep over the summer and repeat the test with the best score in early fall. Initial test results can expose weaknesses that further study can overcome the next time around, and taking the tests early also gives you another chance if you have a bad testing day or miss the exam. Carefully examine your PLAN and PSAT to reveal areas of weakness and study needs.
	a. Independent study - Many test prep books are available at local bookstores, online test prep services, etc. They require some discipline to practice on your own. Here are just a few to choose from: 1. College board's bookstore online - www.collegeboard.com or 1-800-323-7155 -The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT 2. Thomson/Peterson's online test prep for SAT and/or ACT -offered through FLCS -One year's access to individualized computer study program 3. Kaplans - www.kaptest.com, 1-800-kap-item -Kaplan's Higher Score on the SAT and ACT (CD rom) -SAT Success 2005 - book -ACT Success 2005 - book 4. ACT online prep - www.act.org 1-319-337-1429
	b. Courses - These courses can be very expensive, and the degree of success varies widely among student. Any quality preparation for these tests requires a considerable commitment from the student. When the student, not the parent, is the motivating factor in the selection of the test preparation, the results are usually much better. Remember: There are no "quick fixes." Some courses "guarantee" an increase in test scores. Look at the fine print. If the promised results do not come, the refund policy is usually the opportunity to take the course again at no extra cost. In most cases, the scores will improve considerably as students simply take the tests throughout their junior and senior years. The College Board who administers the test states that the average increase over one year is a combined 40 points 1. Broward Community College - call Continuing Education at 954-201-2204 2. Personal tutoring to work on your areas of weakness 3. Kaplans - 1-800-kap-test -www.kaptest.com/college 4. Princeton Review 5. Ivy Bound Test Prep - info@ivybound.net or 1-877-975-1600 6. Marty Feldman's SAT prep (local) - 954-346-9445
5. Frequently Asked Questions About Testing:
	a. How important are my scores in the college admission process? The answer is VERY! This testing is the one comparison between you and other students across the country that is standard. Colleges will also look at your class rank, high school classes taken and grades, your extracurricular activities, quality of your teacher/counselor recommendations, and personal essays in determining admissions. b. How long does it take to get scores back? It takes about five weeks to get scores by mail. Colleges usually receive them about one week earlier. SAT does provide a "rush" service to colleges that saves about two weeks. You can also get your scores online or by phone early. c. What happens if I miss the registration deadline? Both the SAT and the ACT offer students a late registration deadline, however, there is an additional fee. If you miss both deadlines, SAT and ACT both offer a "standby" option. You may "walk-in" to a test center and will be allowed to take the test if there is space available. There is also an additional fee for standby. d. Can I "hide" a poor score or cancel a score? Testing registration allows you to send test scores to colleges. It is usually to your advantage to report scores to colleges of interest each time you register. The colleges will automatically use the highest scores in determining your admission status. And once you release any SAT score to a school, all the scores are automatically released. ACT only releases the score you pay to have released. Your scores are also put on your FLCS transcript. You can choose to have just your highest score noted, if you desire. Note: Make sure that every college where you apply has your highest score. You can "cancel" a test score, either the day of the test or early the following week. See your registration bulletins for specific details for SAT and ACT. e. What type of identification do I need on test day? You will need you admission ticket and a current official photo ID (driver's license). If you do not have a driver's license, check with guidance about approved identification before your test day.
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