For the 2011-2012 school year, all high school Juniors will be required to take a college-level entrance exam by the end of the year. There are a number of options: ACT, SAT, COMPASS, & ACCUPLACER tests which will meet this requirement. Which test is right for you depends on your future goals as well as current skill set. Below is some general info about the ACT & SAT exams. (If attending a junior college, the Compass test would be a good option to examine and it is free of charge to take as well).

Comparing the ACT and SAT (from thecollegeprep.com)

While the ACT and SAT Reasoning test have similar subject areas like math, reading, and English sections, there are significant differences in material and how they are scored.  The ACT is a curriculum based test which covers material the high school student should have learned in class. 

The SAT Reasoning test is more like an aptitude test, testing the student’s problem solving and reasoning skills.    Hence, the questions on the SAT can be trickier and require more thought. 
Another major difference is the ACT includes a science section and an optional essay section which is calculated separately.  On the SAT, there is no science section and the essay is included and calculated into the final writing score.

Finally, the ACT consists of only multiple choice questions, and there is no penalty if the student answers incorrectly.  On the SAT, an incorrect answer will incur a penalty of an additional quarter point off the score composition.

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36 while the SAT is scored on a scale of 600-2400.  The average score on the ACT in 2008 was a 21.1 while the average score on the SAT in 2008 was a 1511.  The SAT includes an essay in the writing score, whereas the ACT essay is optional and scored separately on a scale of 0-12.

At a glance:

Most colleges will accept either test or both.  Some colleges will require one or the other. 

Which Test to Take

Given the opportunity, it is best to take both tests and then submit the relatively better score of the two for college admissions.  On average, students do equally well on either test.  However, for students aspiring to score much higher than average, it may not be possible to study rigorously for both tests without affecting other academic interests such as g.p.a. and extra-curricular activities.  Given the time constraints on highly active students today, it may be better to begin focusing their efforts on a single test to achieve the highest score possible.

Students should consider taking the ACT if:

• They do well on school assignments
• They thoroughly understand concepts taught in class
• Have good analytical and comprehension skills
• Have taken trigonometry or higher math
• Have taken mainstream science classes

The ACT covers a broad range of subjects, so it is important the student comprehend and remember what was taught in school.  The questions on the ACT are straight forward and measure a student’s direct knowledge and analytical skills.  Typically the student will know the answer or how to solve the problem quickly.  When potentially new concepts are presented, particularly in the science section, the students ability to comprehend the material, then apply that knowledge to answer the questions correctly is all that is needed.

Students should consider taking the SAT if:

• They have good memorization skills
• Good logic and problem solving skills
• Have taken geometry or higher math
• Regularly read books outside of school
• Have a good vocabulary and writing skills

The SAT covers a narrower range of subjects, but is presented in a way that requires careful thought.  Questions on the test often present additional information that is unnecessary to answer them correctly.  Other questions ask the student to select only the “best” answer, even when the other answers are possible.  Students with strong reasoning and problem solving skills can often answer a question correctly even when they do not have direct knowledge of the subject at hand.  Sometimes by eliminating choices that are incorrect, the student can narrow down the correct answer.

Summary

Deciding which test to take will require the student to reflect on their academic history, how they progressed through school, their learning style, and personality.  If they are more comfortable with facts and figures, then the ACT may be the right choice.  If they enjoy solving problems given many variables, then the SAT may be the better choice.

Sometimes the best way to choose which test to take is to have the student take them both unofficially.  Have them take a practice test under the same timed conditions as the actual test.   Tally the scores and see how they compare to national averages, then determine which score is relatively “higher”.  Also take into consideration the student’s comfort level for each test.  This is a subjective measure that only the student will understand and may be the only determining factor.

If this is the FIRST time you've registed for the ACT/SAT, be sure that you have the following:

1. Valid Credit card or Debit Card

2. Time - Plan on at least 45 minutes to an hour to get through this initial process.

3. Valid email address - make certain you can access it before you apply!!

4. Castleford's High School Code - 130-100  (write this number down now)!!

IF YOU QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCHES - ASK MR BOSTOCK ABOUT GETTING A WAIVER TO TAKE THE TEST FOR FREE. (note: I have one left. When it is gone I can and will order more!)

Practice for ACT & SAT Exams (Seniors & Juniors)

These tests are meant to give you some idea of what to expect when taking the ACT & SAT exams, though, taking the exam is the only sure-fired way to find out how you will do.  A recommendation is that if you take the ACT and/or SAT and are not satisfied with your results, practice, study, and set up another time. You can find the available schedules for both tests above!