Now's time to grasp the ABCs of SAT and ACT

As high school seniors finish their applications and begin the waiting game, it’s time for juniors to take the first steps in the college admissions process.

Last week I discussed two of the five areas where high school juniors and their families should be dedicating their time: college search and transcript review. This week’s column focuses on testing. Next week I’ll cover extracurricular activities and summer plans.
Juniors should have received the results of their October PSATs by now. If you haven’t seen them, first ask your child. Some students are reluctant to share their scores.

To get the scores, contact the high school guidance office. Review the score report and see how your student’s scores match up with the middle 50 percent SAT scores of the colleges of greatest interest. The middle 50 percent means that 25 percent of accepted students scored above the highest number and 25 percent scored below the lowest number.
Discuss test preparation needs and options; there are free online services, test prep books, classes and private tutors. Also, when researching colleges, make note of which ones require or recommend SAT Subject Tests. If appropriate, plan to take these tests at the end of junior year or in the fall of senior year.

There are big differences between the ACT (www.act.org) and the SAT (www.collegeboard.com). Many families have a difficult time deciding which test is better suited for their children. Here’s a primer:

SAT – reasoning test based on logic, tests critical thinking

Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes.
10 sections (3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing – including the essay and 1 experimental section that is not graded);
more focused on vocabulary than grammar.
Has a guessing penalty; you lose .25 point for every wrong answer.
Uses tricky language and phrasing.
Better suited for students with strong deductive reasoning and naturally strong test-takers.
New single test day score option; previously all test scores were sent.ACT – tests students’ skill levels in English, math, reading and science
ACT – tests students’ skill levels in English, math, reading and science
Length: 3 hours and 25 minutes, including the optional Writing Test.
4 sections/5 with optional writing (English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing).
Includes a science section; math section tests trigonometry; English section tests grammar.
No wrong answer penalty.
Straightforward language and questions.
Score Choice option – students select their single highest composite score to be sent to colleges.
Remember that testing is just one component of a student’s application. Other factors such as rigor of coursework, grades, rank in class, letter(s) of recommendation, essays, extracurricular activities, summer experiences and interviews weigh in to paint a more complete picture of each candidate.
More Information
• Test Prep Resources
www.kaptest.com – 800-KAP-TEST (800-527-8378)
www.princetonreview.com – 800-273-8439
www.number2.com – free online test prep services