The Current SAT, the New SAT, and the ACT

Erikka GoffGeorgetown Learning Centers

Structure

Content

Scoring

Registration

Score Choice

Current SAT

10 sections, ranging from 10-25 minutes

3 hours, 45 minutes plus breaks

Current SAT Structure

Critical Reading-3 sections ◦ Vocabulary◦ Reading Comprehension

Math-3 sections◦ Number properties and operations, Algebra 1,

Algebra 2 and Geometry Writing-2 multiple choice sections and 1

essay◦ Essay always first section◦ Grammar multiple choice questions

Current SAT Content

Each section scored out of 800 points. Total of 2400 points

Average SAT Score is 1490 points Guessing penalty

◦ Correct answers-1 point◦ Blank answers-0 points◦ Wrong answers-lose ¼ point

Current SAT Scoring

Register at www.collegeboard.org Register early to get a good test location Scores are available 3-4 weeks after SAT

administration SAT Score Choice allows students to choose

which test dates are sent to colleges Super-scoring: taking the highest score from

each section, across test dates

Registration/Score Choice

Structure

Content

Scoring

Registration

ACT

Five sections, 30 to 60 minutes each

Total time: 3 hours and 35 minutes, including optional 40 minute essay

ACT Structure

English-45 minutes◦ Passage-based questions in grammar,

punctuation, writing style, and clarity◦ 5 passages, 75 questions

Math-60 minutes◦ 60 multiple choice questions◦ Topics include Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry

and Trigonometry Reading-35 minutes

◦ 4 long passages (Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science)

ACT Content

Science-35 minutes◦ 7 passages on Data Representation, Research

Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints◦ No outside science knowledge required

Essay-optional, 40 minutes◦ Essay gives students a topic and 3 perspectives

on that topic◦ Strongly recommend essay, some colleges require

it

ACT Content (cont.)

“Rights only scoring” ◦ 1 point correct◦ 0 point incorrect◦ 0 point blank

Each of 4 sections is scored 1-36 4 sections are averaged for composite score

out of 36 points Average ACT Score is 21

ACT Scoring

Visit actstudent.org to register

Register early for a good test location

The ACT will send only the test date that you designate, so wait until you receive all scores before choosing which test dates to send

ACT Registration

Why is the SAT Changing?◦ ACT has been growing in popularity

◦ In 2012, more students took the ACT than the SAT

◦ General sentiment that SAT is a “tricky test” that relies on logic and test taking strategy, not course content

The Changing SAT

Broad Strokes-what are the major changes?◦ Eliminates writing section, scores will return to

1600◦ Eliminates guessing penalty. 4 answer choices

instead of 5.◦ Two “cross-test scores” in Science and Social

Studies◦ Eliminates most vocab◦ Essay now optional◦ Added non-calculator section

The Changing SAT

Current SAT

New SAT ACT

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3 hours, 50 minutes (including 50 minute essay)

Sections in predictable order: Reading, Language, Non-calculator Math, Calculator Math, Essay

New SAT Structure

Evidence Based Reading and Writing◦ 65 minute reading section

4 single passages and 1 paired passage Includes data tables, charts, infographics “No Vocab” but some vocab in context

◦ 35 minute Writing and Language Section 4 passages Passage-based questions relate to editing, grammar

and punctuation

New SAT Content

Math◦ Non-calculator-25 min.◦ Calculator-55 min◦ Heavy emphasis on Algebra◦ Includes trig concepts

Essay◦ Optional 50 minute essay◦ Requires student to read a long passage and write

an analysis

New SAT Content (cont.)

Evidence Based Reading and Writing: 200-800 points

Math: 200-800 points Cumulative score: 400-1600 points Essay scored separately Cross test scores do not factor into

cumulative scores No penalty for guessing

New SAT Scoring

What should I do?

I am a senior The SAT won't change until the spring

Current SAT or ACT

I'm a sophomore or youngerYou don't have as many math and reading skills as you should to take the test (even if

you're in advanced math!)

New SATor ACT

I'm a junior that has completed Algebra 2

You have the math and reading skills necessary to take the current SAT

Current SAT or ACT, but remember that you have the back-up option to

take the new SAT in the spring

I'm a junior that has not taken Algebra 2

You (probably) don't have the math skills to take the SAT now

New SAT in the spring or ACT*

When should I register and test?Junior Fall

• Start preparing for the current SAT or ACT

• If you're ready, try the current SAT in October or November

• Take as many advanced, honors, and AP classes that you can

Junior Winter & Spring

• Take current SAT in December or January, or ACT anytime

• In the spring, try the new SAT if you're not happy with old SAT scores

• Visit colleges• Take SAT

Subject Tests in May or June if required (can't take SAT and Subj test on the same day)

• AP Tests in May

Senior Summer

• Write college essays and start applications

• Ask for teacher recommendations before summer break

• Finalize list of colleges

• Final SAT/ACT prep for a fall test

SAT and SAT Subject Test Dates ACT Test Dates

October 3, 2015 September 12, 2015

November 7, 2015 October 24, 2015

December 5, 2015 December 12, 2015

January 23, 2016 February 6, 2016

March 5, 2016* (SAT only) April 9, 2016

May 7, 2016* June 11, 2016

June 4, 2016*

SAT & ACT 2015-2016: Test Dates

*New SAT Version

October 2015 PSAT will be similar to new SAT◦ Good way for students to preview the test◦ ACPS pays for all sophomores and juniors to take

the test◦ Administered at school on Oct. 14th

National Merit Scholarship◦ Juniors’ scores can qualify them for National Merit

scholarship◦ Score cutoff changes yearly but generally about

95th percentile

New PSAT

ACT can be a good option since the test is not changing

Don’t wait for the New SAT unless you’re limited by math

Challenges of ACT vs. New SAT◦ ACT-timing and science section◦ New SAT-difficulty of ‘tricky’ problems, no-

calculator math section, unfamiliar evidence-based questions

Diagnostics are helpful in the initial decision making process

Closing thoughts

Take a free SAT vs. ACT practice test at Georgetown Learning Centers.

Pick a test date, keeping AP’s, course load, sports, etc. in mind.

Register at www.collegeboard.org or www.actstudent.org

Study!

What’s next?

Erikka GoffDirectorGeorgetown Learning Centers434-296-5111erikka.goff@glclearn.com

Questions?