Colleges are still working out how they will use the writing sections on the SAT Reasoning and ACT tests, and how they will interpret those scores. Students should ask the colleges to which they will be applying what their policy will be regarding the writing section of the SAT Reasoning test and ACT and how their scores should be reported (as a composite or as separate scores for Reading, Math, and Writing) if it is not clear on the application.

If they haven’t already, seniors should take the ACT and/or SAT Reasoning and Subject tests by January at the latest, to allow the scores to reach the colleges to which they are applying. Taking the standardized test(s) earlier in the fall leaves some wiggle room for taking it a second time if desired.

Juniors will be taking the PSAT in October, and they can use those results, as well as the results from the PLAN they took sophomore year, to prepare for taking the ACT and/or SAT Reasoning and Subject tests in the spring of junior year.

ACT TEST DATES 2010-2011

Register at www.actstudent.org

Judge's school code = 450375

Reminders about test taking

1. Check each college for its requirements concerning which test(s) it requires.

2. Allow six weeks to register before the test date and expect to wait 3-6 weeks to receive scores.

3. All colleges expect official score reports from the testing agency except in state universities. Do this when you register or later by phone or online. Extra reports ordered after registration will cost a certain amount.

4. SAT Subject tests are not offered on all SAT Reasoning test dates; check test dates carefully when planning the taking of your tests in time for application deadlines.

5. When scores are requested from College Board, all scores from a student’s previous testing dates will be sent, though colleges look only at the highest scores. ACT sends only the scores from a specific test date.

Suggestions for Which Tests to Take and When

1. If a student is planning to stay in-state, she or he may only need to take the ACT, as Utah colleges prefer it. However, the college counselors recommend students compare their PLAN and PSAT results to see which test they performed more strongly on. This could indicate which test to take if only taking one.

2. It is recommended to take the SAT or ACT at least once the spring of junior year. If looking at colleges out of state it may be helpful to take both tests so you can compare the scores. If you did better on one over the other, then you can take only that one a second time, in the fall of senior year. Other variations are possible—some students want to take both tests multiple times; colleges will consider the highest scores. If a student plans on applying with early application deadlines all testing must be finished by October of senior year; see the college counselors for further planning.

3. Take the SAT Subject tests in May or June of the year in which you take the subject. These tests include college-level information, and should generally be taken only after completing an AP course in a subject. Some students use December of senior year to improve scores in certain subjects.

4. Now that the SAT includes a writing section, some colleges that already required subject tests are requiring only two subject tests instead of three. Others are requiring three. It is essential to look up the requirements for each school to which you’re applying.

THE SAT AND OPTIONAL WRITING ACT

SAT TEST: The critical reading section includes short as well as long Critical Reading passages. Questions from advanced algebra will be included. There is a writing section with multiple choice questions on grammar and a 25-minute essay. The three sections will be scored between 200 and 800 each, for a total potential score of 2400. Please note, however, that colleges are not sure how they will be using the writing section yet, and so they may still be reporting SAT averages using the old composite score of 1600.

The ACT also offers a writing section, though it remains optional. The colleges that plan to use the writing section on the new SAT will also want to see the student’s writing on the ACT. There is no general rule that will apply to every college yet. This means that students will have to check with each college about their specific test requirements—whether they will require the ACT and/or the SAT reasoning test, and whether they will require any SAT subject tests.

The Essay College Board gives information about the rubric that will be used for scoring the essays on the SAT Reasoning test on their website: www.collegeboard.com. Students should keep in mind that they’re not going to be expected to produce a perfect piece of writing in 25 minutes. But while the essay graders expect to see a few minor mistakes, they also expect an organized and readable piece of writing that makes an argument supported by real examples.

STEP 1: Think about the topic. (2 minutes) Don’t write anything yet. The prompt is going to be very broad. To narrow it down, you’ll need to: • Pick a side: Decide whether to agree or disagree with the topic statement. • Choose your examples: Use two or three examples from personal experience, current events, history, the arts, or science and technology to support your position. • Use specific evidence: Cite evidence to support your example. STEP 2: Organize your paragraphs. (5 minutes) • First paragraph: Clearly state your argument. Briefly mention the evidence that you’re going to cite in support of that argument. • Middle paragraphs (2-3): Explore and explain your evidence in detail; show how it supports the argument. • Last paragraph: Briefly summarize your argument. STEP 3: Write your essay. (15 minutes) To write your strongest essay, follow your outline. You also need to write clearly and concisely, using complete sentences and proper grammar. STEP 4: Fix and mistakes. (2 minutes) Hopefully, all you’ll need to do is fix minor grammatical and/or spelling errors, change a few words here and there, and maybe add a sentence or two for clarity’s sake.

LEARNING YOUR WAY AROUND THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

While there seems to be a great deal of emphasis on college entrance exams, they are only one of the many factors colleges look at in making their final decisions. Very large universities often place more emphasis on test scores since the high number of applications makes thorough review of other features less likely. Most colleges count high school program difficulty and performance as more important in making admission decisions than admissions tests. Some of these tests are used in the admission process as indications of academic potential; some are used for educational placement; others are designed as preliminary opportunities to develop good test-taking skills. Many students choose to take the tests more than once to enhance their scores. Be sure to find out which exams are required by the colleges you are considering, particularly now that the SAT has changed and the ACT now offers the optional writing test. The following descriptions may be helpful in understanding more about college admission testing.

PLAN: The PLAN is a comprehensive assessment service designed to help tenth graders make academic and college plans, as well as practice for the ACT. All JMCHS sophomores take the test in October. The PLAN consists of (1) a battery of four tests of educational development, (2) an interest inventory, (3) a study skills assessment, and (4) a questionnaire about students’ educational and career plans, background, and special educational needs.

PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT): The PSAT measures verbal, quantitative (math), and writing ability, and offers practice for the SAT Reasoning test. All JMCHS juniors take the test in October on our all-school testing day. Only juniors can be considered for the National Merit Scholarship and recognition, based on their scores and the performance of other juniors in Utah.

SAT Reasoning Test: The SAT measures verbal, quantitative (math), and now writing ability. It is administered periodically during the year at designated test centers in Utah and throughout the U.S. and is required by many colleges and sponsors of scholarship programs. We recommend you take the SAT in the spring of your junior year and retake it, if necessary, the fall of your senior year. For registration materials and test dates, go to the Counseling Center or www.collegeboard.com.

SAT Subject Tests: These are one-hour tests that measure your knowledge and skills in a particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge. Subject tests fall into five general areas: English, history and social studies, mathematics, science, and foreign languages. The writing subject test will no longer be offered as the new SAT now has a writing section. Most of the (highly selective) colleges that require subject tests will allow students to choose the three they wish to take. Students should check individual college requirements for test requirements and plan appropriate times to take these tests. For example, if you’re studying for an AP Biology test, it’s a good idea to take the Subject test in biology around the same time. You can register for up to three subject tests on one national test date, but you cannot take the Reasoning test and the Subject test(s) on the same day. You can register with paper forms in the Counseling Center or go to www.collegeboard.com.

ACT: The ACT is more achievement-oriented than the SAT, measuring acquired skills and knowledge in English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Like the SAT, it is required of applicants by many colleges and sponsors of scholarship programs. Most colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT, and many take the highest score of the two. We recommend you take the ACT the spring of your junior year and retake it, if necessary, in the fall of your senior year. For registration materials and national test dates, see Ms. Alamilla in the Counseling Center or go to www.act.org.

Extended Time SAT and ACT: If a student is unable to complete the regular SAT/ACT in the three hours allotted and has a documented learning disability, he/she may apply for an extended time administration of either test. Students who may benefit from or qualify for this option should check with Mr. Burchett for information, well in advance of test registration deadlines.

Advanced Placement (AP): A college may permit an incoming freshman to skip or even receive credit for an introductory course if she/he demonstrates readiness for an advanced course, through an acceptable score on the Advanced Placement exam given by the College Board in a certain subject area. These exams are graded from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and many colleges grant advanced placement and/or credit for a score of 3 or better, though many highly selective colleges require a 4 or better. JMCHS currently offers 13 Advanced Placement courses.