College Admissions Testing

Megan PhillipsEndeavor Academics

The ACT

• Four sections:• English• Math• Reading• Science

• Each section is scored on a scale from 1 to 36.• Four sections averaged for composite score out of

36.• The national average for each section is roughly 21

The ACT Timeline and Section Breakdown

English Math Reading Science Essay

45 Minutes 60 Minutes 35 Minutes 35 Minutes 40 Minutes

75 Questions 60 Questions 40 Questions 40 Questions 1 Essay Prompt

ACT English

Usage/Mechanics• Asks students to evaluate:

• Punctuation• Grammar and Syntax• Sentence Structure

Rhetorical Skills• Asks students to evaluate:

• Writing Strategy• Organization• Style

ACT Math

Mathematics skills typically acquired through 11th grade:• Arithmetic• Algebra I & II • Geometry• Trigonometry

Important Tips• Questions are arranged by order of difficulty.• Only four trigonometry problems appear on the test.

ACT Reading

Section Structure and Passage Types• Prose Fiction• Social Science• Humanities• Natural Sciences

Important Tips• Tests reading comprehension in a multiple-choice format.• No vocabulary study necessary. • Routine practice to ensure proper speed and timing is

necessary.

ACT Science

Three passage formats:• Data Representation (graphs & tables)• Research Summaries (descriptions of related

experiments)• Conflicting Viewpoints (expressions of related

hypotheses or inconsistent viewpoints)

Important Tips:• Only basic knowledge of scientific terms and concepts

needed.• Section tests a student’s ability to quickly retrieve

information, not memorize data.

ACT Essay

Writing composition skills:• Well-developed point of view• Consideration of given perspectives• Use of specific examples• Sentence structure • Cogent essay structure

Important Tips:•The ACT essay is scored separately from the remainder of the exam.•Section tests a student’s ability to take a position and defend the position with relevant reasons and examples.

Changes to the ACT

• Expanded reporting categories-2016– STEM, English Language Arts, College Readiness

indicator, Test Complexity indicator

• Essay Changes-Fall 2015– 4 scores: ideas and analysis, development and

support, organization, language use– 3 perspectives

• Online testing-pilot in 2014, expanding in 2015

ACT Wrap-Up

• General Summary • The ACT is a 5-section test.• Assesses a student’s ability to work quickly over lengthy

periods.

• For Further Information visit http://www.actstudent.org

• ACT Test Dates: Saturdays in…• Fall: September, October, December• Spring: February, April, June

Which test(s) should I take?

• Take practice tests.

• Choose one test type (ACT or SAT current version or SAT new version).

• Consider your college list, particularly when deciding whether to take SAT Subject Tests.

SAT ACT

2380-2400 36

2290-2370 35

2220-2280 34

2140-2210 33

2080-2130 32

2020-2070 31

1980-2010 30

1920-1970 29

1860-1910 28

1800-1850 27

SAT ACT

1740-1790 26

1680-1730 25

1620-1670 24

1560-1610 23

1510-1550 22

1450-1500 21

1390-1440 20

1330-1380 19

1270-1320 18

1210-1260 17

SAT to ACT Conversion

When should I test?

• What was your sophomore year PSAT score?

• What is your junior year extracurricular schedule like?

• Unique to this year: which SAT format is a better fit for you?

• SAT Test Months• Fall: October, November, December• Spring: January, March, May, June

• ACT Test Months• Fall: September, November, December• Spring: February, April, June

Testing Timeline

Junior Year

Senior Year

Should I Prep?

• What are your current scores?

• What are the average scores at schools on your list?

• How do your grades compare to the average GPA of admitted students?

How should I prep?

• Do you have the time and discipline to self study?

Use real practice exams.

• If not, is your schedule flexible enough for a group class?

Group classes tend to be best for students with average starting scores.

Trends We’re Noticing

• Students are prepping earlier.

• ACT is significantly more popular this year.

• Students take official tests 2+ times.

• More families are choosing tutoring.

• More students are using accommodations.

Please feel free to reach out with questions!

Megan Phillips

megan@endeavoracademics.com

512-222-7281