WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
  Am I a pretty good reader?                                                                  ACT
  Do I excel at critical thinking?                                                            SAT
 Am I good at reading graphs and charts?                                   ACT
Do I like history?                                                                                         SAT
Do I like science?                                                                                        ACT
Do I have strong vocabulary skills?                                                SAT
Is my math level up to geometry and some trig?                     ACT
Can I handle algebra and data analysis?                                      SAT
 
Time:
Both take about the same amount of time. However, with the new optional writing sections, the SAT is about 10 minutes longer.
 
For reading sections
* SAT allows 13 minutes per passage/answer questions
# ACT allows 8 ½ minutes
 
Did you know that you can apply for Extra Time?
If you have a special need or circumstance, you can apply ahead for additional test taking time. Make a request through your school counselor. Documentation of a learning challenge or special circumstance must be submitted for both the ACT and SAT. In speaking to school counselors and school psychologists, extra time is generally more difficult to obtain from ACT than SAT. SAT is more generous in providing extra time to students with learning challenges and special needs.
 
Test Sections:
* SAT covers reading (science and history are included within some of the readings), English/language, math, optional essay
# ACT covers reading, English, math, and a specific science section, optional essay
 
 
Overall Number of Questions:
ACT has more questions than the SAT
 
Scoring:
*The new SAT is going back to 400-1600
#ACT is 1-36
 
What they test?
Reading/Vocabulary skills
*SAT overall is more challenging language, requires strong skills in evidence support, reasoning skills and analyzing specific details. It does include graphs and charts.
*SAT tests more complex vocabulary and requires the student to use contextual skills to obtain meanings of words.
 
# ACT tests overall reading comprehension and focuses more on the main ideas of passages, some inferencing skills required.
# ACT tests more nuances of words, as they are used in a sentence and they are not as challenging.
 
 
English/Language
* SAT requires some analysis, but covers the same material as the ACT
# ACT focuses on usage (grammar skills) and specific mechanics (punctuation)
 
 
Science
# ACT has a dedicated science section. You don’t necessarily have to be an expert in science, but it does require good reading comprehension skills and skill in reading charts and graphs.
 
Math
* SAT has become more straight forward like the ACT
* SAT has a section that allows you to use a calculator and one that does not
* SAT is focuses heavy on Algebra, data analysis and very little geometry
 
# ACT focuses more on geometry and trig
# ACT allows you to use a calculator, but it is not required nor necessary
 
Writing section is optional for both
*SAT requires the student to read, analyze and write without stating their opinion
# ACT wants the student to analyze and provide their own creative examples and offer their opinion.
 
Test Optional:
Did you know that more and more colleges are choosing to go test optional?
Since some research points to test scores as not a real indicator of college readiness, some colleges have made the decision to do away SAT and ACT scores as part of their application process. Take a look at the list of schools that are test optional...
https://www.fairtest.org/university/optional)
 
Recommendation…
I always recommend that students take a free practice test in both the ACT and SAT at your local prep center and decide which is the best fit given your learning style. With that said, these tests are important and take the test that you score higher on and more importantly---that you are comfortable sitting for!

If you’re a junior, you are crazed right now! Maybe some of you have finished AP or IB tests. With finals coming up, you may even have that end of the year project or essay to write. Once this is over, you can relax---you made it through your toughest year!

Ok, but before you gear up for summer, go to your College TO DO LIST!!!!

ASK 2-3 TEACHERS TO WRITE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
​
When to ask: NOW before school is out and you can get on top of their list
Who to ask: Core academic teachers
How to ask:  

1. Approach your teacher after class or after school (a time when they are not busy and have the time to listen to you!)
2. Yes, put yourself out there and ask face to face! 
3. You can follow up with an email after and tell them why you asked them and remind them a bit about your class and high school experiences.

Choose a teacher who…

• you know well 
• you just enjoyed their class and their teaching style
• took a special interest in you
• knows your personality
• understands your learning style
• knows your accomplishments
• will take the time to include specific detail about your skills and not just that you are a good student
• even if you didn’t get an A, this teacher saw that you were a hard worker and will write about your motivation and determination
• you know will write you a positive and honest letter 

Follow up:

• Check and make sure letters are written by early fall and ready to send out with your college applications! Send reminders to teachers if necessary.
• Don’t forget to email each teacher a thank you note to show your appreciation for taking the time to help you!

Contact us for help or any questions you might have…

1. Attend Freshman Orientation/Register for Fall Classes
*Check for early summer orientation/class registration. Some schools offer a few different choices to attend and some schools simply have freshman orientation the week before the start of school.
*Check your email for class registration updates from your college!

2. Send in your FINAL Transcript
*Some students are a bit surprised to learn that they are REQUIRED to send in final transcripts to your colleges.
*If you haven’t already, make a request through NAVIANCE.

3. Set Up Accommodations on campus ASAP
*I encourage my students and families if they haven’t already to send in documentation of your learning disabilities.
*Email a counselor in student support on campus and set up some time to speak on the phone or set up a face to face meeting.

4. Check with Housing for your MOVE IN Dates
*Some students require early move in so request it now!
*Check your email over the summer for dorm information and updates

5. Stay in touch with your new roommate(s) over the summer
*Who's bringing the TV, renting the refrigerator or microwave, bringing a rug???

Other reminders…particularly for students going long distance!
Book flights and hotels early!

• For some of my students going long distance, I recommend booking flights and hotels now for move in weekend. Hotels, especially in small college towns are sometimes few and far between and all book up quickly.
• I recommend that parents book flights and/or hotel for parents’ weekend since that also books up fast!  
• I highly recommend that parents book flights home for Thanksgiving ahead to avoid the surprise of high fares.

 
Bed Bath & Beyond Pack and Hold

• I like to remind students who are especially going long distance to use Bed Bath & Beyond’s Pack and Hold Service.
• ​Finally, a chance to have fun selecting all your dorm needs ahead of time and pick it up in your college town.
• They offer a 20% discount on your purchase.
• Check out their website!

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/page/College