ACT and SAT Prep Getting Started

2013-2014Hyman

Other Notable Differences

• The SAT gives you 13 seconds longer per question than the ACT. Seconds per question. If you average out the number of questions over the total time of the test, the SAT gives you 62 seconds per problem, while the ACT only gives you 49. That’s almost 25% more time on EVERY question!

• The ACT can act as waiver to the FCAT if and only if you reach a composite score 19 or higher.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the ACT

But were afraid to ask….

What is the ACT?

• Acronym for American College Testing

• 3 hours and 25 minutes of standardized test-taking awesomeness

• Developed in 1959 by E.F. Lindquist – Professor of Education at the University of Iowa

Special Skills Needed to take the ACT1. Can you carry a form of photo ID?2. Can you stay awake for 3 hours and 25 minutes?3. Can you read?4. Can you fill in little bubbles?5. Can you flip pages?6. Do you remember everything you ever learned about

math, reading, science, and grammar? No worries! We’ll at least cover the reading and grammar!

7. Do you know to efficiently move through a long standardized test? No worries! We’ll cover strategies too!

8. Do you know what is appropriate test-taking attire? How to snack effectively? How to sit properly? Yup! We’ll cover that too!

ACT Questions

EnglishUsage/Mechanics 40 Questions

Rhetorical Skills 35 Questions

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra/ Elementary Algebra 24 Questions

Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry 18 Questions

Plane Geometry/Trigonometry 18 Questions

Reading

Prose Fiction 10 Questions

Social Science 10 Questions

Humanities 10 Questions

Natural Science 10 Questions

Science

Data Representation 15 Questions

Research Summaries 18 Questions

Conflicting Viewpoints 7 Questions

Why is Preparation Important?

Reasons to Prep for the ACTRandom Pep Talks…

• “I see resumes all the time from people who didn’t study and did poorly on the ACT. They went to not-so-challenging colleges where they didn’t have to do any work. So they spent their time playing Frisbee golf, which they always call “frolfing.” At the top of their resumes, they write that they are “Insane Frolfers.” Most of these people end up frolfing alone in the sewers.” – Human Resources Director

Reasons to Prep for the ACTRandom Pep Talks…

• “I’m clocking about three hours of ACT prep per night. My walls are covered in problems that I’ve gotten wrong. I called them my “Walls of Shame.” I weep when I look at my Walls of Shame. When I take the test, I am going to get most of the questions correct. Because the test is graded on a curve, I am making it much harder for you to get even a decent score. If you don’t study harder, your average standard performance will give you a less-than-average, less-than-standard score. I can’t believe I’ve wasted this much study time talking to you. Now I’ll have to punish myself by staring at my Wall of Shame.” – High School Kid Who is Studying WAY Harder Than You!

Reasons to Prep for the ACTRandom Pep Talks…

• “If you don’t study for this test and do well, I’m going to punch you will my fist.” – Fifth Grade Bully

• If you don’t study for this test and do well, I’m going to post a video on YouTube of you getting punched by a fifth grader. I’m gonna add background music by mau5trap and some slo-mo visual effects and it’s gonna go viral.” – Tenth Grade Bully

Prep for Everything!

• Be prepared with the supplies you need: – Admission ticket– Valid ID– Sharpened #2 Pencils (at least 2 with erasers)– Calculator

• Be prepared for the unthinkable:– If you discover that your desk or work space has a

noticeable flaw (a wobbly chair, a sticky desktop, etc), immediately tell the proctor, who should be able to help you out!

The Score on Scoring

What is a “good score” on the ACT?

Each section of the ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36. Then the four sections are averaged to give you a composite score

between 1 and 36. If you score a 36, then you are thrown a parade and given hugs and cake.

If you score a 1, then you’re kicked out of school.

Seriously, What’s a good score?

• If you are aiming for Harvard, you may want a 34 or higher. If you’re aiming for UCF, you should know that currently the average score of incoming freshman is a 27.1; however, you may not even be considered if you score below an 18.

• The most important thing you should know is that this score DOES NOT exist in a vacuum! Your score will ALWAYS be considered along with your grades, your curriculum and your letters of recommendation!

ACT Scores of Famous Americans

• 18 – William Faulkner• 20 – John Cena• 21 – Marilyn Monroe• 21 – Marilyn Manson• 26 – Lyndon B. Johnson• 30 – Barack Obama• 32 – Steve Jobs• 34 – Waka Flocka Flame• 35 – Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor• 36 – John Cena (He took it twice.)

How Will You Get Your Scores?

• When You sign up for the test, you will create an ACT Web account at www.actstudent.org. Your scores should be available on the website within four weeks of taking the test.

• If your score is delayed, it is important that you pull all the hair out of your head and run screaming through the streets. This is the only guaranteed way to speed up getting your score.

• If your score takes longer than eight weeks, call the ACT at 319-337-1313 and let out a loud, prolonged scream into the phone. I can’t guarantee results, but at least you will have tried…

Time to Focus!

Practice, Practice, Practice

• Set a Goal• Make a schedule• Study with friends• Treat practice tests like the real thing

Set a Goal

• Do your research! • Decide what you want to do with your life! What

types of things interest you? Look at different colleges based on your interests, NOT on which is the best party school!

• Decide what score you need to shoot for on the ACT. Write that number as big as you can on a sheet of paper and tack it up to your wall. Keep it there to remind you of what you need to work toward!

Make a Schedule

Class of 2015 GRADUATING SENIORS

• You really should take the ACT on December 14. If you aren’t happy with your score, that gives you two more chances to take this assessment prior to graduation!

• Focus your schedule around that date. Every week focus on another aspect of this test.

• Your registration deadline is November 8.

.

Make a Schedule

Class of 2015 SOON TO BE GRADUATING JUNIORS

• You really should take the ACT on June 14. If you aren’t happy with your score, that gives you all of next year to take this assessment prior to graduation!

• Focus your schedule around that date. Every week focus on another aspect of this test.

• Your registration deadline is May 9.

.

Study with Friends

• There is an old adage, “Misery loves company.” No one ever said studying for the ACT was going to be fun. In fact, it’s a little miserable, studying with friends will make it a little less miserable. Just make sure that you’re able to concentrate!

Treat Practice Tests Like the Real Thing

• PUT UP YOUR CELL PHONE!• SET A TIMER!• TURN OFF THE MUSIC!• TURN OFF THE TV!• SIT UP STRAIGHT!• GO SOMEWHERE QUIET! (e.g. the LIBRARY!)

Seriously!