College Education | Rachel's Learning Village

SATs and ACTs

There are two types of tests used for US College entrance: SATs and ACTs. These are two different types of testing. The former looks primarily at a student’s analytical, reasoning, or inference ability while the latter focuses on content or subject knowledge. The ACT is offered without a writing portion, but it is advisable to do the written portion. The tests are offered internationally. Also, they accommodate students with disabilities in the US and Canada with clear documentation from specified, certified professionals. The SAT website is http://sat.collegeboard.org/home and the ACT website is http://www.actstudent.org/index.html Be sure to check these sites for precise details.

Where and when are students tested?

There are tests held in the US, Canada and in other countries. In the US test registration is at least one month or more before the testing date. However, additional fees are paid for late registration. If you are registering from outside the US or Canada, be sure to check the International portion for testing, enter the country in which you wish to take the test (For example: Costa Rica), and note the place of testing (there were two places listed for Costa Rica). Be sure to take ID with you even in the US as well as several pencils (sharpened), erasers, and calculator (additional batteries).

The ACT with Writing

The ACT primarily focuses on subject content knowledge. The test is divided into three sections: Language which includes grammar, punctuation and verb conjugation (75 questions in 40 minutes), math (60 questions in 60 minutes), and science (40 questions in 30 minutes). Each section is timed. The written portion requires a student to write an essay in 30 minutes from a given topic.

Preparing for the ACT with Writing

There are several websites, online sample tests, and books available to prepare for the ACT with Writing. In addition, for US students there are tutoring programs and other preparatory classes offered in your local area for which you may sign up and in which you may participate.

Online ACT Preparation

The online ACT website ( http://www.actstudent.org/index.html ) is the best source of information for you and your student. Not only will it give you testing dates and locations, but it offers many helpful hints on how to take the test. For example, one of the fifteen tips they recommend is the POE – Process of Elimination. Another suggestion is that you answer the “easy” questions first as a way to manage your time. When doing the written portion, they recommend organizing your thoughts in the first five minutes of the available thirty minutes. Further, the site offers sample essay questions and in some cases sample answers showing grade and skill level expected. Overall, the online sample test worked well when we tried it, and my student noted the need to read all instructions and multiple choice questions very carefully.

The goal of the writing portion is to be able to express yourself clearly and succinctly.

Writing using the “Hamburger Method”

I recommend you use the simple “hamburger” method: Top Bun (Introduction), middle section – meat, cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles (3 to 5 main points related to your topic and upon which you will elaborate), the bottom bun (Conclusion). Each of these sections will be expanded into paragraphs which should be written in a clear format. Paragraphs should have a topic sentence, three to five supporting sentences and a concluding sentence. So, you have a “hamburger” essay which includes “mini-hamburger” paragraphs.

Remember to give examples and statistics if you know them. Also, remember to offer different points of you if the topic allows you to do so. For example, if the essay question was asking you about your opinion regarding school uniform, you could write a paragraph from a teacher’s, a parent’s, the manufacturers’, and school administration’s perspective, as well as your own point of view. You could discuss related issues in support of your argument for or against school uniform such as clothing costs, peer pressure to name a few.

Remember to use STOP: Stop, Think, consider your Options, and Proceed. Enjoy your writing, have fun and be creative.

SAT

The SAT website http://sat.collegeboard.org/home offers all the information needed to register and prepare for the SAT test.

For students with disabilities there are accommodations which need to be approved. Go to the College Board website and click on the link for Disabilities, and then the Eligibility Paper http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd/student/ . There are documentation guidelines which may be reviewed by clicking on the appropriate link. Remember to apply early for these accommodations as the review by the College Board could take up to 7 weeks. Apparently, it is best for the student to apply through school, although parents may do so themselves. Once accepted the student will be given an eligibility code. Remember to take the letter from the College Board giving the accommodation to the testing center.

Hope students do well and become all that they were created to be.

Here is the first of information regarding preparing your students to enter College/University in the USA.

First, start early in the planning for your student to begin College especially if you are living overseas. Plan for SAT testing, ACT testing, funding, college visits, and preparing applications.

The best time to start is in your student’s junior year. Start talking about which colleges or universities your student may like to attend and what degree they may be interested in pursuing.

Plan to visit Colleges/Universities in the Spring of the student’s junior year.

Plan for your student to take the SAT or ACT prior to the Spring visits. Sign up online at the nearest testing center and on the dates that are most convenient.

Plan to have your taxes filed as early as possilbe in the January of your student’s junior year if you will be needing funding support.

Enjoy your discussions. Life ia an adventure!

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