Preparing for the ACT/SAT

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You come across an unfamiliar word in your history book and actually look it up. You find yourself talking in analogies. While watching
"American Idol" you wonder how to figure out the length of your television screen if you knew the height. You’re holding a no. 2 pencil.

A PROVEN WAY TO BOOST YOUR SCORE!

There's no way to get around the test, but the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT is to study hard and read as much as you can!

The testing companies themselves agree that , "the best preparation is to take challenging course in high school" . Kristen Krouse from ACT said that "it prepares students best for college, and that's what the ACT measures".

Reading is another great way to prepare. No, you don't have to plow through Moby Dick (though that wouldn't hurt.). Choose books, magazines and newspapers that you enjoy- everything from Harry Potter to the New York Times, that can strengthen your reading comprehension and vocabulary.

Unfortunately, there is no quick way to make for taking easy classes and avoiding the library. But you can make the commitment now to read at least 15 minutes a day. By the time the next testing date comes up, you'll feel more prepared. So ACE THAT TEST!

ACT/SAT COMPARISON

The thought of standardized tests sends shivers down the spines of high school students everywhere. Pressure to get a good score can make even the most laid-back student stress. Parents and students can relieve some of that stress by taking some time to review the details of each test. Read on to see the comparison of the two test recently published in Florida Trend's Next Magazine (www.FloridaNEXT.com)

Questions
What kind of test is this?	An assessment test that measures what you've learned in school	An aptitude test that measures how you apply what you've learned in school.
What can I expect?	215 multiple-choice questions and an optional essay	128 multiple-choice questions, 10 fill-in questions, and an essay.
How much time am I given?	3 hours (add an extra 30 minutes if you decide to take the writing test)	3 hours and 45 minutes
What about math?	Algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Calculators are allowed.	Algebra, geometry, statistics, probability and data analysis. Calculators are allowed.
What about essays?	You get 30 minutes to write a short essay based on a prompt. The essay is optional on the ACT.	You get 25 minutes to write a short essay based on a prompt. The essay is required on the SAT.
What about science?	Tests your ability to interpret science experiments.	There are no science questions.
How is it scored?	1 to 36 for each subject; scores are averaged to come up with a composite score.	Scores range from 200 to 800 for each of the three sections, added together for a combined score of up to 2400.
When to register?	Check the test dates online. (Or see your guidance counselor at NHS)	Check the test dates online. (Or see your guidance counselor at NHS)
How much is basic registration?	$29 (plus an additional $14 for the writing test). Fee waivers are available to those who qualify.	$41.50. Fee waivers are available to those who qualify.
Online registration and information	www.ACT.org	www.CollegeBoard.com

 

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