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Standardized Testing

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Standardized Testing = So Many Acronyms!

  • MCAs
  • PSAT
  • IB
  • AP
  • ACT
  • SAT

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MCAs

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments

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-Grade 10: Reading

-Grade 11: Math (can be helpful prep for ACT)

-Biology: Science

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-Used to assess student progress and school accountability

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PSAT

Preliminary SAT

-Practice for the SAT

-The PSAT is administered in October for 10th and 11th grade students

-It has no bearing on college admissions

-Students who score high (usually top 1%) may become eligible for the National Merit Scholarship

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IB

International Baccalaureate

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1-7 scale

-SL vs. HL exams

-A score of 5-7 for HL exams typically gives college credit

-4 year school credit example: https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/international-baccalaureate-course-awards

-Can report scores to colleges but not required

-Testing typically happens in May

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AP

Advanced Placement

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1-5 scale

-A score of 3-5 typically gives college credit

-4 year school credit: https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/advanced-placement-course-awards

-Can report all scores to colleges but not required

-Testing typically happens in May

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ACT and SAT

College Admission Tests

    • American College Test (ACT) by ACT
    • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) by College Board

Both are equally accepted by colleges and universities!

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WHY DO COLLEGES WANT THIS?

  • National standard measure of ability
    • High School Variability
      • GPA measurements
      • Course offerings

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  • One of the only standard measures
    • Other options are typically content driven and not used for admission purposes
      • AP
      • IB
      • CLEP �

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WHY TAKE THE ACT or SAT?

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  • Potential tipping point for acceptance to college
  • Academic placement
  • Scholarship opportunities

�NOTE: Colleges will look at transcripts, test scores, extra-curriculars, recommendations, and essays.

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WHICH DO I TAKE?

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SAT INFO

Reading and Writing�64 minutes; 54 questions (two 32 minute modules)

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Math�70 minutes; 44 questions (two 35 minute modules)

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2 hours and 14 minutes total time

Score range is between 400 and 1600

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ACT INFO

  • 3 hours and 25 minutes (with Science and Writing), 2 hours and 5 minutes without
  • 5 sections
    • 1 English Test (35 minutes, 50 questions)
    • 1 Math Test (50 minutes, 45 questions)
    • 1 Reading Test (40 minutes, 36 questions)
    • 1 Optional Science Test (40 minutes, 40 questions)
    • 1 Optional Writing Test (40 minutes)

Score range 1-36. Composite score is the average of the 3 subscores (not Writing and Science)

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* It is a 5 hour “experience”

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ACT TESTING DATES

  • ACT for All @ Washburn in April (April 24)
  • National Testing held at Washburn (fee-based)
    • Spots are limited, especially at Washburn, make sure to register soon!
      • Saturday, June 13 (May 8 registration deadline)
      • Saturday, July 11
    • Fee Waivers available
    • If you think you are eligible for extra time (504, IEP, ELL), YOU must apply for accommodations on the website and FOLLOW the procedure as emailed to YOU

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EXAM REGISTRATION

  • WHS ACT for ALL
    • Registration will be done at Washburn
    • Free
  • Any National Test Date registration
    • Self-registration at act.org (Watch deadlines)
    • $68 (No Writing)
    • $93 (With Writing)
    • $4 (Science add on)
    • Fee Waivers are in the CCC
    • Mr. Schmidt is test coordinator
  • SAT
    • Self-registration at www.collegeboard.org
    • $68 (WHS does not have fee waivers)
    • Blake and Edina are SAT sites

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TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Students with 504 Plans or IEPs may qualify for extended time�
    • ACT for ALL: Washburn staff will put the request in to ACT for the accommodation�
    • National Dates: Student must specifically apply for accommodations through the website and follow all stated procedures.

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SHOULD I TAKE A TEST MORE THAN ONCE?

  • Many students do better the second time.
    • 57% increased their Composite score on the retest with no additional prep or practice
    • 21% had no change in their Composite score on the retest
    • 22% decreased their Composite score on the retest
  • Have a better feel for the time constraint.
  • Better preparation the second time around.
  • Colleges will always use your best score and throw out the others
  • Superscoring
  • Should I take the ACT 10 times?

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BEYOND 12TH GRADE

  • Community colleges and tech schools do not require the ACT or SAT for admission
  • Once students have earned about 24 credits (1 year) at a community college and want to transfer, the college or university typically does not ask for ACT/SAT scores or high school grades in their review process.

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How Can I Improve My Scores?

  • Free Prep Resources
    • ACT Prep Guides and Practice Tests
    • Hennepin County Library Free Online Prep
    • Khan Academy
    • McGraw Hill Online Prep
    • PrepScholar
  • Fee-Based Resources
    • Advantage Prep via MPS Community Ed
    • Kaplan
    • Princeton Review
    • NextDoor