What does a preparation path look like and when should my student begin testing?
There is no advantage in waiting to take the exam. Some students start as early as freshman year of high school just to get their feet wet. However, most students feel prepared after being introduced to some high school grammar/writing courses and completing Algebra 2. The content leading up to and within these courses is what you will see on the English and Math portions of the exam. Here is a preparation path based on an above average student.
Advanced Student:
(Following the completion of Algebra 2)
End Sophomore Year to Mid Junior Year: Take ACT for the 1st time without training (Baseline).
Mid to Back End of Junior Year: Self study using prep guides. Take ACT for the 2nd time without training. Take ACT for the 3rd time with one on one or online training.
Beginning of Senior Year: (If a student has not trained) Take ACT for the 3rd time with one on one or online training.
(Note: Taking a 4th or 5th exam doesn't hurt anything, but after thorough prep it is likely that the student has approached their plateau score.)
What is a good ACT score?
There are a lot of variables that play into whether a score is to be considered good. College of consideration and scholarship ambitions will likely be the determining factor of your perspective on the score. Here are some facts and examples that can help you better visualize student scores.
ACT Score/ Scholarship Examples :
NATIONAL AVERAGES: English 20.1 Math 20.6 Reading 21.3 Science 20.8 Composite 20.8
IVY LEAGUE EXAMPLES (MIDDLE 50%): Harvard 32-35 Princeton 31-35 Yale 31-35
SCHOLARSHIP TIER EXAMPLE (UNIVERSITY OF IOWA):
A minimum of a 33 qualifies for up to $20,000/year
A minimum of a 30 qualifies for up to $10,000/year
A minimum of a 27 qualifies for up to $5,000/year
(Note: There are other factors that go along with these ACT scores in order to earn acceptance/scholarships. Every school has different score requirements for acceptance/scholarships. Do your research to find out what score your student should target to earn acceptance/scholarships at their college of choice.)
What's the difference between the ACT and SAT?
Many colleges across the country accept both tests on their applications. The ACT is growing in popularity and the SAT has just been redesigned. The tests are a little different structurally, but they both are designed to demonstrate a student's college readiness. Here are some of the similarities and differences to consider when comparing the tests.
SAT
SAT: Includes a Writing, Critical Reading, and Math portion.
SAT Writing includes an essay on a broad theme that can be approached formulaically or creatively. This portion also covers grammar and usage.
SAT Math covers material through Algebra 2. It includes a calculator and no calculator portion.
SAT Reading contains passages of different lengths and the questions follow the order of the passage.
SAT is considered to be more context and evidence based in its design to focus on real world situations and multi step problem solving.
ACT
ACT: Includes an English, Math, Reading, and Science portion. There is also an optional Writing portion.
ACT Math covers content through trigonometry. A calculator is allowed for the entire math test.
ACT Reading does not test vocabulary oriented sentence completions. It contains 4 passages and the questions follow a random order within the passage.
ACT Science measures interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving. Rarely does it require any specific knowledge form coursework.
ACT English covers usage and mechanics as well as rhetorical skills. The optional essay typically involves a narrow topic that is relevant to high school students and requires a more structured response.
ACT is considered to be more straightforward in its question style.
(Note: The new SAT is a lot like the ACT. The question style is becoming more straightforward and you are no longer penalized for wrong answers. Both exams require about 3 hours to complete. They will both be offered on 7 Saturdays throughout the year starting in 2018. )
how do i sign my student up for the test and what resources are useful FOR study?
Signing up for the ACT can be done by following the link below. Because the test is offered throughout the year at various locations, it's not required that students complete the test the date the school offers it. Be sure to consider test date and location before signing up.
http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html
Resources Useful for Study:
ACT Prep Guide:
https://www.transformtutor.com/study-guides/act-prep-playbook
Private ACT Tutoring:
https://www.transformtutor.com/transform-tutoring-contact/
If you have more questions about the ACT or would like to discuss a preparation path for your student, shoot me a message! alec@transformtutor.com