university admissions and standardized testing prepared by: david espinoza, director, university of...
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University Admissions and Standardized TestingPrepared by: David Espinoza, Director, University of Oregon Testing [email protected]
How do I get into college?
What do I need to do?
The Admissions FormulaApplication
+Application fee
+Personal statement
+Recommendations
+High School Transcripts
+Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)
The most important variable in the Admissions Formula is
YOU!Your dreams
Your dedicationYour motivation
Your willingness to work hard to achieve your goals
SAT or ACT?Which should I take?
What is the difference?
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?The ACT is considered more of an achievement test, measuring what a student haslearned in school. The SAT more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbalabilities.
The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and anoptional Writing Test. The SAT has 3 components: Critical Reasoning, Mathematics,and a Writing Test.
The SAT subtracts a fraction of a point for an incorrect answer, thereby discouraging guessing. The ACT is scored based on the number of correct answers with no penaltyfor guessing.
How are the ACT and the SAT similar?The SAT and the ACT are both used by colleges and universities to assist withthe evaluation of applicants for admission by providing an “objective” measure of anapplicant’s readiness for college and potential for success. Scores from the ACT or SATcan also be used for financial aid and scholarships programs.
However, the scores from an SAT or an ACT testare not intended to be used as gatekeepers.
They are simply one variable in the AdmissionsFormula.
From the College Board web site:“The SAT helps college admissions officers make fairand informed admission decisions. Combined with astudent's academic record, it is a proven, reliableindicator of college success. “From the ACT web site:“ACT test results, high school grades,academic preparation, out of-class accomplishments,and future plans—these and other kinds of informationhelp admissions officials identify applicants who canbenefit most from their programs.”
Both are paper and pencil tests that are givenon specific dates throughout the year.
2013 – 2014 SAT and ACT Test Dates
SAT ACTOct. 5, 2013 Sept. 21, 2013
Nov. 2, 2013 Oct. 26, 2013
Dec. 7, 2013 Dec. 14, 2013
Jan. 25, 2014 Feb. 8, 2014
March 8, 2014 April 12, 2014
May 3, 2014 June 14, 2014
June 7, 2014
Both require preregistration which can bedone through their web sites, or throughthe mail.
SAThttp://sat.collegeboard.com/home
ACThttp://www.actstudent.org/index.html
You will find lots of information about test dates, registration, practice questions and study guides on the main web page.
You will find lots of information about test dates, registration, practice questions and study guides on the main web page.
What are the costs?ACTWith the Writing Assessment $52.50Without the Writing Assessment $36.50SAT $51.00
Fee waiversBoth the ACT and the SAT programs make available test fee waivers. Fee waivers are granted on the basis of financial need and require that the student submit a fee waiver request to the ACT or SAT program.
ACT Fee waiver information:http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/feewaiver.html
SAT Fee waiver information:http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-fee-waiversStudents who qualify for a test fee waiver with the SAT program and take the SAT are also eligible for a waiver or deferral of college application fees at participating colleges and universities.http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/sat/sat-fee-waivers-guidelines-for-students.pdf
When do I need to do all this?
Most students begin to focus on the college application processduring their Junior year. However it is never too early to begin to gather information about colleges and universities you
might be interested in attending. All schools have deadlines that need to be met in order to be considered for admission.
College application deadlines vary but generally run fromDecember through April.
Most students will take the ACT or the SAT in the Spring of their
Junior year, but no later that the Fall of their Senior year.
How about now?Talk to your parents about what you want to do…you needtheir support.
Talk to a trusted High School teacher or Counselor aboutyour educational goals and plans. Ask for their help.
Use the internet to visit college web sites. Ask for informationto be sent to you.
Most important: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’tachieve the goal of a college education! Stay focused andbelieve in yourself!
Helpful Resources and Links:ACTACT test preparation:http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/ACT test preparation guide in English:http://media.act.org/documents/preparing.pdfACT test preparation guide in Spanish:http://media.actstudent.org/documents/preparing_es.pdfPractice test questions:http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/SATHow to create a study plan for the SAT:http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-study-planSAT Question of the Day:http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-question-of-the-daySAT practice test:http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-test
Questions?You are welcome to contact me:
David Espinoza, Director, University of Oregon Testing [email protected]