Preparing to take the ACT

1. Preparing to take the ACT What is the ACT? How is it used? How to register? What are the benefits of doing well? How does the ACT benefit students not planning to go to college? How to improve scores?

2. Curriculum-based test • Measures academic achievement • English • Math • Reading • Science • Writing (optional) What is the ACT?

3. The link between Explore, PLAN and the ACT • EXPLORE 8th and 9th grade (score range 1 to 25) • PLAN 10th grade (score range 1 to 32) • ACT 11th and 12th grade (score range 1 to 36)

4. College Admissions • Talent Identification • Academic Advising • Freshman Course Placement • Awarding Course Credit • Scholarships How is the ACT used?

5. Accepted by all4-year colleges in the U.S. • Based on information learned in high school • More than a college admission exam – helps plan for life after high school • Rewards you for what you know • Choose the scores you send to colleges • Writing Test is optional Benefits for Students

6. Score Scale English - 5 essays or passages, each with a set of multiple-choice questions

7. Score Scales Mathematics -Multiple-choice questions that require the use of reasoning skills to solve practical problems

8. Score Scales Reading - 4 passages, each with a set of multiple-choice questions

9. Science Topics - Biology, Earth/Space Sciences, Chemistry, Physics Score Scales Science - 7 sets of scientific information – measure student’s interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving skills

10. 1 writing prompt, 30 minutes • Essay test that measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and entry-level college composition courses • Make and articulate judgments • Develop a position • Sustain focus • Organize and present ideas logically • Communicate clearly in writing Must be completed in English. Writing Test (optional)

11. Writing Test does not affect multiple-choice test or Composite score • Reporting of Scores • Combined English/Writing Score (1-36) • Writing Test subscore (2-12) Writing Test (optional)

12. No penalty for guessing • Student decides what scores are sent to colleges • Length of test: 3 hours 25 min (including the optional 30 min Writing Test) • Career planning component Additional Information

13. Usually first week in March (March 4 - 6, 2014) • March 4 - ACT plus Writing • March 5 - Work Keys ( Reading, Math and Locating Information) • March 6 - MEAP - Math, Science and Social Studies Grade 11 and eligible students in grade 12

14. Create a student web account www.actstudent.org • Register for the ACT 24/7 • View your scores 3-4 weeks after testing for FREE • Real-time seat assignment • Print your admissions ticket • Receive email reminders • Decide where to send your scores • Update your student profile • FREE sample test questions How to register on your own

15. Online registration • www.actstudent.org • Paper registration packet only if: • Younger than 13 years old • Cannot pay by credit card or with a serialized voucher/waiver • Use your high school code: xxx xxx How to Register

16. Receiving scores • Online: ACT 3-4 weeks • ACT Plus Writing 5-8 weeks • Mailed: ACT 3-8 weeks • ACT Plus Writing 5-8 weeks • Sending scores • 4 total with registration • Can send additional score reports for fee Scores

17. GPA College Prep Courses • GPA in All Subjects • Admissions Test Scores • Counselor Letter of Recommendation • Teacher Letter of Recommendation • Essay/Writing Sample • Class Rank • Student’s Demonstrated Interest • Extracurricular Source: NACAC ‘State of College Admission’ Getting accepted into college: Remember— Test scores are only one factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions.

18. 1. More schools to choose. • 2. More scholarship potential • 3. Greater earning potential What are 2 points worth?

19. Admissions Guidelines for Michigan Colleges U of M Ann Arbor GPA: 3.8ACT: 29 - 33 Kalamazoo College GPA: 3.62 ACT: 25- 30 Michigan State University GPA: 3.6 ACT: 23 - 28 Alma College GPA: 3.5 avg. ACT: 22 - 27 CMU WMU GPA: 3.3 ACT: 18 - 25 ACT: 18 - 24 GPA: 3.2 SVSU Ferris State GPA: 3.2 ACT: 18 - 24 Community Colleges High School Graduation or GED

20. These costs do not include living expenses. Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information! REMEMBER…CHECK WITH COLLEGE OFFICIALS FOR ACCURATE COSTS. Source: http://bridgemi.com/2013/03/as-student-debts-mount-universities-see-little-good-news-in-state-budget-figures/

21. Scholarship Opportunities

22. Graduate Earning Power

23. Preparing for the ACT • The Real ACT Prep Guide • ACT Online Prep • www.actstudent.org/testprep Prepare for the Test

24. Pace yourself • Read the directions carefully • Read each question carefully • Answer the easy questions first • Use logic on more difficult questions • Answer every question • Review your work • Be precise is marking the answer document • Erase completely Test-Taking Strategies

25. Take several practice tests, timed • Review content and format of the ACT • Focus on improvement, not Composite score • Retesting: • December, April, June test dates • Receive a copy of the test questions, your answers, correct answers, and scoring instructions • 4 weeks after score report is mailed • Order at time of registration or up to 3 months after the test date How to Improve Scores

26. Admission ticket • Identification • Sharpened No. 2 pencils • A watch to pace yourself • A permitted calculator Test Day Checklist

27. www.actstudent.org • Testing Tips • Sample Questions with Explanatory Answers • ACT Question of the Day • Map of College Majors • Interactive World-of-Work Map • Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Student Resources

28. www.act.org/path/parent/resource/index.html • Test FAQ • College planning checklists • Newsletters • Tools and resources • Financial Aid Need Estimator • Interactive Map of College Majors • Interactive Work-of-Work Map Parent Resources

29. Why Take the ACT? • Preparing for the ACT (English and Spanish) • Get Set for College • Registering for the ACT • Using Your ACT Results (English and Spanish) • Family Firsts: Guide for Parents of First-Generation College Students (English and Spanish) • Family Firsts: Guide for First-Generation College Students Free Publications for Families at www.act.org