SAT/ACT Preparation OptionsUCHS

Karen May-NewmanPTSA Volunteer Coordinator

The Tests• Most colleges accept either without preference• SAT– http://sat.collegeboard.org/home – High score: 2400– 3 sections: Math, Writing, Critical Reading– Format is changing in 2016

• ACT– http://www.actstudent.org/ – High score: 36– 4 sections (Math, English, Reading, Science) with subsections– Requires higher level math (trig)

Purpose• Tests – to assess college readiness• Prep Courses – to prepare students to take the tests– Advantages

• Provides directed learning and test-taking skills• Practice exams

– Disadvantages• Small increase in scores demonstrated

– A College Board study conducted in the mid 1990s showed that SAT coaching resulted in an average verbal increase of 8 points and an average math score increase of 18 points.

– A 2009 study by NACAC, the National Association of College Admission Counseling, showed that SAT prep courses raised critical reading scores by about 10 points and math scores by about 20 points

• Costs money

Prep Course Options• Private companies

– Many companies offer a tiered level of SAT/ACT preparation

• Difficult to compare directly due to differences in length, prep exam feedback, etc

• Survey performed in 2013-14 to provide information for UCHS parents and students to compare and choose the best option for their budget, time commitment, and level of preparation desired

• Catalyst vendor selected for UCHS– Offer both SAT and ACT weekend “boot camps” on campus– Fall and Spring, usually 1 week before test– New Hybrid SAT/ACT Assessment allows students to evaluate their

test-taking aptitude

Options for SAT/ACT Test PrepSurvey from 2013-14

Self-Study for Students

• Official SAT Study Guide with DVD $32

• Official SAT Online Course $70

• Free exam questions on website:http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-practice-test

2012-13 SAT Boot CampAssessment of Catalyst was favorable from UCHS Students

Assessment Results for Catalyst 2012-2013

University City Sep 2012 SAT BC

(9/29-9/30)

1. The Bootcamp was a good experience.

2. I learned things I did not know

that would help me

when I take the test.

3. I felt the review

helped me brush up on

things I needed to take the

test.

4. The tips that were presented were very helpful for taking the

test.

5. The instructor

was interesting.

6. The instructor

really knew the

material.

7. The pace of the

course was appropriate

for the students in attendance.

8. The material covered

was appropriate

for the students in attendance.

9. The book is a good

study guide.

10. I would recommend this course.

Strongly Agree 56% 67% 63% 63% 63% 74% 37% 58% 63% 57%

Agree 37% 26% 30% 23% 33% 23% 23% 23% 30% 38%

Neutral 7% 7% 7% 14% 5% 2% 28% 19% 5% 5%

Disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 2% 0%

Strongly Disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 9% 0% 0% 0%

University City March 2013 SAT

BC (3/2-3/3)

1. The Bootcamp was a good experience.

2. I learned things I did not know

that would help me

when I take the test.

3. I felt the review

helped me brush up on

things I needed to take the

test.

4. The tips that were presented were very helpful for taking the

test.

5. The instructor

was interesting.

6. The instructor

really knew the

material.

7. The pace of the

course was appropriate

for the students in attendance.

8. The material covered

was appropriate

for the students in attendance.

9. The book is a good

study guide.

10. I would recommend this course.

Strongly Agree 57% 70% 68% 61% 57% 82% 52% 65% 78% 61%

Agree 43% 30% 23% 30% 39% 18% 22% 30% 17% 30%

Neutral 0% 0% 5% 9% 4% 0% 13% 4% 4% 9%

Disagree 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 0% 13% 0% 0% 0% Strongly Disagree 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Fall 2014 SAT Boot CampAssessment of Catalyst was favorable from UCHS Students

Disclaimer

• The prices shown are based on a survey conducted in 2014 and may have changed since then, please check websites to confirm cost

• Prep courses for the SAT and ACT are optional, and not required to achieve an outstanding score on these exams.

• The UCHS PTSA does not endorse any particular test preparation service, but does coordinate for a private company to offer weekend, on-campus test prep for students. This offer extends not only to students from UCHS, but any student that wishes to register.