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TEST PREPARATION
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003
1
The Facts
For many colleges test scores are still the most important criterion following coursework and GPA and/or rank.
Rankings and the competition Socioeconomic variance in scores
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 2
DOES TEST PREPARATION WORK?
• Test prep is similar to music and sports; if you learn the basics and you practice, your performance will reflect it.
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 3
Goals of this Session
Create low cost prep options Enhance test awareness Share personal resources
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 4
Important Steps!
Understand the game! Assuage test anxiety Examine earlier tests Conduct a personal item analysis Develop personal strategies
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 5
Important Questions!
What are the four strategies that work best?
How do I become a well-informed consumer?
Should I take both college entrance tests?
How do I determine which test is my test of strength?
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 6
Key Ingredients!
• Sleep• Proper Nutrition• Repetition• Strategy
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 7
The Game
• Limitations• The 99% rule
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 8
Individual Preparation
Choose your test of strengthUtilize the handoutsDesign your own programUse real practice testsBuy back your test
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 9
The Best Test Preparation
Knowing the testExtensive subject reviewSubject specific strategiesIdentifying proper subject timingPacing drillsScore selectionGuessing strategiesThe process of eliminationPrioritization of questionsPractice, practice, practice……
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 10
Differences Between the SAT and ACT
SAT
Essay section is required.
Students can choose which scores the schools see.
There is a penalty for most wrong answers.
Tests math, reading, vocabulary and writing.
ACT
Essay section is optional.
Students can choose which scores the schools see.
There is no penalty for wrong answers.
Includes a Science section.
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 11
Determining Your Test of Strength
Concordance Table: • http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/
Sample Tests: • act.org, collegeboard.com, etc.
The PLAN versus the PSAT
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 12
Early Testing
• PLAN• PSAT
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 13
ACT
Module 1
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 14
History• ACT• Test Prep • Recent Changes
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 15
THE ACTA curriculum-based test consisting of real
English, real math that includes arithmetic through trigonometry, reading comprehension, science (basically reading as well) and an essay
What it measuresSubtle changes since 1989The optional writing
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 16
Actual Test Questions
• ACT.org • The Real ACT Prep Guide • Preparing for the ACT • Retired ACT Sample Test Booklets
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 17
Score Reporting• 1-36 for each subtest and the
composite• Round up• Highest composite• Supertest option• FERPA• Common application
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 18
Score SelectionSAT SAT I (V+M) ACT
GPA2390 1600 36
4.0+ 2000 1340 30
4.0 1820 1220
27 3.6 1470 990 21
2.8
http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/index.htmlSource: Rusty Haynes, 2003 19
Next Steps
Conduct a personal item analysis Identify patterns Perform an extensive subject review Develop basic strategies Avoid overtesting!
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 20
Subject Review• English: grammar, sentence structure,
punctuation, usage, strategy, organization and style.
• Math: arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
• Reading: prose fiction, humanities, social studies and natural science.
• Science: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 21
Subject Timing & Pacing
• English 45 minutes• Math 60 minutes• Reading 35 minutes• Science 35 minutes• Essay 30 minutes
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 22
English ReviewMechanics/Usage
• Accurate, Concise, and Short• Punctuation!
Rhetorical Skills• Read less!
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 23
Test StrategiesTo make her point and back up her claim, she asked me if I knew what“Machiavellian” meant.
(A) No Change(B) point by backing it up,(C) point in backing up her claim,(D) point,
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 24
Test StrategiesPunctuation
• : (colon) list or more to come• ; (semi-colon) is less then or equal to a .
(period)• , (comma) is less then or equal to a – (dash)• it’s, its’, or its• boy’s, girls’• appositives using – (dash) and , (comma)
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 25
Test StrategiesEverything was created by local talent, including the robot guarding the exhibits.
(A) talent, including (B) talent. Including(C) talent; including(D) talent, this list included
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 26
Math Facts
Prohibited Calculators• http://www.actstudent.org/faq/
answers/calculator.htmlMath Downloads• http://education.ti.com/
educationportal/downloadcenter/SoftwareList.do?website=US&tabId=1&paneId=2
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 27
Math Review
• http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/mathdescript.html
• https://secure.collegeincolorado.org/College_Planning/Test_Prep/_default.aspx
• http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/mathdescript.html
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 28
Test Strategies
Rachel must finish a sculpture by Thursday. If she completes one-half of the sculpture on Tuesday and one-quarter of what’s left on Wednesday, how much does she still have to sculpt to complete the sculpture on time?(A) 1/8(B) 1/4(C) 3/8(D) 1/2(E) 9/16
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 29
Test Strategies
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 30
Reading Overview
Four Basic Types: • Social Studies• Science• Arts• Literature
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 31
Test Strategies• Prioritization• Timing• Scoring implications• Key words• Use basic conventions of
good writing
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 32
Test Strategies
Passage IVNATURAL SCIENCE: This passage is adapted from the article “How to Build a Baby’s Brain” by SharonBegley (©1997 by Newsweek, Inc.). In this selection, the term neuron refers to a specialized cell of the nervous system, and tomography refers to a method of producing three-dimensional images of internal structures. You cannot see what is going on inside your new-born’s brain. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxThat furious pace continues for the child’s first decade of life. 1. The main point of this passage is to:
A. illustrate the importance of genetics in the formation of a baby’s brain.B. illustrate the importance of stimulation and experience in the formation of a baby’s brain.C.I indicate the great need for conducting further research on babies’ brains.D. compare the latest research on babies’ brains with similar research conducted fifteen years ago.
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 33
Science OverviewThree Basic Types:• Data Representation• Experimental Review• Alternative Viewpoints
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 34
Test Strategies• No subject review necessary• Identify trends & labels in
charts, graphs and tables• Read less text & utilize key
words• Practice your timing• Know the scoring implications
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 35
Table 4
Trial Temperature(°C)
Time (sec)
Distance of ring from HCl swab (cm)
1234
20304050
33302623
4.04.14.14.0
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 36
Passage II
Drag picture to placeholder or click icon to add
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 37
A. B.
C. D.
Based on the results of Experiment 4, which of the following graphs best shows the relationship between the temperature and the distance of the ring from the HCl swab?
Writing ReviewWriting test prompt: The College Boardwas developed to help students get a good college education. Do you agree or disagree?
In your essay, take a position on this question.
You specific reasons and examples to supportyour position.
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 38
Test Strategies
• Make an outline• Use up all the lined paper
• 4 or 5 paragraph approach
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 39
Guessing23. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) -24. (F) (G) (H) (J) (K) 25. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) +26. (F) (G) (H) (J) (K)
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 40
GuessingThere is no penalty for wrong answers!
Skip questions that are taking too much time.
Use a guessing strategy.
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 41
Friday PrepIdentificationScout the locationPencilsCalculatorGasSleep
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 42
Test Day
• Breakfast• Breaks• Sugar
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 43
Test OptionalFairtest.org• 850 colleges have made standardized tests optional
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 44
Local Resources!
• Rob Rosenthal, 303-830-1811 • Dr. Beryl Brasch, 303-756-4443• Melissa Woodvine, 303-875-7954• The Princeton Review, 888-955-4600• Kaplan, 800-527-8378
Source: Rusty Haynes, 2003 45