Burke Mountain Academy

Burke Mountain Academy 2008-2009

Comparing Tests

PSAT/SAT Versus PLAN/ACT

What is the PLAN?

The PLAN is a 10th grade pre-ACT practice test. It covers the same content as the ACT (without Writing). A student report provides scores in each content area with an estimated ACT score. A section in this report provides you with a detailed review of how you answered questions on the test, with correct answers given. This allows for identification of your strengths and weaknesses in each subject.

For Further Information: www.actstudent.org/plan

What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test given both the sophomore and juniors years. It covers the same content as the SAT(without Writing). A student report provides scores in each content area, and an SAT score can be estimated by adding a "0" to your score. A section in this report provides you with a detailed review review of how you answered questions on the test, with correct answers given. This allows for identification of your strengths and weaknesses in each subject. National Merit Scholarship semifinalists are selected based on the PSAT* score.

For Further Information: http://www.collegeboard.org/

What is the ACT?

The ACT or American College Testing Assessment Test is a college admissions exam given five times a year (September-June). There are four sections: English, Math, Reading and Science. The ACT takes two hours and 55 minutes (3 hours and 25 minutes with the optional Writing). Writing is recommended and required for most Colleges and Universities. Most students take the ACT for the first time during the winter/spring of their junior year. You will receive four scores on the ACT, one for each section. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36 points. You will also receive a composite score which is the average of the four scores. The national average is about 21. The writing test scores 0-12 points.

For Further Information: http://www.act.org

What is the SAT?

The SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test is a college admissions exam given seven times a year (October ¨C June). There are ten sections: three math, three reading, three writing, and one experimental which is not scored but is used only for research. The SAT takes four hours. Most students take the SAT for the first time during the winter/spring of their junior year. You will receive three scores on the SAT, one math, one reading and one writing. The writing test scores 0-12 points. Each subject is scored on a scale of 200-800 points for a total of 2400 maximum points. Combine the three scores for a total SAT score. The national average is about 1500.

For Further Information: http://www.collegeboard.org/ or http://www.ets.org/

For a general comparison chart, please see http://www.kaptest.com/College/SAT/Learn-About-the-SAT/CO_satact.html

	ACT	SAT 1
“Practice” Test	“PLAN” : 1 hour 55 minutes 4 test sections: English, Math, Reading, Science	“PSAT” : 2 hours 10 minutes 5 Sections: 3 English, 2 Math
Length	3 hours, 25 minutes *including optional Writing	3 hours, 45 minutes
Sections	5 test sections (with Writing Test): English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing	10 Sections: 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 2 Writing, 1Essay), 1 Experimental (unscored)
General Differences	· Entirely multiple choice · No guessing penalty (answer all questions) · English grammar tested · Easy and hard questions mixed together · Vocabulary less important · “Curriculum-based” · The ACT has a Science Reasoning Test · The ACT has 215 questions (less average time to answer questions) ·Less “coachable” – students are often comfortable with the way ACT questions are asked. There is less to learn about format.	· Non multiple-choice questions included · Guessing penalty · No English grammar · Questions go from easy to hard (most sections) · Vocabulary emphasized · “Aptitude-based” (critical thinking/ reasoning) · No Science Reasoning Test · The SAT has 140 questions (more average time to answer questions) ·More “coachable” – students can learn test-taking skills that improve scores. · “Good test-takers” tend to do well on the SAT
Critical Reading	4 Reading Comprehension passages, 10 questions per passage	Reading comprehension passages and questions, and sentence completion questions
Science	Analysis, interpretation, evaluation, basic content, and problem solving	Science not included
Math	Topics Covered: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry · Simple, straightforward, more academic · Math accounts for 1/4 of overall score · about 7% of questions are based on trig.	Topics Covered: Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and algebra II · More tricks; unique language · Math accounts for 1/3 of overall score · no trigonometry section
Writing	Last thing you do (optional); 30 minutes Not included in composite score More familiar topic: address counterarguments	First thing you do; 25 minutes Factored into overall score More abstract topic: pick a side and stick to it
Scale	· 1-36 per section · 19-20 is roughly median score · Score of 0-12 for the optional Essay	· 200-800 per section · 500 is roughly median score · Score of 0-12 for the Essay
Scoring	Add total number correct - no penalty for wrong answers. Answer every question.	Add total number correct and subtract a percentage for missed answers. It’s good to skip really hard questions.
Test Contact Information	www.actstudent.org (319) 337-1000	www.collegeboard.com 1-866-756-7346
Fees	$44.50 ACT Plus Writing	$45 for standard administration
Registration	4 weeks prior to test date	6 weeks prior to test date
Sending Score History	You decide which score is sent	All scores included on score report. *March 2009, students will be able to pick which scores are sent

ACT Composite scores with corresponding SAT I scores.

ACT Composite	SAT I Score
15	1060
17	1210
19	1350
20	1410
21	1500
22	1530
23	1590
24	1650
25	1700
26	1760
27	1820
28	1860
29	1920
30	1980
31	2040
32	2130
33	2190
34	2260
35	2340
36	2400

Source: College Board, Data Extrapolated