Information about the ACT and SAT Tests

There are two principal tests recognized by most colleges and universities - the ACT and the SAT.  

Most colleges will take either test and some students take both as a way to maximize the opportunity for being admitted to some schools.  

The ACT has four subject areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning.  Scores are reported in each of these subject areas along with a composite score, the average of the four tests.  The scores range from 1-36 with a score of 28+ on the composite being high enough to apply for scholarship consideration at most schools.  As of March 2005 ACT added an optional section of Writing for schools who might ask for this.  Taking this part adds time to the testing session and increases the test fee.  

The test is given five times a year with the administration in December, April and June providing the students with the most information as you can pay an additional fee to get the Question and Answer service. Students can then check to see what items they missed and perhaps work on that to improve their scores for the next time.  The test can be taken as many times as you wish and most schools will take the highest score.  

The 2008 ACT is February 10 and the deadline for registering is January 5.  After this February test there will be two other administrations of the test on April 14 (deadline March 9) and June 9 (deadline May 4).

The SAT is the older of the two tests.  It covers three areas: Critical Reading, Math Reasoning and Writing.  Scores are reported in each area and the scores from the Reading and Math are added together to provide the CEEB score.  The scores on each test range from 200-800 so the Composite score ranges from 400-1600.  The score from Writing is usually not added in or included in the admission decision but is often used for placement. 

The SAT is given seven times a year with the test administration in October, May and June providing the students with the chance to review the questions they had wrong with the hope of improving the scores on subsequent test administrations.  The 2008 SAT is given on January 27 and the deadline for registration is December 26.  You can register for it by going to www.collegeboard.com.  The remaining test dates are March 10 (deadline February 2), May 5  (April 3 deadline), and June 2 (April 27).  SAT II (SAT Subject Tests) are often required for placement rather than admission.  They are offered on all the SAT I test dates except March 10.

Test Preparation:  There are a variety of ways to prepare. 

1. Both web sites have sample tests on-line and students can come back to take a practice test whenever they wish.  Both companies also sell a CD and printed material that you can use at home.  Both test companies have also provided the guidance office with a sample test including the correct answers.  It is suggested that students use these to become familiar with the types of questions and the method of scoring.  It should be noted that the SAT takes a percentage of your wrong answers from your correct answers to eliminate haphazard guessing. 

2. Mrs. Geller is coming to Villa for an ACT course to prepare students for the April ACT.  She will be here on February 20, March 6, March 13 and March 27.  This is open to anyone who wishes to take it.  Mrs. Geller's courses are $225 for the full 12 hours.   Villa students are given priority if they register by February 2nd.  We hope to have Mrs. Geller back in the fall for an ACT prep course for the December ACT. 

3. Another avenue open to students is at the Covington Campus of NKU on Dixie Highway.  They have classes on both tests with varying dates.  The fees depends upon which test you prepare for.  You can get more information by visiting http://nkuconnections.nku.edu/ or by calling NKU at 859.572.5600.

4. If you want something more personal and geared to individual weaknesses,call Stefanie Parker who offers workshops and private tutoring for both tests.  The fee varies for the program chosen.  Ms. Parker operates out of her office on Grandview Avenue, Ft. Mitchell, KY.  You can reach her at 859.341.7326.

5. You can also go to Sylvan Learning Center, Huntington Learning Center, the Princeton Review and Kaplan.