SAT:Your key to undergraduate admission

Undergraduate Students

Ilya Stremoussov,EducationUSA Aktobe, Kazakhstan

We will talk about

•What SAT is•SAT structure•SAT dates and registration•The new SAT•Preparation strategies

Things to keep in mindSAT basic facts

•Standardized exam for undergraduate admission

•Scholastic Aptitude Test•SAT I – Reasoning test•SAT II – Subject test•College Board

Test structureSAT I – REASONING TEST

Test that measures your abilities in:●Math●Critical reading●Writing

Score range: from 600 to 2400

Test fee: $103.50

2015-2016SAT DATES AND REGISTRATION

SAT in Kazakhstan (Aktobe included):October 03, 2015November 07, 2015December 05, 2015January 23, 2016May 07, 2016June 04, 2016

Register and pay online:https://sat.collegeboard.org/home

2015SAT DATES AND REGISTRATION

Regular Registration by deadline(closes generally one moth before the test)

Late Registration (waitlist)(closes generally 5 days before the test)

Register and pay online:

https://sat.collegeboard.org/home

2015SAT DATES AND REGISTRATION

Detailed registration instructions in Russian:http://akeac.org/web/test/official-tests

For free or for a feeSENDING SAT SCORES TO COLLEGES

For free:● Send to 4 institutions● Choose them at the time of registration or within 9 days after the test

For a fee:● Send to as many institutions as you wish● There is a fee for each institution ($11.25)

Test structureSAT I

9 sections (can be in ANY order):EssayMathWritingCritical readingMathCritical readingMathCritical ReadingWriting+ 1 experimental section

Test structureSAT I – CRITICAL READING (~67 questions)

Sentence Completion

Reading ComprehensionYou read a passage and answer questions

Test structureSAT I – WRITING (~49 questions)

Identifying Sentence Errors

Improving Sentences

Test structureSAT I – WRITING

Essay Writing

Test structureSAT I – MATH (~54 questions)

Multiple Choice

Test structureSAT I – MATH (~54 questions)

Student-produced answers

How the test is scoredSAT I – SCORES

● Every correct answer adds 1 point● Every incorrect answer on a multiple-choice question subtracts ¼ point

● 0 points are subtracted for incorrect student-produced response (student-produced answers in math section)

● 0 points are subtracted for questions you don't answer

Example:You have 10 correctly answered questions and 5 incorrectly answered questionsYou will get 10 points – 5*1/4=10-5/4=8.75

How the test is scoredSAT I – SCORES

● Every correct answer adds 1 point● Every incorrect answer on a multiple-choice question subtracts ¼ point

● 0 points are subtracted for incorrect student-produced response (student-produced answers in math section)

● 0 points are subtracted for questions you don't answer

Example:You have 10 correctly answered questions and 5 incorrectly answered questionsYou will get 10 points – 5*1/4=10-5/4=8.75

How the test is scoredSAT I – SCORES

Your essay will be read by 2 experts and will get a score from 1 to 6 points from each expert.

Your essay score will range from 2 to 12.

SAT II – SUBJECT TESTS

LiteratureU.S. HistoryWorld HistoryMathematics Level 1Mathematics Level 2Biology E/MChemistryPhysicsForeign languages

Each test lasts 1 hour.Score range: from 200 to 800Test fee: $26 + $18 (each test) + $49 (regional fee)

NB: Ask admissions whether you need to take SAT II

Starting in March 2016 in the USA, and in May around the worldTHE NEW SAT

Major innovations:

● Essay is optional● Test is shorter (3h versus 3h50m)● No penalty for guessing● 4 answer choices● New scores: 400 to 1,600● New essay scores: 1 to 4● Essay score is reported separately● Hard vocabulary will be gone

The new SAT practice for free is available:https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

Starting in March 2016 in the USA, and in May around the worldTHE NEW SAT

Test Structure:

● Reading: 65m - 52q● Writing and Language: 35m - 44q● Math (No Calculator): 25m - 20q● Math (Calculator OK): 55m – 38q● Essay (optional): 50m

The new SAT practice for free is available:https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

Start early and don't procrastinateSAT PREPARATION TIPS

Prepare for free:● Use official free practice materials at sat.collegeboard.org● Use the Internet to find websites with free SAT prep resources

● Take practice tests on your own● Use AKEAC library to study for free (during AKEAC office hours)

Prepare for a fee:● Attend SAT prep courses (available at AKEAC)● Attend SAT practice tests (available at AKEAC)

Start early and don't procrastinateSAT PREPARATION TIPS

Critical Reading study tips:● Work on your vocabulary and learn the words in context● Read as much as you can (SAT passages and any other academic reading online – e.g., Scientific American, History Today)

● Critical reading is the hardest part even for Americans

Math study tips:● Algebra● Geometry● Probability and Data Analysis

Start early and don't procrastinateSAT PREPARATION TIPS

Writing study tips:● Read as many essay topics as you can and try to find essay examples – e.g., College Confidential

● Work on your grammar – needed for 'improving sentences' task

GENERAL ADVICE:P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E on a regular basis!Create a study plan.Take a least one practice test bi-weekly and learn from your mistakes.

Thank you!Questions, please