Tests: ACT / SAT

Students can search the ACT website on the link below to determine if the college/university they wish to attend requires the Plus Writing ACT.

https://actapps.act.org/writPrefRM/

ACT Test Prep Resources

1. Byron School District offers all juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate in a program called On To College for the 2019 - 2021 school years. Links have been shared with all students. Juniors complete some of the OTC prep during advisory and can do a lot more at home.
2. Free practice tests and study material available on MCIS . Students must use their own log-in to access the practice tests. If they do not have an account, log in as user: byronhs Password: bears and click on Create My MCIS to make an account.
3. Free App: ACT UP. Test Prep from ACT.
4. Khan Academy free test prep site. Khan Academy
5. The Sophia site below has ACT prep material for all 5 subject areas of the ACT. The math part has 3 practice tests and has 8 videos reviewing the main content of the math section of the ACT. The other subject areas are set up similarly with practice tests and videos. sophia.org: Preparing For ACT
6. The attached PDF also contains some good ACT general test information and test taking strategies. The bottom of page 1 and top of page 2 are good, pages 4 to 6 are contain good test taking strategies for each subject area. Pages 7 to 15, and pages 18 and 19 are good for the writing section.
7. Electronic Library of Minnesota which offers databases of information for students across the state has a Test Prep subscription. For ACT, AP classes etc. To access it follow this link under the High school tab it is about half way down called the LearningExpress Library
8. A resource for improving ACT scores (ignore the ads) How to Improve ACT Test Scores

SAT Test Preparation:

Khan Academy is offering preparation opportunities for the SAT testing to students at no cost. Students must set up an account. Students can also access practice practice tests under the MCIS site noted above. satpractice.org

Frequently asked questions:

How do I sign up to take the test and what are the test dates?

Students should establish an ACT account and register on-line at www.actstudent.org. All the test dates, test locations and deadlines can be located on this website. Please enter the BHS school code, 240-365, to have ACT send the test score to BHS for the student's transcript.

To take the SAT, students should create an account and register online at https://www.collegeboard.org/ All test dates and registration deadlines can also be found on this site.

Why take the ACT or SAT test?

This is a high stakes test that will factor heavily into admissions decisions made by most colleges. Most four year colleges require students submit either ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions. Many scholarships, particularly those awarded by colleges, are also awarded based on a combination of test scores and cumulative GPA.

• The ACT covers four subject areas: English, Reading, Math and Science with an optional Written Essay. The ACT is the most common test in the Midwest.
• The SAT is divided into Verbal, Math, and Writing sections with a mandatory Essay. Some students test better on one test over the other. Either test is accepted by 90% of colleges.

When should I take my first ACT or SAT?

Students are encouraged to take these tests during their junior year. Under the block schedule at Byron High School, it is best to take the ACT or SAT after taking college preparatory coursework in core academic subjects of math, science and English. For example, a junior should take chemistry or physics, junior year English and junior year math immediately prior to taking the ACT or SAT. This improves scores due to greater mastery and retention. Students often take tests more than once.

Should I take the ACT Plus Writing or No Writing?

Some colleges require at least one ACT test score with writing, and they will take subsequent ACT scores with higher scores and without writing. Students should check the college website or admissions department to determine what is required for the colleges they are interested. (Note: individual majors may require higher ACT scores so check the department of interest also.) Many students take their first ACT with writing and subsequent tests without. Juniors will complete the writing exam during the test offered at BHS. Most students only need one writing score. Consult with the college of your choice if you are wondering if you should take the writing test a second time.

What can you tell me about test preparation?

Studies show that students who prepare for the exam perform better.

• Take practice tests in a simulated test environment
• Use a paper practice test from the counseling office or the free online prep link on MCIS https://mncis.intocareers.org. If you use this link, (username: byronhs, password: bears) you must establish your own account before you can access the free test prep.
• Correct your test and analyze where your problems occur so you can study that material.
• Consider tutoring if necessary.
• Take an ACT prep class such as the one offered at BHS or in Rochester.
• Allow yourself enough time to take the test at least twice, if not three times. Most students improve their score the second time and most, if not all, colleges take the highest composite score.