Standardized testing is the third session in Northwood’s program about the college search and application process for juniors.
During this session we discussed the different types of testing (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests, TOEFL, AP) and when to take them.
I also introduced Khan Academy’s SAT prep program. Northwood students are able to prepare for the SAT at their own pace, at absolutely no cost. Download a real, full-length SAT practice test, watch an expert work through real SAT problems, and get even more practice using interactive exercises, which feature lots of previously-unreleased problems from real SATs grouped by topic and difficulty level. If students feel like they need to brush up on fundamentals, they can check out the Algebra mission, which will help them master core concepts covered on the SAT.
The ACT has a similar partnership with Kaplan test prep. The service is low-cost but not free, although it is free for students who register for the ACT with a fee waiver.
Their homework after this sessions is…
- Take a full-length ACT at Northwood in January, February or March
- Register for the SAT or ACT this spring
- Get started with Khan Academy SAT Prep or Kaplan ACT Prep.
Here are resources I distributed at the session:
- Standardized Testing Slides (2018)
- SAT and ACT Planning Strategy
- SAT and ACT score concordances (2017)
- The Competitive Landscape (test scores and acceptance rates at 360 selective schools)
- Testing Plan Worksheet
– John Spear
Director of College Counseling
John Spear 