What are the SAT, SAT II, ACT and TOEFL?
Both the SAT and the ACT are standardized college entrance exams used by colleges in the United States. You only need to take one of them.
The SAT II tests are subject tests. They are used to prove proficiency in various areas; for example, SAT II Biology, Chemistry, or Spanish. The subject tests are recommended, although not all schools will expressly require them. Also, depending on intended major, particular subject tests may be required. If you are unsure about whether or not subject tests are required or recommended for you, check the websites of the colleges that you intend to apply to.
The TOEFL is an English language proficiency test, usually required for international students applying to schools in the United States.
The SAT II tests are subject tests. They are used to prove proficiency in various areas; for example, SAT II Biology, Chemistry, or Spanish. The subject tests are recommended, although not all schools will expressly require them. Also, depending on intended major, particular subject tests may be required. If you are unsure about whether or not subject tests are required or recommended for you, check the websites of the colleges that you intend to apply to.
The TOEFL is an English language proficiency test, usually required for international students applying to schools in the United States.
How important is are SAT/ACT scores?
The SAT/ACT score ranks fifth out of all the aspects that schools look at when considering international students.
Do colleges prefer SAT or ACT?
They have no preferences. Almost all colleges in the U.S. accept either one.
Should I take the SAT or ACT?
It depends on your strength and weaknesses.
If you know that your strengths lie in analysis, finding and interpreting evidence, or if you have a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, the SAT might be the better fit for you.
If you tend to do better with geometry and science, and do not mind solving many problems in a short amount of time, the ACT might be the test to take.
These are general guidelines. For a clearer answer, you can come to the Trinity Scholar test prep center and take a free SAT/ACT combo test to see which one you score higher with.
If you know that your strengths lie in analysis, finding and interpreting evidence, or if you have a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, the SAT might be the better fit for you.
If you tend to do better with geometry and science, and do not mind solving many problems in a short amount of time, the ACT might be the test to take.
These are general guidelines. For a clearer answer, you can come to the Trinity Scholar test prep center and take a free SAT/ACT combo test to see which one you score higher with.
What changes have been made to the SAT in 2016?
- More like ACT
- Less vocabulary requirement
- Incorrect answers will no longer be penalized
- 400-1600 points (200-800 on reading & writing, 200-800 on math)
- 4 sections:
- Evidence-based reading
- Writing
- Math without calculator
- Math with calculator
- Essay: Optional but usually recommended, scored separately
What score is considered good?
top 1% : 1510+ (SAT), 33+ (ACT)
top 25% : 1210+ (SAT), 24 (ACT)
top 50% : 1080+ (SAT), 20+ (ACT)
More importantly, it depends on what schools you are applying to. Colleges often publicize the average test scores of accepted students-- this information can be found on college websites or brochures. There are also websites online that compile data on the average tests scores of students who were accepted, rejected, and waitlisted at various colleges.
Understand your SAT Score and percentile
ACT score percentile
top 25% : 1210+ (SAT), 24 (ACT)
top 50% : 1080+ (SAT), 20+ (ACT)
More importantly, it depends on what schools you are applying to. Colleges often publicize the average test scores of accepted students-- this information can be found on college websites or brochures. There are also websites online that compile data on the average tests scores of students who were accepted, rejected, and waitlisted at various colleges.
Understand your SAT Score and percentile
ACT score percentile
How do I prepare for SAT/ACT?
Know your starting point
Begin with a practice test, see where your strengths and weaknesses are. DO IT EARLY ON!
Know your goal
Colleges will state 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile of the admitted students in admission section
Study methods
1. Study on your own
2. Study with a tutor
3. Go to test prep institutes like Trinity Scholar, where you can work with an instructor who is not only an expert on the test him/herself, but also has gone through training from a test prep company.
Begin with a practice test, see where your strengths and weaknesses are. DO IT EARLY ON!
Know your goal
Colleges will state 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile of the admitted students in admission section
Study methods
1. Study on your own
2. Study with a tutor
3. Go to test prep institutes like Trinity Scholar, where you can work with an instructor who is not only an expert on the test him/herself, but also has gone through training from a test prep company.
When should I start preparing?
Students commonly start preparing during the summer of sophomore year (10th grade), although some people like to start earlier.
When should I take the exams?
Junior year (11th grade). Finishing the exams before senior year (12th grade) is ideal, because you want as much spare time as possible during senior year for college applications. However, if you think you could get a higher score by retesting, you can still take the exams during the first half of senior year.
How many times should I take the SAT/ACT?
You can take the ACT up to 12 times, and SAT as many times as you want.
However, it is recommended to test no more than 3 times. Reasons are as follows:
However, it is recommended to test no more than 3 times. Reasons are as follows:
- There is no need to test before you are ready. Save your test-taking opportunities for when you are.
- After three tries, it is less likely that your score will improve substantially.
- If you test too many times, college admissions officers might think that you either are not taking the exams seriously enough, or are having trouble improving your scores.
Do the colleges see all my scores?
Most schools allow you to decide which score to send, and some automatically take the “Super-score” (They take the highest individual section scores, regardless of test-taking period, and combine them). However, some colleges do require you to submit all of your test scores.
How can I improve my Reading & Writing / English sections?
Make a habit of reading
- read magazines, news, short articles or books in English frequently, as this will improve your reading speed and overall text comprehension.
- Practice often. For non-native English speakers, the time limit often poses a problem. Time yourself to figure out your reading pace, and to familiarize yourself with the amount of time you will have during the actual test.
- Mark the questions you are unsure about, so that if you have time after finishing the entire section, you can reread those questions. After correcting your answers, review the ones you got wrong. Analyze the passage again, and figure out what the mistake was and why you made it.
How can I improve my math section?
- Practice.
- Find out what you don’t know and fill in the content gaps.
- Re-solve questions you get wrong before looking at answer explanations.
- Keep asking questions until you understand a topic fully.
How can I improve Essay/Writing test?
Read more
- read magazines, news, short articles or books in English frequently
- Analyze and see what gives an essay a high score. What do they have that you don’t?
- Imitate their style/techniques you like
- Since it would be difficult to grade your own essay, get an experienced teacher to read your essay and give you advice.
Any other tips?
Preparation
- Always understand your mistakes
- Rest well the night before the exam
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- If one question is taking too long to solve, move on and come back later.
- When you are not sure of the answer, work by process of elimination.
- When you can’t figure out an answer-- guess. There is no penalty for guessing.
- Double check your answers.
- Take a few minutes to write a rough outline of your essay. This will help you organize the arguments and you are less likely to get stuck.
- Proofread your essay.