Options Solutions Educational Consultants » ACT Prep http://www.optionssolutionsed.com Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:14:33 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 To SAT or ACT? http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/to-sat-or-act http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/to-sat-or-act#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:14:32 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=994 To SAT or ACT: that is the question: Whether it’s best to subject the mind to the 3-hour-45-minute SAT Reasoning Test’s three sections in Writing, Critical Reading and Math to achieve the desirable 2400 or to take masterful control over the ACT and its 4 parts, based on the curricula of English, Math, Reading and Science, in 3 hours and 30 minutes (excluding the essay) to attain the elusive composite score of 36 (plus 12 for writing).

Some quick pointers to help you decide are as follows:

  • SAT questions are generally multiple-choice in format and require student-produced responses. ACT questions seem to be easier and straightforward to understand compared to SAT questions, which test reasoning and solving-problems skills. The SAT is a punitive exam taking away a quarter point for each wrong answer. ACT does not take points away for wrong answers.
  • The SAT has 3 main content areas that are divided into 10 smaller sections. Some might find it harder to shift from Critical Reading, to Math and to Writing and back to Reading in short 20 or 25-minute segments. The ACT has 5 sections that include Science and therefore, tests more subject areas of the curriculum. The ACT tests reading comprehension and reasoning skills in science passages, which might be more suited for students who like science.
  • The SAT Math includes data analysis, statistics and probability. The ACT tests trigonometry in addition to algebra and geometry.
  • The ACT Reading passages are from subject fields in social studies, the natural sciences, prose fiction and the humanities. The SAT has a greater emphasis on vocabulary, while the ACT focuses more on rhetoric.
  • The 30-minute SAT Essay is required while the 25-minute ACT writing is optional. Most universities require students to take the ACT writing section.

The majority of US four-year colleges and universities require the SAT or the ACT for admissions and placement. Start early – join our SAT or ACT prep sessions today!

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/to-sat-or-act/feed 0 2012 SAT/ACT Prep Program http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/2012-satact-prep-program http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/2012-satact-prep-program#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:50:47 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=989 Options Solutions is excited to launch our 2012 SAT/ACT prep schedule.  We will offer four different prep options this season.

1.    Full Length Practice Exams and Debriefs

This option includes a 4-hour exam (SAT or ACT), exam marking (including customized essay marking), and a 2.5-hour debrief. Students are each given a cover sheet to help them understand their successes and what they need to work on. We recommend EVERYONE (even those who have completed a PSAT) take the first practice exams for both the SAT and the ACT. This is the best way to get a baseline score early. In order to get an accurate estimate of a student’s abilities, we use only officially released SAT and ACT exams. This is the best “bang for your buck” prep wise, and the most crucial element of prep.

2.   Group Sessions

Group sessions are structured to conquer the elements of the exam: test taking strategies, reading, vocabulary, math, writing, essays, and science (for the ACT). Students can attend each session or pick and choose what they need. Content is unique for each session and never repeated. Each session is 2 hours in length. Sessions will be on Tuesdays from February to June.

3.    SAT and ACT Super Weekends

These are a week’s worth of prep sessions fit into a weekend and designed to deliver a concentration of exam prep. They will be divided into four sections and take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (with a break from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM for lunch each day). Each super weekend will cover different material, so students are encouraged to come to as many sessions as they need.

4.    Individual Sessions

It is also possible to book one-on-one prep time and individual test debrief sessions with Options Solutions consultants. There is limited availability for one-on-one sessions, so if you are interested, please contact us immediately.

Please visit our online calendar for times and dates.  Please contact our office at info@optionssolutionsed.com to reserve a space.

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/2012-satact-prep-program/feed 0 The ACT http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/the-act http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/the-act#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:14:48 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=986 If you are looking for an alternative to the SAT as a standardized test for admissions to a US university or college, the ACT (American College Test) would be your choice. A curriculum-based test similar to the SAT, the ACT also measures the high school student’s readiness for US universities, but assesses not three, but four academic abilities including English, math, reading and science reasoning. Each year, the ACT is offered in September, October, December, February, April and June.

The four multiple-choice test sections of the ACT takes about 3 hours, 30 minutes to complete:

  • The 75-question English test (45 minutes) evaluates the student’s understanding of conventional language skills with respect to the use of punctuation, grammar and sentence structure in context. The rhetorical skills of strategy to achieve the writer’s purpose, the organization of ideas and the effectiveness of sentence elements with regards to essay style and tone. Vocabulary, spelling and rules of grammar are not tested. A total test score (1-36), a Usage/Mechanics sub-score (1-18) and the Rhetorical Skills sub-score (1-18) are all reported.
  • In 60-minute Mathematics section assesses skills in six areas that are normally covered by the end of Grade 11: Pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry and trigonometry. Knowledge of the basic formulas and calculation skills are tested in the 60 multiple-choice questions. The total Math score ranges for 1 – 36. In addition, three sub-scores in the six topic areas between 1 and 18 each are also reported.
  • The 40 questions in the Reading section asks the test-taker to extract meaning from passages taken from the areas of social studies, natural sciences, prose fiction and the humanities. In 35 minutes, the student is required to use reasoning to identify each text’s in-depth meaning and come to conclusions, draw comparisons and make appropriate generalizations. Three scores including a total section score (1-36), a sub-score in Arts/Literature reading skills (1-18), and a sub-score in Social Studies/Science reading skills. (1-18) are reported.
  • The 35-minute Science section has 40 questions that assess how the student interprets, analyses, evaluates, reasons and solves problems in the natural sciences. The test is made up of scientific information derived from the curricular topics of biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space sciences. Examining data, understanding research summaries and critically thinking about conflicting hypotheses and resulting viewpoints are required. Only one science score ranging from 1 – 36 is reported.

After the taking the ACT, the test-taker will receive a Composite Score of 1 – 36, which is an average of the English, Mathematics, Reading and Science test scores.

The ACT has an optional 30-minute Writing Test that measures a student’s writing skills in responding to a question prompt by taking a point of view and addressing the issue presented. Like the SAT Subject Tests, scored from two markers from 2 – 12 and combined with the English Test on a 1-36 scale, the ACT Writing Test is not required for entry to all colleges, so it’s best to check with each institution to see if it’s necessary to take it. You can check the Writing Test requirements by colleges by going to: www.actstudent.org.

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/the-act/feed 0 The SAT and SAT Subject Tests http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/the-sat-and-sat-subject-tests http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/the-sat-and-sat-subject-tests#comments Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:38:28 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=981 The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized admissions test used to assess academic preparedness for universities and colleges in the United States, offered by the College Board. Required for entry to most higher education institutions in the U.S., the SAT (the ACT being the other) tests an undergraduate applicant’s writing, reading and mathematics skills and knowledge.

Over a period of 3 hours and 45 minutes, SAT test-takers will complete the following sections:

1)    Writing: This section presents a combination of multiple-choice questions on grammar usage and an essay component. These multiple-choice questions test students on sentence and paragraph improvement and error identification. Often the first section of the SAT, the 25-minute essay allows test-takers to show how they can develop and express their ideas effectively in a piece of extended writing by responding to a given prompt. To be successful, it is important to build on a topic viewpoint in a logical way and use supporting examples and details clearly with proper use of language. An effective and concise essay should display sound organizational structure of the writer’s main ideas by addressing the elements of the prompt.

2)    Critical Reading: Reading comprehension and vocabulary skills are tested in these multiple-choice answer sections. Test-takers will need to read short and extended passages for main ideas and subtleties and complete sentences by drawing from the content and topical details. Having some understanding of literary devices, such as metaphor, exaggeration, comparison and contrast, will be beneficial for analyzing and interpreting the purpose of particular sentences or the author’s point in the paragraphs.

3)    Mathematics: An array of mathematical concepts and topics are tested with reference to key knowledge and skills from the secondary school curriculum. These sections include both free-response and multiple-choice questions on solving problems in arithmetic, geometry, algebra, scattered plots, probability and statistics.

Altogether, there are ten separately timed sections on the SAT, which include one 25-minute essay, six 25-minute sections, two 20-minutes and one 10-minute section. Each of the above three major sections is scored on a scale from 200 to 800, for an accumulated maximum of 2400. The Writing section has two sub-scores: the essay is graded from 2 to 12 (a combined score given by two readers that each marks from 1 to 6) and the multiple-choice sub-score ranges from 200 to 800.

Previously called the “SAT II” exams, The SAT Subject Tests are content-specific tests that give students the opportunity to showcase their academic strength across a range of 20 subjects from English Literature to Ecological Biology. The Subject Tests of their choice are written by first-year applicants to demonstrate how prepared they are for a particular area of study at the college level. Not all U.S. colleges will require them for admission, so it’s best to check with each institution regarding how many subject tests are needed, which can range from zero to three.

Watch this spot for more information on how to prepare for the SAT.

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/the-sat-and-sat-subject-tests/feed 0 Factors in US Admissions: More than GPAs and SATs http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/factors-in-us-admissions-more-than-gpas-and-sats http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/factors-in-us-admissions-more-than-gpas-and-sats#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:13:36 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=977 If you’re thinking of applying to a university or college in the US, aside from facing higher tuition costs, you will be encountering a number of factors that have made gaining admission progressively harder each year.

At the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Education Fair in downtown Vancouver last Saturday, December 3rd, Melinda Giampietro of Options Solutions identified and outlined some key and “tip factors” that would help US-bound students to be more successful at applying to higher education institutions in the States. With the number of seats in colleges staying pretty much the same, the growth in applicant pool including an increased influx of international students, grade inflations, re-scaled SAT, more overachieving kids and high-volume applications to multiple schools have all contributed to making the selection process more challenging and college admissions more competitive.

“Since 1993, grades in college prep courses have remained the number one factor in the decision about whom to admit to college,” says NACAC, State of College Admissions. But beyond standardized admissions tests scores such as the SAT and the ACT and these high school cumulative GPAs, a fair amount of emphasis is also placed on “academic factors” that add context to the academic record. These supplementals include the student’s class rank, the application essay (and writing samples), and the teacher and counsellor letters of recommendation. Thrown into the mix are “non-academic” factors that account for the applicant’s involvement in extra-curricular activities, work and volunteer experience and demonstrated “interestability” which would help to round off of the individual’s profile in the critical eyes of admissions officers. Additional attractive qualities and abilities that set the candidate apart from others, referred to as “hooks”, can truly boost their chances if their special talents, outstanding achievements and awards, athletic prowess, alumni connection and legacy, published works are highlighted and conveyed to the admissions team.

So, if your goal is to pursue your university studies in the States, prepare well by taking inventory of your academic accomplishments and your equally-important non-academic involvements, adding to them where possible, and put together an application profile that they can’t refuse.

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/factors-in-us-admissions-more-than-gpas-and-sats/feed 0 Applying for ACT Accommodations http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/applying-for-act-accommodations http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/applying-for-act-accommodations#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:43:45 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=784 If you have a disability that could have a major impact on your ACT score, it is important to apply for accommodations. The ACT organization is motivated to help students with disabilities by providing them with reasonable accommodations. They have established a number of policies in order to help applicants navigate the process. To apply for accommodations, you must currently be receiving accommodations at your school. You must also have documented proof that you have been professionally diagnosed. If you meet this criterion, you can make a request with the ACT’s Services for Students with Disabilities. ACT has three different application categories:

Standard Time National Testing: Apply if you are able to complete the test under the standard time limits and use either a test booklet with regular font size (10pt) or large (18pt), but require accommodations due to disability. Students who are confined to a wheelchair or have hearing impairments should apply for this form of accommodation. Your written request needs to include:

• Your name, mailing address, and phone number.

• The test option and test date you are requesting.

• The name, city, and 6-digit code for each of the test center choices you requested when you registered online or marked in Block N of your registration folder.

• Explain your disability and clearly state the accommodations you are requesting with enough detail so we can make arrangements with the test center.

• Enclose written documentation from your school describing in detail the accommodations you normally receive in school.

• The name and phone number of a school official familiar with your current test accommodations.

Extended Time National Testing: Apply if you can use a test booklet with regular font size (10pt) or large (18pt), but require up to 50% more time, due to your disability. To apply for this form of testing for the first time, you and a school official must complete and sign the Application for ACT Extended Time National Testing. The application explains the eligibility criteria, documentation required, registration deadlines, and how to request a test date change or re-register if you were previously approved.

Special Testing: Apply if you require more than time-and-a-half for tests, require testing over multiple days or require an alternate test format such as Braille. To apply, ask your counsellor or qualified school official to complete and submit the Request for ACT Special Testing for you. The request form explains the eligibility criteria, documentation required, testing schedules, submission deadlines, and retest restrictions.

For more information on applying for ACT accommodation please visit actstudent.org.

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/applying-for-act-accommodations/feed 0 Should I Take Both the SAT and ACT? http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/should-i-take-both-the-sat-and-act http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/should-i-take-both-the-sat-and-act#comments Mon, 16 May 2011 17:54:39 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=749 One of the biggest questions we get is whether or not a U.S. bound student should take both the SAT and ACT. Both tests hold equal weight with U.S. college admissions and both tests require preparation and studying. However, there are several differences between the two tests and this makes it difficult to determine which test will be best for each individual student.

For starters, the SAT is designed to measure aptitude. Meaning, it tests abilities and not necessarily what you have learned in school. The ACT is designed to measure achievement, meaning it tests students on the curriculum that they have learned in school. For students that study extremely hard in their classes and have a strong grasp of their curriculum, it might be beneficial to take the ACT. One thing to be aware of, however is the difference between the U.S. and Canadian curricula. Students will still need to study and prepare for the ACT to fill the curricular gaps.

The content of both the SAT and ACT is different as well. The ACT has a science section while the SAT does not. The science covered in the ACT includes biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. It can be helpful for a student to have received some instruction in school in each of these particular areas to succeed on the ACT. However, you do not need to be a science genius. Most of the science section requires you to interpret graphs, read and understand research summaries, and make sense of scientific hypotheses. If you are a strong critical reader, it is likely that you will do well on the science section.

The SAT math section is mostly comprised of the basic rules of algebra and geometry. The ACT includes some trigonometry in addition to algebra and geometry. Students need at least a basic understanding of trigonometry and in particular a good grasp of sine and cosine before jumping in to take the ACT.

There are style differences between both exams as well. The SAT places more emphasis on vocabulary and the questions progressively get harder through each section. The ACT’s questions tend to be more straightforward and easy to understand, yet it has a more constant level of difficulty.

And finally, there is a difference between the way the tests are scored and viewed by admissions. The SAT provides individual scores for each section, which makes it very obvious to admissions if a student is very strong in one section and not in another. For the ACT, colleges and universities look more at the combined composite score than the individual section scores. This means that you can still have a strong overall composite score even if you are not as competent in some areas.

The choice to take either the SAT or ACT, or both, will be different for each student. We recommend meeting with one of our consultants to determine which test would best fit your student. Or come in for any of our upcoming SAT and ACT full-length exams to determine your baseline score for each test. We have full prep courses for all sections of the SAT and ACT. Please see the calendar for upcoming dates and contact our office to schedule your appointment.

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/should-i-take-both-the-sat-and-act/feed 0 SAT/ACT April Schedule http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/satact-april-schedule http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/satact-april-schedule#comments Tue, 29 Mar 2011 21:15:07 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=679 SAT Full Length Practice Exam

Sunday, April 10, 10-2 – Practice Exam

Wednesday April 20, 5-7:30 – Debrief

Weekly Prep

Tuesday, April 5, 4-6 –  Essay Focus

Thursday, April 7, 5-7 - Math Focus

Tuesday, April 12, 4-6 –  Test Taking

Thursday, April 14, 5-7 –  Vocabulary

Tuesday, April 19, 4-6 –  ACT Math and Science

Thursday, April 21, 5-7 –  ACT Reading and Writing

Tuesday, April 26, 4-6 –  Essay Focus

Wednesday, April 27 (NOTE DAY) 5-7 Math Focus

Thursday, April 28, 5-7 –  Reading Focus

 

Super Saturdays

Saturday, April 2, 10-1 –  ACT Review

Saturday, April 9, 10-1 –  Math for Everyone Focus

Saturday, April 16, 10-1 –  Essay and Writing Focus

Saturday, April 23, 10-1 –  Reading and Vocabulary Focus

Saturday, April 30, 10-1 –  Final Review Session (one week to exam)

***Contact our office to reserve a space and for pricing information. Please note that our 24-hour cancellation policy applies to all SAT/ACT prep classes.

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/satact-april-schedule/feed 0 SAT/ACT Prep is back at Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/satact-prep-is-back-at-options-solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/satact-prep-is-back-at-options-solutions#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:07:14 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=601 SAT/ACT prep is geared towards the May and June exam dates. The prep at Options Solutions is focused on two areas:　test taking skills and curriculum development.　The first area focuses on understanding the SAT/ACT exam in order to gain tools and strategies to “beat” it.　This arena also focuses on developing test taking strategies and critical thinking skills.　The second focus is on learning the content that is assessed on each SAT/ACT exam; such as math concepts, grammar rules, and vocabulary.　Research proves that long term, consistent prep is the most valuable.　Right now, it seems like May is very far away, but it will be here before we know it.

We have made several modifications to our program this year based on feedback from previous prep students. There are four main options for SAT/ACT prep at Options Solutions:

 

  1. Full Length Practice Exams and Debriefs – This option includes a 4 hour exam (SAT or ACT), exam marking and a 2.5 hour debrief. In order to get the best estimate, we use only officially released SAT and ACT exams.
  2. Group Sessions – Group sessions are geared prep sessions to conquer the elements of the exam: test taking strategies, reading, math, writing, essays, and science (for ACT). Weekly prep is a graduated program to introduce, practice and master each area of the SAT and ACT. Students can attend each session or pick and chose what they need.
  3. Super Saturdays – These are 3-hour power sessions. They are meant to provide students an in-depth focus in a single area. These are especially beneficial to students who have a weakness in one area or trying to make ground in a single session.
  4. Individual Sessions – It is also possible to book one-on-one prep time with Melinda. There is limited availability for one-on-one sessions, so if you are interested please contact us immediately.

Right now, all sessions will occur in the West Vancouver office. If we have the demand for it, Vancouver sessions will be added. See our online calendar for dates and times. Join us for our first full length SAT exam on Saturday, January 30th from 3:00 – 7:00pm.

 

 

　 

 

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/satact-prep-is-back-at-options-solutions/feed 0 Spring SAT and ACT Prep http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/spring-sat-and-act-prep http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/spring-sat-and-act-prep#comments Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:18:38 +0000 Options Solutions http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/?p=423 SAT/ACT prep at Options Solutions is geared towards the May and June exam dates. The prep at Options Solutions is focused on two areas:  test taking skills and curriculum development.  The first area focuses on understanding the exam in order to gain tools and strategies to “beat” it.  This arena also focuses on developing test taking strategies and critical thinking skills.  The second focus is on learning the content that is assessed on each exam; such as math concepts, grammar rules, and vocabulary.  Research proves that long term, consistent prep is the most valuable.  Right now, it seems like May is very far away, but it will be here before we know it.

Based on feedback from previous prep students and the Olympic schedule, we have made several modifications to our program this year.  We have more options than ever before to customize prep to your need.  The prep schedule will kick in full gear after the Olympics with a few options for early prep.

Also, if you have PSAT scores, please drop them off at the office, so they can be added to your file.  

A few policies to remember about SAT/ACT prep:

1.  Sessions are expected to be in high demand. Spaces are first come- first serve, so reserve early and spaces are not guaranteed until you have confirmed a space.  We will keep an active waitlist for each section.  Students who buy the monthly package are guaranteed a space.

2.  The regular 24 hour cancellation policy applies to SAT/ACT prep sessions as well.  PLEASE note what you and/or your student has signed up for and follow through with commitments.  Students will be charged for missing sessions.   

3.  Please communicate with us.  If we know what you need, we are happy to attempt to accommodate you.  If you have conflicts on certain dates, we will do our best to find solutions.  We will attempt to add sessions and focus sections by the needs of the group.

4.  Options’ regular clients receive first priority for reserving SAT spaces.  Outside students will be accepted only if there is space available.  Please feel free to pass on this information though to peers and teammates. 

5.  Priority will be given to grade 11 students over grade 10 students.

 

Please see Calendar for full schedule 

For general information, most students should plan on taking the May and June exams (sign up early to reserve a spot at Prince of Wales in Vancouver or McNair Secondary in Richmond for SAT).  We highly advise students to also take the ACT in June. Many students prefer it to the SAT exam.  We recommend that students have at least one official SAT or ACT (preferably both) exam scores before summer holidays.

The SAT instituted a new score reporting policy this year.  Please see this link for more information: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-reasoning/scores/policy.   See here to look up the schools you are applying to:

http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf

 

 It is your responsibility to register for the official SAT and ACT exams.  Options Solutions does not register students for exams.  You can create a login and password on each site and register there.  See below:

SAT sign up at www.collegeboard.com

ACT sign up at www.actstudent.org

Please let me know if you have any additional questions;  we look forward to a great prep season.

The Options Solutions’ Team

]]> http://www.optionssolutionsed.com/spring-sat-and-act-prep/feed 0