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.

At the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Education Fair in downtown Vancouver last Saturday, December 3^rd, 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.

1)   The Common Application – US Admissions (10.30 – 11.15am)

• Overview of Common App sections
• Subjective and objective pieces: Essays vs SATs
• Additional Information section

2)   Trends in Canadian Post-Secondary Education (1.15 – 2.00pm)

• Applying to university or college
• Post-Secondary options
• Course planning, requirements and deadlines

Event venue: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Social Service Centre, 28 West Pender St., Room 109

Come and join us at this event!

If you haven’t started your US applications yet…… join us for US ADMISSION BOOT CAMP!

The goal of this boot camp is to relieve the stress surrounding the US application process. Students will receive a comprehensive overview of the US admissions system. They will learn how to request teacher recommendations, fill out a Common Application and work on producing application essays.

If you are entering grade 11 and want to get a kick start on your SATS…… join us for SAT BOOT CAMP!

This boot camp includes a full length exam with 12 hours of group instruction. Students will be taught how to beat the exam, test taking strategies, time-management, vocabulary building and much more. Students will also receive instruction on how to improve their skills for every section of the SAT exam.

If you weren’t happy with last year’s English mark…. join us for ESSAY WRITING BOOT CAMP!

A one-week writing intensive boot camp that introduces students to the concepts of good writing. Students will develop skills that will help prepare them for English and all writing-based courses at the high school and university levels. Students applying to universities in the coming year will receive practice writing supplemental essays.

If you want to get a head start in Math 12…… join us for MATH 12 BOOT CAMP!

A one-week intensive course introducing the concepts of the Principles of Mathematics 12 course for students entering grade 12 math. (This course is preparatory and not for credit). To get the most benefit from this course, it is recommended that students study at least one hour outside of class for every hour spent in class. Materials will be provided.

If you fear high school or university Calculus…. join us for CALCULUS BOOT CAMP!

A one-week blitz of differential and integral calculus and applications, with emphasis on understanding the concepts and methods. For students entering Calculus 12, AP Calculus, or first year university calculus. (This course is preparatory and not for credit). To get the maximum benefit from this course, it is recommended that students study at least one hour outside of class for every hour spent in class. Materials will be provided.

SAT BOOT CAMP – August 23^rd to August 27^th, 9:00-12:00.  A week long intensive course focusing on the Writing, Reading, Math and Essay Sections of the SAT exam. Also includes test taking strategies, “beating” the exam, time management, and crossover skills to the ACT exam.

US ADMISSIONS BOOT CAMP – August 30^th to September 2nd , 9:00-12:00. A comprehensive overview of the US admissions process: focusing on essay writing, the Common Application, supplements, activities summaries, list evaluation (stretch, reach, likely), etc. 

INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF MATHEMATICS 12 – August 23^rd to August 27^th, 2:00-5:00.  A one week intensive course introducing the concepts of the Principles of Mathematics 12 course for students entering grade 12 math. (This course is preparatory and not for credit).

INTRODUCTION TO CALCULUS – August 30^th to September 3 ^rd, 2:00-5:00.   A one week blitz of differential and integral calculus and applications, with emphasis on understanding the concepts and methods. For students entering Calculus 12, AP Calculus, or first year university calculus. (This course is preparatory and not for credit).

UNIVERSITY SEND-OFF – August 20^th, 1:00-3:30. The goal of this session is to set grade 12s up for post-secondary success from an academic and non-academic perspective. Topics covered will include: understanding how to learn in a post-secondary environment, organizing one’s time, familiarizing oneself with the university resources, balancing one’s life, etc.

All sessions are at the West Vancouver office.  If you are interested in any of these sessions, please contact us for more information or check out the blog for more information in upcoming weeks.

Early action is non-binding and means a student applies early and hears early and is not bound to attend if accepted.  This is a GREAT option for many reasons. One benefit is that early action inspires a student to get a jump start on their applications.  Another reason is that hearing from a few universities in January can help a student settle and enjoy their last year of high school a bit more.   There are a few early action plans that restrict the number of early action applications (notably Boston College and Stanford), but most universities allow students to apply to as many early action options as they are able.  Early deadlines are usually between November 1^st and November 15^th.  

See here for more information:

From College Board

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/the-application/104.html

A great video from US News and World Report

http://usnews.feedroom.com/?fr_story=9e407c1d24a2aa5550133e384fc68dbee59f8ceb