College Corner

Senior Calendar
Senior Parent Questionnaire

SAT Q & A
SAT Test Tips
What Makes a Good College?
Financial Aid Information
How to Reduce Parental Stress

HOW IS COLLEGE DIFFERENT FROM HIGH SCHOOL?
Rules versus Responsibility
Attending versus Succeeding
Teachers versus Professors
The Difference in Testing
The Difference in Grades
How to Make the Transition to College

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Questions and Answers about SATs and ACTs

 

  1. What do these initials stand for?

These are 2 different standardized tests required as part of the admissions process for most colleges in the U.S. and Canada.  Either one is acceptable.  These tests are not generally required for admission to colleges in other parts of the world.

 

  1. Which  test should ISP students take, and when?

The 2 tests are somewhat different; some students do better on one, some on the other. ISP students usually take these tests beginning in January of their 11th grade year through December of their 12th grade year.  This year, all juniors considering college in the U.S. or Canada have been encouraged to take 2 tests between January and June, either one ACT and one SAT, or 2 of the same test, so that they have 2 sets of scores to help in deciding where to apply to college in the fall of  12th  grade.    Most students do not benefit from taking these tests more than 2-3 times.

 

  1. How does ISP help prepare students for these tests?

In the fall of 10th grade, all ISP students take the ACT practice test, known as the PLAN.  Students receive results including their answers and a copy of the test; this is an excellent tool to use to prepare for the ACT the following year.  Teachers also receive a report about which questions students did and did not do particularly well in, to help guide their instruction.  Students registering for the ACT receive an additional practice ACT.

In the fall of 11th grade, all ISP students take the practice SAT, known as the PSAT.  They then receive a complete report of all their answers and a copy of the test to use in preparing for the SAT.  They are also given another sample test 6 weeks before the May SAT, and English and math teachers work with them on portions of that test.    

While it would be nice to add Test Prep as a course offering, the conflicting demands of student and teacher schedules make it impossible to do in a small school.  Online resources are fortunately of high caliber. (see 4.c)                                                              

  1. What else can students do to prepare for these tests?

   a/ The tests focus on critical reading and math through Algebra 2.  The stronger a student’s skills in these areas, the better he/she is likely to do.  Students who do best on the critical reading part, for example, tend to be avid readers in school and on their own time.

b/ Take the time to take the practice tests; knowing what to expect and how to pace yourself  can definitely improve your score. 

c/ Use the excellent test preparation materials, programs and advice available on the 2 official websites:  for SAT, www.collegeboard.com; for ACT, www.act.org

 

  1. How important are these tests?

     The most important factor in college admissions in the

U.S.and Canada is the student’s high school record:  the difficulty of the courses selected, and the grades earned.  Colleges often also consider teacher and counselor recommendations, student accomplishments outside the classroom and their personal essays.  However,  ACT and SAT scores are a significant factor in many instances.

 

  1. English is not the first language for many of our students; aren’t  they at a disadvantage taking these tests?

      Many times this is true, more so in reading and writing sections than math.  That is why it is important for all non-native English speakers to also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which demonstrates their ability to learn and communicate in English, and which colleges definitely consider.  It is recommended that students take this test during their 11th grade year.  It is given many times in Panama; registration is through www.ets.org/toefl

 

  1. My child is a good student but not a great test taker.  What to do?

All students should follow the suggestions in question #4 so that they take the tests with as much comfort and confidence as possible (practice, practice).  At the same time, there are many excellent colleges that put less emphasis on tests.   The high school counselor can help identify colleges that fit individual students.  And there are a good number of colleges that don’t require either the ACT or SAT.  For that list, go to www.fairtest.org.

 

Comments or questions? isp@isp.edu.pa Tel. (507) 266-7862 Fax: (507) 266-7808
P.O. Box 0819-02588 El Dorado Panama Republic of Panama.

Copyright © 2008 International School of Panama

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