The document addresses common myths about college admissions tests and provides information about the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams. It dispels myths that prestigious colleges prefer the SAT, that colleges prefer well-rounded applicants over those deep in one area, and that test scores are more important than grades. It explains the purpose and timing of the PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. For the class of 2017, it recommends also considering the ACT since it is unchanged while the SAT will be redesigned.

1. What you need to know about
College Admissions Tests
PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP
aplustutoring.com
Daniel Ascher, M.Ed., President, A+ Test Prep and Tutoring
The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
November 2, 2014
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Addressing Common Myths
 Myth #1: Prestigious colleges still prefer the SAT over the ACT.
 Reality: Both tests are considered equivalent and are accepted
everywhere.
 Myth #2: Colleges prefer well-rounded applicants.
 Reality: These days colleges are looking for students who are
deeper in an area of interest, not wider.
 Myth #3: Standardized test scores are more important than
grades or challenging curriculum.
 Reality: Standardized test scores are the third most important
factor, after grades and challenge level of courses taken.
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College Admissions Tests
 PSAT
 Taken in fall of Sophomore and Junior years
 Early warning system
 National Merit Scholarship / Honor *(strong score may help with
scholarship offers)
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College Admissions Tests
 SAT
 Typically taken in winter/spring of Junior year, and fall of Senior
Year
 Reasoning Test; Can be tricky
 ACT
 Typically taken in winter/spring of Junior year, and fall of Senior
Year
 Achievement Test; more straightforward than SAT
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College Admissions Tests
 SAT Subject Tests
 Offered in almost all school subjects
 Required by top tier schools ONLY
 Typically require 2 tests
 Math or Science majors will require those subjects
 AP Exams
 Not required for admission at most colleges
 A score of 3 or above reflects well (only send those scores, not all
AP scores)
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College Admissions Tests
 Test requirements vary by college so do your homework!
Example: NYU
 Applicants for admission to NYU’s New York City campus are
required to submit one of the following:
 The SAT Reasoning Test or;
 The ACT (with Writing Test) or;
 Three SAT Subject Test scores (one in literature or the humanities,
one in math or science, and one non-language test of the student’s
choice) or;
 Three AP exam scores earned prior to senior year (one in literature
or the humanities, one in math or science, and one non-language
of the student’s choice)
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Should You Consider the ACT?
 Most students should take a practice ACT and compare it to a
PSAT or SAT score.
 If scores are equivalent it is a matter of which test student is
more comfortable taking.
 Basic differences:
 SAT
 Trickier
 Lower level of math (but more abstract)
 A bit longer overall, but has shorter sections.
 Essay prompts tend to present a broad issue that you need to
explore using examples from history, literature or your personal
experiences.
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Should You Consider the ACT?
 ACT
 Straightforward
 Reflects achievement
 More questions per unit of time
 Essay asks you to take a stand on a potentially controversial issue
and address the counter-argument as part of you essay.
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The SAT Redesign
 The redesigned PSAT will be given in October 2015
 The new SAT will be offered for the first time in March 2016
 Class of 2017 = Guinea Pigs
 You may want to consider prepping for ACT
since it is unchanged and is a known quantity
 If you want to take the “old” SAT you may want
To prepare for the January 2016 test date
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Conclusions
 PSAT is a good indicator/early warning system and high scores
may lead to scholarship offers
 Consider taking an ACT practice exam
 Class of 2017 is the first class to face “new” SAT
 Test requirements vary by college so do your homework.
 Good luck!
Contact Info:
Daniel Ascher, M.Ed.
215-886-9188  dan@aplustutoring.com
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