MME/ACT/SAT SEMINAR

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MME/ACT/SAT SEMINAR

• Everything you didnt want to know about
  preparing for the tests

The Public Schools of Petoskey
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General information

• ACT lets the student decide what set of scores
  they want sent to colleges. The SAT sends scores
  of every testing attempt.
• The ACT has up to 5 components English,
  Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional
  Writing Test. The SAT has 3 components Verbal,
  Mathematics, and a required Writing Test.
• Some students take the ACT and/or SAT as middle
  schoolers for practice or as part of the Midwest
  Talent Search.

• You may guess on the ACT because any answer is
  better than no answer, but wrong answers mean
  point deductions on the SAT, so don't make wild
  guesses!
• Prepping for the ACT or SAT could/should include
  websites, prep classes like this, books, taking
  higher level classes in school, and
  READ--READ--READ!

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The act assessment What is it?

• A national college admission examination that
  consists of tests in
• English, Mathematics, Reading, Science (and an
  optional Writing Test)
• ACT results are accepted by virtually all U.S.
  colleges and universities.
• The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions
  and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to
  complete with breaks. The actual testing time is
  2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes if you
  are taking the Writing Test).
• In the state of Michigan, the ACT is administered
  in six different months September, October,
  December, February, April, and June.
• The ACT offers an optional Writing Test. You
  should check directly with the institutions you
  are considering to find out their requirements.
• MSU, U of M and Kalamazoo College require the
  Writing Test for all applicants.
• LSSU, Northwood, Albion, Central, Western and
  Alma recommend taking the Writing Test, though it
  is not required.

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How much does the act cost?

• The registration fee is 30.00 for the ACT with
  no Writing Test.
• The registration fee is 44.50 for the ACT plus
  the Writing Test.
• These fees include score reports for you, your
  high school and up to four college choices for
  which a valid code is listed at time of
  registration.
• If you cant afford the registration fee, go to
  the following website to apply for a fee waiver
  http//www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/feewaiver.ht
  ml

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How often can I take the act assessment?

• As often as you wish many students test twice,
  once as a junior and again as a senior.
• You can test only once per national or state test
  date.
• You should definitely consider retesting if
• you had any problems during the test, such as
  misunderstanding the directions or not feeling
  physically well
• you are not satisfied that your scores accurately
  represent your abilities in the areas tested

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How will i do on a retest?

• ACT research shows that of the students who took
  the ACT more than once
• 55 increased their composite score on the retest
• 22 had no change in their composite score on the
  retest
• 23 decreased their composite score on the retest
• If you take the test more than once, you can
  choose which test score you want sent to
  colleges. The following link can help you to
  determine how to send the scores from one testing
  date to the colleges of your choice
  http//www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/morethanonce
  .html

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act English test

• Six elements of effective writing are included in
  the English Test punctuation, grammar and usage,
  sentence structure, strategy, organization, and
  style. The questions covering punctuation,
  grammar, and sentence structure make up the
  Usage/Mechanics subscore. The questions covering
  strategy, organization, and style make up the
  Rhetorical Skills subscore.
• General Tips
• Be aware of the writing style used in each
  passage.
• Consider the elements of writing that are
  included in each underlined part of the passage.
  Some questions will ask you to base your decision
  on some specific element of writing, such as the
  tone or emphasis the text should convey.
• Be aware of questions with no underlined
  portionsthat means you will be asked about a
  section of the passage or about the passage as a
  whole.
• Examine each answer choice and determine how it
  differs from the others. Many of the questions in
  the test will involve more than one aspect of
  writing.
• Read and consider all of the answer choices
  before you choose the one that best responds to
  the question.
• Determine the best answer.
• Reread the sentence, using your selected answer.

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act usage/mechanics subscore

• Usage/Mechanics
• Punctuation (13) Questions in this category
  test your knowledge of the conventions of
  internal and end-of-sentence punctuation, with
  emphasis on the relationship of punctuation to
  meaning (for example, avoiding ambiguity,
  indicating appositives).
• Grammar and Usage (16) Questions in this
  category test your understanding of agreement
  between subject and verb, between pronoun and
  antecedent, and between modifiers and the word
  modified verb formation pronoun case formation
  of comparative and superlative adjectives and
  adverbs and idiomatic usage.
• Sentence Structure (24) Questions in this
  category test your understanding of relationships
  between and among clauses, placement of
  modifiers, and shifts in construction.

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act rhetorical skills subscore

• Rhetorical Skills
• Strategy (16) Questions in this category test
  how well you develop a given topic by choosing
  expressions appropriate to an essay's audience
  and purpose judging the effect of adding,
  revising, or deleting supporting material and
  judging the relevance of statements in context.
• Organization (15) Questions in this category
  test how well you organize ideas and choose
  effective opening, transitional, and closing
  sentences.
• Style (16) Questions in this category test how
  well you select precise and appropriate words and
  images, maintain the level of style and tone in
  an essay, manage sentence elements for rhetorical
  effectiveness, and avoid ambiguous pronoun
  references, wordiness, and redundancy.

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Sample english questions

• Go to the following site to find ACT sample
  English test questions http//www.actstudent.org/
  sampletest/english/eng_01.html

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act mathematics test

• The ACT Mathematics Test is a 60-question,
  60-minute test designed to measure the
  mathematical skills students have typically
  acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th
  grade. In the Mathematics Test, three subscores
  are based on six content areas pre-algebra,
  elementary algebra, intermediate algebra,
  coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and
  trigonometry.
• The test presents multiple-choice questions that
  require you to use reasoning skills to solve
  practical problems in mathematics.
• You need knowledge of basic formulas and
  computational skills to answer the problems, but
  you aren't required to know complex formulas and
  perform extensive computation.
• You may use any four-function, scientific, or
  graphing calculator, unless it has features
  described in the Prohibited Calculators list. For
  models on the Calculators Permitted with
  Modification list, you will be required to modify
  some of the calculator's features.
• These types of calculators are permitted, but
  only after they are modified as noted
• calculators with paper tapeRemove the tape.
• calculators that make noiseTurn off the sound.
• calculators that can communicate wirelessly with
  other calculatorsCompletely cover the infrared
  data port with heavy opaque material, such as
  duct tape or electrician's tape (includes
  Hewlett-Packard hp-38G series and hp-48G)
• calculators that have power cordsRemove all
  power/electrical cords.

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Pre-Algebra/Elementary AlgebraSubscore

• Pre-Algebra (23) Questions in this content area
  are based on basic operations using whole
  numbers, decimals, fractions, and integers place
  value square roots and approximations the
  concept of exponents scientific notation
  factors ratio, proportion, and percent linear
  equations in one variable absolute value and
  ordering numbers by value elementary counting
  techniques and simple probability data
  collection, representation, and interpretation
  and understanding simple descriptive statistics.
• Elementary Algebra (17) Questions in this
  content area are based on properties of exponents
  and square roots, evaluation of algebraic
  expressions through substitution, using variables
  to express functional relationships,
  understanding algebraic operations, and the
  solution of quadratic equations by factoring.

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Intermediate Algebra/Coordinate Geometry Subscore

• Intermediate Algebra (15) Questions in this
  content area are based on an understanding of the
  quadratic formula, rational and radical
  expressions, absolute value equations and
  inequalities, sequences and patterns, systems of
  equations, quadratic inequalities, functions,
  modeling, matrices, roots of polynomials, and
  complex numbers.
• Coordinate Geometry (15) Questions in this
  content area are based on graphing and the
  relations between equations and graphs, including
  points, lines, polynomials, circles, and other
  curves graphing inequalities slope parallel
  and perpendicular lines distance midpoints and
  conics.

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Plane Geometry/TrigonometrySubscore

• Plane Geometry (23) Questions in this content
  area are based on the properties and relations of
  plane figures, including angles and relations
  among perpendicular and parallel lines
  properties of circles, triangles, rectangles,
  parallelograms, and trapezoids transformations
  the concept of proof and proof techniques
  volume and applications of geometry to three
  dimensions.
• Trigonometry (7) Questions in this content area
  are based on understanding trigonometric
  relations in right triangles values and
  properties of trigonometric functions graphing
  trigonometric functions modeling using
  trigonometric functions use of trigonometric
  identities and solving trigonometric equations.

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Sample math questions

• Click on the following link to access sample math
  questions
• http//www.actstudent.org/sampletest/math/math_01
  .html

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act reading test

• The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test
  that measures your reading comprehension. You're
  asked to read four passages and answer questions
  that show your understanding of
• what is directly stated
• statements with implied meanings
• The Reading Test is based on four types of
  reading selections social studies, natural
  sciences, prose fiction, and humanities. The
  Social Studies/Sciences subscore is based on the
  questions in the social studies and the natural
  sciences sections of the test, and the
  Arts/Literature subscore is based on the
  questions in the prose fiction and humanities
  sections of the test.
• Social Studies
• Natural Sciences
• Prose Fiction
• Humanities

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act reading test (cont.)

• Social Studies (25) Questions in this category
  are based on passages in the content areas of
  anthropology, archaeology, biography, business,
  economics, education, geography, history,
  political science, psychology, and sociology.
• Natural Sciences (25) Questions in this
  category are based on passages in the content
  areas of anatomy, astronomy, biology, botany,
  chemistry, ecology, geology, medicine,
  meteorology, microbiology, natural history,
  physiology, physics, technology, and zoology.
• Prose Fiction (25) Questions in this category
  are based on intact short stories or excerpts
  from short stories or novels.
• Humanities (25) Questions in this category are
  based on passages from memoirs and personal
  essays and in the content areas of architecture,
  art, dance, ethics, film, language, literary
  criticism, music, philosophy, radio, television,
  and theater.

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Reading test, continued

• Specifically, questions will ask you to use
  referring and reasoning skills to
• determine main ideas
• locate and interpret significant details
• understand sequences of events
• make comparisons
• comprehend cause-effect relationships
• determine the meaning of context-dependent
  words, phrases
• draw generalizations
• analyze the author's or narrator's voice and
  method
• The test comprises four prose passages that are
  representative of the level and kinds of reading
  required in first-year college courses passages
  on topics in social studies, natural sciences,
  fiction, and the humanities are included.
• For sample reading test questions, go to the
  following link http//www.actstudent.org/samplete
  st/reading/read_01.html

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act science test

• The Science Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test
  that measures the skills required in the natural
  sciences interpretation, analysis, evaluation,
  reasoning, and problem solving.
• Calculators may not be used on the Science Test.
• The test assumes that students are in the
  process of taking the core science course of
  study (three years or more) that will prepare
  them for college-level work and have completed a
  course in Earth science and/or physical science
  and a course in biology.
• The test presents seven sets of scientific
  information, each followed by a number of
  multiple-choice test questions. The scientific
  information is presented in one of three
  different formats
• data representation (graphs, tables, and other
  schematic forms)
• research summaries (descriptions of one or more
  related experiments)
• conflicting viewpoints (expressions of several
  related hypotheses or views that are inconsistent
  with one another)
• The questions require you to
• recognize and understand the basic features of,
  and concepts related to, the provided information
  
• examine critically the relationship between the
  information provided and the conclusions drawn or
  hypotheses developed
• generalize from given information and draw
  conclusions, gain new information, or make
  predictions

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act science questions

• The questions require you to
• recognize and understand the basic features of,
  and concepts related to, the provided information
  
• examine critically the relationship between the
  information provided and the conclusions drawn or
  hypotheses developed
• generalize from given information and draw
  conclusions, gain new information, or make
  predictions
• To view sample science questions, go to the
  following link
• http//www.actstudent.org/sampletest/science/sci_0
  1.html

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act science test (cont.)

• The content of the Science Test includes biology,
  chemistry, physics, and the Earth/space sciences
  (for example, geology, astronomy, and
  meteorology). Advanced knowledge in these
  subjects is not required, but background
  knowledge acquired in general, introductory
  science courses is needed to answer some of the
  questions. The test emphasizes scientific
  reasoning skills over recall of scientific
  content, skill in mathematics, or reading
  ability.
• The scientific information is conveyed in one of
  three different formats
• Data Representation (38) This format presents
  graphic and tabular material similar to that
  found in science journals and texts. The
  questions associated with this format measure
  skills such as graph reading, interpretation of
  scatterplots, and interpretation of information
  presented in tables, diagrams, and figures.
• Research Summaries (45) This format provides
  descriptions of one or more related experiments.
  The questions focus on the design of experiments
  and the interpretation of experimental results.
• Conflicting Viewpoints (17) This format
  presents expressions of several hypotheses or
  views that, being based on differing premises or
  on incomplete data, are inconsistent with one
  another. The questions focus on the
  understanding, analysis, and comparison of
  alternative viewpoints or hypotheses.

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act science test (Cont.)

• The scientific information is conveyed in one of
  three different formats
• Data Representation (38) This format presents
  graphic and tabular material similar to that
  found in science journals and texts. The
  questions associated with this format measure
  skills such as graph reading, interpretation of
  scatterplots, and interpretation of information
  presented in tables, diagrams, and figures.
• Research Summaries (45) This format provides
  descriptions of one or more related experiments.
  The questions focus on the design of experiments
  and the interpretation of experimental results.
• Conflicting Viewpoints (17) This format
  presents expressions of several hypotheses or
  views that, being based on differing premises or
  on incomplete data, are inconsistent with one
  another. The questions focus on the
  understanding, analysis, and comparison of
  alternative viewpoints or hypotheses.

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act optional writing test

• The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that
  measures your writing skillsspecifically those
  writing skills emphasized in high school English
  classes and in entry-level college composition
  courses.
• The test consists of one writing prompt that will
  define an issue and describe two points of view
  on that issue. You are asked to respond to a
  question about your position on the issue
  described in the writing prompt. In doing so, you
  may adopt one or the other of the perspectives
  described in the prompt, or you may present a
  different point of view on the issue. Your score
  will not be affected by the point of view you
  take on the issue.

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Tips for writing test

• Carefully read the instructions on the cover of
  the test booklet.
• Do some planning before writing the essayYou
  will be instructed to do your prewriting in your
  Writing Test booklet. You can refer to these
  notes as you write the essay on the lined pages
  in your answer folder. Do not skip lines.
• Carefully consider the prompt and make sure you
  understand itreread it if you aren't sure.
• Decide how you want to answer the question in the
  prompt.
• Then jot down your ideas on the topic this might
  simply be a list of ideas, reasons, and examples
  that you will use to explain your point of view
  on the issue.
• Write down what you think others might say in
  opposition to your point of view and think about
  how you would refute their arguments.
• Think of how best to organize the ideas in your
  essay.
• At the beginning of your essay, make sure readers
  will see that you understand the issue.

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Tips for writing test (cont.)

• Explain your point of view in a clear and logical
  way.
• If possible, discuss the issue in a broader
  context or evaluate the implications or
  complications of the issue.
• Address what others might say to refute your
  point of view and present a counterargument.
• Use specific examples.
• Vary the structure of your sentences, and use
  varied and precise word choices.
• Make logical relationships clear by using
  transitional words and phrases.
• Do not wander off the topic.
• End with a strong conclusion that summarizes or
  reinforces your position.
• If there is time, do a final check of the essay
  when it is finished.
• Correct any mistakes in grammar, usage,
  punctuation, and spelling.
• If you find any words that are hard to read,
  recopy them so your readers can read them easily.
  
• Make any corrections and revisions neatly,
  between the lines (but not in the margins).

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sample writing prompt

• Educators debate extending high school to five
  years because of increasing demands on students
  from employers and colleges to participate in
  extracurricular activities and community service
  in addition to having high grades. Some educators
  support extending high school to five years
  because they think students need more time to
  achieve all that is expected of them. Other
  educators do not support extending high school to
  five years because they think students would lose
  interest in school and attendance would drop in
  the fifth year. In your opinion, should high
  school be extended to five years?
• In your essay, take a position on this question.
  You may write about either one of the two points
  of view given, or you may present a different
  point of view on this question. Use specific
  reasons and examples to support your position.
  USE COUNTER ARGUMENTS!
• Check out sample answers and their scores at the
  following address http//www.actstudent.org/writi
  ng/sample/one.html

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Try sample act questions

• http//www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid13
• http//www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html
• http//www.testprepreview.com/act_practice.htm

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Online act resources

• http//www.number2.com/exams/act/index.cfm?s0
  (You can enroll at this site and receive
  resources and preparation online for FREE!)
• http//www.powerprep.com/getstarted.htm
• (You can register for FREE online ACT/SAT
  preparation courses.)
• http//www.act-sat-prep.com/
• (You must pay for this site.)

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the sat

• Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of
  200800, with two writing subscores for
  multiple-choice and the essay.
• The SAT includes a Critical Reading, Math, and
  Writing section, with a specific number of
  questions related to content.
• The fee is 43 for the SAT Reasoning Test.
  Subject area tests cost between 8 and 20 for
  each additional test.

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the sat

• WRITING SECTION
• Length 60 minutes Score 200-800
• Content Grammar, Usage, Word Choice
• Item Types Multiple-Choice Questions (35
  minutes) Student-Written Essay (25 minutes)
• The SHORT ESSAY measures your ability to
• Organize and express ideas clearly
• Develop and support the main idea
• Use appropriate word choice and sentence
  structure
• You will be asked to develop a point of view on
  an issue, using reasoning and evidence, based on
  your own experiences, readings, or observations,
  to support your ideas.
• The essay will be scored by trained high school
  and college teachers. Each reader will give the
  essay a score from ONE to SIX (SIX is the highest
  score) based on the overall quality of the essay
  and your demonstration of writing competence.
• The MULTIPLE-CHOICE writing questions measure
  your ability to
• Improve sentences and paragraphs
• Identify errors (such as diction, grammar,
  sentence construction, subject-verb agreement,
  proper word usage and wordiness)

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the sat

• CRITICAL READING SECTION
• Length 70 minutes (Two 25-minute sections, one
  20-minute section) Score 200-800
• Content Critical reading and sentence-level
  reading
• Item Types Reading Comprehension, Sentence
  Completions, and Paragraph-Length Critical
  Reading
• The Critical Reading Section includes short
  reading passages along with the existing long
  reading passages. Analogies have been
  eliminated, but sentence-completion questions and
  passage-based reading questions remain.
• Sentence Completion questions measure your
• knowledge of the meanings of words
• ability to understand how the different parts of
  a sentence fit logically together
• The reading questions on the SAT measure a
  student's ability to read and think carefully
  about several different passages ranging in
  length from about 100 to about 850 words.
  Passages are taken from a variety of fields,
  including the humanities, social studies, natural
  sciences, and literary fiction. They vary in
  style and can include narrative, argumentative,
  and expository elements. Some selections consist
  of a pair of related passages on a shared issue
  or theme that you are asked to compare and
  contrast. Such material can be followed by two to
  five questions that measure the same kinds of
  reading skills as are measured by the questions
  following longer passages. The following kinds
  of questions may be asked about a passage
• Vocabulary in Context These questions ask you to
  determine the meanings of words from their
  context in the reading passage.
• Literal Comprehension These questions assess
  your understanding of significant information
  directly stated in the passage.
• Extended Reasoning These questions measure your
  ability to synthesize and analyze information as
  well as to evaluate the assumptions made and the
  techniques used by the author. Most of the
  reading questions fall into this category. You
  may be asked to identify cause and effect, make
  inferences, recognize a main idea or an author's
  tone, and follow the logic of an analogy or an
  argument.

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Critical reading example

• The passage below is followed by a question
  based on its content questions following a pair
  of related passages may also be based on the
  relationship between the paired passages. Answer
  the questions on the basis of what is stated or
  implied in the passages and in any introductory
  material that may be provided.

The question below is based on the following
passage.   "The rock was still wet. The animal
was glistening, like it was still swimming,"
recalls Hou Xianguang. Hou discovered the Line
5 unusual fossil while surveying rocks as a
paleontology graduate student in 1984, near the
Chinese town of Chengjiang. "My teachers
always talked about the Burgess ShaleLine
10 animals. It looked like one of them. My
hands began to shake." Hou had indeed found a
Naraoia like those from Canada. However, Hou's
animal was 15 million years Line 15 older than
its Canadian relatives. 1. In line 5,
"surveying" most nearly means (A) calculating the
value of (B) examining comprehensively (C) determi
ning the boundaries of (D) polling
randomly (E) conducting a statistical study of

• Explanation
• The word "surveying" has a number of meanings,
  several of which are included in the choices
  above. In the context of this passage, however,
  only (B) makes sense. A student in the field of
  "paleontology" is one who studies prehistoric
  life as recorded in fossil remains. One of the
  activities of such a student would be to examine
  rocks carefully and "comprehensively" while
  looking for fossils.
• (A), (C), and (E) are incorrect because someone
  who studies fossils would not calculate the
  "value" of rocks, or determine the "boundaries"
  of rocks, or conduct a "statistical study" of
  rocks.
• (D) is wrong because "polling" rocks makes no
  sense at all.
• Correct answer (B)

Check out more questions online
http//www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/pr
ep_one/passage_based/pracStart.html
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the sat

• MATHEMATICS SECTION
• Length 70 minutes (Two 25-minute sections, one
  20-minute section) Score 200-800
• Content Number and operations algebra and
  functions geometry statistics, probability, and
  data analysis
• Item Types Five-choice multiple-choice questions
  and student-produced responses
• Strategy For math questions without answer
  choices (grid answers), fill in your best guess
  no points are subtracted for wrong answers as
  they are in all other question types.
• The SAT includes expanded math topics, such as
  exponential growth, absolute value, and
  functional notation, and place greater emphasis
  on such other topics as linear functions,
  manipulations with exponents, and properties of
  tangent lines.
• Important skills formerly measured in the
  quantitative comparison format, such as
  estimation and number sense, will continue to be
  measured through the multiple choice and student
  response (grid-in) questions.
• Can I use a calculator?
• Yes. Students can continue to use a
  four-function, scientific, or graphing
  calculator. The College Board recommends that
  students use a calculator at least at the
  scientific level for the SAT, although it's still
  possible to solve every question without a
  calculator.

34
the sat

• MATHEMATICS SECTION
• Number Operations
• Sequences Involving Exponential Growth
• The SAT includes mathematics questions that
  require knowledge of exponential growth
  sequences, also called geometric sequences. In a
  geometric sequence, there is a constant ratio
  between consecutive terms. For example, 7, 21,
  63, 189, ... is a geometric sequence that has
  constant ratio 3 and begins with the term 7. The
  term obtained after multiplying n times by 3 is 7
  x 3n. Since these sequences have real-life
  applications, questions in this area might be
  presented in contexts such as population growth.
  One example might be that of a population that
  initially numbers 100 and grows by doubling every
  eight years. The expression 100 x would give
  the population t years after it begins to grow.
• Sets (Union, Intersection, Elements)
• If a set is a collection of things, then the
  "things" can be referred to as "elements" or
  "members" of the set. Questions on the SAT might
  ask about the union of two sets (i.e., the set
  consisting of elements that are in either set or
  both sets) or the intersection of two sets (i.e.,
  the set of common elements). For example, if set
  X is the set of positive even integers and set Y
  is the set of positive odd integers, a question
  might ask students to recognize that the union of
  the two sets is the set of all positive integers.

35
the sat

• MATHEMATICS SECTION
• Algebra Functions
• Absolute Value
• Rational Equations and Inequalities
• Radical Equations
• Integer and Rational Exponents
• Direct and Inverse Variation
• Function Notation
• Concepts of Domain and Range
• Functions as Models
• Linear Functions -- Equations and Graphs
• Quadratic Functions -- Equations and Graphs
• For more detailed information and examples of
  questions in each of these content areas, go to
  the following websites
• http//www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/p
  rep_one/multi_choice/pracStart.html
• http//www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/p
  rep_one/spr/pracStart.html

36
the sat

• MATHEMATICS SECTION
• Geometry Measurement
• Geometric Notation for Length, Segments, Lines,
  Rays, and Congruence
• The SAT will use the geometric notation commonly
  found in high school textbooks.
• Problems in Which Trigonometry May Be Used as an
  Alternative Method of Solution
• The SAT will include more questions that rely on
  the special properties of 30-60-90 triangles or
  45-45-90 triangles. These questions can be
  answered by using trigonometric methods, but may
  also be answered using other methods.
• Properties of Tangent Lines
• Questions on the SAT may require knowledge of the
  property that a line tangent to a circle is
  perpendicular to a radius drawn to the point of
  tangency.
• Coordinate Geometry
• Some questions on the SAT may require knowledge
  of the properties of the slopes of parallel or
  perpendicular lines. In addition, some questions
  may require students to find the equations of
  lines, the midpoints of line segments, or the
  distance between two points in the coordinate
  plane.
• Qualitative Behavior of Graphs and Functions
• A question on the SAT might show the graph of a
  function in the xy-coordinate plane, and ask
  students to give, for the portion of the graph
  shown, the number of values of x for which f(x)
  3.
• Transformations and Their Effect on Graphs of
  Functions
• The SAT will include questions that ask students
  to determine the effect of simple transformations
  on graphs of functions. For example, the graph of
  a function f(x) could be given and students would
  be asked questions about the graph of the
  function f(x 2).

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the sat

• MATHEMATICS SECTION
• Data Analysis, Statistics, Probability
• Data Interpretation, Scatterplots, and Matrices
• A question on the SAT might ask about the line of
  best fit for a scatter plot. Students would be
  expected to identify the general characteristics
  of the line of best fit by looking at the scatter
  plot. For example, students might determine that
  this line has a slope that is positive but less
  than 1. Students would not be expected to use
  formal methods of finding the equation of the
  line of best fit. Students will also be expected
  to be able to interpret data displayed in tables,
  charts, and graphs.
• Geometric Probability
• Some questions on the SAT may involve geometric
  probability. For example, if a point is to be
  chosen at random from the interior of a region,
  part of which is shaded, students might be asked
  to find the probability that the point chosen
  will be from the shaded portion of the region.
  These questions could be presented in a context
  such as throwing darts at a target.

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what are sat subject tests?

• Subject Tests, one-hour, mostly multiple-choice
  tests, measure how much students know about a
  particular academic subject and how well they can
  apply that knowledge.
• The 20 Subject Tests include Literature, U.S.
  History, World History, Math Level IC, Math Level
  IIC, Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics, French
  Reading, French Reading with Listening, German
  Reading, German Reading with Listening, Spanish
  Reading, Spanish Reading with Listening, Modern
  Hebrew Reading, Italian Reading, Latin Reading
  with Listening, Japanese Reading with Listening,
  Korean Reading with Listening, and Chinese
  Reading with Listening.
• Many colleges require or recommend one or more of
  the Subject Tests for admission or placement.
  Used in combination with other background
  information (your high school record, scores from
  other tests like the SAT I, teacher
  recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable
  measure of your academic achievement and are a
  good predictor of future performance.
• Check out this link for more information
  http//www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/ab
  out/SATII.html

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Try a sample sat test

• http//www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid6
• http//www.kaptest.com/College/SAT/Practice-SAT/CO
  _sat_satqbankol.html?cid114312
• http//www.syvum.com/sat/

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Online sat resources

• http//www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/pr
  ep_one/prep_one.html (test prep items, practice
  questions, test-taking tips, full practice test)
• http//www.powerprep.com/getstarted.htm (you can
  register for FREE online ACT/SAT preparation
  courses)
• http//www.number2.com/exams/sat/index.cfm?s0
  (you can enroll at this site and receive
  resources and preparation online for FREE)
• http//www.act-sat-prep.com/ (this costs money to
  join)
• http//www.takesat.com/verbal_main.php?PHPSESSID0
  adde5a6db6afc5e3955a7b7b5fddbe1(FREE test prep
  items, practice questions, test-taking tips,
  additional resources)

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What is the psat?

• The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
  Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the
  College Board and National Merit Scholarship
  Corporation (NMSC).
• PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National
  Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It's a
  standardized test that provides firsthand
  practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also
  gives you a chance to enter National Merit
  Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship
  programs.
• The PSAT/NMSQT measures
• critical reading skills
• math problem-solving skills
• writing skills

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Why take the psat?

• To receive feedback on your strengths and
  weaknesses on skills necessary for college study.
  You can then focus your preparation on those
  areas that could most benefit from additional
  study or practice.
• To see how your performance on an admissions test
  might compare with that of others applying to
  college.
• To enter the competition for scholarships from
  the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade
  11).
• To help prepare for the SAT. You can become
  familiar with the kinds of questions and the
  exact directions you will see on the SAT.
• To receive information from colleges when you
  check "yes" to Student Search Service.
• You should definitely take the PSAT/NMSQT in your
  junior year. Many students benefit from also
  taking it earlier, typically in their sophomore
  year. If you take it earlier, recognize that the
  PSAT/NMSQT is a junior-level test, so don't get
  discouraged if your score is low. Your score will
  usually increase as your years of study increase.

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How do I sign up to take a test?

• To sign up online, go to the following websites
• ACT
• http//www.actstudent.org/index.html
• SAT http//www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/s
  at/reg.html
• PSAT You cannot sign up for the PSAT online.
  You must check with your high school counselor or
  principal for registration materials.

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Last but certainly not least

• Get a full night of sleep before the test.
• Eat breakfast and make sure you are well
  hydrated. Bring a water bottle for the test.
• Bring plenty of sharpened No. 2 pencils.
• Bring a watch and calculator for the test.
• Go to the bathroom right before the test!
• RELAX and BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Public Schools of Petoskey, M. Neal, 2008