Navigating Standardized Testing: SAT & ACT 101 BY SANONNA AL TAWEEL
F or students, the idea of taking their benefits, how to prepare for them, and available testing resources can make the entire process much less intimidating and set students up for educational success. standardized tests can often feel daunting. However, understanding the types of tests,
WHAT ARE STANDARDIZED TESTS?
data analysis. Some questions require a calculator, while others are “no-calculator” questions. 3. Essay (Optional) The essay portion is optional, but some colleges require it. In this section, students are asked to analyze a passage and construct an essay that explains how the author builds their argument. The SAT is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, with separate scores given for the reading and writing section (up to 800) and the math section (up to 800). The essay score is separate and is graded based on a rubric that assesses writing skills and argumentation. The ACT is structured similarly to the SAT but with a few differences. The ACT assesses students in four areas: 1. English This section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. 2. Math The math section covers topics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. It is more focused on mathematical problem- solving than the SAT. 3. Reading This section tests reading comprehension, similar to the SAT, where students must
analyze passages and answer questions about them. 4. Science The ACT includes a unique science section that evaluates a student’s ability to interpret, analyze, and reason through scientific data and experiments. This is the ACT’s most distinctive feature from the SAT. The ACT is scored on a scale, with each section scoring between 1 and 36. The average of these four sections gives the overall composite score, which ranges from 1 to 36. The ACT also offers an optional writing section (the essay), which is scored separately. BENEFITS OF STANDARDIZED TESTING While standardized testing often gets a bad rap, there are significant benefits that these exams provide to students and schools. Measuring Student Knowledge and Skills One of the biggest advantages of standardized testing is its ability to objectively measure a student’s academic knowledge and skills. These tests provide clear data about where a student stands academically in comparison to national or regional standards. This allows educators to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their students.
Standardized tests are assessments that are administered and scored in a consistent, uniform manner across all test-takers. The goal of these tests is to evaluate a student’s academic abilities, knowledge, or potential in specific subjects under controlled conditions. They are designed to ensure that every student takes the same test, under the same conditions, and is scored according to the same criteria. THE SAT & ACT The two nationally-recognized standardized tests for college admissions are the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Test). Both exams are used by colleges and universities across the United States to assess a student’s readiness for higher education, helping admissions officers make objective decisions about applicants. The SAT is broken down into three main sections. 1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing This section tests reading comprehension and writing skills, focusing on the student’s ability to analyze written passages and answer questions about them. 2. Math The math section covers a range of topics, including algebra, problem-solving, and
28 MAY2025 | BRPARENTS.COM
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