The ACT®, SAT® and PSAT/NMSQT® tests have undergone the most extensive revisions in 11 years. The ACT and PSAT test changes have already been implemented, but the redesigned SAT test will not be administered until Spring of 2016. One major change that applies to all the tests is optional computer-based administration, meaning that the tests can be taken on a computer in addition to the traditional pencil-and-paper format. Additionally, though the SAT and PSAT test changes closely mirror one another, the PSAT test is still shorter and scored differently than the SAT test, and there are now versions available for 8th, 9th and 10th graders to take. In addition, the PSAT test is still a National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Though the exams still do not accurately depict students’ mastery of curricula subjects, the changes do solicit some revisions to the previously sufficient test-taking skill set. In order to adequately prepare students for these tests, educators should also be aware of the following test-specific changes:

ACT Test:

1. There are additional statistics and probability questions in the Math section..

2. The Science section now includes 6 or 7 passages. This change requires a slight adjustment in pacing, since there are fewer passages but more questions per passage.

3. The Writing section (which is still optional) presents three perspectives on a particular issue. Students develop their own perspective and describe how it relates to the given perspectives. In addition, the essay section is scored on a 1-36 scale (the former scale was 2-12). This alteration is intended to give students incentive to prioritize critical thinking and analysis over verbosity.

4. Reports include an ELA score (the average of the English, Reading, and Writing scores), which is only provided if the student completes the Writing section, and a STEM score (the average of the Math and Science scores).

SAT and PSAT/NMSQT Tests:

1. There is no longer a penalty for guessing.

2. The tests are presented in four (or five, counting the optional essay) sections rather than 10 sections, which will change students’ pacing decisions.

3. The Reading Test now consists of four long passages and one pair of passages, eliminating the Sentence Completion question type altogether.

4. The Math Test (consisting of one calculator and one no-calculator section) includes more word problems and some trigonometry items.

5. The Writing and Language Test now includes four long passages corresponding to multiple-choice questions. Though presented differently on the test, the topics remain unchanged.

6. The Essay section (SAT only) is now optional. This section now incorporates a full-length reading passage in which students must evaluate for rhetorical effectiveness.

7. Reports include subscores (subtopics tested within and between test sections) and cross-test scores (items presented in science and history/social studies contexts).

What has really changed? First, there is a general shift to provide more data. ACT test reports will include macro-level data about students’ ELA and STEM scores, while SAT and PSAT/NMSQT test reports will include more micro-level data. Second, these changes parallel the general shift in prep toward testing critical thinking, contextual problem solving, and analysis and away from test questions that lend themselves to studying vocabulary lists. These changes, if only superficially, are steps away from the tests’ history of prioritizing aptitude over knowledge. However, they still remain imperfect in that traits such as speed that are devoid of subject-specific proficiency continue to be an absolute advantage. Consequently, core skills review and test taking strategies can help students improve their scores significantly. It is never too early nor too late to assist students in developing and refining the crucial skills that these tests have been designed to reward through college entrance and scholarships.

ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. ACT, Inc. does not approve or endorse Cambridge Educational Services products or services.

SAT® and PSAT/NMSQT® are registered trademarks of the College Board. The College Board does not approve or endorse Cambridge Educational Services products or services.

Fri November 20, 2015

In the world of the 21st century, education is arguably one of the most valuable assets a person can obtain; it has the power to open doors that lead to new opportunities in a global society and ensure a prosperous future for those who passionately pursue it. Unfortunately, education is also one of the most expensive investments a person can make – the financial means required to even prepare for college, let alone succeed in it, have gone up exponentially in recent years. The discouraging reality is that, for some, passion alone is not enough to further their education and accomplish their dreams. Through no fault of their own, some students simply cannot afford the materials they need in order to adequately prepare for standardized tests and, as a consequence, succeed academically. Cambridge Educational Services recognizes that, not only is this not fair, but it is something that does not have to continue being a reality. This idea, that everyone can and should receive equal educational opportunities, is the inspiration behind the Cambridge Foundation Grant Award Program.

In 2001, Cambridge President David P. Waldherr created the Cambridge Foundation Grant Award Program to make a direct educational investment in the future of disadvantaged, low-income and underserved student populations by assisting schools, which, without such support, would be unable to provide college and career readiness programs to their students. Since its inception, the Cambridge awards have assisted many of the under-funded and under-performing schools and programs nationwide by donating over $2.0 million in materials and services, more than 25 percent of which has gone to TRIO and Gear-Up programs. Additionally, the rate at which this number grows is accelerating, evident by the fact that over $500,000 was awarded just in the last year. Through our partnerships with these schools and programs, the Cambridge Foundation Grant Award Program has come closer to accomplishing its goal, but we are by no means finished - we want to continue giving educators what they need to equip their students with an adept college-ready skill set.

If you are an educator who represents students who benefit from free & reduced lunch, which Cambridge uses as an indicator for those who come from underrepresented backgrounds such as low income and minority statuses, this grant can supply you with the resources that will enable your students to be successful. These tools come in the form of materials and services, including preparation for the ACT®, SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, GMAT®, GRE®, LSAT®, and WorkKeys® tests, and high school materials, data, teacher curriculum, and student and teacher workshops.

At Cambridge, we believe that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, deserve equal opportunity to achieve higher education and fulfil their right to pursue their hopes and dreams. The success of this foundation is proof that this ideal can be accomplished. With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of underprivileged students by offering the very best standardized test preparation available today. If you are interested, please fill out the quick and easy application form and feel free to contact Linda Turcios (email: LTurcios@CambridgeEd.com, phone: (847) 299-2930 ext. 244) if you have any questions. No school or program is simply a number, and we review all applications by hand. We see this donation as an investment in your students’ futures, and we hope we can help you instill an effective, sustainable college readiness program that will help your students succeed.

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ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. ACT, Inc. does not approve or endorse Cambridge Educational Services products or services.