(BiM)–The Chronicles

The SATII is a test that is not nearly as famous as the SAT. The SAT reasoning test is the test that most people know about. The SATII is a completely different test. It tests students on different subjects. Whereas the SAT is a generally text, the SATII is a specific test.

The SATII is actually made up of many different tests. The SATII booklet contains many subject tests. A list of the test is provided below.

Math IC
Math is the lower level math that test. You do not need a calculator but it is recommended.

Math IIC
Math IIC is the harder of the two tests. Like the Math IC the calculator is not needed but recommended.

Literature
This test measures how well you have learned to read and interpret literature. No extra materials are needed to take this test.

US History
This test assess a test takers knowledge of United States History that is commonly taught in classrooms. Students that take a US history course should have taken at least one year of high school College prep (CP) U.S. History.

World History
This test accesses your knowledge of history in general. It asks about cause and affect relationships, political cartoons, and history as a whole.

Biology
There are two versions of the Biology test. One has an emphasis on biochemistry and the other ecology.

Chemistry
Tests student knowledge of chemistry, including acids and bases, bonds and atoms. Students that take this test should have a background in chemistry and algebra. Many recommend that student take an AP chemistry course before taking this test.

Physics
The physic test assess a student knowledge of physic and it’s equation. It asks you to compare quantities and measurements. Students that take the Physics test should have a background in Physics, algebra, and trigonometry.

The rest of the SATII tests are language tests. Most of the students taking the test have had two or more years of language background.

There are two kinds of languages tests. Some tests require that student test their listening and reading skills. Other tests only have a written part.

If you take a written and listen test be sure to bring a portable CD player with earphones as well as basic testing materials. The following language tests are those that the SATII offers.

Spanish
Available in both reading only and listening/reading format
French
Available in both reading only and listening/reading format
German
Available in both reading only and listening/reading format
Modern Hebrew
Only available in written format
Italian
Only available in written format
Latin
Only available in written format
Chinese
Only available in Listening and reading format
Japanese
Only available in Listening and reading format
Korean
Only available in Listening and reading format

More information about the Language test

Test takers can take 1 to 3 subject tests in a test sitting. The taker chooses which tests they want to take. The College Board prefers that you tell them which subject test you are going to take in advance. You can change your mind at the last second but be warned. Changing which test you take cost extra money. It also is not a good idea to take a subject you have not studied for. If you do poorly on one test but well on the other two, you will have to send all three scores as a whole. The College Board does not allow you to cancel individual scores, just individual test sittings.

The only tests you can cancel individually are the Math tests. Even then you are only supposed to cancel your math score if your calculator malfunctions.

So why do the SATII matter?

The SATII allows college to see a different side of you. It shows them how well you are educated and what subject you are good at. Most colleges that want SATII score want to you to take a verbal (English, history, language) and a science (math, biology, chemistry) test. This allows you to play to your strengths. You can choose which verbal and which sciences test you want to study test for and avoid your weakest subjects.

By only taking test in your strongest subjects, you insure that you will get the highest of scores possible. This is a good opportunity to impress colleges and show them your talent.

How can I prepare for them?

Most of these tests require an in depth knowledge of the subject. Many advise that you take an AP or Honors course before taking the SATII subject test. This is not needed, but does make the test easier. There are also very helpful prep books you can buy at bookstores. These books might already be in your school or public library. Be sure to ask teachers and see if they have any prep books. Prep books are an invaluable source of information and practice. It is in your best interest to find and use these books.

Remember to take your SATII. They are a great way to impress colleges.

Unlike tests that you take in a classroom, the scoring system of the SAT, ACT, AP and other standardized test are not reflective of a percentage.

Someone that scores a 400 on the SAT did not necessarily get half of the question right. Neither does an 18 out of 36 on the ACT reflect the amount of question that person got right.

Most of these tests are graded on a curve. That means that you are competing with all the other students that take the test. Those test takers that do better than everyone else, get better scores; test takers that do not, get lower scores.

How does my score compare?

To find out how well you did compared to the rest of the nation, you should look at a percentile chart. The higher your percentile, the better, more competitive your score is.

Generally a score of 1530 on the SAT and 21 on the ACT will land you in the 50th percentile. People that score in the 50th percentile are in the middle of the pack. Their (his or her) score is average compared to everyone else’s.

Those that score a 1700 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT place in the 70th percentile that means that they are proficient in a subject.

Those that score a 1930 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT are in the 90th percentile. These test takers are best of the best.

About how many question do I have answer correctly to do well on these test?

It might be surprising but getting 2/3 on the question right on the ACT will place you in the 75th percentile. The SAT and ACT are not like most tests where you are suppose to get all the questions right. The test is supposed to be difficult and tricky. Getting 70% of the question right is an accomplishment.

So what does my score mean for me?

The better your score the better chance you have of going to a better college. Colleges like high scores because it reassures them that the applicant is qualified and more likely to do well at their school. Those that do not score well on these standardized tests have to prove in other ways that they are worthy of admittance.

Those schools that still have affirmative action might have different percentile charts for different ethnicities. Many colleges understand that even though a person did not score as well on the SAT that they are still qualified and worthy of admittance.

How to Prepare for the SAT and ACT (Part 1)
How to Prepare for the SAT and ACT (Part 2)

Tips for how to improve my math scores.

The ACT and SAT demand that test takers know about a junior level of math. This means that they are supposed to have taken and finished Algebra and Geometry. The ACT requires that you know trig unlike the SAT. However knowing trig does help you on the SAT.

Like the critical reading, and writing/English section, the math test is supposed to determine a person’s aptitude in the subject. The test makers want to know if you are good at math. Though education can help you become better at math, it is not everything.

The best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT math section is to look at practice problem and to finish algebra and geometry before you take the SAT. The problem on these test are unlike those you would encounter on your homework. They require not just mathematical knowledge but logic as well.

It’s also important to learn how to use your calculator. It’s good to know that you can solve a math problem however you like. You can use your calculator to help determine shortcuts.

But do not get carried away. Just because you have a nice calculator does not mean that you will do better on the test. Using a calculator that is unfamiliar but fancier than what you are used to does not give you an advantage. If you do have a fancy, graphing calculator that you want to bring to the test, double check to see if it is allowed. The SAT and ACT do not allow students to use certain calculators.

If you forget your calculator do not worry. The SAT and ACT design their question so that you do not need a calculator to answer the math questions. Just be prepared to do some long division and multiplication.

Keep in mind that you do not have show any work. Use the test booklet to write only what you need to write and nothing else. You only get points for choosing the right answer.

It’s also important to solve though the problem. There will be many answers that look right but are indeed red herrings.

If you encounter logic problems, draw diagram to help yourself. If one questions asks “how many combinations of ice sundae you can make, with the following flavors” there is nothing wrong with drawing out all the combinations if you are stuck.

Remember, all the questions worth about the same. Solve easy question ad worry about coming back tot eh hard problems later.

Look for patterns when answering a question. Sometime there will be questions about mathematical sequences and series.

For more information about what formulas and concepts you need to know look at the following links.

Math Concepts on the SAT
Math Concepts on ACT

ACT practice test

Tips on how to improve you ACT science score.

The SAT does not have a science section like the ACT. However those that take the ACT still might want to improve their science score.

The ACT does not require that student have an advance knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth/space sciences. To do well on the test, a student needs Only an introductory level of knowledge. However, more knowledge of these subjects does help.

The science section test students on how well they can interpret graphs and data. The best way to get better at reading graphs is to look at more graphs. Science and Math classes and science books offer opportunities for students like you to learn more about graph analysis.

It also tests on how well a student can summarize and analyze experiments and results. This requires good logic skills. This means learning how to make conclusions. This is another skill that can be taught in science classes.

Lastly the ACT wants test take to demonstrate their ability to compare scientific arguments. This again requires more logic skills.

You might also want to try taking up logic puzzles if you someone who has trouble with logic. Computer programming is also anther way of acquiring logic skills.

ACT practice test
ACT Science Information
ACT Testing Tips

By improving your individual scores, hopefully you will be able to improve your overall score. And by improving your overall score you can better your chances of getting in to the college of your choice.

How can I prepare for the SAT and ACT? (Part 1)

Most people that take the SAT or ACT receive lop-sided scores. On the ACT They might get a 29 in math but a 19 in reading and 20 in writing and so on. Fact is you probably have strengths and weaknesses.

To improve your weakness you have to focus and finding out what make that subject you weakness. The following two articles focus on ways you can improve your sub-scores.

Tips for how to Improve Your Essay Score

If you got an essay average score of 3 or lower you should try to improve you essay.

Fact is, many students do not know how to write adequate essays. This makes the 25-30 minute essay extremely difficult. It’s hard to think on your feet.

The secret to the essay is to plan ahead. Make of list of movies, books, and historical reference you know well. When you take the Essay use the references you have listed to help write your essay.

Who are the essay graders and what do they want?

Essay graders are going to be educated adults. They want to see if a student can A. state an opinion; B. Stays on topic; C. back up that opinion; and D write well and fluidly.

The essay readers are more concerned with how well you write and less concerned with the truthfulness of your evidence. They want to see good writing and not just good facts and statistics.

You do not have to follow the essay format that your English teacher has taught you all these years. Just make sure your essay flows and make sense.

You don’t have to worry about finishing the essay. Make sure what you have written is of good quality. Though finishing the essay is nice, it is not everything.

It’s also important to write as long an essay as possible. The correlation between essay length and score is strong.

How can I do this?

When you are taking the test, be sure to read the prompt carefully. Make sure that you understand it.

Do not be afraid to make a coupe minutes to take a few notes. Write down your ideas and facts that you want to use to back those ideas.

Avoid phrases like “I think,” and “in my opinion” and “statistics prove.” Present every thing you say as a fact. Have a strong, confident voice. The essay is formal.

Make sure to read your essay toward the end of the test and double check for grammar and flow. Make sure you essay is legible. The essay does not have to be neat.

sample SAT essay prompt
Information about ACT Writing Section
More tips

Tips on how to improve your Writing/English score

Most your writing score on the SAT and your English score on the ACT is based on how well you do on the multiple choice section. The writing/English section tests you grammar skills and ability to make good sentences.

The key to improving your writing score is understanding grammar.

Most of the writing test has you identify errors. Theses errors are normally grammatical. To get the right answer you must pick the shortest, clearest, grammatically correct sentence.

Spotting these errors is not an easy task. There are grammatical rules that SAT ACT, and TOEFL test over and over again.

List of grammar rules on the SAT and ACT

How to go about answering each question?

When you encounter a question read the sentence. See if you notice if it has any errors.

Then look at each answer choice. Eliminate answers that are grammatically incorrect. Then choose the best answer. The best answer will not only be grammatically correct, but will also flow with the sentence and make it a better piece of writing.

Then reread the corrected sentence. See if it sounds good.

Some people also find that they prefer looking at the answers first and then looking at the sentence. Which way works better depends on the person.

Sample SAT sentence error
Sample SAT sentence error
Sample SAT paragraph error
Information about the ACT English Section
ACT sample test

Tips on how to improve your Reading score

One of the things that make reading difficult is the vocabulary. College readiness test have very difficult vocabulary on in their reading and writing sections.

If you do not have the best vocabulary and cannot memorize words very well, there is a vocabulary busting short cut you can use on the SAT and ACT.

You can learn word roots and not just words. Most SAT and ACT prep course recommend that you learn the meanings of parts of word rather than a whole list of words.

There are many book on SAT and ACT vocabulary. They can be found in bookstores and maybe in your school or public library. Book on word root can also be found in your school library and in SAT prep books.

If after looking at these book you find your self still having problems with memorization, try “charging” word. Learning whether a word is positive negative or neutral can help you on the critical reading portion of the test.

Take for example the word excoriate. This is not a widely know word but it does appear on the SAT.

You can either know the definition of the word, which is: “to denounce or berate severely; flay verbally”
You can know the part of the words. Ex- means out, “cor” means heart and “ate” mean to do or to make. Therefore excoriate must mean “to take out the heart”
Or you can know that excoriate is a negative.

When answering multiple-choice questions you do not need to know the exact definition of a word. Knowing the root of the word and knowing the charge of the word is enough to make accurate decisions on the test.

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/sent_comp/pracStart.html vocab sample test

The other part of the reading section involves the critical reading skills. The SAT and ACT graders want to know if you can read a passage and make accurate assumptions about that passage.

The best way to improve this skill is to practice. You can either practice you critical reading skills in your own English classroom or go online and take sample tests.

The Critical reading section of the SAT and ACT are focused on your Analytical skills and not just your reading comprehension. The tests ask questions about, the author’s intent, where you would find this passage, and more global concepts.

This is why practice is so important. You need to find your tendencies. You might find that you are more optimistic and that you interpret passages in an over optimistic way. When taking the test you must be aware of this.

ACT sample test
Sample SAT passage
Information bout the ACT Reading Section
more tips

More information about the Math and Science section of the SAT and ACT will be written in the next article, How can I prepare for the SAT and ACT? (Part 3).

Use simple words and not fancy words if you can avoid it.

More, very, and less can not be placed before the words equal, fatal, omnipotent, opposite, parallel, perfect, unanimous, unique, and universal. Something can’t be more unique than something else, but it can be more unusual.

Avoid the passive voice.

Verb tensemust be consistent.

“Everyone”, “each”, “anybody”, and “somebody” are singular

“Nobody”, “no one”, “nothing”, “none”, and “neither” are singular.

Collective nouns like army, committee, legislature are singular.

Words ending in “-ing” (gerunds) are singular.

“Several”, “many”, “lots”, “both”, “a few” are plural

There are key differences between who and whom; that, who and which; its and it’s, etc.

Commas, semicolons, and punctuation have unique uses and purposes.

A sentence cannot end with preposition

The subject of a sentence is never in a prepositional phrase.

Adverbs should be near the verb, adjective and adverb they modify.

Adjectives should be near the noun or pronoun they modify.

Infinitives can not be split.