Free virtual event for students and their parents October 30!

 

Planning for the next step on your journey can be overwhelming. You might not know where to go or how to start. And that’s okay. It’s important to remember that while everyone’s journey to college and career follows a unique path, there are things you can do to make the best decisions about your future.

Join us for this free virtual event to learn from experts how to prepare for college and career—from finding scholarships to transitioning to life on campus, we’re here to help guide you along the way.

                         Registration closes on Friday, October 29 at 9:00 a.m., CT.

Register and find out more information here.

Registration for September ACT

 

Don't Wait to Take Advantage of September Testing

Testing in September gives  students the opportunity to build a dynamite superscore and stand out from the crowd for scholarships and admissions decisions.

This September, students can put themselves in a position to take on this year on their own terms. This is the moment they've been waiting for!

REGISTER NOW!

August 20 is the late registration deadline for the ACT test on September 11.

Colonel Scott Sonsalla is the Director of Recruiting and Incentives for US Army Cadet Command. Please read his letter below to prospective ROTC Scholarship candidates. Our 2021 National High School Scholarship campaign kicked off on June 12th and will continue through March 4, 2021. I am reaching out to inform students that Army ROTC scholarships are available and students can begin their applications now. As you know, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way the world works. From telework to the virtual classroom, everything we do these days is on-line. Even our colleges are adapting to the new environment through full time classroom, hybrid, or 100% online learning. This summer's SAT and ACT tests were cancelled affecting how colleges and entities like ours review applications. We are working every day to ensure that we develop and maintain the processes necessary to ensure that we can continue to offer these scholarships despite the challenges created by COVID-19. Army ROTC provides full tuition and fees (or $10K for room and board) scholarships to over 2000 high school students each year. We intend to continue to sustain that same level of commitment into 2021. In addition to the tuition and fees, the scholarship pays $1200 annually for books and a stipend of $420 per months (for up to 10 months a year.) I have provided links to several resources to assist students. One is the Army ROTC overview. It explains, in general terms, the basic eligibility and benefits for the program. The other two items are a resource that students can use to prepare for the ACT/SAT as they wait for the tests to be conducted. These tools provide a great way for students to use their  spare time to improve test scores. All are easily downloaded by clicking the links below. Army ROTC Information March 2 Success Program Scott E. Sonsalla COL, Infantry Director, Recruiting Marketing and Incentives Division US Army Cadet Command

Students won't have to take the SAT or ACT for UNC System admission in 2021

UNC System universities will not require SAT and ACT test scores on students' applications for the spring, summer and fall 2021 sessions. ... This is a one-year emergency waiver to remove the standardized test requirement directly related to the impacts of COVID-19 and does not change the existing policy.

CHAPEL HILL — UNC System schools will be test-optional for 2021. 

The system's Board of Governors on Thursday approved a one-year waiver from the requirement that prospective first-year students submit an ACT or SAT score when they apply for admission.

The UNC System's chief academic officer told board members that students still can submit test scores and the state's 16 public universities can consider these scores as part of a student's application.

ACT Resources

Educational Resources During COVID-19

ACT is committed to serving community needs during this challenging time. That’s why we’re offering free digital learning resources to assist students, teachers, and schools impacted by COVID-19.

Check out act.org/covid19 to find resources to share with your students:

• Free Kaplan^® Live Online Test Prep
• ACT^® Academy™
• American College Application Campaign’s College Research Worksheet
• ACT Voice-Based Assistant
• Stress Management Video Series

Through June 30 we’re also giving educators free access to icurio, a classroom subscription providing access to more than 360,000 curated, vetted and maintained standards-aligned resources.

ACT’s SEL Curricula and Assessment (Mawi™ Learning and Tessera^®) can help parents and educators navigate everything from home learning to how to talk to students about COVID-19, and deal with challenges and questions that may come from that.

As always, we’re here to help you find success, no matter your circumstances.

Get Free Online Learning Resources

ACT Reschedules April 2020 National ACT Test Date to June

IOWA CITY, Iowa—ACT has rescheduled the April 4, 2020 national ACT test date to June 13, 2020 in response to concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

ACT will communicate directly with all students currently registered for the April 4, 2020 ACT test. All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for next steps.

“ACT is committed to making every effort to help those students impacted by this test date change, particularly those high school seniors who are facing deadlines for fall 2020 college admission,” said ACT CEO Marten Roorda.

More information will be shared as it becomes available in the days ahead. To access up-to-date information, additional national test dates options, and other frequently asked questions, please visit: www.ACT.org.

Please see attached: FAQ and information on a free resource, ACT Academy: ACT Academy Overview, and ACT Academy Educator Instructions for curriculum support for K-12 educators to access free solutions for homework, intervention, games and quizzes. Students can access free test prep to prepare for the ACT.

• ACT-April Test Date Rescheduled FAQ.pdf
• ACT-Academy-Educator-Instructions.pdf
• March SAT announcement FINAL.pdf
• ACT-Academy-Overview.pdf

New Firsts For Students Taking the ACT Test

Introducing: ACT Section Retesting,
ACT Superscoring, and Faster Results with
ACT Online Testing on National Test Dates

Beginning with the September 2020 ACT test, these new options offer students more choices, a better experience, and greater confidence that their ACT test scores best reflect their hard work, overall academic achievement, and potential for success throughout their lives. 

 

Learn about new choices below:  

ACT Choices

New ACT Test Options for Students

Students Get More Options on the ACT Test: Four Fast Takeaways

ACT
October 29, 2019

When enough students have opportunities, our society changes for the better.

Our new, student-focused options for ACT test-takers beginning in Sept. 2020 are meant to meet the current generation of learners where they are—in a personalized, online environment.
Simply put, we are committed to opening every door possible to help today’s students succeed and leveling the playing field for all.

We introduced these options based on feedback from students, parents, teachers, counselors, administrators and higher education officials. Here’s what you should know:

1.) It’s about showing what students have learned.

These new options are designed to provide students with a better testing experience that encourages more personalization and choice. But the most important thing they do is create opportunities for deeper learning and content mastery with section retesting.

ACT Section Retesting allows students to retake one or more section (subject) tests once they have taken the full ACT test, rather than having to take the entire test again. This gives students the option to focus on areas that may need improvement and better master the content they need to succeed.

We are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity they deserve to show what they know and pursue their unique path to success.

In this vein, we are doubling the number of fee waivers we provide to students from low-income families. Students who currently test with a fee waiver will now receive a total of four fee waivers to use on a full ACT test or up to three section retests per waiver. It will be up to the student to decide how they would like to use their four waivers, as long as they have taken a full ACT test before they register for a section retest.

2.) Superscoring is the best, literally.

Superscoring—averaging the best section (subject) scores across test attempts to provide the highest ACT Composite—is an existing practice already used by many colleges and universities for admissions and scholarship decisions. The number of institutions that superscore continues to increase as more students choose to retest.

We have conducted research on section testing and superscoring across test administrations to ensure these new options are valid and reliable.

We know from research that:

• Scores from ACT section (subject) tests do not need to come from the same test administration to be predictive of college success.
• Students earn similar ACT section test scores when taking a test section first rather than the typical test position (e.g. reading first versus third), supporting the move to section retesting.
• Students taking ACT section tests on different days don’t earn higher than expected scores.
• Each ACT section test is a reliable measure and predictive of future success on its own.

These studies informed our decision to allow students to retake individual sections of the ACT. And our latest study on superscoring showed that it was more predictive of first-year college success than any other scoring method.

We believe these new ACT test options, combined, will help students reach their maximum potential, showcase their academic readiness, and put their best foot forward in the college admission process.

We continue to advocate for colleges and universities to dig into the data on superscoring to make the best decision for their institution. Students can determine if the college they’re applying to accepts superscores by visiting the college’s admissions page.

Read thr full blog post from the ACT below



http://leadershipblog.act.org/2019/10/students-get-more-options-on-act-test.html?_ga=2.167379646.1601400991.1573223017-34159528.1567097450

How Students Can Prepare for the ACT Test

Learn ways to help students succeed by identifying the test prep options that match their needs.

Because the ACT^® test content is based on what’s taught in the classroom, students can prepare for the test by taking rigorous courses in high school. However, many students seek out additional advantages by using test prep tools. With a plethora of prep resources available, it can be difficult to understand the unique features and benefits that serve specific student needs.

Attend this free webinar from ACT that answers the question, “What kind of test prep is right for each student?” Our presenters will share student best practices for preparing for the test and provide a detailed overview of the new and traditional prep products (free and paid) offered by ACT. We will also preview some new test prep options available to help students take advantage of upcoming enhancements to the ACT test.

This webinar will uncover strategies and materials best fit for each student, based on:

• Subject matter needs
• Cost (including free options)
• Time constraints
• Format (live instruction, videos, books, etc.)

Overview

• Date: Thursday, November 21, 2019
• Time: 4:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. PST
• Duration: 60 minutes

SIgn Up Here

FREE ACT Bootcamp (from Kaplan)

FREE ACT BOOTCAMP
Online  Tuesday, November 12, 2019  7:30 PM - 9:00 PM ET

EVENT DESCRIPTION
Need to ace the ACT? Looking for something a little more intense than your average study session? Attend our free ACT Bootcamp session and join one of our expert instructors as you learn how to tackle some of the most common question types on the ACT!
Event Code: AKKV192021

WHEN
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM ET

WHERE
Live Online
Live Online gives you access to the best Kaplan instructors across the country, right to your laptop or mobile device. A live, interactive session in the comfort of...well, wherever you are.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The ACT Advantage vs. the SAT

Students will be able to retake part of the test.

By 

Scott Jaschik

October 14, 2019

 

ACT announced scoring reforms on its ACT exam last week. The changes are effective September 2020. They will allow test takers:

• Who have already taken the full ACT to retake only a part of the exam (English, math, reading, science or writing).
• To decide whether to take the test online or on paper.
• To use "superscoring" in which they combine scores from multiple ACT tests.

The key advantage to the ACT superscoring -- as opposed to that of the College Board with the SAT -- is that someone doesn't need to retake the entire test. Students could just take the portion of the ACT they wanted.

The College Board didn't respond to questions about the ACT change but explains the SAT's approach to superscoring here.

Generally, testing experts saw the ACT changes as making the ACT more competitive against the SAT, but they were divided on whether it would help low-income students.

Magoosh, a test-prep company, blogged, "We’re hopeful that the changes announced today by the ACT, if rolled out with transparency and the best interests of students in mind, will give high schoolers more opportunities to get into their dream college by putting their best score forward on their college applications."

But the company added, "However, there’s a chance this plan could unintentionally provide even more of an advantage to those students who have the means (time and money) to take the ACT multiple times. In the wake of the college admissions scandals, we all need no reminders about how inherently unfair the college application process can be, particularly for low-income students and students from marginalized backgrounds."

Robert Schaeffer, public education director of FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing, said that "clear winners" include ACT and the test-prep industry, "which will attract even more revenue from upper-income families seeking to maximize the scores reported to admissions offices."

"The losers," he said, would be "kids from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, whose scores will fall further behind their more advantaged peers because they do not have the resources or knowledge to game the new system."

Still, he called the change a "shrewd revision will almost certainly boost ACT's admissions testing market share versus the SAT."

Suzana Delanghe, ACT chief commercial officer, said that the changes would not make the ACT easier. "Our research shows that ACT scores for students who take individual section tests are consistent with those earned when they take the entire test. We are simply offering new ways to take the ACT, saving students time and giving them the ability to focus only on subject areas needing improvement," she said.

Helpful ACT Resources

The ACT is a standardized test used by almost all of the colleges in the United States to assess a student’s success in college. It was first introduced back in 1959 and all colleges and universities in the United States now accept the ACT for students applying for admission. 

The ACT is administered free of charge to all VAHS Juniors in the spring as part of our State Testing Program. Scores from this test can be submitted for college applications. Often times student will re-take the ACT  a second time through a National Test Center in order to improve their scores  or "Superscore" their subtests to enhance their college admission chances.      

Because of how many students are taking the ACT every year, some of the best colleges and universities in the country require applicants to have scores of over 27 or within the 10% of those who took the test. The minimum composite score  all of the UNC System colleges is 17.  As such, students  need to know how to do well on the ACT in order to conquer the exam . One way of doing so is to take note of the  ACT tips and test taking strategies listed below. 

 (by the way, if you’d prefer to read our list of SAT tips, you check them out here).

Conqueryourexam.com/act-tips

See ACT National Test Center dates for registration and additional study prep at

http://www.act.org/

Resources for Re-taking the ACT

If a student is  taking the test again because something didn’t go quite right and they want different results, students need to focus on all aspects of the testing experience. This means evaluating their previous preparation–academically, strategically, mentally, and physically–and knowing which areas they need to improve to get a better score.

They may need to focus on one area more than another, but by assessing all of the key areas, they'll have a much better chance of giving the ACT the one-two (three-four) punch on their retake and avoid the frustration of the same old result.

For a firsthand account of several successful ACT retake strategies, watch the embedded video below!

How to Study for an ACT Re-Take

Registration for the September ACT ends this Friday, August 16!

Registration for the September ACT ends this Friday, August 16!

September is a great time to test because juniors can identify areas to improve and seniors can get scores back before college application deadlines.

REGISTER NOW!

Students know they can avoid late fees if they register

by Friday, August 16.

ACT Registration Deadline for June 8 ACT

Juniors who would like to retake the ACT in June will get scores back in time to meet eraly action fall  college application deadlines. Sophomores can use the June ACT to gain a better understanding of scholastic strengths and identify areas for improvement.

Monday, May 20 is the last day to register for the June ACT test! 

REGISTER NOW!

The test is on Saturday, June 8.

ACT READING QUICK-TIP GUIDE

The ACT will be given to all Juniors at VAHS on Tuesday March 12.  There is a 35 minute reading Section. Passages come from pros fiction, social science, humanities and natural science. Ability to find supporting evidence within the text is the focus of the reading section. 

There is no single “correct” way to tackle the ACT Reading section; depending on your reading speed, comprehension level, and retention ability, you may need to make adjustments to what you read below. See the link below and follow the steps to start on your way in determining the best ACT Reading strategy that works for you.

ACT Reading Quick-Tip Guide

Practice passages for the Reading section can be found Here

ACT Resources: Plan For Life After High School

Students and Parents

Plan your future. Prepare for college and career. Let ACT help you achieve success.

Plan for Life After High School

Select your class below and put yourself in the best position to maximize your
ACT® score, get accepted into college, and win more scholarships

Resources for Students and Parents

Free ACT Test Practice

ACT Academy: Because Practice Makes Possible

ACT Academy is Now Available

Free, personalized practice for the ACT test.

ACT Academy™ is a free online learning tool and test practice program designed to help you get the best score possible on the ACT test, and well on your way to college and career success.

Through video lessons, interactive practice questions, full-length practice tests, educational games, and other materials targeted to your academic needs, ACT Academy provides you with a personalized study plan based on your previous scores from The ACT® test, PreACT®, Official ACT practice tests, or in platform diagnostics.

ACT Academy features:

• Personalized resources
• Accessible anytime/anywhere there is an internet connection
• Both a full length ACT test option as well as ACT test sections
• Educational games to drive mastery of content

. Learn more about ACT Academy.

Free College Planning Seminar

"Door to Door" 

Navigating the Road

from High School To College!

(how can students get in?

how can parents afford it?)

Students and parents

welcome!

(recommended for families

of rising 9th, 10th,

and 11th grade students)

​

Saturday, May 19th

2-4 p.m.

Chapel Hill Public Library

Chapel Hill

Email colprep2@gmail.com  for more

information.