ACT Changes Scoring And Essay To Provide More Insight

     Starting in 2015, students who take the ACT will face a more complex essay question and will receive new scores for English language arts and the combined fields of science and mathematics.
      The ACT exam will retain its total scoring scale of 1 to 36 and its format of assessing achievement in English, math, reading and science, with an optional essay.
     The new indicators will provide more insight by assessing student performance and predicted readiness levels in STEM areas (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), career readiness, English language arts and text complexity.
     The current ACT essay prompt states an issue -- for example, community curfews for high school students -- gives two points of view and asks students to take a position and support it with specifics. The new version will ask students to evaluate multiple perspectives on a complex issue and generate their own analysis based on reasoning, knowledge and experience, the organization announced in June.
       The ACT is evolving as its rival the SAT college admissions test also undergoes a major redesign that will debut in 2016. Among the SAT changes announced earlier this year are a sharper focus on critical-thinking, an emphasis on real-world problems, a new scoring system, and an overhaul of its essay section.
     All in all, the SAT will remain a test of aptitude, whereas the ACT is more a test of achievement. Neither is more difficult or legitimate, but some students may be better-suited for one or the other.
     For information about in-home tutoring for the SAT/ACT, SAT Subject Tests, AP Tests, and academic subjects, please call Key Academics at 610-940-1625 or visit www.keyacademics.com.

ACT To Report New Scores In 2015

     Starting in 2015, students who take the ACT will face a more complex essay question and will receive new scores for English language arts and the combined fields of science and mathematics.
     The ACT will retain its total scoring scale of 1 to 36 and its format of assessing achievement in English, math, reading and science, with an optional essay.
The new indicators will describe student performance and predicted readiness levels in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), career readiness, English language arts and text complexity.
     The current ACT essay prompt states an issue — for example, high school dress codes — gives two points of view and asks students to take a position and support it with specifics. The new version will ask students to “evaluate multiple perspectives on a complex issue and generate their own analysis based on reasoning, knowledge and experience,” the organization announced in June.
     The ACT is evolving as the rival SAT admissions test undergoes a major redesign that will debut in 2016. Key Academics’ ACT and SAT materials are constantly revised and  improved to keep up with the latest changes to the SAT and ACT exams.

Good Grades Result When You Know How To Study

Homework time is a lot more fun for students who know the best techniques for learning. Here are 10 tips for getting good grades.

1. Know why and what you are studying, with defined goals.
2. Approach study feeling confident.
3. Work for understanding, not just to get by or for grades.
4. Memorize using mnemonic devices and as many senses as possible.
5. Employ the best physical conditions for effective study, like desk, chair and lighting.
6. Do a skim first to get an overview and make study more efficient.
7. Study in detail notes taken during class, highlighting with different colors to prioritize information.
8. Do the most difficult subjects first when you are fresh. Save the easy ones for dessert.
9. Review and recheck as a finishing touch.
10. Take regular breaks (45 min study + 5 min break for social media, healthy snack.)