ACT, SAT, & ASVAB

ACT Test Information & Registration

SAT Test Information & Registration

This is a brief summary of ACT preparation given at a parent workshop by Al Silberstein, an Educational Specialist for the US Army.

Educational Planning

Select classes that will strengthen your skills in reading, math and reasoning. Do NOT take a class because it is easy. Your core classes will help you on the ACT.

The Year Before the ACT

Take practice ACT tests to determine which areas have the most room for improvement. Actively participate in a program to help practice your ACT skills. There are many programs ranging from free to thousands of dollars. Some free internet sites are March2Success.com and UtahFutures.org. There are many CD-Rom programs, classes and books to help study. You can even check your local library. The two things to consider as you select are how the student learns and what will the student do.

The Month Before the ACT

Use the State Standardized Test Preparation for the areas of weakness using March2Success. It starts with a pre-test to determine where there are gaps in learning. After the pre-test, lessons are created to help fill in those gaps. It is a great way to focus on the areas of need.

The Week Before the ACT

Take a practice test on the area(s) of focus. This will be the last time.

The Night Before the ACT

Do not do anything with testing. However, this isn’t the time to stay out late with friends. Get a good night’s sleep.

The Morning of the ACT

Wake up and get ready. Taking the time to groom will cue the brain that it is time to wake up and be alert. Eat a good breakfast. Arrive with a picture id, your ACT ticket, #2 pencils and a calculator ready to take the test. Rooms usually load around 7:45 am. DO NOT take your cell phone into the testing room.

There are many options to help students prepare to take the ACT and/or SAT. Which option is best depends of what the student is willing to do and how the student learns. Below are some great options.

Free Options:

• LHS ACT Prep Classes
  • These classes are offered at Layton High. The course dates align with the upcoming ACT test dates to help you prepare right before you test.
  • Click here for the 2023-2024 prep course schedule
• Schmoop
  • Shmoop is a comprehensive ACT Prep website that is FREE for Utah Students.
  • Follow these instructions:
    • Visit schools.shmoop.com/utah/
    • Find your high school – click on Layton HS
    • Schools in your Account – click on Layton
    • Already have an account? Login
    • Don’t have a school account? Create one
    • Enter Magic Word (for the 2023-2024 school year) in all caps: HONEY

Paid Options:

• Magoosh
  • Magoosh provides affordable, online ACT and SAT prep. Use 10% off coupon code SUPERSTUDENT at checkout.
• Strategic ACT Prep.
  • Clear, personalized path to a higher score. Exclusive curriculum, Strategic ACT Prep Workbook.
• Collegeboard SAT
  • Free and Paid test prep options for the SAT, PSAT & the NMSQT. 

ACT

http://www.act.org/

The ACT is accepted by all universities in Utah and 97% of the schools outside Utah.  The ACT has four sections which include English, Math, Reading, and Science.  There is no penalty for guessing, so it is to your benefit to fill in all answers even if you don't know the answer.  At this point in time, there is not a Utah school that requires the written part of the ACT.  BYU prefers the ACT over the SAT, but will accept both.  Layton High School is a testing site of most of the ACT tests. 

SAT

https://www.collegeboard.org/

The SAT I measures verbal and reasoning abilities.  SAT II tests subjects areas.  Math is one-third of the overall score on this test.  You are penalized for guessing.  You received credit for a correct answer, you don't receive any credit for an answer left blank, but 1/4 point (approximately) is subtracted from your overall score if the answer is wrong.  If you want to attend college outside of the state of Utah, please check with the school to see which test they require.
 

Layton High School offers the ASVAB test multiple times throughout the year. Please contact Mr. To'omalatai for information about test dates. ftoomalatai@dsdmail.net

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program provides high-quality, career exploration and planning materials at no cost to the high school student. The program encourages students to explore a wide variety of careers, rather than limiting their exploration by telling them what they can or should do.
Click here for more information: http://www.asvabprogram.com

Click here for some helpful tips on overcoming test anxiety

GENERAL INFORMATION

For 10th and 11th grade students, the PSAT/NMSQT test offers:   

• college planning resources that help students explore careers, colleges, majors, scholarships   
• connection with colleges and universities   
• assessment of student skill levels and readiness for college and career   
• suggestions on how to improve academic skills

For 11th grade students only, the PSAT/NMSQT is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships!

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INFORMATION FOR THE 2023 TEST

Test Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 7:30am-10:30pm 

Test Cost: $18.00

Registration Deadline: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023.

To Register: Pay for the test in myDSD in the Optional Fee Tab. Students who have paid for the test are registered. 

This year, the test will be on a late start day. Students will be responsible for their own transportation. Students taking the test will be excused from 1st and 2nd period. 

For more information https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt

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FREE PSAT Prep with Kaplan click here

 

The STATE ACT test for all juniors will be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024. This test is free to all juniors and will be taken during the school day. Pre-registration is required, information about pre-registration will be shared with students closer to test day.

Click here for the ACT Calculator Policy

Click here for the MyACT Instructional Video