Chief Points
September 23, 2019
Class of 2021 - Junior Year is Here!!
Testing
PSAT/NMSQT
Interested students can register using the form below. The cost of the test is $17 for all students and can be paid in the counseling office by Monday, September 30, 2018. Checks can be made payable to the Lakeland School District.
SAT
November 2, 2019 @ LHS - registration deadline is October 3, 2019
December 7, 2019 - registration deadline is November 8, 2019
ACT
October 26, 2019 - registration deadline is September 20, 2019
December 14, 2019 - registration deadline is November 8, 2019
What is the ACT?
The second is the ACT. The ACT is another exam that is used equally by colleges as one piece of information in the college admissions profile. Students can choose to take either the ACT or SA, or even a combination of both tests. Below you will find additional information comparing the SAT and ACT so that you can make a decision what test might be best for you.
Should I Take the SAT or the ACT?
Students have the opportunity to take two types of college admissions tests - the ACT or the SAT. Most colleges accept both tests for admissions, but you should check with the college admissions office to be sure which test they prefer you submit.
What are the differences between the two tests?
THE ACT
The ACT test is made up of four individual tests, each of which is designed to measure academic achievement in a major area: English, mathematics, reading, and natural sciences.
The test is about three hours long. The test consists of a total 215 scored questions.
The test is comprised of four subject tests:
English
45 minutes
75 questions
Math
60 minutes
60 questions
Reading
35 minutes
40 questions
Science Reasoning
35 minutes
40 questions
THE SAT
The new version of the SAT test (introduced in March 2005) is three hours and forty-five minutes in length. You will see the following sections on test day (but not necessarily in the order they are listed in here):
Section: Essay
Number of Questions: 1
Time Limit: 25 minutes
Section: Writing - Multiple Choice
Number of Questions: Improving Sentences-25
Time Limit: 1 25 min section
Section: Writing - Multiple Choice
Number of Questions: Identifying sentence errors-18
Time Limit: 1 10 min section
Number of Questions: Improving paragraphs - 6
Section: Critical Reading
Passage-based reading - 48
2 25 min sections
Section: Critical Reading
Sentence completion - 19
1 20 min section
Section: Math
Number of Questions: Standard multiple choice - 44
Time Limit: 2 25 min sections
Section: Math
Number of Questions:Student-produced response - 10
Time Limit:1 20 min section
Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?
It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT.
To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences:
1. ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
2. The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
If you're an ardent wordsmith, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.
3. The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.
4. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.
In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.
5. The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools.
The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score — schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying before opting out.
6. The SAT is broken up into more sections.
On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized?
7. The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.
Upcoming ASVAB Test
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) will be administered on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 8:00 am at Lakeland Junior Senior High School. Students may now register to take this test be completing the google form below. There is no cost for this test.
All sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to sit for the test.
Students DO NOT have to be interested in serving in the military to take the test. For general information about the ASVAB, check out the below link for information.
***Please note that we need a minimum of 10 students to register for this test in order to provide the test at Lakeland. In the event that we do not have 10 registrations by the time this survey closes on 10/18/2019, the test will be cancelled. You can register for this test in the below form. As a note, you must sign into your school google (gmail account) in order to register for this test.
College
College Visits
Students can sign up on Naviance to meet with college representatives. Representatives can visit either during 3rd lunch at a table set up or a 2pm during flex period.
Click the button below to go to a calendar showing the colleges that are visiting.
Open Houses
King's College - October 20 & November 10
Lackawanna College - November 16 (assorted at various campuses)
Marywood University - October 19 & November 16
Penn State University Scranton - September 22
College and Career Fairs
Lackawanna County Career Exploration & Discovery Conference
The purpose of the event is to:
- Provide a comprehensive career exploration and discovery opportunity for high school students. Participants will learn about career opportunities, earning potential, educational requirements, desired skills and training, and more.
- Connect students and career professionals - Q&A and networking will be a part of every session.
- Inform participants about student financial aid, college career services, college student support services, and more.
This conference is FREE and open to high school students from Lackawanna County school districts, and surrounding communities. Registration is required. Lunch is provided at no cost.
Sessions include:
- Media/Marketing
- Law Enforcement
- Financial Services
- Business/Entrepreneurship
- Logistics/Transportation
- Manufacturing
- STEM
- Education
- Nonprofits
- Human Services/Social Services
- Hospitality
- Culinary
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Trades (2/apprenticeship info)
- Student Panel
- Financial Aid for College
- College Career Services
Saturday, Oct 5, 2019, 10:00 AM
Johnson College, North Main Avenue, Scranton, PA, USA
The Lackawanna County College Fair
This program affords all college and technical bound juniors and seniors the opportunity to meet admissions representatives from approximately 80 higher education institutions. The institutions represented are private, public and state related. Students and parents are cordially invited to attend. The fair will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Center for Athletics and Wellness on the Marywood University campus.
An information session regarding higher education is scheduled in Conference Room A of the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life. The session will begin at 6:15 p.m. This information session will discuss how to research colleges, apply for admission, trends in higher education and basic survival skills during the first year.
There will also be financial aid information sessions available at 7:15 p.m. A Financial Aid representative will be available to answer any questions regarding federal & state funded financial aid programs. The financial aid session will be presented in Conference Room A of the Swartz Center.
If your student plans to continue their education, this program will be of great value and we strongly urge you to attend.