A-List Education, the education experts who brought you Vocab Videos, put together this SAT/ACT conversion chart to help you figure out how the two test scores correlate. Converting an ACT score to an SAT score isn’t like converting miles to kilometers. There’s no “right answer,” no exact value of what an ACT score is worth in SAT points. There are a lot of factors at work here, and several different ways to look at the data.

As any simple web search will show you, there are many SAT-ACT conversion tables out there. Many of these tables are taken from score comparison data available on the College Board website (see Table A). This chart is based on a study of test scores from 1994 to 1996. It’s a comparison based on skill: if you get score X on the SAT, you’ll get score Y on the ACT. It’s probably the most reliable chart out there in that it’s the product of a rigorous scientific study commissioned by people who know about this sort of thing. However, it uses data from the old SAT. The College Board will tell you that the scores should be comparable, but let’s see if there’s any fresher data available.

Fresher data is readily available in the form of percentiles. Both the SAT and ACT publish tables of the percentiles of test-takers who achieved a particular score. So A-List took data from 2005 to 2007 and matched up the scores on the two tests that correspond to the same percentile (see Table B). This chart shows significantly higher SAT scores for corresponding ACT scores than the College Board table does. The problem is that this is an unscientific study, so there could be other factors contributing to the score distribution.

Both these charts seek to equate scores based on the ability of students: a student who gets score X on one test is likely to get score Y on the other. But this overlooks why these scores matter at all: college admissions. These charts don’t tell us the value of the scores with respect to actual admissions decisions. Perhaps colleges treat the tests differently. Perhaps a college will accept a student in the 80th percentile of the SAT but require the 85th percentile of the ACT, or vice versa.

So A-List took a look at the college admissions data in the 2008 U.S. News and World Report guide and matched the SAT and ACT scores of incoming students at each college. They found those numbers were somewhat in between the previous two charts. This chart has the same concern about scientific validity as Table B, but it’s the best way to directly gauge how much a score is actually worth to colleges. Read More…

Learn your SAT vocabulary by studying the Vocab Videos’ SAT vocabulary list! This free SAT and ACT vocabulary list features 500 frequently-tested SAT vocabulary words. Prepare for your college entrance exams by studying these key SAT vocabulary words, and then by watching the hilarious Vocab Video that accompanies each vocab word on the list! Remember: research has shown that people remember more effectively when they have visual and auditory cues. Just watch:

Knowing your SAT vocabulary can earn you 150+ points on the big test, so be sure to take advantage of Vocab Videos’ SAT vocabulary word list, and get started with the Vocab Videos study program!

Vocab Videos SAT Vocabulary List (scroll down for link to printable PDF):

To DOWNLOAD & PRINT an SAT vocabulary list, please click here: Vocab Videos SAT Vocabulary Word List

SAT Vocabulary Challenge: New York

SAT Vocabulary Challenge: Los Angeles

And the winner is…..

YOU DECIDE!!! Click here to vote!

going to major in...

Apart from choosing which college to attend, choosing what field of study to major in could very well be your next biggest decision involving your college education. Some students enter college having clear career ambitions and knowing exactly what it is they want to study. Certain colleges have separate “schools” or programs with a particular academic focus—sometimes even with different admissions standards—that may require that students declare a major as a freshman.  But if you’re neither entering one of these specifically-focused schools nor certain about what you would like to study, and it’s time to accept your choice college’s admissions offer—don’t stress out.   

Many students begin college with little or no idea of what they will ultimately choose as a major, so if you’re checking off the “undecided” box, you’re not alone.  There is no rush for you to jump to a decision about your major as soon as you step foot on campus. Most colleges won’t even require you to declare a major until at some point into your sophomore year, or even at the start of your junior year. Using your time in the college classroom wisely can, without a doubt, help ensure that you go into the right field of study.  After all, part of what is wonderful about college on an academic level,  is that your required core classes will help you to get a feel for what you enjoy learning about; you may even discover a previously unrealized passion for a subject that you didn’t have the opportunity to study in high school.  And hopefully this penchant or passion for a particular academic subject can help you to decide what career path or continued educational trajectory you would like to pursue. Because a college major should be chosen based on your interests and career goals.

So when deciding on a major, here are a few questions to keep in mind:

• What are my interests (academic and otherwise)?  What about my talents and natural abilities? You’re going to be taking lots of classes in your major, so you’re far better off choosing a program that interests you! If you choose a major you don’t enjoy, it’s going to be a LONG four years!
• What kind of career am I interested in? If you’re not sure—look into it a bit. Check out your campus career center, they can offer you some guidance when it comes to career planning and then help direct you toward an appropriate major.
• What kinds of majors are available and are strong programs at your particular college? There are probably majors available at your college that you didn’t know were options or you know very little about. Familiarize yourself with all the possibilities of what you have the opportunity to study!
• Are there resources available to offer some guidance?  In addition to the career center, take advantage of what’s around you. Talk to professors, academic advisors and other students; consult your school’s course catalog or a college major guide (there’s probably one in the academic advising office)

Put some serious consideration into what you decide to study during what are bound to be the most important years of your education.  Not only will choosing the right major make your academic experience in college worthwhile, it could allow for valuable internship opportunities and ultimately open doors when it comes to your career and your future.

Sure this doesn't look so fun...BUT it will pay off!

The summer provides a good opportunity for students to get a head start on their college applications and essays. Some colleges have already begun posting applications for the 2010-2011 application season, and many more will do so as the summer goes on. Our friends at College Essay Organizer (CEO) are constantly updating their extensive database of college essay requirements, so that students can get started with their essays as soon as possible. Here’s why starting applications over the summer is the way to go:

• The college essay is generally thought to be the most time-consuming and overwhelming aspect of college applications. Get it over with!
• Writing an essay is a multi-step process—a really good essay is typically brainstormed, outlined, drafted, edited, proofread, and finalized. Working on it gradually over the summer gives you time to really work through all these stages. 
• When school, homework, and after-school activities start up again, and it comes time to apply to your colleges, you’ll be WAY more carefree having already completed the most dreaded part of applications.

Getting started on essays and applications early will make the college application season far less overwhelming.

More importantly, the essay is a significant component of any application, giving admissions officers an opportunity to look beyond the numbers and allowing students to put a personal stamp on applications. But writing an impeccable college essay is a process that requires a lot of time, preparation, and effort. The Vocab Videos team encourages you to get ahead of the game by working on applications and essays over the summer before the hectic school season starts up again.

Even if it’s not on your reading list, read a good book this summer

• Summer job: For many of you, a summer job is a typical part of your summer experience.  If it’s not, we’d recommend you start looking around and applying. Not only will a summer job put some cash in your pocket, it’s a good learning experience. Did we mention it’s also something to tag onto your college activities resume?
  *If you’re getting a bit too late of a start, and summer jobs are scarce, don’t be too discouraged—read on for other ways to have a productive summer!

• Internship: Internships can provide a world of opportunity. They are a terrific way to get a glimpse into a particular occupation or industry, and thus, to discover if the career path that you’re contemplating is right (or wrong) for you.   And while it may be looking a bit down the road, internships can also turn into job offers.  Whether it’s a paid or unpaid internship, the experience is generally profitable in the end.
• Volunteer: If you’re having a hard time finding a summer job or internship opportunity, we’d urge you to consider volunteer work. After all, it’s unlikely a volunteer organization will turn down a helping hand. Sure, giving back and giving your time will look good when you’re applying to colleges, but there are many more reasons to volunteer your time. Volunteering can give you the chance to take on a leadership role, meet new people, get involved in your community, or learn and develop a new skill. Overall, it can be quite a personally rewarding experience.
   
• Get Smart: Even though you’re not in school, try not to use summer as an excuse to turn off your brain. You may not like the sound of this, but if you’re going into your sophomore or junior year, summer is a great time to start preparing for your SAT. Read a few good books and the newspaper to improve your reading comprehension, try Vocab Videos for a fun way to learn your SAT vocabulary, or slowly work your way through an SAT study guide while lounging around. If you’ve already taken the SAT, read regardless to keep that brain active! Use summer as a time to get ahead of the game.

Going to college is cool. You know this. Isn’t that why you’re here after all, trying to raise your SAT scores with Vocab Videos and get into your top-choice schools? Well, keep up the good work. With some genuine effort and commitment, you’d be amazed what you can achieve.

We’re not quite sure what the obsession with celebrity is these days, but we’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Take a look at our list of celebrities below to see where they chose to pursue their higher education. Who knows, maybe you’ll get your college education and meet the next Brad Pitt. Enjoy!

• Adam Sandler: New York University (New York, NY)
• Andy Samberg: New York University (New York, NY)
• Angela Bassett: Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• Anna Paquin: Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Annette Bening: San Francisco State University (San Francisco, CA)
• Ashley Judd: University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
• Ashton Kutcher: University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
• Beau Bridges: University of Hawaii — Manoa (Honolulu, HI)
• Billy Crudup: University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
• Billy Crystal: Nassau Community College (Garden City, NY)
• Brad Pitt: University of Missouri — Columbia (Columbia, MO)
• Bradley Cooper: Georgetown University (Washington, DC)
• Brooke Shields: Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
• Bruce Lee: University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
• Bryce Dallas Howard: New York University (New York, NY)
• Calista Flockhart: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey — New Brunswick (Piscataway, NJ)
• Chevy Chase: Bard College (Annandale on Hudson, NY)
• Chris Farley: Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)
• Chris Noth: Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• Chris O’Donnell: Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
• Chris Pine: University of California — Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
• Christopher Walken: Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)
• Clint Eastwood: Los Angeles City College (Los Angeles, CA)
• Conan O’Brien: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
• Cynthia Nixon: Barnard College (New York, NY)
• David Boreanaz: Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)
• David Duchovny: Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
• David Letterman: Ball State University (Muncie, IN)
• David Hyde Pierce: Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• Debra Messing: Brandeis University (Waltham, MA)
• Denzel Washington: Fordham University (New York, NY)
• Don Cheadle: California Institute of the Arts (Valencia, CA)
• Dustin Hoffman: Santa Monica College (Santa Monica, CA)
• Ed Harris: California Institute of the Arts (Valencia, CA)
• Ed Norton: Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• Elizabeth Banks: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
• Emma Watson: Brown University (Providence, RI)
• Ethan Hawke: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Fred Savage: Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
• Geena Davis: Boston University (Boston, MA)
• George Clooney: Northern Kentucky University (Highland Heights, KY)
• Glenn Close: College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA)
• Harrison Ford: Ripon College (Ripon, WI)
• Howard Stern: Boston University (Boston, MA)
• Hugh Grant: Oxford University (Oxford, GBR)
• James Earl Jones: University of Michigan — Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI)
• James Franco: Warren Wilson College (Asheville, NC)
• Jay Leno: Emerson College (Boston, MA)
• Jennifer Beals: Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• Jennifer Garner: Denison University (Granville, OH)
• Jerry Seinfeld: CUNY — Queens College (Flushing, NY)
• Jim Belushi: Southern Illinois University–Carbondale (Carbondale, IL)
• Jodie Foster: Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• John Lithgow: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
• Jon Hamm: University of Missouri — Columbia (Columbia, MO)
• Jon Stewart: College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA)
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)
• Julia Roberts: Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)
• Julia Stiles: Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Julianna Margulies: Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
• Katharine Hepburn: Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA)
• Kevin Costner: California State University — Fullerton (Fullerton, CA)
• Kirk Douglas: St. Lawrence University (Canton, NY)
• Kristin Davis: Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey (Piscataway, NJ)
• Larry David: University of Maryland — College Park (College Park, MD)
• Laura Linney: Brown University (Providence, RI)
• Lisa Kudrow: Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
• Lou Gossett, Jr.: New York University (New York, NY)
• Mary Louise Parker: North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem, NC)
• Matthew Fox: Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Meryl Streep: Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
• Michael C. Hall: Earlham College (Richmond, IN)
• Michael Douglas: University of California — Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
• Monique Coleman: DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
• Natalie Portman: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
• Oprah Winfrey: Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)
• Paul Newman: Kenyon College (Gambier, OH)
• Paul Rudd: University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
• Paula Zahn: Stephens College (Columbia, MO)
• Philip Seymour Hoffman: New York University (New York, NY)
• Phylicia Ayers-Allen Rashad: Howard University (Washington, DC)
• Renee Zellweger: University of Texas — Austin (Austin, TX)
• Robert Klein: Alfred University (Alfred, NY)
• Robert Redford: University of Colorado — Boulder (Boulder, CO)
• Robin Williams: Juilliard School (New York, NY)
• Samuel L. Jackson: Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)
• Sandra Bullock: East Carolina University (Greenville, NC)
• Scott Wolf: The George Washington University (Washington, DC)
• Steve Carell: Denison University (Granville, OH)
• Susan Sarandon: Catholic University of America (Washington, DC)
• Sylvester Stallone: University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
• Ted Danson: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Tom Hanks: Chabot College (Hayward, CA)
• Tom Selleck: University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
• Tommy Lee Jones: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
• Vanessa Williams: Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)
• Wesley Snipes: SUNY — Purchase College (Purchase, NY)
• William H. Macy: Goddard College (Plainfield, VT)
• Woody Harrelson: Hanover College (Hanover, IN)
• Zachary Quinto: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)

And don’t forget to keep studying your SAT vocabulary!