Standardized College Tests

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

This test is given each year only in October. The College Board recommends this test only for juniors since, by the junior year, students will have had the requisite courses on which the tested skills have been taken and since only juniors are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship should their test score qualify them for this honor. The PSAT has five sections: 2 verbal sections, 2 math sections and 1 writing skills section. It is 2 hours 10 minutes long and is now closely aligned with both SATs since it has the same kinds of verbal and math questions as the SAT I, and the same kinds of multiple choice questions on writing skills as the SAT II Subject Test in Writing.

SAT I SCHOLASTIC APTITUTE TEST

The SAT I is a multiple-choice test currently made up of verbal and math sections. The verbal questions test your vocabulary, verbal reasoning and understanding of what you read. The math questions test your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra and geometry. Currently, the scores are reported on a scale of 200 (lowest) to 800 (highest) for two sections: verbal and math. The use of a calculator is permitted on the math section. Taking the SAT I fulfills the standardized testing requirement of most colleges/universities. Scores on the SAT I cannot be withheld or selectively sent to colleges/universities. Note: New SAT for incoming college class of 2006. The new SAT will include sections on critical reading, mathematics and writing. The “verbal” section will be renamed “critical reading.” The College Board reports that verbal section changes will include eliminating analogies. The new critical reading section will include long and short reading sections. The new SAT math section, according to College Board documents, will include up to 3 years of high school mathematics, comprising mathematics up to Algebra II. The current section in mathematics on quantitative comparisons will be eliminated. A writing section will be added to the SAT I and will include multiple-choice questions and a written, timed essay in response to a prompt. Students should see the counseling office for details and more information about the upcoming NEW SAT.

ACT

The ACTs consist of four tests of general educational development and a special Student Profile section. The four sections are: English, Reading, Math and Science Reasoning. The academic tests cover the subjects of English usage, mathematics, social studies and natural sciences. The profile section collects information about the students’ aspirations, background, non-classroom achievements and immediate plans for the future. The ACT takes about 3 ½ hours to complete, and the highest score on this test is 36. Many institutions accept the ACT as readily as the SAT I.

SAT II Scholastic Aptitude Test

The SAT II is a set of one hour tests designed to measure your level of achievement in a particular subject (English Writing, Literature; United States History and World History; Mathematics level I C (with a calculator), Mathematics Level IIC; Foreign Languages; and Sciences). Not all tests are offered at the same time. Check your registration book for the dates of the tests you are interested in taking. Students often take the SAT II in a subject (such as history or science) that they have just completed. Many colleges/universities (including the University of California system) require students to take the SAT II in addition to the Sat I. An essay preparation service (EssayPrep) is available through the College Board website to give students an opportunity to practice writing an essay and obtain feedback on their essay before taking the test.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: Students with learning disabilities can be tested using accommodations. See your counselor for more information on this. It is important to start the process early in order to meet document requirements by registration deadlines.

When AreCollege Tests Given?

SAT I October/November/December

January/March

May/June

SAT IIOctober/November/December

January

May/June

ACTSeptember/October

December/February/April

June

PSATOctober

APMay

Juniors: Spring dates

Seniors:Fall dates

Seniors note: Colleges/universities require that standardized testing be completed by December. Check dates of tests and registration deadlines. If you have questions, ask your high school counselor.

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