Entrance Exams

College entrance exams are one of many criteria used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. Juniors should register for and take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring of their junior year. Registration materials can be picked up any time in Student Services but it is recommended that they register on-line. It is preferred that students take minimally 2 SAT's and 1 ACT.  Many scholarships are tied to test scores and a score increase of even one point on the ACT could mean winning a scholarship.
 

Know Your Test: College Entrance Exams

As you prepare for college, you'll encounter at least one (and probably more than one) of the following college entrance exams:

* PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship    Qualifying Assessment test

* SAT I: Scholastic Aptitude Test I

* ACT: American College Testing Exam

* SAT II: Scholastic Aptitude Test II

Admissions requirements vary from school to school. Consult your prospective school when deciding which test to take. Learn more about each of the tests here:

SAT I

Description:

Tips and Strategies: T

 For more information go to:  www.collegeboard.org

ACT

Description: Three-hour exam; 215 questions; measures achievement in English, math, reading and science. There is an optional writing section that is highly recommended.  Scores on each section are averaged to create a composite score. Perfect score is 36.

Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year.

Tips and Strategies: Your score is based on the number of correct answers ONLY. If you aren't sure, take a guess - it can't hurt you and it could help. Harder questions are worth the same amount as easy ones. Answer the easy questions first and leave the more time-consuming questions till the end. For more information go to: www.act.org

SAT II
Description: One-hour test that assesses mastery of a particular field of study. Up to three tests can be required for admissions.  Only highly competitive schools require this.   Some schools use the SAT II for course placement. 22 tests are offered in five subject areas: English, Math, History, Science and Foreign Language. Scores are based on an 800-point scale.

Usually Taken: Soon after you have finished the relevant course work (can be as early as freshman or sophomore year, depending on the school's curriculum and the student's progress).

Tips and Strategies: Entrance requirements vary from college to college. Consult your school counselor or college admissions representative to determine which tests you should take.