Where do I begin with all this college testing stuff?

Actually, you've probably already begun by taking the PSAT test, the practice test for the SAT I (as well as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program) and you may also have taken the PLAN test, the practice test for the ACT. Both tests provide you with a great practice experience.

In the spring of 2005 both the SAT I and the ACT underwent changes that will affect you in the testing process. In this issue you will find a brief description of each test as well as some helpful hints.

When should I start taking these tests and can I take them more than once?

Ideally you should begin taking the tests in late winter or spring of your junior year to allow time for retesting. You may take the ACT and the SAT as many times as you wish. Most students do take the test more than once. There are opportunities to test in the fall of senior year; however, leave those for retesting if needed. It's always wise to start early, be prepared and keep track of deadlines. Keep in mind the ACT and SAT require that you register in advance; typically five to six weeks ahead time - plan ahead and register online.

http://www.actstudent.org/

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html

http://mycollegeoptions.com

Should I take the ACT or the SAT I?

Most colleges and universities will accept either test, so it's wise to take both tests and see which one you perform the best on. There are some institutions that require one test or the other, and there are some that choose to make standardized tests optional - check the requirements of the schools that interest you and plan accordingly.

What are these tests all about?

The ACT, administered by the American College Testing Program, has four parts measuring your understanding and ability in English, mathematics, reading comprehension, and science reasoning. Total testing time is three hours. Scores are reported on a 1-36 scale. The ACT is curriculum based.

In the spring of 2005 the ACT added a new component - the ACT Writing Test. This is a 30-minute optional test that compliments the English test. Colleges and universities make their own decision about whether to require the results from the Writing Test for admission and/or course placement. Based on the requirements set by the institutions, students can decide if they need to take the Writing Test.

To find out what colleges and universities require or prefer the new Writing Test, visit:

http://actrs19.act.org/app3/writPrefRM/

The SAT I, administered by the College Board, underwent significant changes in March of 2005. The test will take approximately three hours and 45 minutes to complete. There are three sections on the test: critical reading, math and writing. The traditional perfect score of 1600 will now be 2400. Each of the three sections uses a 200-800 score range. The critical reading section (formerly known as the verbal section) will include short and long reading passages form a variety of texts as well as sentence completion questions. The math section will include numbers & operations, algebra & functions, geometry & measurement, data analysis, statistics & probability. The writing section will include an essay that requires you to take a position on an issue and use reasoning and examples to support your position. Multiple choice questions will follow the essay and measure your ability to identify sentence errors and improve sentences and paragraphs.

For more information on the SAT I visit:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html

What are the SAT II Subject Tests?

Many selective colleges require or prefer two or three SAT II Subject Tests. Tests are one-hour in length and are offered on regular SAT test dates, though a student can not take the SAT I and SAT II on the same day. Subject areas include foreign languages, math level one and two, literature, chemistry, biology, physics, U.S history and more. Some colleges will specify the tests you must take. For more information go to:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html

Do you have suggestions for test prep and the day of the test?

There are a number of test prep options available to students. Depending on the company, there are online courses, text books, private tutoring and classroom courses. The best test prep however is a strong college prep curriculum throughout high school.

On the day of the test there are a few reminders:

  • #2 pencils, black pens and calculator

  • Get a good night sleep the night before

  • Eat a good breakfast before the test

  • Dress in layers (you never know what the room temperature will be and you want to be comfortable)

  • Arrive early (allow time for parking and finding the appropriate testing location

  • Take your drivers license or school ID with picture

  • Bring a snack or change for a vending machine (if available)

Colleges and universities use standardized test scores differently. Remember that scores are only part of the decision making process! Good luck!