• Click the links below to access the most recent information regarding standardized tests:

    SAT 

    ACT

       
    College Admission testing
     
     

    Standardized Tests

    Description
     

    Most students who are planning to further their education beyond high school begin in their junior year to take examinations related to college admission. It is important that you pay particular attention to tests listed under the college admission requirements and ensure that you register for any necessary testing. In general, you must register at least six weeks prior to most test dates, either online or through regular mail. This information can be found in the test registration materials available in the Guidance Office, as well as on websites for each standardized test.

     

    The standardized tests most widely used across the nation are the SAT Reasoning Test and the ACT with/without Writing. Although there is a preference on the East Coast for the SAT and in the Mid-West and West Coast for the ACT, most schools accept both tests. Be sure to check each college’s statistics to see which test is more utilized at that institution.

     
    Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):

    Starting with the March 5th 2016 test administration, the SAT has been re-designed to a new format. The redesigned SAT is composed of three parts (in five sections), which will follow the same order is every test book:

    Evidence-based Reading and Writing: includes a Reading Test and also a Writing and Language Test.  Each test is composed of multi-paragraph passages and multiple-choice questions.

    Math: Includes multiple-choice and student-produced response questions base on the math that college bound students typically learn during their first three years of high school. Divided into two portions: one that permits calculator use and one that does not.

    Optional Essay: asks students to produce a cogent and clear written analysis using evidence drawn from a challenging course test.

    Test component:                                                                  Time

     

    Reading Test                                                                      65 minutes

    10 minute break

    Writing and language Test                                               35 minutes

    Math Test – No Calculator                                                25 minutes

    5 minute break

    Math Test – with Calculator                                              55 minutes

    2 minute break

    Optional Essay                                                                   50 minutes

    SAT Subject Tests:  Unlike the SAT Reasoning test, which measures aptitude, the achievement tests measure the student’s knowledge in specific subject areas, from history to math to foreign language. Some colleges require these tests for placement purposes only, while some highly selective schools use the results in making their admission decisions. Early decision candidates at highly selective colleges should complete testing by June of their junior year.These tests are one hour each and you can take up to three tests in one sitting. 

     
    American College Test (ACT): 
     
    Like the SAT Reasoning Test, this test is used in determining your aptitude for college level work. The ACT is a battery of tests which yields a score of 1-36 in each of four areas- English, Math, Reading and Science and a composite score.  It is a 2 hour and 55 minute test without the essay, and 3 hours and 25 minutes with the essay. Scores from the ACT are required by many Midwestern and West Coast schools and are accepted interchangeably with the SAT by many schools across the nation. 
     
     
    Suggested Timeline: This link provides a suggested timeline for taking standardized tests (9th through 12th grades): Suggested Timeline for Standardized Testing 
     
    Other Differences between the SAT and the ACT:  APlus SAT vs ACT
     
     
     Standardized Tests
    Registration and Test Day Instructions
     
     
    All students taking the SAT & ACT must have a correct photo I.D. and their Admission Ticket.
     
     No student will be allowed to test without these two pieces of information. 
     
    NO TICKET, NO ID, NO ADMISSION
     
     
     
     
    Registration for both exams is completed online: 
     
     
     
     
     
    Please Note - For both SAT and ACT tests:
    • All students are required to provide a photo to register for standardized tests.
    • Stand-by registration is no longer available. Please refer to the SAT and the ACT web site for instructions to register after the late registration date has passed. Online requests for wait list status may be possible until about 5 days before the test.
    • Changes to test center, test date or test type will not be permitted on test day.  Any changes will have to be submitted directly to the testing agency at least two weeks prior to test day.
     
    Test Day Instructions: Helpful Links
     

     

     
    Regardless of the standardized test you choose to take, it is your responsibility to ensure that each of your colleges receives the required test score, as standardized test scores are not reported on your official transcript.  In order to arrange for this, please visit the appropriate testing website