Standardized Tests

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):

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.