On this Page:
College Entrance Testing Overview
Can I take the SAT or ACT test at Assets High School?
Test Preparation Resources
Test Optional/ Test Free Policies Expand
Fairtest: http://fairtest.org/
Most colleges and universities have adopted a test optional plan for admissions, meaning SAT and/ or ACT test scores are not required for admission, but may be submitted if a student feels they are a strength. A small number of colleges require either the SAT or ACT, but a larger number use them as one option for placement into freshman math and English levels. These tests may be also useful as a practice opportunity with regard to test taking, and the use of accommodations for students who need them. For students who test well, SAT or ACT scores may highlight their strengths. For this reason, some students may wish to take an SAT or ACT.
Differences and Similarities of the SAT Suite vs. the ACT
The ACT is a content-based test that aims to measure what students know and is based on high school curriculum as defined by the Common Core Standards. The math section on the ACT includes more advanced math. The math for the SAT goes through Algebra 2/ trigonometry level. The SAT is a reasoning test but also aims to assess knowledge of similar concepts. The ACT also has a science section, and the SAT has a science sub-score. Both tests are heavily reading intensive, and emphasize critical reading, math and a strong emphasis on comprehension, and applying English writing conventions. The best way to learn which test is a better fit for you is to take a practice test.
The New SAT versus the ACT: Infographic from Princeton Review
Summarizes the Similarities and Differences
http://www.princetonreview.com/college/new-sat-vs-act-infographic
Understood Website Article: SAT or ACT?
This article presents pros and cons of each test and shares some tips that may be helpful in understanding the differences. The test you choose may depend on the type of accommodations you can get approved as well, so contact your counselor for clarification.
New Digital SAT (since 2023)
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital
Can I test at Assets?
In short, it depends on the student and the time of the year. Assets is not currently a public SAT or ACT test center. However, many of our students require school-based or specialized accommodations that are not available at test centers. We offer the SAT and ACT for students approved for school-based or special testing on select test dates. For students who do not need school-based or special testing, test centers at other schools can be selected in the online registration process. Test centers offer basic accommodations such as 50% extended time. Please let us know when you register for either test so that we can assist you in locating a test center and preparing for test day if it is not on our campus. Keep in mind that many test centers have limited seats. Register early if testing is important for you.
School Day Testing Opportunities
We offer a school day version of both the PSAT™ and SAT™ at Assets School just for our enrolled 11th grade students. Registration done using google form sent home by Ms. James several weeks prior to test date, and the payment is to the school. Typically, this school day test opportunity is in October for the PSAT/ NMSQT™ and in March for the SAT.
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital
Other Testing Opportunities, registration online at Collegeboard.org or ACT.org
Those with center-based accommodations (50% time) or no accommodations may test at test centers outside of Assets school any month that a seat is available. Please register early for this online at ACT.org or Collegeboard.org.
For Assets students with a need for specialized accommodations such as audiobook, more than 50% extended time, check with your counselor to confirm dates available.
School Based SAT may be available in August & November (plus the March School day administration is open to all junior regardless of accommodations). Check with us about availability before registering.
ACT Special Testing may be available in September, February, June, check with us before registering.
Should I take an SAT or ACT? If so, when?
This question has many correct answers. Some college bound students take both tests, some take no tests at all. Most college bound juniors take the SAT or the ACT during junior year. ACT and SAT Dates/ Registration are online, but please check with your counselor to insure space/ staff are available in any given month.
SAT Registration:
http://sat.collegeboard.org/register
SAT Accommodations Information:
https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/
ACT Registration:
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/
ACT Accommodations Information:
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html
For the SAT, accommodations may be requested well in advance of testing and approval remains in place for other College Board tests after approved. For the ACT, you request accommodations when you register and this requires counselor approval and your permission for us to share documentation. If you need accommodations for either test, the process of requesting approval needs to be initiated about 8 weeks prior to test date. For the ACT, please register well in advance of the posted deadline (at least one week prior) and contact your counselor for assistance.
Test Preparation
Test preparation can be helpful in increasing student comfort with the process of testing, as well as reviewing skills and content most likely to be on the test. Another way to increase your comfort with one of these tests is to simply take it twice. While moderate gains in tests scores are typical, huge gains through test preparation are rare, and some students will benefit more from a strength-based approach to college admissions that bypasses the standardized testing step altogether. Before investing money in test prep resources, take advantage of the free opportunities (listed below), and think carefully about whether or not it may just cause more frustration than it is worth if your student is one who really struggles with standardized testing. If you are not sure whether your student might benefit from test preparation, please contact me.
Start with this and other Free Resources online on the ACT and SAT websites, including interactive practice tests, and free guides to each of the tests. Khan Academy has partnered with the College Board to provide free online test preparation for anyone on the internet. Students who qualify to use a fee waiver for the ACT may access online preparation resources for several months free of charge. For fee waiver eligibility guidelines, see this website. If you think you qualify for a fee waiver, visit Ms. James.
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/FeeWaiver.pdf
https://www.march2success.com/
A free resource for the ACT and SAT test preparation sponsored by the U.S. Army.
Other Test Preparation Options:
Revolution Prep- Online Tutoring for the SAT, ACT, other skills support
https://www.revolutionprep.com/
Revolution Prep offers free practice tests for the SAT and ACT as an introduction to their tutoring programs.
Kaplan Test Prep:
Kaplan offers preparation for all types of standardized tests.
Kosasa Academy:
Former Assets teacher, Mrs. Kosasa, runs a tutoring company that can provide individual instruction for test preparation and other academic supports. Her company works with students of all ages.
https://www.kosasa.org/tutoring.html
Test Prep Hawaii
Short term classes, during Spring Break, and workshops after school, a test prep book is provided. All focused on SAT (not ACT!), and classes can be large or small depending on the location/ time, upwards of 30 students.
The SAT and PSAT were redesigned in 2023 to be delivered only digitally. More info about digital testing is available:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/digital/faq
Many aspects of the PSAT and SAT will remain the same:
The skills tested
The scoring format
The test sections of Reading, Writing and Math
Accommodated formats will be available to those who are approved via SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities)
Students are encouraged to practice on Khan Academy SAT Prep.
Some notable changes:
Test will be delivered entirely online via a secure app called Blue Book that will be preloaded on the computer in advance of testing.
A calculator will be allowed for the entire math section
The test is shorter
The reading passages are shorter
More time is provided per question