ACT/SAT/PSAT Info

ACT/SAT Info

The ACT and SAT are both college entrance exams, used by colleges and universities as part of their comprehensive admissions process. Most 4 year colleges and universities require 1 of these test scores and most will take either.  Students are suggested to check the admissions requirements for the specific colleges and universities they are considering. 

There are some differences between the ACT and SAT:

• The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities.

• The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. The SAT has 3 components: Critical Reasoning, Mathematics, and an optional Writing Test.

• The College Board introduced a new version of the SAT that will debut in March 2016 (see more info on the flyers below), with an optional  writing test. ACT offers its regular test, plus an optional writing test. You take the ACT Writing Test only if required or recommended by the college(s) you're applying to.

• Both tests are scored based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing.  This is a change for the SAT starting in March 2016.

• The ACT has an Interest Inventory that allows students to evaluate their interests in various career options. The College Board has the College Search feature to help students search for colleges.

Parents and students should be aware that for the past two school years (and it will be offered this December as well), students have taken practice exams to prepare them for the ACT.  All freshmen and sophomores will take the Aspire suite of tests (from ACT). These tests give students and parents an estimation of what their test scores would be the following year, in preparation of taking the ACT during the junior year.  All juniors will take the ACT in March as part of the state testing.  This test score is at no cost to students and the score can be sent to colleges.     

The 2023 - 2024 ACT test dates 

NOTE:  students are required to upload a photo ID during the online registration process.  You will need to bring a photo ID and your admission ticket on test day.

Park High School is an ACT Test Center for most of the test dates.  Availability for the 2023 - 2024 school year will be dependent on COVID-19

Park High School Code: 501-925

This code should be used when registering for the ACT or SAT.  This send a copy of your official test results back to Park High School so it can be added to your official transcript.

If students currently qualify for free or reduced lunch, they should see their counselor for a waiver. Students can get up to 2 waivers for ACT and waivers for SAT. 

The 2023 - 2024 SAT test dates

For FREE SAT test prep tools and resources, click here.  The Park Library also has many ACT and SAT test prep resources available to students.

ACT Boot Camp

Students will have seven camps offered at various sites throughout the year (choose only one). 

The dates and sites for 2023 - 2024 are: Dec 2 (@ REAL), Feb 3 (@Walden), Feb 17 (@Case), Feb 24 (@Horlick). Mar 2 (@Park)

Register here

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs.  Sam Cohen.  Registration forms are available in the high school academy offices.