Standardized Testing

Standardized Testing

Most colleges require standardized testing as a part of its admissions process.  The required standardized tests are different for each college and may include any combination of SAT, ACT, or AP tests.

Below you will find a description of each test, website address and a suggested timeline:

PSAT - This test is a practice test for the SAT.  The PSAT is made up of two parts - 1) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections which includes a Reading Test and Writing and Language Test and 2) Math sections which include calculator and no calculator tests.

Timeline - The PSAT is administered in October to sophomores and juniors.

SAT Reasoning - The SAT Reasoning test has two sections - 1) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, including a Reading Test and Writing and Language Test and 2) Math sections, including calculator and no calculator tests.  Each section is scored on a scale from 200-800.  The SAT consists of 154 total questions and a total length of 3 hours.

    Timeline - It is recommended that  juniors take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and it is also recommended that they take it again in the fall of their senior year.  If a student decides to take the SAT more than once, most colleges will take the highest section from a combination of administrations. Yarmouth High School is a national test center for the May, June and November test dates.

ACT - The American College Testing program has four sections which include English, Math, Reading and Science.  There is also an optional Writing section.  The ACT is scored on a scale from 1-36. The ACT consists of 215 questions and a total length of 2 hours and 55 minutes.

    Timeline - It is recommended that students take the ACT in either the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year.

Reporting Test Scores

    You should request that the College Board and/or ACT send scores directly to each individual college that requires them.  The details in how to send scores can be found on their websites.

AP Exams - Advanced Placement courses at Yarmouth High School are equivalent to college courses designed at a level of rigor, breadth, and depth to prepare students for the exams.  Students in AP courses are required to take the AP exam.  The AP exams are scored from 1-5.  Few schools will consider the AP exams in the admissions process.  To send scores to colleges for possible credit,  please visit Score Reporting Services at www.collegeboard.org 

    Timeline - AP exams are given the first two weeks in May.  

For more information, please visit the following websites:

www.collegeboard.org - PSAT, SAT and AP

www.actstudent.org - ACT