Testing Information
IMPORTANT
Colleges have indicated that a more holistic approach will be taken in the application and decision processes this year in the absence of SAT and ACT scores. Contact colleges you are planning on applying to for more info on their specific requirements.
COLLEGE ENTRACE EXAMS
In order to help students become familiar with the two main college entrance exams, the SATs and ACTs, we offer the opportunity to take practice tests throughout high school. Most college accept either the SAT or the ACT so we recommend becoming familiar with both. It is up to the student if they want to take both exams or stick with one of them, but by taking the practice of both students may get a better feel for which one is best for them. Below is an outline of when we offer and recommend for students to take both the practice exams as well as the actual exams. We are believers in keeping all options open early on in the post high school planning process.
Testing Timeline
SOPHOMORE YEAR
The Pre-ACT is recommended for Sophomores and is typically offered at Columbia High School during Regents Week in January.
The Pre-ACT is 2 hours, 10 minutes but an additional 60 minutes for pre-administration activities
Multiple-choice test (English, Math, Science Reasoning)
Career Interest Inventory including in pre-administration
Costs $16.00 (2018-19)
Counselors will go into English classrooms to provide students registration information in December
Students will receive their scores, testing interpretation, and career interest inventory results from counselors in the spring
We also offer the opportunity to take the PSAT to sophomore students enrolled in English 10H.
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall
The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT is a great primer for the SAT, and even the ACT, but it’s more than just a trial run. PSAT scores are used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships in their junior year. This exam is recommended for Juniors and Honors English Sophomores in the fall.
The PSAT is 2 hours, 45 minutes long
Multiple-choice test in Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Costs $18.00 (2019-20)
Offered here at CHS in the fall
Counselors will go into English classrooms to provide students registration information in September
The first step in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship is taking the PSAT in your junior year
Spring
Juniors thinking about college when they graduate typically take their first SAT and/or ACT in the spring of Junior year (March, April, May, or June)
SENIOR YEAR
Fall
Students may take the SAT and/or ACT again in the fall of senior year (October or November)