PSAT Information
The PSAT is an assessment designed to prepare students for the SAT. Maggie Walker administers the PSAT each fall to 10th and 11th graders. It is recommended that students take the SAT for the first time during 11th grade after receiving and reviewing PSAT results. Online score reports and "Khan Academy" test preparation (free through College Board) are available in early December via the email address students provided on their answer sheet on testing day.
SAT Information
The SAT is a test operated by the College Board that is accepted for admission by most U.S. colleges. The current version of the SAT (implemented in March 2016) is 3 hours plus a 50-minute option essay portion. There is an Evidence-Based Reading & Writing section and a Math section.
In January 2021, the College Board discontinued the optional Essay portion of the SAT and canceled the administration of all SAT Subject Tests indefinitely. Students should consider showing their mastery of different subject areas through not only their work in the classroom but also AP exams, where applicable.
The SAT is offered on numerous Saturdays spread throughout during the academic year. Most Maggie Walker students take it twice: once during the spring of their junior year and once during the summer or early fall of their senior year. (Ex: March and June of 11th grade and then August as a third attempt, as desired) Students will receive guidance on testing options with their counselor during their college meeting in 11th grade.
Students may view specific test dates and registration deadlines (deadlines are usually about one month in advance) and register at www.collegeboard.org.
Fee waivers are available for those who qualify (see your counselor).
ACT Information
The ACT is also a test accepted for admission by virtually all U.S. colleges. The ACT is 3.5 hours (including the optional Writing section) and is comprised of English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing sections.
Counselors typically recommend that students try the ACT in addition to the SAT. Some students have opted to only take the ACT.
ACT testing dates are offered on seven Saturdays throughout the academic year, and they are offered on different dates than the SAT.
Students may view specific test dates and registration deadlines (deadlines are usually about one month in advance) and register at www.act.org.
Fee waivers are available for those who qualify (see your counselor).
SAT vs. ACT
Click here for information on the differences between the SAT and ACT provided by the Princeton Review.
Test Preparation
FREE online test preparation programs:
The following websites offer information about fee-based test preparation programs:
VCU Test Prep: https://ocpe.vcu.edu/vcutestprep/
Other sources can be found in the MLWGS College Library or purchased at your local bookstore.
Note: These websites are purely for your information only and MLWGS does not endorse any particular private test preparation programs.