College Admissions Testing

SAT TEST (SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST)

The SAT I is a test designed to measure the core reasoning abilities students need to do college-level work successfully. These sections are critical reading, math, and writing. Critical reading measures reading comprehension and sentence completion. Math sections measure concepts in arithmetic, geometry and Algebra I and II. Students are encouraged to use a scientific or graphing calculator. The writing section measures the student’s ability to write a short essay and answer multiple-choice questions that test how well they use standard written English. Students must register either online or on paper prior to the test. A time table for registration is available in the counseling office. Students can register for this test by going to www.collegeboard.com. Lancaster High School is a national test center and all tests are administered on Saturdays.

SAT II’s are subject tests which some selective colleges require for acceptance. Generally, colleges require three different subject tests; colleges will specify which tests they require. Students usually take these tests at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year. Students can register for these tests by going to www.collegeboard.com.

ACT (THE AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST)

The ACT contains four curriculum-based tests that measure academic achievement in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science as well as an optional writing test. It is recommended that students take the writing test, as it is required by many colleges. The optional writing test is designed to measure writing skills emphasized in high school English classes. The test consists of one writing prompt that describes two points of view on an issue and students are asked to write a response about their position on the issues. Students can register for the ACT by going to www.actstudent.org. Lancaster High School is a national test center and all tests are administered on Saturdays.

THE PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST (PSAT/NMSQT)

The PSAT/NMSQT is a test designed to prepare students for the SAT. Sophomores and juniors can take the test. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes only juniors for their scores. The test consists of two critical reading sections, two math reasoning sections, and a writing section. Students will be able to review their answers to the questions and also know what the correct answers were. Students will receive a personalized statement of specific academic skills that need attention, along with suggested steps to improve those skills. Students will register and take this test at Lancaster High School in October. Students can check out sample questions at www.collegeboard.com.