SAT & ACT
Though the SAT/ACT is optional at the majority of colleges & universities, we still recommend taking it. It can help with admissions to special programs like honors colleges & engineering schools, and with access to scholarships. You can take the SAT free at Arapahoe during the spring of your junior year, but it's also available throughout the year at locations all across the US.
The PSAT/NMSQT is the PSAT that's offered during the fall of your Junior Year, which doubles as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. A high enough score can put you in the running for the National Merit Scholarship. About 1.6 million students take the test each year, and of those, about 50K qualify for recognition, 2/3 of that amount are commended, nearly 16K become semifinalists, 15K move to finalist, and only 7,500 become winners. While the scholarship is only worth $2500, even reaching Commended Scholar level can qualify students for great scholarships at many colleges across the US.
Recommended Test Prep
The following list was compiled from AHS student/parent input and is not an endorsement of the companies listed. If you have a tutor/test prep class to add to this list, please email Mrs. Conn.
Highlands Ranch Community Association sessions taught by Arapahoe's Peter Jonard
Sycamore Learning workshops hosted at AHS every April before the school-based SAT
Khan Academy (FREE!)
Registration Requirements & Helpful Hints
The CEEB code for Arapahoe High School is 060928
The ACT Test Information Release and the SAT Question and Answer Service provide students with their answer booklet AND the correct answer so they can identify exactly what they missed to better prepare for the next test.
Have a credit card ready to pay the registration fee. You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you meet these ACT fee waiver or SAT fee waiver guidelines. See your counselor prior to registration if you determine you are eligible.
FAQs
Do colleges require both ACT and SAT scores?
No. While students can take both tests, they only need to submit one or the other.
What do test optional and/or test flexible mean?
"Test optional" typically means that scores won't be required for admissions consideration. In lieu of test scores, colleges will consider course rigor and GPA more heavily, in addition to other required components of your application. "Test flexible" typically means that colleges will consider something in place of an ACT/SAT score such as AP test scores.
What schools are test-optional?
Visit the Fairtest.org website for a searchable database on schools that are currently test optional. Be sure to verify this information on the website of your schools of interest.
What's the difference between the ACT and SAT?
The ACT contains multiple-choice tests in four equally weighted subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. There is an optional writing test which remains separate from the composite score. The SAT contains multiple-choice tests in three areas: reading, writing/language, and math. The reading test and the writing and language test combine to make up half of your overall score, while math accounts for the remaining half of your overall score.
How should I prepare for the tests?
Work through a customized tutorial on Khan Academy using your PSAT score.
Check out extensive free resources on the ACT site.
Take full-length practice tests. Determine which test suits your natural strengths by taking one of each and then focusing on that one test. ACT practice test, SAT practice test.
Take the PSAT NMSQT that is administered in the fall to juniors and is optional for underclassmen. Scores from junior year are used in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship competition.
Take the PSAT 10 (sophomores) and PSAT 9 (freshmen) administered in the spring at AHS.
How do I know which test I should take?
The only way to truly know is to take practice tests for both the SAT and ACT. After scoring both tests, use this convert your score tool to determine how to compare your scores.
When should I take the SAT/ACT?
It's recommended that all testing be completed before you begin your Senior year. The SAT will be offered to all Juniors in April at no cost here at Arapahoe.
What do I need to be prepared on test day?
Look over the ACT test day checklist or College Board test day checklist which include information on approved calculators.
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