Clarksburg High School Coyotes
There are two college entrance exams, the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), which are used for admission, placement, and scholarships. Check with the colleges you are interested in attending to see if they require the ACT or SAT.
Should You Take the ACT vs. SAT? (Kaplan)
ACT vs. SAT Comparison (Princeton Review)
Mr. Mortimer handles waivers for ACT while Ms. Calarusse handles waivers for SAT.
*Eligible for free or reduced lunch? You could be eligible for a fee waiver to take the SAT and/or ACT for free! See your counselor to approve your waiver.
As you are doing research about colleges and applications, make sure you stay up-to-date with the school's latest requirements regarding testing. You may want to check the school's website or reach out to an admissions representative for the latest information.
To see if your preferred school is test optional, go to: FairTest.org
PSAT
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a two hour and ten minute exam that measures academic abilities important in college work. It is administered only once during the school year and consists of two 25 minute math sections, two 25 minute verbal sections, and one writing skills section. The test provides an excellent practice for students preparing for the SAT I, and scores on the PSAT can be used in predicting what a student will do on the SAT I.
In order to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program, and the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program, the PSAT must be taken in the JUNIOR year.
The PSAT is administered at all Montgomery County High Schools in October. While 9th and 10th grade students take the PSAT at NO COST through a partnership between MCPS and Montgomery College, juniors must pay a fee to register through their individual high schools. Contact the College & Career Center or Guidance Office for additional registration information.
Did you take the PSAT? Check out this document: "So, you took the PSAT, now what?"
SAT
The SAT is more than just a test. It's a tool that helps open doors to opportunity. Register today, complete one free Timed Mini Section or Diagnostic Quiz on Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®, and earn entries into drawings for $500 and $40,000 BigFuture® Scholarships.
SAT Registration & Information: www.collegeboard.org
Khan Academy (FREE SAT Test Prep): www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free SAT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
Saturday School - SAT Prep Courses; discount available to students eligible for FARMs
Montgomery College - SAT Prep Course
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/dates-deadlines
If you're a fee waiver–eligible student, there's no late registration fee. Think you qualify for a testing fee waiver?
Reach out to your counselor or Ms. Calarusse at samantha_calarusse@mcpsmd.org
ACT
What the ACT Measures. The ACT contains four multiple-choice tests—English, mathematics, reading, and science—and an optional writing test. These tests are designed to measure skills that are most important for success in postsecondary education and that are acquired in secondary education.
Registration & Information: www.act.org
ACT Academy (FREE ACT Test Prep): academy.act.org
The Princeton Review - Free opportunities and events
www.march2success.com - Free ACT test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; flash cards; interactive games; great resource!
Saturday School - ACT Prep Courses; discount available to students eligible for FARMs
Montgomery College - ACT Prep Courses
Advanced Placement (AP Testing)
AP gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they're still in high school and earn college credit and placement.
AP Students - information, resources, and more.
ASVAB Testing
www.march2success.com - Free ASVAB test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; great resource!
www.asvabprogram.com - official site
The TOEFL is designed to determine the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. These students may take the TOEFL in addition to the SAT I or ACT. TOEFL is a computer-based test and there is a fee associated with testing. For more information, go to: www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/
ESOL Students - Practice your English speaking skills. Go online and get practice tests for free. Help build confidence in speaking and practice at your own speed. To learn more, go to: www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/prepare.
If you have any questions, reach out to Ms. Nwator or your counselor.
The CLEP is designed to waive courses and grant college-level credit by examination. For fees and registration information, go to the Clep Registration page. Locate a CLEP Testing Center on the College Board website. Call for the required fees and payment policy for that center.
No student should miss taking a test because the fees might cause a financial hardship for their family. If you are eligible for free/reduced lunch or there are other circumstances which have created a hardship, see your counselor immediately to find out if you qualify for a fee waiver.
Students with a documented disability may be eligible for accommodations on the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP, PSAT and the ACT. To receive accommodations for testing, students must submit a written request eligibility form SSD and be approved before testing.
When testing at a center on a national date, students normally receive up to 50 percent extended time and can use a regular or large type test book. Students receiving accommodations of more than 50 percent extended time and who CANNOT test at a national center will be assigned to the appropriate Testing Center.
REMINDER: It is the student's responsibility to meet with his/her counselor in early September to discuss testing arrangements.
ETS Special Needs Hotline: 1(609)771-7137.
SAT website: http://www.collegeboard.com/ssd.
ACT website: http://www.act.org/aap/disab/.