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 colleges which you are interested in attending to see if they require the ACT or SAT. Registration forms are available online (see links below). Students who must test on a Sunday for religious reasons should check websites for required documentation, locations, and dates of offered exams.
Should You Take the ACT vs. SAT? (Kaplan)
ACT vs. SAT Comparison (Princeton Review)
*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 or Ms. Davis for more information.
SAT Starter Kit from Marigold Prep
Marigold Prep is offering their SAT Starter Kit (value $200) for no cost. Here's what's included:
> 4 hours of pre-recorded tutoring sessions
> Practice tests + adaptive practice drills
> Marigold Prep's self-guided workbooks for the PSAT & SAT
> A video & infographic library specifically for parents
Register HERE for free access.
Franklin Yard Free Practice Tests (online & proctored):
One of the best ways to figure out a plan is just to sit for a real practice test and see where you stand. These come with a detailed score report and a follow-up consultation to talk through results and next steps.
> Saturday November 8th, 12:00-3:00 PM (ACT Practice Test)
> Saturday November 15th, 12:00-2:45 PM (SAT Practice Test)
Register HERE.
Franklin Yard Free Webinar: Standardized Testing Survival Guide - October 14, 7:00-8:00 PM
A free one-hour webinar for students and parents to sort through what’s new and how to plan ahead. Register HERE. We’ll cover:
> SAT vs. ACT — how to choose
> What’s changing on the ACT this year
> How PSAT results can shape a testing plan
> Best practices for prep without the stress
Marigold Prep's Summer Launchpad, a series of expert-led SAT/ACT workshops that teach fundamental skills and strategies. The live virtual sessions are modular to accommodate different needs and schedules, and students receive ongoing access to our personalized practice platform.
*The Princeton Review - Free Virtual ACT/SAT Practice Tests
Due to the COVID situation, many schools have made the decision to continue to go "test-optional" as part of their application process for the Class of 2024. As you are doing research about colleges and applications, make sure you stay up-to-date with the school's latest requirements. You may want to check their website or reach out to an admissions representative for the latest information.
The SAT is more than just a test. It's a tool that helps open doors to opportunity. The Khan Academy offers free SAT tutoring with Schoolhouse.
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. Davis.
Testing Information
PSAT
Did you take the PSAT? Check out this document: "So, you took the PSAT, now what?"
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 Courses
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
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.
What is the ASVAB? Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (you do NOT need to be headed on the military route to take this test. This test can be used in many different ways. Click here to read more.
sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/svhscccenter/military - learn more about the ASVAB on our Military Page
www.march2success.com - Free ASVAB test prep; pre-test allows for personalized study plan; great resource!
www.asvabprogram.com - official site
Practice your English speaking skills. Go online and register for your TOEFL Test 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/.
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.