College Testing
Please note: many colleges have changed their college testing policies.
Consider the following when deciding if taking college admissions exams is right for you.
UCs, CSUs: WILL NOT ACCEPT TEST SCORES
Community Colleges: NEVER ACCEPT TEST SCORES
Private and out of state schools: many are test optional, so research their admissions criteria. If you score well or are in the above average range, it might be helpful to submit scores to test optional schools.
Some scholarships like WUE, honors programs, and out of state schools: may ask for test scores. Research their criteria.
National Merit® Scholarship Program: High Achieving students may potentially qualify for honors and awards if taking NMSQT in 11th grade
Military Academies and other out of state schools (Utah State, MIT etc.): still require test scores. Again....research.
College Admission Exam Frequently Asked Questions:
Find answers to your questions from
how to get your SAT/ACT fee waiver to what is our CEEB code!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is our Western Sierra CEEB code?
Western Sierra's CEEB code is used when registering for SAT, ACT, NCAA, NAIA and other services. If the question is, "What is your school code?" The answer is 054379.
How do I qualify for ACT/ACT fee waivers?
SAT/ACT Fee Waivers: If you think you might qualify for SAT or ACT fee waivers, please apply for Free and Reduced Lunch through Nutrition Services, then see Mrs. B for the fee waiver code.
How do I register for the SAT, ACT, or PSAT?
Please see the links lower down on this page.
You can register for the PSAT offered through Western Sierra in October through our student store (linked below).
ACT/SAT registration will be done directly through their websites.
Should I take the SAT or ACT?
Most schools continue to be test-optional or test blind
Carefully research the school you are applying to for the most updated information.
UCs and CSUs do not accept test scores
SAT/ACT scores are never used for community college admission.
Historically, nearly all 4-year colleges have accepted either SAT or ACT and had used whichever score is higher for admission purposes. Some schools preferred one test over the other. Again, check the individual college undergraduate admissions websites for requirements or preferences.
If a college is "test-optional," it is typically recommended that you only submit your test scores to the college if your test scores are at, or above, their average accepted student test scores particularly for selective schools.
When should I take the SAT or ACT?
Sophomore year: PSAT optional
Junior year: PSAT in the Fall. Use PSAT results to study for SAT. Or take ACT. SAT & ACT at least once in late winter or spring
Senior year: Fall dates only. December is usually the last test date accepted by colleges.
How many times should I take the test?
If students are not satisfied with their initial scores, they may choose to take the test again one or two more times. Most students do not take the SAT or ACT more than three times.
Should I take a prep class?
There are free ways to prepare! Such as through Khan Academy. Linking your PSAT scores with your Khan Academy account will provide you with high-quality, free, individualized test prep.
If the SAT score or ACT score is not reflective of a student’s classroom performance, sometimes a prep class will help a student raise test scores.
There are several private vendors that offer SAT/ACT Prep in our region. Please remember that taking a prep class is not a guarantee of score increase, however, it is doubtful that taking a prep class will lower your score.
See below to links for some test prep options.
PSAT
Please read before you take the PSAT!
SAT/ACT
