Students who are sure that they intend to enroll in a community college or career college (trade school) do not have to take college entrance exams. However, qualifying scores on the ACT or SAT are one way of demonstrating essential skills required for graduation.
Students planning on applying to 4-year colleges and universities should ideally take the ACT and/or SAT college admissions tests during spring of their junior year, or during summer preceding their senior year. If students are not happy with their scores, this will allow ample time to study and retest. Students should be finished testing/retesting by December of their senior year. Some highly-selective schools require or recommend students take SAT Subject Tests in addition to the standard SAT. If required, Subject Tests (which are not offered in March) need to be taken in a different month than the standard SAT.
Students register online, and need to upload a picture of themselves and provide payment by credit or debit card...or a fee waiver obtainable from South's Guidance Center or a student's AVID elective teacher (SAT only). Students who are not in AVID can get a test fee waiver if they qualify for free or reduced lunch, or receive TANF or other forms of public assistance by following the instructions here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YWcPLCS2c4K_aG5C4c17oBGj39SUJShu/view
Register for the ACT at http://www.act.org/
Register for the SAT at https://www.collegeboard.org/
Beginning in October 2018, seniors can take the SAT at South on the same day that younger students take the PSAT. Stay tuned for registraton details.
Test Prep: A variety of free and fee-based options are available to prepare for college admissions tests. How much time you devote to test preparation depends on your goals. Be aware that an increasing number of 4-year colleges are now "test optional" and may provide other ways for students to demonstrate their readiness for college if test results are disappointing (however, test scores may still be required in awarding merit-based financial aid and for specific programs).