College Entrance Exams (SAT/ACT)
The best resource for current updates on SAT and ACT is to go directly to their websites:
SAT - College Board
ACT - ACT.org
Note: 2/3 of US Colleges and Universities are either test-optional or not utilizing SAT/ACT tests for admissions and/or scholarship determination for 2021 admissions including all UC/CSU schools, and many schools with 2022 admissions are doing the same.
Printable PDF: List of 1600+ Accredited 4-Year Colleges and Universities with ACT/SAT Optional Testing Policies for Fall, 2021 Admissions (FairTest.org)
COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test):
The preliminary/practice SAT is administered nationally in October. Students become familiar with the type of questions found on the SAT. Junior year scores can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Registration is done through Cal High. It is highly recommended that juniors take this test to see what areas they should focus on when studying for the SAT. Visit www.collegeboard.com for more details.
PreACT:
A preliminary/practice ACT administered to sophomores at many high schools. In addition to measuring academic achievement, a career component is included. Registration is at the high school. Currently, Cal High does not offer the PreACT. Visit www.act.org for more details.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test):
A college admissions test required by many colleges and universities as part of the college admissions process. This is a 3 hour, 45 minute test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Register online and visit www.collegeboard.org to practice to access a free practice test and sample questions.
ACT (American College Test):
A college admissions test required by many colleges and universities as part of the college admissions process. It is a three-hour test comprised of four parts: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. An optional writing test has been added for those students applying to the University of California and some other colleges and universities. Registration information and materials are available in the College and Career Center. Visit www.actstudent.org for more details and to register online.
AP (Advanced Placement):
AP exams are administered in May. Scoring a 3, 4, or 5 (out of 5) will often enable a student to receive college units of credit upon matriculation to a college or university. Pick up the Advanced Placement Bulletin from the College and Career Center for more information about the tests and college credit policies. Register for these tests on the Cal High Webstore.
NOTICE: SRVUSD no longer process student requests for accommodations on the SAT or ACT. This decision was made for a variety of reasons including the lack of space, availability of resources/proctors, and counselors’ time. Additionally, students who request and receive accommodations for school-based testing (e.g. students who test over multiple days) will not be tested at the student’s school site. Students will still be able to request and receive accommodations on these exams. However, parents and students will now be submitting these requests directly to the College Board (SAT) and/or ACT. Feel free to contact the District Office with any other questions. Please see below for additional information and instructions. (updated 1/2019) - Self-Service resources are provided below.
Testing Accommodations Process
The College Board administers the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and Advanced Placement Exams.
Who is eligible to receive SAT testing accommodations?
Student has a documented disability
Participation in a College Board exam is impacted
Requested accommodation is needed
Accommodation is received and currently being used on school tests
Please see SAT Eligibility for additional details.
How can I submit a request for testing accommodations?
● Download and print the Student Eligibility Form (Tips on Completing the Student Eligibility Form).
● Complete the Student Eligibility Form and send to College Board SSD:
College Board SSD Program
P.O. Box 7504
London, KY 40742-7504
Please see Requesting SAT Accommodations for additional details. Note that appropriate documentation must accompany the Student Eligibility Form (Providing Appropriate Documentation). Hint: Request accommodations early as it may take up to 7 weeks for approval.
How will I know if the accommodations were approved? All students who have approved accommodations will be sent a letter with a seven-digit SSD Eligibility Number. This number is printed on the student’s decision and eligibility letters. Use this number when registering for the exam (Exam Registration Information).
If your student has requested and been approved for accommodations and plans to use them for either the PSAT and/or AP tests, please have them inform their counselor as soon as they are approved.
How do I find a testing center? If the students would have traditionally qualified for site-based testing (e.g. testing over multiple days), call the College Board at 212.713.8333 to request a testing center.
Hint: Call early to get the best results!
Testing Accommodations Process
Who is eligible to receive ACT testing accommodations?
● Please see Eligibility for additional details.
How can I submit a request for ACT testing accommodations?
Create or log into your ACT account (ACT Web Account Login).
Fill out the Request for Special Accommodations form call ACT Test Accommodations line @ 319-337-1332 and request them to your personal email you the accommodations request form.
Scan the completed form along with supporting documents (504/IEP/Dr. Note) and email it to actaccom@act.org or fax 319.341.2415
Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. You will receive an email indicating whether or not the accommodations were approved or denied.
If the accommodations require an alternate testing location, contact ACT for assistance with locating a test site.