College Testing Information

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that most colleges require high school juniors and seniors to take as part of the admissions requirements. The PSAT is a practice SAT exam that sophomores and juniors can take before taking the real SAT exam.

The goal of the SAT and ACT is to primarily measure the student's readiness for college-level work, the student's achievements in a variety of subjects, and weigh their strength against other applicants. These test scores are also commonly used to award merit-based scholarships.

The formatting of all three exams is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test.

There are a few differences between these two standardized exams. The main difference being the ACT includes a Science Section, whereas the SAT does not include a specific science section. The SAT instead asks science-based questions throughout the exam. Another major difference is the SAT includes one SAT Math Section on which you may not use a calculator. Click here to find out some more differences between the SAT and ACT.

It is usually recommended that you take both the SAT and ACT exams twice each (for a total of 4 exams) but most students generally take either the SAT or ACT.

Here are some factors you should consider before determining which test you will take:

• If you prefer ample time for answering questions, the SAT may suit you better.

• If your interests lean heavily toward science, the ACT may be the best option since it has a Science -based section. The SAT doesn't have a specific Science Section, instead it incorporates science throughout the exam.

Be sure to understand the format, timing, and content of each test in order to decide which one is the best fit for you.

It is highly recommended that you take the SAT and/or the ACT but it also depends on college requirements. Some colleges require you take the SAT or the ACT, while other colleges do not. Do your research and know ahead of time whether or not the college(s) require an SAT or ACT score(s) so you have enough time to prepare and take the tests before applying.

Take the SAT or ACT as soon as possible so there is ample time to send your scores to the colleges/universities you're applying to.

The PSAT is optional but once again recommended so you have a better idea of what to expect when taking the SAT exam.

In order to take the PSAT, SAT or ACT you must register in advance. To do so, click the buttons at the top of this webpage (PSAT in pink, SAT in yellow and ACT in purple) that will bring you to the PSAT/SAT webpage (CollegeBoard) or the ACT webpage. You'll need to create an account first, then complete the necessary information to register.

You will need to register through your school's guidance office for the PSAT test.

You are required to pay for the SAT or ACT. The SAT registration fee $52 (without essay) and $68 (with essay). The ACT registration fee is $55 (without essay) and $70 (with essay). Reminder: There is a registration deadline. If you register late, a late registration fee of $35 will be added to your total so be sure to register on time.

Luckily, if you qualify for a fee waiver, your NCSTEP counselor can provide you with a fee waiver code so you will not have to pay for the registration fees. Be sure to ask your NCSTEP counselor for a fee waiver before registering for the exam!

In order to improve your chances of receiving a higher score on the exams, you'll need to study. It is recommended that you start preparing for your exam 3 months before your test date. Here are a few of the many resources to help you prepare for the PSAT, SAT or ACT:

• Khan Academy Full-Length PSATs to Take on Paper (PDF format)

  • You can download multiple practice tests

• Student Guide to the PSAT

• Khan Academy Full-Length SATs to Take on Paper (PDF format)

  • You can download multiple practice tests

• Khan Academy Full-Length SATs to Take Online

• 10 Free SAT Prep Resources

• Free SAT Practice Tests

• SAT Question of the Day

• SAT Free Study Prep Events

• Free Virtual SAT and ACT Practice Tests

• PrepScholar Free SAT and ACT Practice Tests

• ACT Practice Test Questions

• Your local library oftentimes has SAT and ACT Prep books you can borrow

• The SAT and ACT websites offer free resources as well

Most SAT and ACT tests are given at the following local schools: Canton, Massena, Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Salmon River. Be sure to select a test date that is offered at one of the local testing sites and do your best to register on time.

The SAT and ACT exams are offered on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted.

PSAT Exam Dates:

• Primary test day: Wednesday, October 13, 2021

• Saturday test day: October 16, 2021

• Alternate test day: Tuesday, October 26, 2021

SAT Exam Dates and Registration Deadlines (RD):

• August 28, 2021 (RD: July 30)

• October 2, 2021 (RD: September 3)

• November 6, 2021 (RD: October 8)

• December 4, 2021 (RD: November 4)

• March 12, 2022 (RD: February 11)

• May 7, 2022 (RD: April 8)

• June 4, 2022 (RD: May 5)

ACT Exam Dates and Registration Deadlines (RD):

• September 11, 2021 (RD: August 6)

• October 23, 2021 (RD: September 17)

• December 11, 2021 (RD: November 5)

• February 12, 2022 (RD: January 7)

• April 2, 2022 (RD: February 25)

• June 11, 2022 (RD: May 6)

Testing procedures have changed due to COVID-19. Please refer to the below links for updates regarding the PSAT/SAT and ACT exams.

• PSAT/SAT COVID-19 Updates

• ACT COVID-19 Updates

Find out what you can and cannot bring with you when you take your standardized test.

• Test Day Checklist (SAT)

• What to Bring on Test Day (ACT)