The CEEB CODE for Visitation is 262-925
*NOTE: For the most updated list of test optional colleges, visit www.fairtest.org
9th Grade: Pre ACT
10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT (October)
11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT (Pre-SAT and National Merit Competition), College admission tests - ACT (April) and/or SAT
12th Grade: ACT and/or SAT retakes encouraged as needed in early Fall
GUIDELINES FOR TESTING
WHO: Juniors are generally encouraged to take both the ACT and the SAT. We recommend taking both tests because a student may score better on one over the other. PSAT scores are designed to predict performance on the SAT and areas in need of development. The PSAT taken Junior year is the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship consideration.
WHAT: Each student should closely consider her scores to determine which test would be better to retake and submit. It is a myth that most east or west coast schools will only accept, or prefer, the SAT and that the Midwest prefers the ACT.
WHEN: We can compare scores on the PSAT and Pre-ACT to determine whether one would be stronger and determine a “retake” plan. Most students retake one or both of the ACT/SAT admissions tests early senior year.
INTERNATIONAL: Standardized testing is widely used internationally. Students interested in international universities are also encouraged to take AP exams every year.
THE TESTS:
ACT: www.actstudent.org
Assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
Multiple choice test covering four skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The optional Writing test, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
Test scores range from 1-36. The total of the four sections divided by four comprises the composite score. The writing section is scored separately and ranges from 2-12.
For an additional fee, you can receive test questions, answer key and a list of your answers 4 weeks after your score report is mailed.
PSAT/SAT: www.collegeboard.com
Focuses on skills shown by current research to matter most for college readiness and success in terms of key concepts and analytic, interpretive skills.
Those skills include Words in context, Command of evidence, Essay analyzing a source, Math that matters most, Problems grounded in real world contexts, analysis in science and in history/social studies, U.S. Founding documents and the great global conversation.
These skills are assessed via 5 subtests: Reading, Writing and Language, Math Test-No Calculator, Math Test—Calculator, SAT Essay (optional but recommended)
Scoring:
o The individual subtests will report a total score, section scores, test scores, cross-test scores, and subscores, They are intended to provide additional information about student achievement and readiness.
o The assessments will report a total score that will be the sum of two section scores:
1. Evidence-based Reading and Writing; and 2. Math.
The total score will be reported on a scale range of 400 to 1600.
o On the SAT with Essay, the three scores reported for the optional SAT Essay will be reported separately and will not be factored into the total score.
STUDENTS ARE MORE THAN A TEST SCORE:
Most colleges are holistic in their evaluation of student applications and many either exempt, de-emphasize, or provide alternatives to the college admissions tests. For an updated list of test optional colleges, visit www.fairtest.org