PSAT, SAT, SAT II, ACT, and AP Tests
PSAT
The PSAT/NMSQT test stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a test that provides practice for the SAT Reasoning Test, and measures critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills. Sophomores and juniors take this exam at GFA in October. By taking the PSAT, juniors are entering the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship program. Students may achieve National Merit Commended Student or Semi-Finalist status based on their combined index score (addition of the critical reading, math and writing sections). Registration takes place on the morning of the exam and you are billed separately through GFA at a later date.
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test assesses student reasoning based on knowledge and skills developed by the student in school coursework. The content of the SAT changed with the March 2005 test administration and directly affected the Class of 2006. The new SAT improves the alignment of the test with current curriculum and institutional practices in high school and college. By including a third measure of skills writing, the SAT now helps colleges make better admissions and placement decisions. In that way, the SAT reinforces the importance of writing throughout a student's education. Registration for the SAT is available online at www.collegeboard.com. During the application process, students are responsible for sending test scores directly to college through the College Board Web site.
Click on the link below for the SAT/SATII schedule for the 2010-11 school year.
College Board SAT Test dates
SAT II
The SAT II’s are Subject Tests that are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and foreign language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year. Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission and course placement. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. All Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests, and scores range from 200-800. The best time to take a SAT II exam is at the conclusion of the particular course, usually June of junior year; visit www.collegeboard.com to register for all SAT II exams.
ACT
The ACT (American College Test) is another standardized test which is accepted at most colleges as an alternate to the SAT. It is offered six times a year and is made up of multiple choice tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. The test also includes an optional 30 minute Writing Test, which students should sign up for as most colleges request the writing section. The ACT test is scored by averaging the individual exam sections, each limited to a score of 36. You can apply online for the ACT at: www.actstudent.org. Juniors are advised to take the ACT in June and then again in October or December of senior year if needed.
Click on the link below for the ACT Exam Schedule for the 2010-11 school year.
ACT Test Dates
Advanced Placement (AP)
The Advanced Placement program offers tests in multiple subjects to test students’ critical thinking abilities and mastery. GFA courses offer college-level instruction in AP classes and certain electives, allowing students to test in approximately 18 different subject areas. AP scores are used as an evaluative tool in the admission process and earn college credit at certain institutions. The scoring scale is from one to five, with five representing a perfect score. Registration for AP exams is handled by GFA and students are billed separately. Tests are administered at GFA in May.
Recommended Testing Schedule
Testing begins in the sophomore year with a practice PSAT exam in October. As juniors, students take the PSAT in October, which serves as practice for the SAT while also evaluating students for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Juniors then complete their first round of standardized testing in the spring. Typically, juniors take the SAT I in late March or early April or in May. Many students take two or three SAT II Subject Tests in June. They may also take the ACT in February, April and June. Before deciding which tests to take and when to take them, juniors should meet with their college counselor and teachers. Below are some basic guidelines:
• Students are encouraged to take the SAT I in March/April, or May of the junior year. A student may elect to take the SAT I in January if he/she feels well prepared. Based on the score results, seniors may decide to take the SAT I again in October, November, and December. Students are responsible for having their test scores sent from Educational Testing Service or the ACT to the colleges where they are applying.
• Students in ninth or tenth grades may take an SAT II at the completion of an Honors or Advanced Placement course. However, most students take SAT II tests at the completion of the junior year. Seniors may take the SAT II October, November and December, if needed.
• Juniors may take the ACT test in February, April or June, then retest in October or December of the senior year, as necessary. Please note that some colleges accept the ACT with writing in place of the SAT I and SAT II test scores.
Please note that some colleges have made the SAT I test optional but may still require students to submit two or three SAT II test scores. Other colleges recommend but do not require SAT II scores. If you take more than three SAT II tests, the colleges will only use the three highest scores. In planning your test schedule, you should work closely with your college counselor to make sure that you have met the standardized test requirements of each of your colleges.
Click here for a chart which highlights GFA course titles, the corresponding SAT II Subject Test, and the suggested date for taking the test.
Test-Optional/Flexible Institutions
Click on the link below for a complete listing of schools that have test-optional or flexible policies for admission requirements.
FairTest.org
Please note:
*Flexible options (some schools accept an ACT score in place of SAT IIs).
* Always check with each individual college to learn about their test optional policies.
Test Preparation Options
There are many options available if you are interested in pursuing formal preparation for the PSAT, SAT, SATII or ACT exams. The varied test- prep environments include classroom instruction and private tutoring sessions. It is important to remember that test-prep is not required and should never interfere with school work or extracurricular activities. Try to find a flexible option that works best within your child’s schedule. Also, students receiving financial aid at GFA may qualify for scholarship toward test preparation courses with Carnegie/Pollak (see the Director of College Guidance for more details). If you have any questions about test-prep, please contact the College Guidance Office.
Carnegie/Pollak SAT Course @ GFA
(203) 352-3500; ljcarnegie@aol.com
AlphaPrep with Josh Lippman
(860) 798-2817; info@alphaprep.com, www.alphaprep.com
The Princeton Review, Westport
(800) 2REVIEW; www.princetonreview.com
Kaplan Test Prep
(800) KAPTEST; www.kaplan.com