The Importance of Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are generally not as important as you think they are. Students tend to spend too much time and money on expensive test preparation courses when self-discipline and effort practicing is truly what it takes to obtain good test results. The single most important admissions criterion is a student’s transcript. Academic performance in high school is the most reliable indicator of college success.
What Tests Should I Take?
Since most colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT, students should take both of these tests during the winter/spring of their junior year. Usually students perform better on one of the two and should repeat that test early in the senior year. Most schools will take the best verbal and best math SAT scores even if they are from different test dates. As for the ACT, some schools will mix the sub-test scores.
SAT II’s are one-hour subject area achievement tests. Many selective schools require or recommend taking three SAT II’s. It is wise to take SAT II’s following the corresponding course when the material is fresh. Students are responsible for determining whether the universities to which they are applying require SAT IIs.
How to Register
University School students take the PSAT on campus during school. Students register on their own for the SAT and the ACT and select convenient locations. Registration packets containing mail-in forms are available in the College Counseling Office. Students may also register online or by telephone. For the SAT the access is www.collegeboard.com, and the phone number is (800) 728-7267. For the ACT, the access is www.act.org, and the phone number is (319) 337-1270.
PLEASE NOTE: For students who receive extended time on the SAT exam:
- Be sure to use your SSD Code when registering
- If the SAT will be your first test after being approved, bring this letter tot eh administration to be sure that you are tested with your accommodations.
- If you registered for the SAT prior to being approved for accommodations, contact SSD at least two weeks before the test date so that your registration can be changed to reflect the accommodations. Because it takes time to make testing arrangements, changes requested less than two weeks before a test date cannot be guaranteed until the next test date.
How to Report Scores
It is a student’s responsibility to arrange for testing agencies to send official scores. The College Counseling Office does not release scores to colleges. Students should always have scores sent to our school. This is accomplished by putting our high school code, 100347, in the appropriate place on the testing forms. Most students prefer to hold off sending scores directly to colleges until they have received the results. Detailed instructions regarding sending scores are contained in the registration packet, including online and telephone sending options. To report AP scores, please call: (888) 225-5427.
SAT –ACT Concordance Table
| Composite ACT | Old SAT | New SAT |
|---|---|---|
| 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 |
1600 1560-1590 1510-1550 1460-1500 1410-1450 1360-1400 1320-1350 1280-1310 1240-1270 1210-1230 1170-1200 1130-1160 1090-1120 1060-1080 1020-1050 980-1010 940-970 900-930 860-890 810-850 760-800 |
2400 |
How do the ACT and SAT Differ
- SAT penalizes incorrect answers, but the ACT does not. Thus, do not omit ACT questions.
- The ACT stresses grammar skills, and the SAT emphasizes critical reading.
- The SAT emphasizes writing skills through the new writing section.
- The ACT will have a writing section that is optional. Students who are entering college in the fall 2006 or later must check directly with each university to determine whether it will be required.
- SAT presents test questions in order of difficulty, while the ACT does not.
- The SAT math subtest focuses on algebra and basic geometry, and all formulas are supplied in the test booklet. The ACT includes some trigonometry questions and rarely supplies formulas.
The TOEFL and the ELPT
Students whose first language is not English are advised to take the TOEFL. This exam is designed to reflect a student’s command of the English language. A student can arrange to take the TOEFL at the Prometric Testing Center nearest to his/her home. Students may register online at www.toefl.org.
SAT & ACT Dates and Deadlines 2008-2009
| SAT | ||
|---|---|---|
Test Date |
Registration Date |
Late Registration |
Oct. 4 |
Sept. 9 |
Sept. 16 Oct. 10 Nov. 18 Jan. 6 Feb. 24 Apr. 9 May 15 |
Please Note: There are no established norms upon which to judge the writing section of the new SAT
ACT
2008-9 Dates TBA. Please refer to http://www.actstudent.org/regist/currentdates.html for updates.
Pay close attention to the dates and deadlines above. If you register on time, there should be no need to pay late fees. The earlier you register, the more likely you are to get the test site of your choice. Test registration materials and sample question packets are available in the College Counseling Office.