It is important to keep college admissions testing in perspective. The high school transcript is the most important aspect of a student's college application. While standardized testing may enhance or confirm what the transcript demonstrates, test scores are never viewed in isolation. The college admissions testing program is comprehensive and involves careful planning and preparation during all four years of high school. The major examinations administered for college admission are as follows:
PSAT/NMSQT (The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.): The PSAT is given each year around the second week in October. Unlike the SAT I and II, the PSAT is given only once each year amd also doubles as the qualifying test for the National Merit Corporation. However, only Juniors can qualify for National Merit. The PSAT, as the title indicates, is a preliminary test designed to familiarize a student with the SAT I.
SAT I Reasoning and SAT II Subject Area Tests : The SAT Reasoning Test measures ability in three areas – Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing Skills. It is required for admission to most colleges. Students are responsible for reporting their SAT Reasoning Test results to colleges. Students who plan to apply Early Decision or Early Action are advised to complete all required tests by November of their senior year.
SAT Subject Tests are required for application to many of the more competitive colleges. Subject Tests reflect preparation in particular subject matter and are optimally taken at the completion of the course or sequence of courses which the Subject Test covers. Planning for Subject Tests begins in ninth grade during the first course planning conference. College Board Subject Tests are offered in the following areas: Literature, US History, World History , Mathematics Level I, Mathematics Level II , Biology E/M, Chemistry, Physics , French - Reading & Listening, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin Spanish - Reading & Listening , Chinese - Reading & Listening , Japanese - Reading & Listening , Korean - Reading & Listening and English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)
ACT: The ACT assessment is an alternative to the SAT as a standardized college admission test of aptitude and achievement. The ACT is composed of four sections with standardized scores ranging from 1 (low) to 36 (high) and one optional section. The five sections of the test are English, Mathematics, Reading, Science Reasoning and an optional Writing section. It provides an overall estimate of a student's level of educational development in areas tested. Colleges will accept ACT scores in lieu of SAT Reasoning scores, and some will accept ACT scores in lieu of SAT Subject Tests as well. Registration forms are available in the Counseling Office. Testing centers are listed in the registration bulletin.