There are a couple of tests required to apply to college. You can either take the SAT or the ACT. If possible, I recommend both. Here is an explanation of these exams.
PSAT
Who: Sophomores and juniors who signed up and over 3.6 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year.
What: The PSAT/NMSQT assesses the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills students need for college and beyond. This is great practice and will not be seen by anyone.
When: Usually mid OCtober.
Where: All Sophomores, uniors and freshmen can take the exam
Why: To benefit from early feedback on their skills. It is important to realize that this is solely done to have the student get a good idea of what the PSAT and SAT look like. These scores will not be sent to universities.
For more information on the PSAT click here or view the prezi below
SAT
Who: All students interested in pursuing higher education at a four year institution
What: Designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support, and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century.
When: Dates are TBD but students should plan to take the exam their spring semester of Junior year and their Fall semester of Senior year.
Where: Select a High School in your area
Why: All universities and some scholarships require the SAT scores
*** See SAT section for more information and how to sign up***
For more information on the SAT's click here
TIP: Add APPS on your mobile device that will give you a daily SAT question or a word of the day (this will help tremendously!)
SAT Subject
Who: Students majoring in STEM majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
What: You can take up to three exams in one sitting. As a STEM major, it si recommended that you do Math and Science. The Math is categorized as Math I and Math II. The level you choose to take depends on the math you are currently in. For science, take the most recent science you ahve taken.
When: Offered several times during the year. I recommend when it's fresh in your mind which would be your junior year.
Where: Select a High School in your area
Why: Although it's not always required that you take this, it is typically the cherry on top for universities.
*** See SAT Subject section for more information***
ACT
Who: All students interested in pursuing higher education at a four year institution
What: The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.
When: Dates are TBD but students should plan to take the exam their spring semester of junior year and their fall semester of Senior year.
Where: Nearby high schools
Why: Universities and some scholarships require ACT scores
*** See ACT section on website for how to sign up***
FEE Waivers: Fee waivers are for students who receive free/reduced lunch. The waiver covers the entire fee of the exam. To obtain one, see your counselor. Once you obtain one, you will be in the system and will not need one for each test. Please note that you are limited to two SAT sittings and one SAT subject sitting.
PSAT
Who: Sophomores and juniors who signed up and over 3.6 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year.
What: The PSAT/NMSQT assesses the critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills students need for college and beyond. This is great practice and will not be seen by anyone.
When: Usually mid OCtober.
Where: All Sophomores, uniors and freshmen can take the exam
Why: To benefit from early feedback on their skills. It is important to realize that this is solely done to have the student get a good idea of what the PSAT and SAT look like. These scores will not be sent to universities.
For more information on the PSAT click here or view the prezi below
SAT
Who: All students interested in pursuing higher education at a four year institution
What: Designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support, and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century.
When: Dates are TBD but students should plan to take the exam their spring semester of Junior year and their Fall semester of Senior year.
Where: Select a High School in your area
Why: All universities and some scholarships require the SAT scores
*** See SAT section for more information and how to sign up***
For more information on the SAT's click here
TIP: Add APPS on your mobile device that will give you a daily SAT question or a word of the day (this will help tremendously!)
SAT Subject
Who: Students majoring in STEM majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
What: You can take up to three exams in one sitting. As a STEM major, it si recommended that you do Math and Science. The Math is categorized as Math I and Math II. The level you choose to take depends on the math you are currently in. For science, take the most recent science you ahve taken.
When: Offered several times during the year. I recommend when it's fresh in your mind which would be your junior year.
Where: Select a High School in your area
Why: Although it's not always required that you take this, it is typically the cherry on top for universities.
*** See SAT Subject section for more information***
ACT
Who: All students interested in pursuing higher education at a four year institution
What: The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.
When: Dates are TBD but students should plan to take the exam their spring semester of junior year and their fall semester of Senior year.
Where: Nearby high schools
Why: Universities and some scholarships require ACT scores
*** See ACT section on website for how to sign up***
FEE Waivers: Fee waivers are for students who receive free/reduced lunch. The waiver covers the entire fee of the exam. To obtain one, see your counselor. Once you obtain one, you will be in the system and will not need one for each test. Please note that you are limited to two SAT sittings and one SAT subject sitting.
