COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

To get into college, you will need to have taken a few tests. Everyone thinking of college should be aware of the purpose and timing of these tests.

2011-12 SAT AND ACT TEST DATES

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PSAT/NMSQT- (PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE)
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST:

The PSAT/NMSQT taken in October of the sophomore or junior year, provides a practice test in preparation for the SAT. It is the same format as the SAT and is useful as an indicator of SAT scores. PSAT scores are not usually used by colleges as admissions criteria, but one’s score on the test, as an 11th grader, does determine qualification for participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

 SAT I (Scholastic Aptitude Test):

The SAT is generally taken in the spring of the junior year and may again be taken in the senior year.
It is a required test for admissions to many colleges. Scored on the basis of 200 (low) to 800 (high), in each of three areas (Math, Critical Reading, Writing), the SAT is an examination designed to test a student’s aptitude for scholastic work.

SAT II Subject Tests:

SAT IIs are administered in several academic subjects and are designed to test the level of knowledge in a specific academic disciplines. SAT IIs are scored on the same 200 to 800 basis as the SAT. It is possible to take up to three SAT IIs on one test date. Not all colleges require SAT IIs. Some use them for placement in various levels of freshman courses; some use them as an additional factor in the
admissions process.

AP-(ADVANCED PLACEMENT) TESTS:

AP tests are designed for students who have completed college level courses in high school. They are used in determining whether or not a student may gain advanced standing in college. Scores range from 1-5.

ACT-(AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING) PROGRAM:

The ACT is a standardized test of achievement composed of four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. There is also an optional writing section, which measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. It is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 (highest). Majority of colleges accept scores on either the SAT or ACT.

IMPORTANT TEST DATES FOR 2011-12

Register for these tests at http://sat.collegeboard.org/home and www.actstudent.org.

 Register for these tests at http://sat.collegeboard.org/home and www.actstudent.org.