College Entrance Exams

Preliminary SAT (PSAT)
The preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Test helps to predict how a student may perform on the SAT. Scores also may be used to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students take the PSAT in grade 10. The PSAT is not a college entrance exam.

SAT
The SAT measures math reasoning, critical reading, and writing skills. SAT scores are determining factors for college admission and scholarship eligibility.

PLAN
This test, the preliminary ACT, provides students with the information needed to prepare for future academic and career success, as well as providing an estimated range of their ACT composite scores. The PLAN is not a college entrance exam.

ACT
Another indicator for admission to college and for eligibility for certain scholarships, this assessment consists of tests in English, math, reading, and science reasoning.

Should I take the SAT or ACT?
Students who plan on attending a four-year school after graduation must take either the SAT or ACT. Some colleges and universities may accept both tests, while others may prefer one of the two. If both tests are accepted, students should talk with their guidance counselor about which test to take. Past performance on the PSAT and or PLAN will help predict performance on the SAT and ACT. Also, the courses students have taken, and when they were taken, my also factor into the decision.

The SAT measures critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing. Scores are reported for all three sections, as well as the whole, called the composite.  The perfect score is now 2,400. Each section has a scale of 200-800.

The ACT tests English, reading, math, and science reasoning. Scores are reported for sections, as well as the whole.  On the ACT, math counts for 25 percent of the composite, so students who are not strong in math seem to do better on the ACT. The math is no less difficult on this test than the SAT, but it counts for less on the test overall.

When do students take PSAT/NMSQT and PLAN?
High schools set testing dates and administer the PSAT/NMSQT, the preliminary test to the SAT. Contact a high school counselor to find about registering for the test and to request a copy of the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin to prepare.

High schools set testing dates and administer the PLAN, the preliminary assessment to ACT, between September and December. Contact your high school counselor to find about registering for the test and to learn the date, time, and location that your school will give the PLAN.

Recommended curriculum for test success and college admission
Research shows that students who take 20 or more academic units of credit perform significantly higher on college entrance exams. Although not required for testing, the following series of courses are highly recommended in preparation for college entrance tests:

• English: At least four (4) years of honors, college-prep English or English communication for the workplace III & IV;
• Math: At least four (4) years of college-prep math – algebra I, II,  & III, math for the technologies 1, 2, 3; geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, probability and statistics;
• Computer science: At least one (1) year of a computer course such as computer applications, integrated business applications, or computer programming;
• Natural science: At least three (3) years of honors or college-prep science – physical science, biology I & II, applied biology, chemistry I & II, physics;
• Social science: At least four (4) years of college prep social sciences – world and/or european history, US history, American government and economics;
• Foreign language: At least three (3) years in one language; and
• Fine arts: At least one (1) year of band, chorus, visual and/or performing arts.

Ten Tips for Test Success!
 

• Read! Read a lot. Read a variety of genres.
• Take rigorous classes. Students who take 20 or more academic classes perform much higher than students who don’t.
• Take advantage of free guides from the Educational Testing Service (ETS)– Taking the SAT 1 or PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin.
• Use a SAT or ACT preparation book or software.
• Sign up for after-school programs or prep classes offered at high schools.
•  Use vocabulary flash cards.
•  Visit the SAT website daily (www.collegeboard.org) to practice the SAT “Question of the Day.”
• Participate in your school’s ACT/SAT program to be eligible for the District’s SAT scholarship.
• Focus on the PSAT during the 9th, 10th, and first semester of the 11th grades. Take the PLAN or PSAT during the 10th grade. To compete for National Merit Scholarships, the PSAT must be taken in the 11th grade. 
• Take the right test at the right time, which will be the second semester of the 11th grade for the SAT and/or ACT. This gives students a greater opportunity to have taken more courses and gives plenty of time to take the test again in an effort to improve scores.

SAT Program Test 2008-2009