Standardized College Tests

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying

Test) www.collegeboard.com
This test is given each year only in October. The College Board recommends this test only for
juniors since, by the junior year, students will have had the requisite courses on which the tested
skills have been taken and since only juniors are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship
should their test score qualify them for this honor. The PSAT has five sections: 2 verbal sections,
2 math sections and 1 writing skills section. It is 2 hours 10 minutes long and is now closely
aligned with both SATs since it has the same kinds of verbal and math questions as the SAT I,
and the same kinds of multiple choice questions on writing skills as the SAT II Subject Test in
Writing.

SAT I SCHOLASTIC APTITUTE TEST www.collegeboard.org

The SAT I is a multiple-choice test currently made up of verbal and math sections. The verbal
questions test your vocabulary, verbal reasoning and understanding of what you read. The math
questions test your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra and
geometry. Currently, the scores are reported on a scale of 200 (lowest) to 800 (highest) for two
sections: verbal and math. The use of a calculator is permitted on the math section. Taking the
SAT I fulfills the standardized testing requirement of most colleges/universities. Scores on the
SAT I cannot be withheld or selectively sent to colleges/universities. Note: New SAT for
incoming college class of 2006. The new SAT will include sections on critical reading,
mathematics and writing. The “verbal” section will be renamed “critical reading.” The College
Board reports that verbal section changes will include eliminating analogies. The new critical
reading section will include long and short reading sections. The new SAT math section,
according to College Board documents, will include up to 3 years of high school mathematics,
comprising mathematics up to Algebra II. The current section in mathematics on quantitative
comparisons will be eliminated. A writing section will be added to the SAT I and will include
multiple-choice questions and a written, timed essay in response to a prompt. Students should
see the counseling office for details and more information about the upcoming NEW SAT.

ACT www.act.org
The ACTs consist of four tests of general educational development and a special Student Profile
section. The four sections are: English, Reading, Math and Science Reasoning. The academic
tests cover the subjects of English usage, mathematics, social studies and natural sciences. The
profile section collects information about the students’ aspirations, background, non-classroom
achievements and immediate plans for the future. The ACT takes about 3 ½ hours to complete,
and the highest score on this test is 36. Many institutions accept the ACT as readily as the SAT I.

SAT II Scholastic Aptitude Test www.collegeboard.org

The SAT II is a set of one hour tests designed to measure your level of achievement in a
particular subject (English Writing, Literature; United States History and World History;
Mathematics level I C (with a calculator), Mathematics Level IIC; Foreign Languages; and
Sciences). Not all tests are offered at the same time. Check your registration book for the dates
of the tests you are interested in taking. Students often take the SAT II in a subject (such as
history or science) that they have just completed. Many colleges/universities (including the
University of California system) require students to take the SAT II in addition to the Sat I. An
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Standardized College Tests

essay preparation service (EssayPrep) is available through the College Board website to give
students an opportunity to practice writing an essay and obtain feedback on their essay before
taking the test.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: Students with learning disabilities can be

tested using accommodations. See your counselor for more information on this. It is important to
start the process early in order to meet document requirements by registration deadlines.

When Are College Tests Given?

SAT I October/November/December
January/March
May/June

SAT II October/November/December
January
May/June

ACT September/October
December/February/April
June

PSAT October

AP May

Juniors: Spring dates

Seniors: Fall dates

Seniors note: Colleges/universities require that standardized testing be completed by December.

Check dates of tests and registration deadlines. If you have questions, ask your high school
counselor.

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