College Testing

Most colleges will require some form of testing for their admission decision-making process. It is essential that students take the correct exams required by their potential college. Scores are used in combination with background information (high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, resume, etc) and are an important part of the admissions process. We recommend taking the PSAT in the junior year (and possibly also the sophomore year) as well as either the SAT 1 or the ACT in the spring of the junior year. As seniors, students can then take exams again if they are working on bringing up their scores.

Selective schools tend to place more emphasis on higher test scores, as do scholarship programs. Selective schools may also require students to take several SAT11 Subject tests, in addition to the SAT 1 Reasoning or the ACT test. Those should be done late in the junior year if the student has taken AP or IB classes, or early in the senior year.

SAT

Go the college board web site and to sign up for the tests
Regular Test Fee: $45, includes writing
(Additional Late Registration Fee: $23)

SAT Subject Tests:

The SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are also administered by the College Board. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects and may be required by certain colleges. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; but students are often able to choose their exams and they are encouraged to take them in subjects that they excel in and enjoy. Student will ususally take two or three exams. The SAT Subject Tests are offered on the same day as the SAT Reasoning Test. Check with schools that the student may be interested in applying to and/or attending to see if they are required. Students may register on paper (registration booklet can be picked up in the counseling office) or online at the College Board website (www.collegeboard.com or click on the SAT link).

ACT

Go to the ACT web site and to sign up for the tests
Test fee without writing test: $31.
Test fee with writing test: $46.
(Additional late registration fee: $20)

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is co-sponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The PSAT stands for Preliminary SAT and is used as a practice for the SAT. It is also the qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarship programs. This test is not required for college admissions purposes but students are encouraged to take the exam in their sophomore and/or junior years. The exam is administered by the school and takes place once a year in the fall. Student may sign up to take this exam during fall registration and the test is limited to 400 students on a first come-first served basis. Visit their website.

TOEFL

The TOEFL exam stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand English. The TOEFL is required for admission into college for certain students to assess their ability to succeed in a college setting where English is primarily spoken. Please see your counselor if you have questions about this exam or go to the website at www.toefl.org or click on the link above.