Standardized Testing
What Tests Should I Take?
Since most colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT, students should take both of these tests during the winter/spring of their junior year. Usually students perform better on one of the two and should repeat that test early in the senior year.
SAT II’s are one-hour subject area achievement tests. Many selective schools require or recommend taking three SAT II’s. It is wise to take SAT II’s following the corresponding course when the material is fresh. Students are responsible for determining whether the universities to which they are applying require SAT IIs.
How to Register
Students register on their own for the SAT and the ACT and select convenient locations. Students can register online for the SAT by visiting www.collegeboard.com and for the ACTby visiting www.actstudent.org .
How to Report Scores
It is a student’s responsibility to arrange for testing agencies to send official scores. The College Counseling Office does not release scores to colleges. Students should always have scores sent to our school. This is accomplished by putting our high school code, 101814, in the appropriate place on the testing forms. Most students prefer to hold off sending scores directly to colleges until they have received the results. Detailed instructions regarding sending scores are contained in the registration packet, including online and telephone sending options.
The TOEFL and the ELPT
Students whose first language is not English are advised to take the TOEFL. This exam is designed to reflect a student's command of the English language. A student can arrange to take the TOEFL at the Prometric Testing Center nearest to his/her home. Students may register online at www.toefl.org .
How do the ACT and SAT Differ
- SAT penalizes incorrect answers, but the ACT does not. Thus, do not omit ACT questions.
- The ACT stresses grammar skills, and the SAT emphasizes critical reading.
- The SAT emphasizes writing skills through the new writing section.
- The ACT will have a writing section that is optional. Students who are entering college in the fall 2006 or later must check directly with each university to determine whether it will be required.
- SAT presents test questions in order of difficulty, while the ACT does not.
- The SAT math subtest focuses on algebra and basic geometry, and all formulas are supplied in the test booklet. The ACT includes some trigonometry questions and rarely supplies formulas.
The TOEFL and the ELPT
Students whose first language is not English are advised to take the TOEFL. This exam is designed to reflect a student’s command of the English language. A student can arrange to take the TOEFL at the Prometric Testing Center nearest to his/her home. Students may register online at www.toefl.org.
2011-2012 SAT Test Dates
When registering, select “SAT Reasoning Test” UNLESS you are specifically
registering for a Subject Area Test
Test Date | Test | Registration Deadline | (Late Fee Required) |
October 1, 2011 | SAT & Subject Tests | September 9, 2011 | September 21, 2011 |
November 5, 2011 | SAT & Subject Tests | October 7, 2011 | October 21, 2011 |
December 3, 2011 | SAT & Subject Tests | November 8, 2011 | November 20, 2011 |
January 28, 2012 | SAT & Subject Tests | December 30, 2009 | December 30, 2012 |
March 10, 2012 | SAT Only | February 10, 2012 | February 24, 2012 |
May 5, 2012 | SAT & Subject Tests | April 6, 2012 | April 20, 2012 |
June 2, 2012 | SAT & Subject Tests | May 8, 2012 | May 22, 2012 |
2011-2012 ACT Test Dates
When registering, select “ACT plus Writing”
Test Date | Registration Deadline | |
September 10, 2011 | August 12, 2011 | August 13-26, 2011 |
October 22, 2011 | September 16, 2011 | Sept. 17- 30, 2011 |
December 10,2011 | November 4, 2011 May 4, 2012 | November 5-18, 2011 May 5-18, 2012 |