SAT/PSAT/ACT

  •  

    About the SAT

     

    The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board. 

    The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important SAT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.

    Overall, the higher you score on the SAT and/or ACT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.

     

     SAT

     

    SAT Length 3 hours (plus 50 minutes if taking optional Essay)
    SAT Sections
    • Math
    • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 
    • Essay (optional)
    SAT Cost $46 ($60 if taking SAT with Essay)
    Highest SAT Score 1600
    Average SAT Score 1060

     

     

     

    When should I take the SAT?

     

    Most high school students take the SAT, the ACT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The SAT exam is offered nationally every year in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. 

     

    What is on the SAT?

     

    There are two  SAT sections: 

    • Math
    • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

    The SAT also includes an optional Essay section. SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores. Some colleges may require that you complete the SAT Essay. You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website or on our  school profiles.

     

     

    https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-information

     

     

    PSAT

     

     

    Frequency 1 time/year
    Duration 2 hours, 45 minutes
    Sections Math, Evidence-Based Reading & Writing
    Cost Fees are paid by schools
    Max. Score 1520

     

    What is the PSAT and why is it important?

     

    The PSAT won’t count towards your college admissions applications, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. Some of the highest scoring students may win scholarship money, so while you shouldn’t stress out about the PSAT, you certainly shouldn’t ignore it either. Use the PSAT as practice for the SAT and ACT and an important guidepost on your college admissions journey.

     

    When is the PSAT?

     

    The PSAT is offered nationally every year in October. Ask your school counselor about when your class is scheduled to take the PSAT. View upcoming PSAT test dates.

     

    What does the PSAT test?

     

    The PSAT has two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.  You’ll encounter passage-based questions—sometimes accompanied by tables, graphs, and charts—and math problems drawing upon algebra, geometry, and a little trig.

     

    https://www.princetonreview.com/college/psat-information

     

     
Expand All

  • What is the ACT Test?

     

    The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.

    The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.

    Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you. 

    Source: Princeton Review ACT Information

     

     

    •  

      register

       

      ACT Test Dates & Pricing

        
       

      ACT Cost

      Fee Waivers

       

      If you are testing on a national test date and can't afford the registration fee for the ACT or ACT with writing, you may be eligible for an ACT Fee Waiver. Information about the eligibility requirements and how to request a fee waiver is sent each summer to high schools. You should work with your local high school to determine your eligibility.

      You must meet all of the following requirements:

      1. Currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade.
      2. Be testing in the US, US territories, or Puerto Rico.
      3. Meet one or more indicators of economic need listed on the ACT Fee Waiver form.

      If you are eligible, you may use a maximum of two separate fee waivers total. The waiver is used once you register, even if you do not test on the requested test date.

       

      IMPORTANT: To take full advantage of the waiver, you must follow through and test on your registered test date.

       

      *ACT FEE WAIVER PROGRAM*

     

     

    Source: ACT.ORG