Now is the time to become familiar with the alphabet soup of standardized tests: PSAT, ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs), TOEFL, and IELTS. There is no denying standardized testing is an important part of the university application process. Test scores are among the many criteria used to evaluate your candidacy. Once you are accepted, a college or university may also use your scores to award scholarships, determine placement in classes, and offer admission to special programs.
TESTS
PSAT: The PSAT is a “practice” test for the SAT, given every October. Consult with your school counselor to determine whether and in which year of secondary school to sit for this exam. In December, College Board will send your score reports to your secondary school. Consult the College Board website for a detailed explanation on how the test is scored and then review your scores to decide what you need to work on before you take the SAT.
SAT: The SAT is a multiple choice standardized test widely used for college admissions in the USA. The two main sections of the SAT are Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. The total score is a combination of these sections, each being scored out of 800. The highest composite score is 800 plus 800, or 1600.
The essay in the SAT is optional and will not be factored into the overall SAT score. The essay is scored on three measures: Reading, Analysis, and Writing. Each component is scored on a scale of 2 to 8 and results appear on a separate score report. Consult with your counselor to decide whether to sign up for the essay component.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS: SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIs) are one hour multiple choice standardized tests given in 20 individual subjects. Each exam is scored on a scale from 200-800, just like the individual sections of the SAT. A student may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on any given date at a flat rate, but cannot take both the SAT and Subject Tests on the same day. Some selective colleges, either recommend or require scores from at least two SAT Subject Tests. Check individual school websites for specific details.
ACT: The ACT is another standardized test used for college admissions in the United States and is an alternative to the SAT. The ACT is a multiple choice exam which tests students in four areas: English, math, reading and science with an optional writing section. Each subject is given a scaled score between 1 and 36. Those scores are then averaged into a composite score, also ranging between 1 and 36. Because the ACT writing section is optional, that score will not be factored into the overall composite score.
PLANNING
Don’t let all the talk about upcoming test options overwhelm you. Instead, map out a plan to make sure you take the necessary tests on the optimal dates and have enough time to prepare. The following steps will help you develop your best course of action:
•Find out which tests are required. As you start to think about schools that interest you, look through their websites for information on testing. Most schools allow you to submit either the ACT or SAT. Requirements for SAT IIs vary from school to school. While there are schools that require one, two or even three tests, some ask for none at all.
•Determine which test is best for you. Take online ACT and SAT practice tests in order to compare your scores. Get input from your counselor and your parents to help you decide.
•If you’ve taken the PSAT, review your results, which offer valuable feedback, if you’ve decided to take the SAT. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus your efforts on the sections you would like to improve.
•Arrange for special testing accommodations, if necessary. Talk to your guidance counselor for information or contact ACT and/or College Board for details.
•Consider test-optional schools. Hundreds of colleges and universities do not require test scores as a part of their application process, but instead offer a more holistic admissions approach.
•Plan your testing schedule. Look at ACT and SAT test dates for the entire school year, choose dates that allow you enough time to prepare and take as many practice tests as you can.
•Confirm registration deadlines and sign up as soon as possible to ensure your spot at the location of your choice. Review the test schedule to best plan as not all tests are offered on every test date.
•Determine the optimal time to schedule SAT II exams. SAT II scores demonstrate your proficiency in a specific subject, so work closely with your counselor and teachers to develop a strategy. For example, it may be best to take a particular subject test immediately after you’ve completed the corresponding course on the same subject, when the material is freshest in your mind.
•Avoid scheduling conflicts. Make sure your family is aware of your testing schedule to confirm your availability and to assure you’ll have a ride to the test, if needed.
•Register for your tests. Sign up online with College Board (for the SAT and SAT IIs), and with ACT for the ACT exam. If applicable, to demonstrate English proficiency, register with ETS for the TOEFL exam or with the IELTS for the IELTS exam.
•Have a current photo on hand when you sign up for your tests. ACT and College Board registrations both require you to submit a photograph of yourself for security purposes.
•Get organized. As you determine the tests you need to take, use the Standardized Test Schedule provided in this chapter to keep track of the test dates, registration deadlines and locations you’ve registered for.
•Print your admission ticket once your registration is complete. For safe keeping, file your ticket in a folder which you should label General.
“With multiple deadlines and tasks to keep on top of, it’s easy for something to fall through the cracks.”
—LAURA A. BRUNO, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Strategy and Management,The City University of New York
Over 800 colleges and universities have adopted a test-optional policy. Check FairTest’s website for a list of test optional schools. These schools do not require standardized test scores to make admissions decisions because they believe test scores are not necessarily representative of a student’s abilities or academic potential. While test scores are not required, you can still choose to submit them to be reviewed as part of your application if you are happy with your scores and feel they accurately reflect your ability. Ask your counselor for advice if you’re thinking of going the test-optional route.
In lieu of standardized test scores, test-optional schools may instead ask students to submit other materials including, writing samples, portfolios, and International Baccalaureate (IB) scores. Greater emphasis may be placed on other components of the application, including your secondary school transcript, interviews with admissions reps and graded assignments from your last two years of secondary school. If the test-optional path is for you, locate schoolwork you’re proud of and save it in your General folder.
Make sure to check individual school requirements for exceptions. International applicants, students who are homeschooled and those who attend schools that do not use a grading system may be required to submit standardized test scores.
PREPARING
The majority of students do opt to take either the ACT or SAT. Achieving the best possible scores will require you to develop your own test-taking strategy.
Match your prep with your learning style and your budget. You can opt to prepare on your own, in a group or with a tutor. Helpful resources include: prep books, online courses, group prep programs and private tutors. Ask your counselor, parents and people you know who have studied in the USA for recommendations when deciding on a prep method. Part of preparing is learning how to pace yourself, managing your timing and understanding how the tests are scored. It’s essential to become familiar with the tests by taking as many practice exams as possible. Take advantage of the free resources listed below:
For the SAT and SAT Subject Tests:
1.College Board has both online and printed versions of official