Everything you need to know about testing and then some…

The SAT measures the reading, mathematics and writing skills that are part of a rigorous high school curriculum and that students need to be successful in college. The reading section assesses students’ ability to draw inferences, synthesize information, distinguish between main and supporting ideas and understand vocabulary as it is used in context. The mathematics section requires students to apply mathematical concepts, solve problems and use data literacy skills in interpreting tables, charts and graphs. The writing section requires students to communicate ideas clearly and effectively; improve writing through revision and editing; recognize and identify sentence-level errors; understand grammatical elements and structures and how they relate to each other in a sentence; and improve coherence of ideas within and among paragraphs. What is the SAT?

What is the ACT?

Differences at a glance…

When should I test? Current Class Current Grade 9 th 10 th 11 th 12 th Algebra INo Test Recommendations  PSAT in October 2  PSAT in October 3 No Test Recommendations Geometry  SAT in June 1  PSAT in October 2  SAT in June 1  PSAT in October 3  SAT in June (including Subject Tests)  ACT in June (with writing) No Test Recommendations AFDANo Test Recommendations  PSAT in October  PSAT in October 3  SAT in June (including Subject Tests)  ACT in June (with writing) Students may retake the SAT and/or ACT to improve scores. Algebra II or Advanced Algebra II  SAT in October 1  ACT in June 1 (non-writing)  PSAT in October  ACT in June 1 (non-writing)  PSAT in October 3  SAT in June (including Subject Tests)  ACT in June (with writing) Students may retake the SAT and/or ACT to improve scores. Higher Math (Math Analysis, Applied Math AP Statistics, AP Calculus, DE Pre- Calculus) No Test Recommendations  PSAT in October 2  PSAT in October 3  SAT in June (including Subject Tests)  ACT in June (with writing) Students may retake the SAT and/or ACT to improve scores.

When to Test Table Notes 1 ACT and SAT tests are taken in 9 th or 10 th grade (to focus on the Math portions of the test) with the expectation to take the test again in 11 th grade. Students may use the best combination of scores to submit to colleges. 2 The data from the PSAT taken during the Sophomore year is used by students and teachers to form a strategic plan for improving scores. All Sophomore students are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT. 3 The PSAT taken during the Junior year is used to qualify for National Merit Scholarships and to practice for SAT/ACT in June Riverbend would like students to take each test twice in order to achieve the best possible scores. See Guidance Counselor for details on test fee waivers.

What are SAT II or Subject Tests? SUBJECTS

How do I prepare for a test? Naviance Prep Me for all sophomores and juniors – see your school counselor SAT Prep sessions sponsored by Riverbend on Saturdays. Sign up in the counseling office. SAT question of the day and App for your phone: the-day the-day ACT question of the day: The Army’s test prep site:

TESTTEST DATEDEADLINELATE REGISTRATION ACTSeptember 21, 2013August 23, 2013Aug. 24 – Sept. 6, 2013 SATOctober 5, 2013September 6, 2013September 20, 2013 ACTOctober 26, 2013Sept. 27, 2013Sept. 28 – Oct. 11, 2013 SATNovember 2, 2013October 3, 2013October 18, 2013 SATDecember 7, 2013November 8, 2013November 22, 2013 ACTDecember 14, 2013November 8, 2013November 9 – 22, 2013 SATJanuary 25, 2014December 27, 2014January 10, 2014 ACTFebruary 8, 2014January 10, 2014January 11 – 24, 2014 SATMarch 8, 2014February 7, 2014February 21, 2014 ACTApril 12, 2014March 7, 2014March 8 – 21, 2014 SATMay 3, 2014April 4, 2014April 18, 2014 ACTJune 14, 2014May 9, 2014May 10 – 23, 2014 SATJune 7, 2014May 9, 2014May 23, 2014

How do I sign up for a test? ACT ACT No Writing = $36.50 ACT Plus Writing = $52.50 SAT Reasoning Test = $51.00 SAT Subject Test = $24.50 Basic Subject Test Fee(per registration) $13.00 Additional for non Language and Listening tests $24.00 Additional for Language and Listening tests