1. College Admissions Testing
Ms. Eisenberg
College & Career Counselor
SUMMER 2017

2. WHEN DO STUDENTS TAKE THE PSAT?
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a product of the College Board & is a preliminary test (scores aren’t sent to colleges), meant as practice for the actual SAT
WHEN DO STUDENTS TAKE THE PSAT?
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors at Trumbull High School will be taking the PSAT on October 11, 2017

3. Why Do Students Take the PSAT?
To practice for the actual SAT
Juniors are automatically screened for National Merit Scholarship program, an academic program for recognition and scholarships
Score reports can highlight what areas students need to focus on to prepare for the SAT
Access your PSAT score reports on collegeboard.org
PSAT 8/9 out of 720/1440
PSAT 10/11 out of 760/1520
Score reports typically available in December

4. What Are the SAT & ACT?
National standardized tests that aid colleges in evaluating college applicants
One component of the college admissions process
The SAT is a product of the College Board ( which also administers the PSATs & Advanced Placement Tests
The ACT is a product of the ACT (
The SAT will be taken as a CT state testing requirement in your junior year, other SAT/ACT testing dates you will register for in your junior/senior year

6. Which Test Do Colleges Take?
Most colleges accept either test, but the student needs to check each school they are applying to for specific requirements
Some schools are test optional, this means you do not have to send any standardized tests to their school (see fairtest.org for a list of test optional schools) and consult with Ms. Eisenberg or your school counselor about this option

7. How Do I Sign up for the Tests?
All Juniors will take the SAT in the spring at Trumbull High as it is now the state test requirement (you do not need to register online for this administration, THS will do it for you)
SAT: All other administrations you will need to create a College Board account and register for the test on
ACT: you need to register for the test on

8. When Should I be Taking the SAT/ACT Tests?
Most students start testing in the spring semester of their junior year and continue testing into the fall semester of their senior year as needed
Students should discuss their individual testing schedule with Ms. Eisenberg or their school counselor

9. Upcoming SAT/ACT Testing Dates
October 7, 2017
November 4, 2017
December 2, 2017
March 10, 2018
March 21, 2018 CT School Day
May 5, 2018
June 2, 2018
ACT
October 28, 2017
December 9, 2017
February 10, 2018
April 14, 2018
June 9 , 2018
July 14, 2018

10. What Does it Cost To Take these Tests?
SAT $46, $60 with optional essay
ACT $46 without writing section, $62.50 with writing section
Some students may qualify for a fee waiver based on financial need, see your school counselor if you think you may qualify

11. What is the Test Format? SAT 3 hours (+50 minute essay, optional)
3 tests + optional essay
Score Range:
ACT
2 hours 55 minutes (+40 minute optional essay)
4 tests +optional essay
Score Range 1-36

12. How Do Colleges See your Scores?
Colleges only see the scores that you send directly to them from the College Board or ACT websites
If you take the test multiple times, you can choose which scores to send to the schools in which you’re applying
Some colleges may request that you send all of your scores from all of your testing dates

13. What is Super Scoring?
Since students take the SAT & ACT multiple times, some colleges will take the best section or sub- scores to determine the best final composite score and use that to evaluate you for admission to their institution
Example SAT: April 5th EBRW (evidence based reading & writing) 600, Math 500; June 3rd EBRW 550, Math 600; Superscore: 1200

14. Test Preparation OPTIONS
Students can link their PSAT/SAT score reports to Khan Academy for free personalized online test preparation
The College & Career Center has test preparation books you can borrow (also available for purchase online & in bookstores)
Download ‘Daily Practice for the New SAT’ app – Free College Board App that will instantly score your practice tests & provide example test questions
Form a study group
Outside of school agencies that provide test preparation courses (cost varies)

15. SAT Subject Tests
Very competitive colleges/universities may require or suggest taking SAT Subject Tests
Consult with your school counselor or Ms. Eisenberg as to whether or not you should register for SAT Subject Test(s)
Here is a list of which schools require/recommend SAT subject tests and which tests they require: recommendations/
There are 20 specific SAT subject tests in the following subject areas: English, Math, Science, History, and Languages

16. Questions?