1. College Entrance Tests
SAT/ACT/Subject Tests
AP Exams

2. SAT vs. ACT SAT ACT TYPE: Reasoning, Problem Solving, Aptitude Test
Knowledge, Curriculum, Achievement Test
Sample Question: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
CONTENT:
Math- Algebra and Geometry up to Trigonometry
Reading- Four passages: Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science
English- Grammar
Science- Charts & Experiments
Writing- Optional, but cannot be used in place of the SATs if not completed at most institutions
FORMAT:
Begin with and alternate randomly between 60 minute sections of Math, Reading, Science, or English, complete with optional 30 minute writing section
SCORING:
Each subject is scored 1-36 and averaged to create a composite score, 36 is the highest possible score
There is no guessing penalty.
(At some institutions ACT scores can be used in place of SAT & SAT subject tests)
TYPE:
Reasoning, Problem Solving, Aptitude Test
Sample Question: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
CONTENT:
Math- Algebra 1, Basic Geometry & Algebra 2
Reading- Sentence completion, short & long reading passages, reading comprehension
Writing- An essay, questions related to: grammar, usage, & word choice
FORMAT:
Begin with 25 minute essay, alternate randomly from math, reading and writing in minute sections
SCORING:
Each section is points, 2400 is the highest score.
There is a guessing penalty.

3. SAT Composite Score (Math, CR & W) ACT Composite Score
SAT Composite Score (Math & CR only)
2400 36
1600 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11

4. WHEN SHOULD I TEST?
Students will take the PSAT in October of their sophomore and junior years (during the school day) and have the opportunity to take SAT/ACT practice tests through the PTO sophomore and junior year
Students should take the SAT and/or ACT during the 2ND Semester of junior year
Statistics show students often see an improvement in their score from the first testing to the second, but not generally on a third testing unless some sort of prep is completed

5. HOW DO I REGISTER?
PSATs: GVHS registers all 10th and 11th grade students for this test. The test is taken in October during the school day.
SAT: Students register online (collegeboard.com)
ACT: Students register online (actstudent.org)
**Fee waivers are available for families with financial need

6. TEST PREP PSAT PTO Testing- Practice ACT, SAT, Combo test
COURSES (GVHS/Private Classes/Individual Tutoring)
Resources on Collegeboard/ACT Websites
Kaplan Free Online SAT/ACT Prep
Books
My College QuickStart

7. REPORTING SCORES SAT/SUBJECT TESTS ACT
Official Scores - must be sent directly from the CollegeBoard
Score Choice – gives students the option of sending or suppressing test scores
Cost – 4 free score reports (must be determined at time of registration or up to 9 days after testing). $11.00 per report after this period.
Test scores do not appear on high school transcript
Official Scores – must be sent directly from ACT
Score Choice – can choose which test dates you want sent
Cost - $11.00 per report (4 free reports when designated at registration)
Test scores do not appear on high school transcript

8. SUBJECT TESTS (aka SAT II’s)
Admission tests that measure students’ knowledge and skills in particular subject areas.
Not required by the majority of colleges and universities but many of the most competitive colleges recommend or require that applicants take two or more subject tests.
**Many schools accept the ACT (with writing)in lieu of subject tests

9. Subject Tests (cont’d)
English Literature
World Languages
U.S. & World History
Math (level I and II)
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Which subject test(s) should students take?
When should subject tests be taken?
When are subject tests are offered?
How many subject tests can students take?

10. AP Exams
Who? When? Why?

11. WHO? GVHS offers 26 AP Courses English Science Social Studies Math
Language
Art
Music

12. WHEN? The first two weeks in May
Registration occurs in the counseling office
Test dates/times strictly determined by the CollegeBoard
Alternate exams

13. WHY? Prepare students for college-level coursework
Rigor is a factor in most admissions decisions
College credit
AP Scores are typically used for awarding credit and placement – not a factor in admissions decisions

14. Additional Information
Testing Accommodations
Must obtain prior approval through testing agency
Fee Waivers
Check testing agency’s website for eligibility requirements
Test optional schools

15. RESOURCES www.collegeboard.com SAT & Subject Tests www.act.org ACT
Kaplan’s free online SAT/ACT prep
Free personalized SAT study plan