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Testing Recommendations
Taking College placement exams is a demanding task. Many scholarships and college entrance requirements are based on these scores. Here are some recommendations for
The Tests The Differences When To Take Them Test Preparation
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The A.C.T. - This is one of two standard college entrance examinations (The SAT I the other). Similar to tests you probably have taken in high school, (achievement tests like the ITBS or the Stanford), the test encompasses a variety of subject areas such as math, science, history, reading, and more. In Montana, and most of the western part of the United States, the ACT is the test of choice for most colleges. Find out from the Admissions office at schools you are applying to as to which test you should be taking.
The S.A.T. - The SAT has three components;
The P.S.A.T. - can be taken by sophomores and
juniors. For 10th graders it is mainly a practice test, to get an idea of where
your test taking abilities are, and some testing experience. For Juniors, there
is a national scholarship competition from the test, so it could be worth some
money. The test is given in early October, and you can usually sign up with your
school counselor in September.
The S.A.T. I - The standard exam for college
entrance requirements. There are some differences between the ACT and the ACT,
so know which test to take and which test the school you wish to apply to
requires.
The S.A.T. II - These are subject tests. Some
schools require these specific tests to enter certain institutions or programs
at those institutions. For eample, a school may require you to take the Subject
test for Writing to be admitted to a Journalism school. Again, the institution
to which you are applying will have what they require, so find out early and
prepare.
The Differences in the ACT and the SAT
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Make a plan of action for taking the college entrance exams. Here's what we suggest;
10th Grade - Take the PSAT, which is usually offered in October. Check in your High School Counseling Office. The test ( a "pre" SAT) will give you your first look at what the college entrance exam's look like. You probably have experience with standardized achievement tests, but there are some minor differences. Take the test for the "experience".
11th Grade - Taking the ACT and the SAT
during this year will add to your expeicne in test taking, and provide a
reference for your skills. By taking the test during your junior year, you can
identify weaknesses, and take classes and prepare to fix those weaknesses by
your senior year.
Fall Term - take the PSAT, offered in October. For Juniors,
this is a national challenge test / competition for scholarships. Take part, you
never know.
Spring Term - Take the ACT sometime in March or April.
Remember, the later in the year you take it, the more academic information you
have learned in school. Now you have a "progress report" having taken
these two tests.
12th Grade - Time to get serious! If you want to take both tests again, schedule one in October or November (you need your results back in February as most Colleges and Universities have March 1 admissions deadlines), and the other in the spring. You want to have a solid test score to present on your college applications.
You may take one later in the spring if you are trying to attain a certain score, or to increase your score for late admissions and scholarships. Make sure you know the deadlines you are facing, and take tests early enough to get results by the time you need them, but late enough to increase your knowledge base from your high school classes.
There are numerous books, computer programs, and classes offered to help you prepare for these tests. Whether or not they would be beneficial to you is something you will have to decide.
For most students, a little extra study time may help, but will not greatly influence your test score. Take the test early (your junior year, or early in your senior year) to see what kind of a score you get. If you need to attain a higher score, now you can use some of the test enhancements to help raise that score.
Start with the FREE HELP first. Both tests have free pamphlets with sample questions and formats to help you better prepare. You can also find more test help online at both organizations. Many high schools offer test preparation seminars after school. These may benefit you with more strategies and test question examples.
Simply taking the test at the end of your senior year may help as well. As you mature, take more classes and gain more knowledge, and become more familiar with the test, you will score better. You need to know the dates by which you need to have your results back and plan accordingly.
Books and software that are for sale can help as well, but you will have to put in the required time to make them work. Simply buying these items and spending an hour or two will not get the job done. Set up study times on a regular basis and use these items - get your money's worth!
Finally, be realistic. If you score a 24 on your ACT, the odds are you will not score a 33 on the test, even with lots of preparation and help. All of these items will "probably" raise your test scores to some degree. The higher you score on the tests, the more difficult it will be to raise your score any higher. So think it through.
revised 10/12/02