STANDARDIZED TESTS

One cold, hard college admissions fact is that numbers count. Admissions directors look for ways to quickly size up applicants as individuals and in comparison with other applicants; they rely on GPAs and scores on standardized tests to begin their assessments. A student’s GPA is often considered most important, with scores on standardized tests a close second at many schools.

Given their impact, it’s not surprising that, increasingly, test preparation has become part of the junior year experience. Test preparation goes beyond reviewing important material to teach test strategy and provide study tips. Some School of Creative and Performing Arts students methodically work through reference books, others enroll in online courses, or go to a test center for group or individual instruction. Check the counseling office bulletin board and parents of other juniors or seniors for more names of tutors. Princeton Review offers free or low cost practice tests throughout the school year.

PSAT/NMSQT (PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST)
The PSAT/NMSQT gives students an opportunity to take the type of test most colleges require as part of the application process. After it has been scored, students receive their actual test back so they learn from the experience. The PSAT/NMSQT score reports provide three different scores on a 20-to-80 scale, one each for critical reading skills, math skills, and writing skills. The average critical reading, math, and writing skill s score for juniors is about 49. The report also shows a Selection Index, ranging from 60 to 240. It is the sum of the three scores (CR + M + W). The average Selection Index for juniors is roughly 147.

Juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT are automatically considered for a National Merit Scholarship. For more information about this program, go to http://www.nationalmerit.org. Students register for the test in September, by paying $16 to the Financial Office. The PSAT will be administered at School of Creative and Performing Arts during the month of October. Look to the school newsletter or online counseling bulletin for the specific date.

SAT REASONING TEST (www.collegeboard.com)
More than 2 million high school students take the 3 hour and 45 minute SAT Reasoning test every year on one of 7 Saturday mornings. It is designed to measure the critical thinking skills you’ll need for academic success in college, including critical reading, math, and writing. Each of these three sections is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing sub scores for multiple-choice and the essay. The total SAT score is found by adding the three scores together. A perfect score is 2400.

Students can register for the test online or by mailing registration forms (available at the counseling office). Register early to get a preferred test site. Registration deadlines are generally a month before the test; find specific test information online at the web site above. Fee waivers are available for qualified students.

ACT TEST - AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (www.actstudent.org)
The ACT is another widely accepted college entrance exam. It has become increasingly common for students to take both the SAT Reasoning and ACT tests, then submit their best scores to colleges. According to its web site, the ACT assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice test covers English, mathematics, reading and science, with an optional writing test, which includes writing a short essay. The composite score ranges from 1 to 36 (high); there are 7 subscores ranging from 1 to 18.

The test is offered 6 times per year on Saturday mornings. Students can register by mail or online; fee waivers are available for qualified students. Again, we recommend you register early to secure preferred location.

SAT SUBJECT TESTS (www.collegeboard.com)
These one hour tests (three can be taken at one sitting) measure levels of accomplishment in a particular subject. 17 SAT Subject tests are offered in 5 subject areas. Costs vary depending on how many are taken.

English Literature, Foreign Language (Spanish), History and Social Science (US History and World History), Science (Biology Ecological/Molecular, Chemistry and Physics), and Mathematics (Level 1 and 2 (calculator required)).

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Sign up for “Official SAT Question of the Day” emails at 
www.CollegeBoard.com to become familiar with the test questions.

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When you take the AP’s, the PSAT, or SAT tests, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for the Student Search Service. If you check the appropriate box when you register, colleges will have access to your name, address, sex, birthday, school, grade level and possible academic major. They will not receive your score but will see what range you were in.

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Make sure you register on time for standardized tests. As things get busy at home and school, it can be easy to forget. DON’T!