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In addition to high school academic records, most colleges
use either the ACT or SAT I (or both) standardized test results
for acceptance and placement. It is, therefore, important that
your student considers taking at least one of these tests.
You may also find it beneficial to take one or more of the
other available tests for a number of reasons:
1.
2.
3.
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They give students the chance to practice
taking this kind of test, thereby providing an opportunity
for better scores on the more important exams.
They may provide an opportunity for additional scholarships. Good scores
on some tests may cause colleges to offer scholarships as an enticement
to enroll in their institution. Independent programs, such as National
Merit, also base their awards on some of the earlier tests.
They can be used to provide direction for your student by showing both
his strengths and weaknesses, and his career possibilities.
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Students should prepare both long-term and short-term for
college tests. Long-term preparation can include taking courses
which provide the foundational skills tested on these exams.
Courses like Algebra 1, geometry, and college vocabulary,
though not all requirements for either high school graduation
or college entrance, can be beneficial because they teach
the kinds of information needed for the ACT and SAT.
Short-term preparation includes familiarizing yourself with the tests and
taking practice exams. Most registration booklets have a sample test in
the back. You can also purchase study guides from bookstores which include
several practice tests and other helps. Video cassettes and computer software
materials are available from both ACT and the College Board (SAT).
Last-minute cramming is not part of sensible preparation; it rarely boosts
your scores.
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CLASS has arranged, in connection with The Princeton Review, to offer ACT and SAT online preparation courses—each at a $75 discount. This offer is for students enrolled in either the CLASS Plan or Family Plan. Enrollment and participation in these courses is handled entirely by The Princeton Review. To receive your test prep discount, enroll on The Princeton Review using the promo code CLASS75 at check out in the field labeled Promo Code.
Not sure where to start? Take a FREE full-length practice test without affecting your record and see how you score. Sign up HERE.
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You can retake the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II. Scores, however,
generally improve only if one or more of the following is
true:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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You were physically ill while you
took the test.
You were affected by some strong emotional reaction, such as extreme nervousness
or “test anxiety.”
You misunderstood the test directions.
You incorrectly recorded your answers.
You had never taken this type of test before and you believe that the test
format and/or administration procedures hindered your performance.
You do not believe the scores truly represented your abilities.
One or more areas of the test covered coursework that you had not yet studied.
One of the major areas tested was one that you had not pursued in over
a year, but have now recently studied.
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Most colleges will use the student’s highest test
scores, whether from the first or last test. Some will use
the highest score from each section of each test, regardless
of when the tests were taken.
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The school code for the Christian Liberty Academy School System,
which applies to all current college testing, is: 140–094
Be sure to request that an official copy of your completed test results be mailed
to CLASS for your permanent records if you are enrolled in the CLASS Plan.
Following are brief descriptions of each major test currently used for college
preparation and placement, as well as for career planning. All tests offered
by the American College of Testing are listed first, followed by those offered
by the College Board. For more detailed information, check the materials printed
by the respective testing companies.
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EXPLORE is a test offered by the American College of Testing.
Its purpose is to prepare eighth and ninth grade students
for both upcoming high school coursework and post-high school
choices. Parents and students may also find it useful for
high school educational planning and career exploration.
This test measures four areas of ability: English, mathematics,
reading, and science. Contact your local junior high school
for test dates.
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The ACT Assessment is designed to assess a student’s
readiness for college level work. It is offered five times
(six in some states) throughout the year. This test measures
a student’s
English, mathematics, reading, and science skills through
a multiple-choice format. It also includes an optional writing
test.
Test length is 3–3½ hours in length (the optional writing
test is a half hour long). It should be taken during
the eleventh or early twelfth grade.
The NCAA
Clearinghouse also uses this test for initial eligibility consideration.
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The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a two hour and ten
minute test, preparatory to the SAT, that is offered once
a year (in October) by
the College Board. Its purpose is to give an early indication
of a student’s readiness for college by measuring his
general verbal, math, and writing abilities. The National
Merit Scholarship Corporation also uses this test for scholarship
consideration; however, you must take this test in your junior
year to be considered by National Merit.
This test is only offered at local public or independent
high schools. If you wish to take this test, contact your
local school principal
or counselor to make the appropriate arrangements. Contact
should be made in June (prior to summer vacation) to ensure
proper registration.
When filling out the basic information on the answer
sheet, be sure to use CLASS’ school
code, not your
state’s code for independent home schoolers.
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The SAT I is a 3¾ hour test designed
to assess a student’s
readiness for college level work. The College Board offers
it six to seven times a year. It measures a student’s
critical reading, math reasoning, and writing abilities through
multiple choice, student answer, and short essay formats.
This test is usually taken during the eleventh or early twelfth grade.
The NCAA Clearinghouse also uses this test for initial eligibility consideration.
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The SAT II is a collection of subject tests that are designed
to evaluate a student’s knowledge and how well that
knowledge can be applied. Each test is one hour in length.
A student may take up to three exams per test date. Many
colleges use one or more of these tests for course placement
and/or admission—check with your potential colleges
to see if any are either required or recommended.
The SAT II is offered six times a year, though not all tests are offered
on each date (some subjects are tested only once or twice each year). All
tests are multiple choice. There are currently twenty subject tests which
fall into five categories: English, mathematics, history and social sciences,
science, and languages. These tests should be taken during the eleventh
or early
twelfth
grades,
or soon after a student has completed all courses involving a specific
subject.
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Advanced Placement Exams are tests designed to measure
your knowledge in college-level coursework. They provide
an opportunity to earn academic credit or advanced standing
at most colleges and universities. There are thirty-four
exams in nineteen subject areas. The exams are usually given
in May.
Students are not required to take an AP course prior to the exam; independent
study is acceptable. If you do not take an AP course, you must contact
AP Services before March 1st for a listing of the local AP Coordinators
at whose schools a test can be arranged.
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The College-Level Examination Program allows students to
test out of specific undergraduate college courses and earn
academic credit for them.
Currently, there are 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or award advanced
standing for these exams. However, exam availability, test dates, and the
amount of academic credit awarded varies by college. To obtain these details,
you will need to contact the institution you wish to attend.
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You should be able to obtain test registration materials
from a local high school (or junior high school in the case
of the earlier tests), or possibly from your library. You
can also register for some tests online at the respective
testing organization. If you are unable to obtain the necessary
information, contact the testing services directly.
All ACT test information can be obtained from their national office; the
same registration packets are used nationwide. Tests offered by the College
Board, however, must be ordered through a regional office because their
registration packets vary by region. The national office should only be
contacted if you have questions that your regional office cannot answer
or if you need to take the test overseas. Contact information is listed
below.
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The materials you should request:
for the ACT...
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Preparing for the ACT
ACT Registration Packet
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for the SAT...
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SAT Preparation Booklet
Taking the SAT Reasoning Test
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ACT Registration
P.O. Box 414
Iowa City, Iowa 52243–0414
(319) 337–1270 Registration
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ACT Test Administration and Accommodations
301 ACT Drive, P.O. Box 168
Iowa City, IA 52243-0168
(319) 337–1000 General Information
(319) 337–1270 Testing Outside the U.S.
(319) 337–1332 ACT Preparation & ACT Store
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The College Board
45 Columbus Avenue
New York, New York 10023–6992
(212) 713–8000
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The College Board
Middle States Regional Office
Three Bala Plaza East
Suite 501
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: 866-392-3019
Fax: 610-227-2580
Email: msro@collegeboard.org
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The College Board
Southern Regional Office
3700 Crestwood Pkwy NW
Suite 700
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 866-392-4088
Fax: 770-225-4062
Email: sro@collegeboard.org
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The College Board
Midwestern Regional Office
8700 West Bryn Mawr Ave
Suite 900N
Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: 866-392-4086
Fax: 847-653-4528
Email: mro@collegeboard.org |
The College Board
Southwestern Regional Office
4330 Gaines Ranch Loop
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78735
Phone: 866-392-3017
Fax: 512-721-1841
Email: swro@collegeboard.org
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The College Board
New England Regional Office
1601 Trapelo Road
Suite 12
Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: 866-392-4089
Fax: 781-663-2743
Email: nero@collegeboard.org
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The College Board
Western Regional Office
2001 Gateway Place
Suite 220W
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: 866-392-4078
Fax: 408-367-1459
Email: wro@collegeboard.org
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The College Board International
45 Columbus Avenue
New York, New York 10023
Phone: (212) 373-8738x
Email: internatl@collegeboard.org
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The American College of Testing and the College Board provide
options for students with documented hearing, visual, physical,
or learning disabilities. For information, contact them directly
at:
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Sunday testing is available for students who request it
for religious reasons. For information, contact SAT or ACT
directly. |
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