Testing
Sharpen your pencils.
Colleges need a way to compare students from across the country
that attend different high schools with varying standards. The
way they do so is through standardized test scores.
We realize you've spent the better half of your time studying
and taking tests. But none will be as important as your college
admission and placement test(s). Colleges use these test scores
to help determine admission. And while it's just one of the
many tools used to determine your acceptance, the results are
important.
Below, we have listed two standardized tests that you need to
consider: the ACT and the SAT.
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ACT
The best indication of how you will do in college is a measure
of how well you can perform the skills necessary for college
coursework. The ACT Assessment measures these skills in English,
mathematics, reading and science reasoning. These areas are
tested because they include the major areas of instruction in
most high school and college programs.
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Preparing
Take the sample ACT test provided in the registration
packet. In addition, sample questions and explanations
of correct answers can be found on the ACT website, www.act.org
Knowing what to expect on the test day will allow you
to feel comfortable and will improve your chances for
performing better.
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Choosing a Test Date
The earlier you take the test, the better. Ideally, you should take the ACT in the spring of your junior year. Taking the test earlier allows you the opportunity to retake it if you are unhappy with your scores and still be able to meet admission and scholarship deadlines.
For current test dates and registration
deadlines visit
http://www.actstudent.org/regist/currentdates.html
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SAT
The SAT is a three-hour, primarily multiple-choice test that
measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that develop
over time. SAT test scores help you to compare your reasoning
abilities and academic strengths with those of students who
take these tests each year. They can help you decide if you
need to take additional courses or do more independent studying
to succeed in college.
Find out if the colleges you're interested in require the SAT
by contacting the admissions offices or by searching online
at www.collegeboard.com
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Preparing
Now that you've decided to take the test you need to prepare.
Just as you wouldn't run a race without training first,
you shouldn't take a test without studying. You can pick
up preparation materials in your school guidance office
or by visiting College Board Online. These materials will
tell you several things:
- How the test is organized, timed and scored
- How to prepare and test-taking tips
- The types of test questions, with samples
of each type
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Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
For
current test dates and registration deadlines visit
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html |
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