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"By failing to prepare, we prepare to fail." -John Wooden
Taking the ACT or SAT?
The ACT and SAT are college entrance exams that all students should plan on taking during their Junior or Senior year of high school. For students graduating in 2012 and each class thereafter, the SAT, ACT, or Compass exam taken by the end of 11th grade is a graduation requirement.
"What if I'm not planning to go to college?" Taking one of these tests is still a good idea. You can't predict the future and if you do ever decide to go back to school, it's nice to have already taken one of these exams. Your score will be higher if you take the test now than if you wait even one year.
"Which test do I take?" It depends on where you would like to go to college. Many colleges and universities will accept scores from either exam, but it really depends. It's best to check with the college or university you plan to attend before you take the test.
"What if I get a bad score?" You may take the ACT and the SAT as many times as you like. Colleges will always consider your highest score even if it's not the most recent.
"Should I take the optional Writing test on the ACT?" Some colleges require the Writing test, others do not. You should decide whether or not to take the writing test based on the requirements of the colleges you are considering applying to.
"How do I register to take one of these tests?" You may register on-line or by picking up a registration packet from your high school counselor.
For upcoming test dates, registration deadlines, and/or to register for the ACT, please visit: www.actstudent.org
For upcoming test dates, registration dealines, and/or to register for the SAT, please visit: www.satcollegeboard.com/home
Here are a few more facts about these exams:
ACT:
Subjects: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional)
Cost: $32 (without the optional writing portion) or $47 (with writing portion)
Scoring: 1-36 (composite)
Points are only given for correct answers and no points are taken off for wrong answers. Guess if you don't know the answer!
SAT:
Subjects: Critical Reading, Mathematics, Writing
Cost: $45.00 (reasoning test)
Scoring: SAT 200-800 (each subject)
Points are given for the correct answers and taken away for the wrong answers.
General Test Taking Tips
Take a practice test so you know what to expect.
Get plenty of rest the night before the test.
Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test.
Dress comfortably and be prepared for the test center to be too hot or too cold.
Be sure you know where the testing center is and how to get there and leave the
house earlier than you think.
Remember to bring: your admission ticket, identification, calculator, pencils, and
a snack.
Pace yourself so you have enough time to answer every question.
Read the directions thoroughly!
Review your work if you finish early.
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