Testing

(Click here for free resources to study for the ACT & SAT test)

 Standardized testing is a necessary part of the college application process. Colleges look at the results from  the SAT and ACT tests when considering a student for admission.

Students will have the opportunity to take a live practice SAT called the PSAT during their freshmen, sophomore and junior years in October. The test is free for juniors & sophomores and is considered a practice test. Juniors will pay (free if they have free or reduce lunch) to take the test and the scores from the test will be considered for National Merit Scholarship eligibility.

The PSAT is given at Mater Academy during the school day. Juniors who are eligible for free/reduced lunch may receive a fee waiver for the test. Juniors’ scores will be considered for National Merit Scholarships. Test results will be sent to the school and distributed to students through the CAP Office. PSAT’s are not considered for college admissions.

Juniors should plan to take the SAT and ACT at least once in the later part of the year if they have completed or are currently taking Algebra II. Colleges/universities accept the highest (composite) score from the ACT or SAT. Test scores will be sent to the students.

Students taking AP courses should consider taking the SAT Subject Tests during the same year the course is completed if the prospective college/university requires these tests. Don’t overwhelm yourself by waiting until your senior year to take them all.

During online registration for the SAT and ACT and again on the test day, students will be allowed to request that their scores be sent to a limited number of colleges/universities for free.

It is very important to PREPARE for the SAT and ACT!! The tests are long and difficult exams. Many preparation resources are available through public libraries,our school library, community colleges and schools and private companies.

Register for the SAT online:

 

Register for the ACT online:

 

Our School's CEB, or School Code is: 100838

 

IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH, SEE YOUR CAP ADVISOR FOR FEE WAIVERS FOR TESTING AND COLLEGE APPLICATION FEES!!!

 

SAT vs. ACT: How do the Tests Compare?

What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? They’re both standardized tests and they both factor into the college admissions process. To learn about the differences between the two tests and how they compare, take a look at the chart below.

 

		SAT	ACT
	When is it administered?	Seven times per year	Six times per year
	What is the test structure?	Ten-section exam: Three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing,	Four-section exam: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning.
	What is the test content?	Math: up to 9th grade basic geometry and Algebra II. Science: none. Reading: sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension. Writing: an essay, and questions testing grammar, usage, and word choice.	Math: up to trigonometry. Science: charts, experiments. Reading: four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science. English: stresses grammar.
	Is there a penalty for wrong answers?	Yes	No
	How is the test scored?	200-800 per section, added together for a combined score. A 2400 is the highest possible combined score.	1-36 for each subject, averaged for a composite score. A 36 is the highest possible composite score.
	Are there other uses for the exams?	Scholarship purposes.	Scholarship purposes.
	Best time to register?	At least six weeks before the test date	At least four weeks before the test date
	Interesting Facts	On average, students answer 50 to 60 percent of questions correctly. 80 percent finish nearly the entire test.  Almost all students complete at least 75 percent of the questions
	Need more information?	The College Board www.collegeboard.com	ACT, Inc.: (319) 337-1000 www.ACT.org