//College Entrance Exams

College Bound Exams Suggested Testing Timeline by grade:
Sophomores: PSAT (October)
Juniors: PSAT (October)
SAT/ACT (May or June)
Seniors: SAT/ACT (October or November)
Fee waivers for both SAT and ACT are available to students meeting certain financial expectations. 
Please contact the Guidance Counselor. 

Register

SAT- Register at www.collegeboard.com 
ACT – Register at www.actstudent.org
SAT and ACT high school code: 030033

PSAT/NMSQT
PSAT/NMSQT is a practice test that is almost identical to the SAT college admissions test. The PSAT is offered in October. Unfortunately Primavera is not a testing site at this time. You can utilize this link https://psatordering.collegeboard.com/pno/public/search.do to locate schools near you to call and register for this test.

Juniors are recommended to take the PSAT in order to be familiar and more prepared for the SAT . It is also the qualifying test for juniors in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Sophomores also take the PSAT. Learn about the PSAT examination Get practice for the PSAT examination with interactive questions and responses.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is an aptitude test used by college admissions counselors in the selection process and is a requirement at most colleges. It consists of a math and verbal section. It is offered eight times per year nationally. Unfortunately Primavera Online High School is not a testing site at this time. Students may take the test at high school sites close to where they live. Generally we encourage juniors to take the test in May or June and seniors to take the test in October or November. Students may take the test on any test date. If the test is taken more than once, normally the best scores from each section are used by admissions counselors in the selection process. Sophomores also may take the SAT. Learn all about the SAT Connect to the SAT Preparation Center Subscribe to receive an SAT question of the day.

American College Test (ACT)
The American College Test (ACT) is an aptitude test used by college admissions counselors in the selection process and is a requirement at most colleges. It consists of math, verbal and science sections. It is offered five to six times per year nationally. Students may use calculators on the math sections. Unfortunately Primavera Online High School is not a test site so students must take the test at sites in other area schools near their homes. We encourage juniors to take the test in May and seniors to take the test in November. Sophomores may also take the ACT. Connect to the ACT home page for students and parents

Testing For College
ACT vs. SAT Both the ACT and the SAT are nationally administered standardized tests that help colleges evaluate candidates. Most colleges and universities accept either test. So as you begin to think about college and creating the best application package possible, your admissions plan should begin with the question, “Which test should I take?” When weighing your options, keep in mind that there are differences in test structure and the type of content assessed. Use the chart below to see which test makes the most of your strengths to help you determine which test might be best for you. The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. “Would you score better on the SAT or ACT.” use http://www.kaptest.com/satactpractice to compare the two test.

Please utilize www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org for the most comprehensive info on these tests. Contact your guidance counselor as well!

SAT/ACT Comparison Chart

 

SAT
ACT
When is the test administered?
Seven times per year.
Six times per year.
How is the test structured?
10 Sections: Three Critical Reading, three Math, three Writing, and one Experimental. The Experimental section is not scored and is masked to look like a regular section.
4 sections plus optional writing section English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning. The Writing section is optional. An Experimental section is added on certain dates only, and is not scored.
Is the test timed?
Yes
Yes
How long is the test?
3 hours, 45 minutes
3 hours, 25 minutes (including the 30-minute optional Writing Test)
What is the content of the test?
Math 54 Questions Number and Operations, Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Measurement, Data Analysis, Statistics and Probabiliy
Reading 67 Questions Extended Reasoning, Literal Comprehension, Vocabulary in context, Sentence completions
Writing 48 Questions Essay, Improving sentences, Identifying sentence errors, Improving paragraphs
Optional subject area tests available in english, history, matehematics, science and languages.
Math 60 Questions Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12.
Science 40 Questions Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences.
Reading 40 Questions Measures reading comprehension.
English 75 Questions Measures standard written English and retorical skills.
Writing (optional) Writing skills, idea organization in entry level college courses.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
Yes. ¼ point subtracted for each wrong answer (except for Math Grid-In questions).
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 all scores sent to
schools?
Yes. If a student requests a score report be sent to specific colleges, the report will include the scores the student received on every SAT taken.
NEW—Beginning with the Class of 2010, you decide which test score is sent.
No. There is a “Score Choice” option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the schools will see.
What is the cost of the test?
$45
$32 for the ACT (no writing)
$47 for the ACT plus Writing
Are there other uses for
the test?
Scholarship purposes.
Scholarship purposes. Certain statewide testing programs.
When is the best time to
Register for the test?
At least six weeks before the test date
At least four weeks before the test date
Test Contact Information
The College Board
1-866-756-7346collegeboard.com
ACT, Inc.
1-319-337-1000actstudent.org

 

Fee waivers for both SAT and ACT are available students meeting certain financial expectations. Please contact the Guidance Counselor.