Standardized Testing
Testing Requirements
Testing requirements vary from college to college, so it is important that you are aware of the testing requirements for all the colleges on your list. Today, most colleges accept either the SAT I or ACT, and most colleges will take the highest scores from different test dates. However, specific testing requirements vary from college to college. It is important that you are aware of the testing requirements for all the schools that you are considering. Contact each college or visit all of their web sites to be sure that you know what is required and when.
We recommend that students try both the SAT I and ACT during the 11th grade year, then retake the one on which you do the best during fall of 12th grade. Some colleges (mostly out of state) make standardized test results optional; visit the website www.fairtest.org for details.
WHAT ARE THE SAT AND ACT TESTS?
The following descriptions were taken directly from the ACT (www.actstudent.org) and College Board (www.collegeboard.com) websites and other publications:
ACT Assessment - The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests in : English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. ACT also offers an optional 30 - minute essay writing test. Some colleges require the writing portion. It is your responsibility to know whether or not the colleges you are applying to require the writing section of the ACT. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete with breaks (or just over four hours if you are taking the Writing Test.)
Scores on each ACT Assessment test range from 1-36, and the composite score is the average of the four subtests. The national average ACT composite score is 21; John Carroll Catholic High School's average for the Class of 2006 was approximately 22.16. The optional writing test, which is graded on a 2 (lowest) - 12 (highest) scale, does not affect the composite score.
ACT TEST DATES 2008-2009
Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration
June 7, 2008 May 6, 2008 May 15,, 2008
September 13, 2008 August 12, 2008 August 13-22, 2008
October 25, 2008 September 19, 2008 Sept 20- Oct 3, 2008
December 13, 2008 November 7, 2008 November 8-20, 2008
February 7, 2009 January 6, 2009 January 7 - 16, 2009
SAT TEST DATES 2008-2009
October 4, 2008 September 9, 2008 September 16, 2008
November 1, 2008 September 26, 2008 October 10, 2008
December 6, 2008 November 5, 2008 November 18, 2008
January 24, 2009 December 26, 2008 January 6, 2009
March 14, 2009 February 10, 2009 February 24, 3009
May 2, 2009 March 31, 2009 April 9, 2009
June 6, 2009 May 5, 2009 May 15, 2009
SAT I Reasoning Test - The SAT I Reasoning Test is a 3 hour and 45-minute test that measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that students have developed over time and that they need to be successful in college. The SAT consists of ten sections, including a 25-minute essay, each timed separately. The essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10-minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The five other 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20-minute sections. Test takers sitting next to each other in the same testing session may have test books with entirely different sections.
In addition, there is one 25-minute unscored section, known as the variable or equating section. This unscored section may be either a critical reading, math, or multiple-choice writing section. This unscored section does not count toward the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the test.
Each section of the test will be scored using a scale of 200-800. The new writing test will also be scored using a scale of 200-800. Two subscores will be given for the writing section: a multiple-choice subscore on a scale of 20-80, and an essay subscore, on a scale of 2-12.
SAT II: Subject Tests - "Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure students' knnowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as their ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects like English, history, mathematics, science, and language. The tests are independent of any particular textbook or method of instruction. The tests' content evolves to reflect current trends in high school currucula, but the types of questions change little from year to year. Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or placement; other allow applicants to choose which tests to take."
Some colleges require SAT II: Subject Tests in addition to the SAT I, but many will accept the ACT in lieu of SAT I and SAT II: Subject Tests. Contact each college you are interested in to find out its policy. If your colleges require that you take the SAT II tests, it is helpful to study for them and to take them as soon as possible after completing the appropriate courses. Scores on SAT II Subject Tests range from 200-800.
Registering and Taking Standardized Tests - Registration for any and all the tests you plan to take is your responsibility. Registration deadlines are important and are well ahead of the test dates. All upcoming test dates are available online at the ACT website (www.actstudent.org) or the College Board website (www.collegeboard.com). You are encouraged to register online at these same websites because the process is faster and you will be more likely to receive your preferred test center; however, the test companies send a limited number of paper registration packets to the counseling office.
Juniors should take the ACT and /or SAT I on one of the spring test dates. As you plan, take into account factors such as athletic commitments, family travel, and any other obligations you might have. When you plan a sequence of testing, consider the following:
*Some colleges require or recommend particular SAT II Subject Tests. Find out from the colleges on your list if any SATII : Subject Tests are required or recommended.
*You cannot take SAT I and SAT II Subject Tests on the same day. You can take up to three SAT II Subject Tests on the same day.
*Some colleges will accept the ACT in lieu of SAT I and II Subject Tests.
You need to know your high school code (CEEB code); this code is used for SAT and ACT tests registration as well as many other college and scholarship applications. John Carroll's school code is 010-370.
REPORTING YOUR SCORES - Most in-state colleges in Alabama will accept test scores that are listed on official school transcripts. If you include the school's CEEB school code when you reister, your socres will be sent to your high school, and we can include them on your transcript. However, many out-of-state colleges require students to have official score reports sent directly from the testing agency, so you must request that your scores be sent to the colleges of your choice. You may send your scores to several colleges for no extra fee if you request this when you register for the tests. To request additional score reports, you must contact the testing agencies and pay a fee.
NON-STANDARD TESTING- Both the SAT and ACT are offered in different forms or with extended time to accommodate students with learning differences or disabilities. If you currently qualify for and receive services from your school's Special Education program, you may qualify for non-standard testing accommodations. You must have a current IEP or 504 on file. Testing can not be older than 3 years for the ACT and 5 years for the SAT. You must also be taking advantage of your accommodations in the classroom to be able to have an extended time on these tests. Contact your counselor for information on how to apply for special testing/accommodations. A variety of documentation is required, and the process can take several months, so start two or three months ahead of the deadline for the test that you wish to take. Please note: ACT and the College Board determine which students may be granted non-standard testing: John Carroll has no control over this process.
TEST PREPARATION - If you are disciplined and take the time to practice, your standardized test scores will likely improve. There are many resources available, some for a fee and others that are free. John Carroll offers test prep classes and mailings with details will be sent to juniors and seniors.
Take advantage of free test preparation programs in the community! Local publice libraries and school media centers offer books and software. Sample test questions can be found at both the ACT and College Board web sites (www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.com). Finally, while the best test preparation is a lifelong process of reading and doing well in school, intensive test preparation courses are most effective when taken just before the exam.
Before you take any test, be sure to get enough sleep and to eat a good breakfast. Leave plenty of time to get to the test center safely so that you are not rushed. Take a small snack, such as a granola bar, with you to eat during a break.