College admission tests supplement the secondary school record to help admission counselors put local data – such as coursework, grades, and class rank – in a national perspective. The SAT and ACT are two national admission tests used by colleges for this purpose.
Handout: Where will your scores take you 2012
SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE THE SAT OR ACT?
Students should consult the institutions to which they are applying to determine which tests are required for admission. Either the SAT or the ACT is required for admission to all University System of Georgia universities and colleges (and many private universities and colleges). Students planning to attend college should take the SAT, ACT, or both by the spring of the junior year. Because research indicates that many students perform quite differently on the ACT and SAT, it may benefit students to take both tests or a PRA Exam to determine which test they may score higher on.
Handout: SAT v ACT 2012
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE?
- Test Preparation companies such Princeton Review offer test preparation courses for a fee.
- Free practice test booklets are available from the Guidance Office
- SAT and ACT preparation books are available for check-out from the Media Center.
- Several websites offer free resources online.
HOW DO STUDENTS REGISTER?
Students can register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.com or the ACT at www.act.org.
CAMBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CODE : 112129
WHEN ARE THE TEST DATES AND REGISTRATION DEADLINES?
WHAT ARE SAT SUBJECT TESTS?
The SAT Subject Tests measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, and your ability to apply that knowledge. The SAT Subject Tests are the only national admissions tests that give you the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of content in specific subjects, such as English, history, mathematics, science, and various foreign languages. Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. These tests give you and colleges a very reliable measure of how prepared you are for college-level work in particular subjects. Used in combination with other background information (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a dependable measure of your academic achievement and are a good predictor of future college performance in specific subject areas. The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do. All SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, multiple-choice tests. For more detailed information, including recommended preparation, anticipated skills, test format, sample questions, and more, visit the Subject Tests Preparation Center.
Which SAT Subject Tests should you take?
Before deciding which tests to take, make a list of the colleges you’re considering. Then review school catalogs, College Search Engines, or College Handbooks to find out whether the schools require scores for admission and, if so, how many tests and in which subjects. Use your list of colleges and their admission requirements to help plan your high school course schedule. You may want to adjust your schedule in light of colleges’ requirements. For example, a college may require a score from a SAT Subject Test in a language for admission, or the college might exempt you from a freshman course requirement if you do well on a language SAT Subject Test. Many colleges that don’t require SAT Subject Test scores will still review them since they can give a fuller picture of your academic background.
When should you take SAT Subject Tests?
Most students take SAT Subject Tests toward the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year. Take tests such as World History, Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics as soon as possible after completing the course in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind. If you take such courses in your freshman or sophomore year, and you are eligible for fee waivers, you can request a fee waiver to test before your junior year. For foreign language tests, you’ll do better after at least two years of study.
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