Tips & Resources | Standardized Tests

Tips & Resources | Standardized Tests

SAT 2008-9 test dates:

Next SAT: November 1, 2008 (late registration deadline October 10)
December 6, 2008 (registration deadline November 5)
Register here

The calendar for the SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests is posted here. If the colleges to which you are applying require Subject Tests, you can check this listing of subjects and dates to help you plan accordingly.

The College Board recently announced that it will offer score choice (similar to the ACT) for all of their tests, beginning with the class of 2010. Rather than sending a cumulative report showing all test results, you will soon have the option to select only specific test date results to send to your colleges.

ACT 2008-9 test dates:

Next ACT: October 25, 2008 (registration deadline has passed, standby only)
December 13, 2008 (registration deadline November 7)
Register here

The calendar for the 2008-2009 ACT test dates is now available here. You might consider taking a mock ACT at a nearby test center to determine if this is a better test for you, as most colleges will accept either the ACT (with or without writing, depending on the college) or the SAT. Some exceptions will occur, so check the colleges on your list to determine specific testing requirements.

No Tests Required: Go to Fairtest.org if you are interested in a listing of colleges and universities where standardized tests are optional.
To compare your ACT and SAT scores, use this concordance table to determine which is a better test for you.
Explore this list of colleges, where the submission of SAT/ACT scores is optional.
The new SAT Writing section still has limited importance at many schools as the results have not yet been correlated to performance in future college writing courses. Learn more about the current value of these scores.
In addition to the SAT Reasoning Test, some colleges will require two SAT subject tests. Check the website for the colleges on your list to learn more about these requirements. The June date is best for subject tests as you will have had the most exposure to those subjects offered. Read more here to determine which tests might be best for you. Also note that many schools accept the ACT with writing in lieu of the SAT plus subject tests, but make sure to confirm this so that you don't miss any testing requirements. For a list of colleges that do not require any standardized tests, go to this link for an advanced search.
As you finalize your testing plans, it's time to decide whether the ACT or the SAT is a better test for you to take. Read about the differences between these two tests here , and consider taking a mock test to compare your scores so you can focus on one or the other. This comparison table can help you compare your results. If you have a PSAT and/or a PLAN score, these can also help in the comparison.
Are you an auditory learner? Think about this fun approach to learning vocabulary words while listening to music: Rock the SAT. Listen to NPR's story on this innovative tool.
Juniors who took the PSAT in October should be receiving their scores soon from their high schools. This will be a useful tool as you start building your college lists for visits in the winter or spring.
Most colleges will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and in some cases the ACT can replace both the SAT Reasoning and Subject tests. Consider taking a practice SAT and ACT to determine which test is best for you by using a comparison table. Check the admissions pages of the colleges on your list to establish the test requirements and factor this into your testing plans. You can review a list of schools that do not use the SAT I or ACT scores for evaluating students here.
Consider taking some SAT subject tests if the colleges to which you are applying require them. Subject tests are one hour each, and a maximum of three can be taken on a test date. Take a look at which tests are given on each test date as some are only offered a few times a year.
A good time to take SAT subject tests (previously known as the SAT IIs) is June 3rd. In addition, you may consider taking a subject test at the end of the academic year in which you have taken the course, (for example, freshman year for those taking biology that year). Subject tests are one hour each, and a maximum of three can be taken on a test date. Take a look at which tests are given on each test date as some are only offered a few times a year. If you are not sure which tests to take, click here for the specific test and download some sample questions. Many colleges, including those in the University of California system, will be requiring SAT subject tests. Advance planning can really help ease the pressure if these tests are required.
Now that the SAT reasoning test includes a writing section, many colleges are changing their requirements for the SAT subject tests. Some colleges will still require these test, while others will only recommend them, or use them only if submitted, or not require them at all. Be sure to check the admissions websites at your colleges to confirm which tests will be needed if you are applying next fall. Many colleges have decided to accept the ACT with writing in lieu of the SAT reasoning plus subject tests, which may be good news for some students.

Read more to understand which test might be better for you.
Take a sample of each and see how you score, and then compare your scores using this table
Explore this updated list of colleges that have made test submissions optional.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for these tests.
In a landmark 20-year study of its policy for optional SATs for admission, Bates College has found no differences in academic performance or graduation rates between submitters and non-submitters of standardized test scores. As a result of this study and in conjunction with internal college data from a number of schools, many colleges have started dropping their standardized test requirements for applicants. Explore this updated list of colleges that have made test submissions optional. Listen to an interview on NPR for more details on the Bates study.
Many colleges will be collecting scores for the writing portion of the SAT but will not be using it for admission purposes. Admission deans across the country are taking a wait-and-see approach as they evaluate the writing results of admitted students over the next few years. Some colleges will be requesting copies of the student's written essay from the SAT test for review, and may or may not choose to use the actual score. Colleges and universities will be using the writing portion of the new SAT in a number of ways: 1) as a comparison to students' application essays, 2) for data analysis as they gather the writing scores and assess the results over the next few years, and 3) for evaluation as an admissions tool. One thing is clear from the admissions staff with whom we have spoken: there is little agreement as to weight that will be given to this new section. Overall, colleges will continue to rely more on the reading and math portions.
Sign up for the SAT Question of the Day and have it e-mailed to you directly. Get samples of ACT tests to help you prepare. Read more for tips and sample PSAT questions for the October test for juniors.
It is best to have testing completed before launching into college applications in the Fall. This will allow time in the Fall to retake any tests and will reduce the pressure during the application season.Read more about how to assess these various options.
Some students perform better on the ACT test and most colleges accept either the ACT or SAT. If you choose to take the ACT, you should sign up for the optional writing portion as many colleges are going to ask for it. Here is more information to help you determine which test is best for you.
If you are gearing up for AP tests remember many colleges are changing their policies on earning credit, using it for admissions and placement rather than credit. Read more.
We recently attended the ACT workshop for counselors and learned about a new resource for students: www.actstudent.org. Registration is now available online for the ACT test, including the writing test.
Register for Standardized Tests SAT (www.collegeboard.com) and ACT (www.act.org)
Juniors can prepare for the SAT with a recently released book of practice tests from the College Board, The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT. This book includes eight practice tests with estimated scores. Learn which colleges will be requiring the writing test as part of their application.
10 Real SATs, a great way to take practice SAT test