PSAT/SAT/ACT Information
PSAT and SAT Updates for 2021-2022
The PSAT will take place on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022. The PSAT is offered, free of charge to 10th and 11th graders during the school day. The best part (besides the price?)..you are already signed up! You will receive your room and proctor assignments on Monday, October 10th, and all testing will start and end during normal school hours. In the meantime, please access these resources:
The SAT will take place on Wednesday, March 1st during the school day. All 11th graders are pre-registered for this test. More information will be available closer to the testing date.
For more information on which colleges aren’t requiring SAT scores - FairTest Links to an external site.
Why take the PSAT?
It is great practice for taking the SAT
Links to an external site., with similar question types and content
It can qualify you for scholarship programs
Links to an external site.
After the test, you can get a free, tailored practice program for the SAT through Khan Academy
Links to an external site. and free access to the Roadmap to Careers
Links to an external site. online tool from Roadtrip Nation to explore
Students will receive a guidebook about the PSAT in their Homerooms at the end of September. We also encourage students to create an account at CollegeBoard
Links to an external site. and to check out this online practice test:
PSAT Practice
Links to an external site.
What is the PSAT?
The Preliminary SAT (PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a test offered one time each fall, primarily to high school Sophomores and Juniors as a practice SAT and qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Yes, the PSAT can be taken by anyone but only Juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
For more information: CollegeBoard - PSAT Links to an external site.
What is the SAT?
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is one of the college entrance exams accepted by most colleges and universities. The test is offered several times a year and can be taken more than once. We recommend first taking the test in the spring of your Junior year and then again in the summer and/or fall of your Senior year if you feel it is needed.
Upcoming Test Dates and Deadline: CollegeBoard SAT Links to an external site.
What is the ACT?
The American College Test (ACT) is also a widely recognized college entrance exam. It is also offered multiple times per year. We recommend taking at least one of these tests your Junior year and another one in fall of your Senior year, if necessary.
Upcoming Test Dates and Deadlines: ACT Links to an external site.
Free Online Test Prep:
Khan Academy Links to an external site.
March2Success Links to an external site.
Which Test Should You Take?
See the chart below from the Princeton Review to determine the test that is most suitable for you. Keep in mind that both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions decisions and awarding merit-based scholarships. Most colleges do not prefer one test over the other. Neither the SAT or ACT is harder than the other. Different students tend to do better on one test over the other.
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Why Take It |
Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. |
Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. |
| Test Structure |
|
|
| Length |
|
|
| Reading |
5 reading passages |
4 reading passages |
| Science | None |
1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) |
| Math |
Covers:
|
Covers:
|
| Calculator Policy |
Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator. |
You can use a calculator on all math questions. |
| Essays | Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. | Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. |
| How It's Scored | Scored on a scale of 400–1600 | Scored on a scale of 1–36 |