In addition to grades and extra-curricular activities, most colleges require your child to either take the ACT, SAT I or both. These standardized assessment tests help admissions officers to predict your child’s academic performance for the first year in college. Depending on the college, ACT or SAT I score(s) could affect college acceptance, and may even help your child to qualify for academic scholarships. Keep in mind that your child must register to take these tests, and there are fees. Check with your child’s guidance counselor for upcoming dates and current fees. If your child needs scores by a certain date to qualify for a financial aid program and/or per a college’s requirements, be sure to schedule the test accordingly.
If your child would like help preparing for the test, some high schools offer test-prep classes at no charge, or for a minimal fee. Check with your child’s school for class availability and dates.
If unpleased with the results of the test, your child can take the test again to try to get a better score. Refer to your child’s college’s admissions criteria to find the minimum scores considered.
ACT
The ACT (American College Testing) tests general education development. The test is content-based, focusing on English, math, reading and science reasoning. A perfect score on the test is 36. To register for the ACT, have your child get an application from a guidance counselor, or call ACT at 319-337-1270 to have one sent. The deadline for registration is around five weeks before each test date. Your child should take a few #2 (HB) pencils, a calculator and a watch. Verification of registration and a valid photo I.D. are also required. Click here for more test-taking tips. Visit actstudent.org for current fees and dates for the ACT.
PSAT
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) is given as a practice test for the SAT. These two tests are similar in types of questions, though the PSAT is much shorter. In addition to providing good practice for the latter test, the PSAT may also be beneficial when applying for scholarships during your child’s junior year in high school—as it could determine eligibility. And although the results of the test don’t affect your child’s admission to college, colleges will receive the student names and scores to add to their mailing lists to send helpful college-planning information. To help your child prepare for the PSAT, visit collegeboard.com for current fees, dates and study tips.
SAT I
The SAT I Test measures critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with sections focused on math, vocabulary and reading comprehension. A perfect score on the test is 1600. To register for the SAT I, have your child get an application from a guidance counselor, or call the Education Testing Service at 609-771-7600 to have one sent. The deadline for registration is around five weeks before each test date. Your child should take a few #2 (HB) pencils, a calculator and a watch. Verification of registration and a valid photo I.D. are also required. Click here for more test-taking tips. Visit collegeboard.com for current fees and dates for the SAT I.
Prairie State Achievement Examination
The Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) is a standardized exam given by the Illinois State Board of Education. It is a free, mandatory exam for all Illinois public high school children to be taken the second semester of their junior year. The test measures writing skills, science knowledge and social science knowledge. Have your child check with a high school counselor to find out about taking this test. Click here to learn more about the PSAE.
|
