home page contact info MY CALENDAR NAVIGATION »
PSAT/SAT/ACT The PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT
What are they?

PSAT

What does the PSAT measure?

The PSAT measures skills in three basic academic areas important for success in college.

  • Critical reading questions assess students' abilities to draw inferences, synthesize information, distinguish between main and supporting ideas, and understand vocabulary as it is used in context.
  • Mathematics problem-solving questions deal with number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry and measurement; and data analysis, statistics, and probability.
  • Writing skills questions measure the ability to identify appropriate expressions in standard English, detect faults in usage and structure, choose effective revisions to sentences and paragraphs, and recognize appropriate writing strategies.

Why should I take the PSAT?

The PSAT gives feedback on your scores to help you prepare for the SATs.  Juniors who take the test can also qualify for scholarship money although that is a very small minority.

SAT

Quick Facts concerning the SAT

· 10 section exam (3 critical reading, 3 math, three writing and 1 experimental section that is masked to look like a “real section”)

· Math tests up to geometry & algebra II

· Critical reading includes sentence completions, short & long reading passages and reading comprehension

· 1/4 point deducted for wrong answers

· 200—800 points awarded per section for a maximum combined score of 2400

· Students can request a score report be sent to  specific colleges, but the report will include the scores for every SAT taken.

· Recommended that you register for SAT 6 weeks prior to the test date

· Administered 7 times per year (4 times at RSHS)

ACT

Quick Facts concerning the ACT

· 5 section exam (English, math, reading, science and optional writing sections)

· Math tests up to trigonometry

· Science includes charts and interpretations

· Reading includes four passages—one each of prose fiction, social science, humanities and natural science

· English stresses grammar

· Writing is one essay

· No penalty for wrong answers

· 1-36 points for each section, averaged together for a highest possible score of 36

· There is a score choice option where students can select both which schools receive their scores and which scores they receive.

· Recommended to register for the ACT 4 weeks prior to test date

· Given 6 times per year (often at Elkton High)

 WHICH ONE DO I TAKE?

 So which one do you take?  The SAT is typically more widely used and accepted on the East Coast; however, many schools in the mid-west and west coast have begun leaning more toward the ACT.  Some students fair better on the ACT than the SAT due to the format, but the tests are similar.

I would recommend taking both so you can maximize your options when it comes to your college applications; however, if you’re only up to taking one of the tests, take the SAT.  If you’re still unsure, check with the admissions office at the schools you’re applying to and see which test they prefer.

HOW DO I SIGN-UP?

 If you are interested in taking the SAT and/or the ACT the recommendation is that you sign up online.  If you think you are going to need to mail in your registration, you will need to make sure you visit the guidance office as soon as possible since we do not always have the paper copies available. For online registration use the websites listed below.

TEST FEES:

SAT—$45.00

ACT—$32 (without writing)/$47.50 (with writing)

TEST DATES:

They are always posted by the guidance office door.  We highlight the dates that the test is offered at Rising Sun High School.


 




Related Files

    pdf Understanding Your Score (pdf file)
    This document helps students put PSAT/NMSQT results into proper perspective to plan academically for high school and college.

    wmv PSAT Video (wmv file)
    Helps students interpret and use their score report, My College QuickStart, and other free resources to improve their academic skills, prepare for the SAT®, and plan for college.

NEED HELP DOWNLOADING:
pdf pdf file: You need Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 5 or higher) to view this file. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for PC or Macintosh.
WMV Windows wmv format for video

Related Links
    SATs
    Use this site to findo out more about the SATs, PSATs, and AP courses as well as to register to take the SATs.

    ACT
    Use this website to find out more about the ACTs as well as register for the test.

    PSAT Scores
    This is where you can find out more about your score report.

    College Quick Start
    This is where you can find out more about what College Quick Start is as well as how to sign up. You will need the number written in the upper right hand corner of your score report. They will also prompt you to create an account.

    SAT description
    Here is more information about the SATs which may be the next step for many of you.

    Score Report Case Study
    Explains a sample score report, section by section.

    Understanding PSAT Scores
    Contains information on PSAT/NMSQT percentiles, mean scores, score conversions, and skills.




Class of 2011 Website
Cecil County Public Schools
Rising Sun High School
100 Tiger Drive
North East, MD 21901