COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT):
Cost: Varies per test site (approximately $20.00)
Date: Second or Third week in October
Location: Decatur High School
The PSAT is a requirement for any student to qualify for National
Merit Scholarships (top one percent of the students in the nation). All juniors and sophomores pursuing college
upon graduation should take this test, however only juniors can qualify for
National Merit Scholarships. This is an excellent pretest for the SAT. The PSAT
is only offered once a year in October.
College Admission Testing (SAT and ACT):
Almost all four-year colleges require scores for either the ACT or SAT for admission and/or placement purposes. Most colleges will accept scores from either test; however, to determine if a college requires or prefers the SAT and/or the ACT, students should contact the college/university they are planning to attend or check the school’s course catalog or website for test requirements. The ACT and/or SAT can be taken by students as many times as they choose and in most cases, the colleges will use the student’s highest test score for admission. Students should take the ACT or SAT by the spring of their junior year. If students want to improve their scores, they can retake these tests in the fall of their senior year. It is recommended that students prepare for the tests by going over the study guide and taking at least one practice test. There are numerous materials available including books, classes, computer programs, etc. that will assist students with test preparation. The Career Center has the Princeton Review Book of sample tests that students may check out. Of course, the best preparation for these tests is following a strong college prep program in high school such as Decatur’s Advanced Placement classes.
American College Testing Assessment Program (ACT):
Cost: Approximately $29.00 (No Writing) $43.00 (Plus Writing)
Date: September through June
Location: Green River Community College
The ACT assessments are designed to assess each student’s general education development and ability to complete college level work. The ACT includes five tests of educational development and a Student Profile Section and Interest Inventory completed when students register for the assessment. The academic tests cover four curriculum-based, multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional 30-minute Writing Test. Two scores are reported for the optional Writing Test: A combined English/Writing score on a scale of 1 (low) to 36 (high) and a Writing subscore on a scale of 2 to 12. The ACT Writing assessment also provides comments about each student’s essays. Students can register for the ACT on-line at www.act.org or visit the Career Center for a registration packet to sign-up by mail.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I and II):
SAT Subject Tests
Basic registration fee $18.00
Language Test with Listening (add) $19.00
All other Subject Tests (add) $ 8.00 each
(All costs are approximate and subject to change)
Date: October
through June
Location: Varies
SAT I - Reasoning Test:
The SAT I is a reasoning test that measures how well students analyze and solve problems. It allows students to demonstrate to colleges what they have learned over many years, both in and out of high school. The SAT consists of three sections: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. The scores range from 200 (low) to 800 (high) for each section. The Critical Reading section is 70 minutes long with questions that focus on passage-based reading and sentence completions. The 70-minute Math section has questions that are a combination of multiple choice and student-produced responses. The 60-minute Writing section begins with an essay and ends with multiple-choice questions that assess the student’s ability to use language in a clear manner. The SAT provides an independent measure of the critical thinking skills that students will need to be successful at the college level. Students can register for the SAT on-line at www.collegeboard.com or pick up a registration packet in the Career Center to register by mail.
SAT II – Subject Tests:
The College Board offers a variety of SAT Subject Tests; each designed to measure students’ knowledge and skills in one subject area and the ability to apply that knowledge. Those colleges and universities requiring tests use them for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the test to be taken, but others allow applicants to choose those tests they feel most qualified to take. Students should find out the admission test requirements for each of the colleges they plan to apply to.
Tests are given in Literature, United States History, World History, Mathematics Level I, Mathematics level II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German, Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. These tests are given at selected test dates; usually at the same locations as the SAT I test.
Students will benefit most by taking the tests as soon as possible after completing the appropriate courses in that subject. A single fee allows students to take up to three tests on the date they are tested. Students may wish to take three tests in order to give a more complete picture of their abilities. The Career Center has additional information and review materials for all interested students. Students can register for the Subject Tests on-line at www.collegeboard.com or pick up applications in the Counseling Office or Career Center.
Reminder to students; There are two options for test registration:
School Code for test applications:
Decatur: 480395