Testing

Below is a brief description of the standardized tests that colleges and universities use to evaluate a student’s base knowledge and proficiency in various subjects. Test scores are just one of many factors considered by admissions representatives. The best predictor for applicants’ success is the combination of their high school grades and test scores. For testing dates, registration, and more information, please click on the appropriate links below:

PLAN
A "pre-ACT" test, PLAN is administered during the school day during a student’s freshman year. There are four components to the test: English, mathematics, reading, and science. PLAN is a predictor of success on the ACT. The test helps students measure their current academic achievement as well as explore potential career/training options.

PRELIMINARY SAT/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST (PSAT/NMSQT)
The PSAT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. The test measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills and writing skills. It is administered during the school day during both the sophomore and junior years at Whitefield Academy. Juniors who score in the top percentages nationwide may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. High scorers are notified through their schools that they have qualified as either a Commended Student or Semifinalist. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and other requirements. All winners are chosen from the Finalist group, based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments–without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. The National Merit Scholarship program awards single payment scholarships of $2500 to state finalists based on scores. Winners are awarded without consideration of financial circumstances or college choice.

For more information on the PSAT, click here: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html.

For more information about the National Merit Scholarship, click here: http://www.nationalmerit.org/index.php.

STANDARDIZED APTITUDE TESTING (SAT)
The Standardized Aptitude Test (SAT) is a globally recognized test used by colleges and universities to evaluate applicants. The test measures a student’s proficiency in reading, writing and math. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Most students take the SAT during both their junior and senior year of high school. SAT scores are calculated based on a student’s performance relative to other test-takers.

The SAT consists of ten sections:

3 writing sections—one 25 minute student-written essay, one 25 minute grammar section and one 10 minute grammar section
3 math sections—two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section
3 critical reading sections—two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section
1 "experimental" section—an additional 25 minute section (unscored)

Each section of the SAT (critical reading, mathematics and writing) is scored on a 200- to 800-point scale, for a possible total of 2400.

For more information on the SAT, click here: http://sat.collegeboard.com/register.

SAT II Tests
The SAT II exams are designed to test a students’ knowledge of specific high school subjects. Many selective colleges require an applicant take one or more SAT II examinations. SAT II tests are given in a great range of subjects including English Literature, American History and Social Studies, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Math 1, Math IIC, Physics, and multiple foreign languages such as French, Spanish, or German. These tests are about one hour long, and a student may take a maximum of three tests at one sitting. Like the SAT I, the SAT IIs are scored on an 800 point basis. When applying to colleges, it is important that students check admissions requirements to determine whether taking any SAT II tests is required. The SAT IIs are not a substitute for the SAT I.

For more information about SAT II tests, click here:
http://sat.collegeboard.com/why-sat/topic/subjectTest/why-take-sat-subject-tests.

ACT
The ACT is a nationally recognized college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading and science. The ACT Plus Writing includes these four subject area tests, plus a 30 minute writing test.

The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing).

The ACT is administered on six test dates within the 50 United States and District of Columbia—in September, October, December, February, April, and June. ACT results are accepted by most of the 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S.

For test dates and registration information, click here: http://www.actstudent.org/index.html.