The ACT
The ACT (American College Test) assessment is a 3-hour multiple choice examination designed to measure academic achievement in 4 major curriculum areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science Reasoning. It is heavily used in the Midwest and is becoming more common in the western region of the U.S. Many colleges will accept either the ACT or the SAT I exam. It is recommended that you take both before you apply to college. It is up to you to know which tests are required by the colleges you are considering.

SCORING -- Each section of the test mentioned above receives its own score, and 1 overall score, known as the composite score, is calculated. The composite score is an average of the 4 individual test scores and is most likely the score that colleges will consider for admission purposes. The scale is from 1 - 36. If you take the exam multiple times, colleges will take your highest composite score into consideration when applying.

REGISTRATION -- Application deadlines are about 6 weeks before the test date. You can register on-line  (www.ACT.org) or you may complete a packet available in the College Guidance Office and send it in. If you require special testing conditions (e.g. extended time) you must give the disability registration packet to Ms. Jennifer Rudolph at least 2 weeks prior to the REGISTRATION DEADLINE.

WHO -- Juniors are encouraged to take the ACT in their spring semester and seniors in the fall semester.

The SAT
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is the most widely used test in college admissions. It is a 3-hour exam designed to measure aptitude in 2 areas: math and verbal. It is developed by the College Board and then presented through the Educational Testing Serve (ETS).

SCORING -- 2 scores are calculated. One for math and 1 for verbal. The scale is from 200 - 800. Most colleges will take the results of your highest verbal and highest math and consider that total when making admission decisions.

REGISTRATION -- Application deadlines are about 6 weeks before the test date. You can register on-line (www.collegeboard.org) or you may complete a packet available in the College Counseling Office and send it in. If you require special testing conditions (e.g. extended time) you must give the disability registration packet to Ms. Jennifer Rudolph at least 2 weeks prior to the REGISTRATION DEADLINE.

WHO -- All students who plan to attend college should take the SAT I. Juniors are encouraged to take the SAT I in their spring semester and seniors in October and/or December in their fall semester.

The SAT is administered at St. Margaret's. The test center code is 05722. Register early to ensure that your 1^st choice test center is met.

SAT II Subject Tests
These 1-hour tests measure the student's achievement in specific subject areas. Students may take up to 3 subject tests on one day but can not take the SAT I & II on the same day. The subject tests are available in the following areas:

SCORING -- Each exam is scored on a scale from 200 - 800. Test results will be mailed directly to the student.

REGISTRATION -- Application deadlines are about 6 weeks before the test date. You can register on-line (www.collegeboard.com) or you may complete a packet available in the College Guidance Office and send it in. If you require special testing conditions (e.g. extended time) you must give the disability registration packet to Ms. Jennifer Rudolph at least 2 weeks prior to the REGISTRATION DEADLINE.

The SAT II is administered at St. Margaret's. The test center code is 05722. Register early to ensure that your 1^st choice test center is met.

WHO -- Students need to find out which colleges require the SAT II exams. Not all schools require them for admission. The UC system requires 3. Currently, the Cal State University system does not require any. SMES students should follow the suggested testing schedule:

Freshmen/Sophomores -- in June, take the SAT II Biology(E/M) exam if you took biology this year or SAT II chemistry if you took chemistry this year.

Juniors -- In June, take the Writing, Math IC or IIC, and a 3^rd subject of your choice (lab science, history, or foreign language if you are not continuing language in senior year).

Note:  The June SAT II subject exams are mandatory for all SMES juniors.

Seniors -- In November, take foreign language (if you did not take it as a junior), writing, math. If you took the foreign language as a junior, select another exam of choice for the 3^rd test slot.

EXTENDED TIME FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS

Students with documented learning differences may be able to receive extended time for the PSAT/SAT/ACT/AP exams. There are strict guidelines in place that must be followed for students to receive permission to test under extended time conditions. Please see your college counselor for details. Your request to receive extended time must be filed 6 weeks ahead of a test date.

TEST PREP AGENCIES

There are a variety of test prep agencies on the market and those listed here are simply for reference. They are not being endorsed by SMES.  If you decide to pursue test prep, you need to call each one and discuss their services, prices, etc. We have spoken with representatives at each of these agencies and have a variety of material about them in the College Guidance Office. Also, if you strongly desire work with a test prep agency and cost is a factor, there is financial assistance available from each agency. Please contact your college counselor and we will discuss your needs. You can also use the on-line service "One on One with the SAT" by the College Board. It is found at www.collegeboard.org. Then, click on the Library section then scroll down to the Software section.

Princeton Review
Irvine Office
949-553-9411
www.review.com

ScorePrep!
1-800-PREP-182
www.scoreprep.com

Ivy West
1-800-IVY-WEST
www.ivywest.com