1. Information covering SAT, ACT, and ASVAB tests

2. *It was first called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, then the Scholastic Assessment Test, but now SAT does not stand for anything. SAT

3. What is the purpose of the SAT?  The SAT is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States.  The test is intended to assess a student's readiness for college.

4. Who takes the SAT?  The SAT is typically taken by High school Juniors and Seniors preparing for college.  Most students take the SAT for the first time spring of their Junior year, and again fall of their Senior year.  The SAT or ACT is required for entrance to most US universities (although some universities may accept an alternative).

5. When is it given?  The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year.

6. Test dateLocationRegistration Deadline Late Registration Deadline October 11, 2014NHS, LHHS, LHSSeptember 12, 2014September 30, 2014 November 8, 2014LHHS, KHSOctober 9, 2014October 28, 2014 December 6, 2014LHS, LHHSNovember 6, 2014November 24, 2014 January 24, 2015KHS, LHHSDecember 29, 2014January 13, 2015 March 14, 2015LHHSFebruary 13, 2015March 3, 2015 May 2, 2015NHS, LHS, LHHSApril 6, 2015April 21, 2015 June 6, 2015LHHSMay 8, 2015May 27, 2015

7. How much does it cost?  The cost for the basic test is $52.50.  Late registration fee is $28 ($80.50 total)  There are fee waivers available if you qualify. Ask your counselor if you wish to take the SAT and cannot afford the test.

8. What sections are there/ what information is covered?  There are 3 sections: 1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 1. Reading Test 2. Writing and Language Test 2. Math 3. Essay (optional)  There is also an option to take single subject tests.

9. The SAT has been redesigned for Spring 2015 CategoryCurrent SATRedesigned SAT Total Testing Time* *Redesigned SAT testing time subject to research 3 hours and 45 minutes 3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the Essay [optional]) Components 1.Critical Reading 2.Writing 3.Mathematics 4.Essay 1.Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 1.Reading Test 2.Writing and Language Test 2.Math 3.Essay (optional) Score Reporting* *Redesigned SAT scores subject to research Scale ranging from 600 to 2400 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Critical Reading; 200 to 800 for Mathematics; 200 to 800 for Writing Essay results scaled to multiple- choice Writing Scale ranging from 400 to 1600 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three traits for Essay Essay results reported separately Subscore ReportingNone Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors

10. CategoryCurrent SATRedesigned SAT Important Features Emphasis on general reasoning skills Emphasis on vocabulary, often in limited contexts Complex scoring (a point for a correct answer and a deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores) Continued emphasis on reasoning alongside a clearer, stronger focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings most important for college and career readiness and success Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact Rights-only scoring (a point for a correct answer but no deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores) Essay Required and given at the beginning of the SAT 25 minutes to write the essay Tests writing skill; students take a position on a presented issue Optional and given at the end of the SAT; postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission 50 minutes to write the essay Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text The SAT has been redesigned for Spring 2015

11. How is this scored? NEW Scale ranging from 400 to 1600 Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three traits for Essay Essay results reported separately

12. Where/When do I sign up?  You can sign up online (www.collegeboard.com) for any testing centerwww.collegeboard.com  If your parents don’t want to use a credit card, you may buy a gift card for that amount and use those online.  OR you may see your counselor for mail in registration forms.  Testing registration deadlines: Test Date Sign up by ($52.50 fee) Late Registration ($80.50) October 11September 12September 30 November 8October 9October 28 December 6November 6November 24 January 24December 29January 13 March 14February 13March 3 May 2April 6April 21 June 6May 8May 27

13. How do I get my scores?  Scores are available online (www.collegeboard.com) 3 weeks after your testing date.www.collegeboard.com  Your scores will also be mailed to the colleges you select.  You can choose which scores to send colleges.

14. Do I need a specific score to pass?  There is no set pass/fail score for the SAT  The score that is required is determined by a variety of factors, college, degree program and other qualifications being the main factors.  Colleges typically publish the ‘average’ score for accepted students or the minimum score needed to apply for a certain program.

15. SAT Score Required for Admissions 1040 (Combined Reading & Math) SAT Score Required for Admissions 530 Critical Reading 540 Math SAT Score Required for Admissions 530 Critical Reading 540 Math

16. Harvard does not have clearly defined required scores but, the majority of students range from 600-800 on each section of the SAT. Two subject tests are also required. SDSU uses an eligibility index which combines your high school grade point average and your SAT test score. Minimum non-resident index score - 3502 SAT Score Required for Admissions Combined critical reading, math, and writing score 1700. Score must be from the same sitting.

17. Where can I get more information?  www.collegeboard.com www.collegeboard.com  There you can register, take practice tests, view your scores, and develop your plan to improve your scores.

18. *Note: PSAT  The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) can be taken starting your freshman year.  HOWEVER, there are some scholarship opportunities if you take the PSAT in your Junior year and score well (this counts as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test NMSQT for juniors, previous PSATs taken do not count for the scholarships)  Dates for PSAT: October 16, 2013 register with your counselor (no online registration). The cost for the PSAT is $14.

19. ACT

20. What is the purpose of the ACT?  The ACT (originally an abbreviation of American College Testing) is a standardized test for high school achievement and college admissions in the United States produced by ACT, Inc.

21. Who takes the ACT?  The ACT is typically taken by High school Juniors and Seniors preparing for college.  Most students take the ACT for the first time the fall of their Junior year, and again the fall of their Senior year.  All colleges accept the ACT as part of their college entrance requirements (in conjunction with your high school GPA, class rank and extracurricular activities).

22. When is it given?  The ACT tests are offered several times a year.  2014-15 dates: Test dateLocationRegistration Deadline Late Registration Deadline September 13, 2014LHHS, MHSAugust 8, 2014August 22, 2014 October 25, 2014 LHHS, MHS, KHS, RVHSSeptember 19, 2014October 3, 2014 December 13, 2014LHHS, MHS, KHSNovember 7, 2014November 21, 2014 February 7, 2015 LHHS, MHS, MALCJanuary 9, 2015January 16, 2015 April 18, 2015 LHHS, RVHS, MHS, KHSMarch 13, 2015March 27, 2015 June 13, 2015MHSMay 8, 2015May 22, 2015

23. How much does it cost?  The cost for the basic test is $36.50.  If you want to take the optional writing section, the total cost is $52.50  There is a $22 late fee for registering past the deadline.  There is a $11 fee for registering by telephone.  Again, there are some fee waiver options if you wish to take the test and can’t afford it. Talk to your counselor.

24. What sections are there/ what information is covered?  There are 4 sections:  English (usage/mechanics & rhetoric)  Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry & trigonometry)  Reading (reading comprehension)  Science Reasoning (data representation, research & conflicting viewpoints)  Writing (optional essay response)

25. How is this scored?  Each of the sections is scored individually between 1 and 36 points.  For your composite score (out of 36), the scores from each of the 4 primary sections are averaged together and rounded to the nearest whole number.

26. Where/When do I sign up?  You can sign up online (www.actstudent.org OR www.act.org) for any testing center.www.actstudent.orgwww.act.org  If your parents don’t want to use a credit card, you may buy a gift card for that amount and use those online.  OR you may see your counselor for mail in registration forms.

27. How do I get my scores?  Scores are available online (www.actstudent.org ) 3-8 weeks after your testing date.www.actstudent.org  If you took the writing portion, your scores will not be released until all portions of your test have been scored (typically 5-8 weeks after you took the test).

28. Do I need a specific score to pass?  There is no set pass/fail score for the ACT  Depending on which college you are applying for and the degree/program you are applying for, different scores may be required.  Colleges typically publish the ‘average’ score for accepted students or the minimum score needed to apply for a certain program.

29. ACT Critical Reading Score 21, ACT Math Score 24 ACT Critical Reading Score 21 ACT Math Score 24 ACT Composite Score of 22 is required for admissions Arizona state university ACT admissions requirement?

30. University of Southern California is highly competitive but does not require a minimum score. The majority of students range from 29-33 for the ACT composite score. Stanford is highly competitive but does not require a minimum score. 87% of the freshmen admitted in 2013 attained an ACT composite score between 30-36. Caltech is one of the top engineering schools in the country and requires the ACT plus writing. The majority of students range from 33-35 for the ACT composite score. Competitive Universities

31. Where can I get more information?  www.actstudent.org www.actstudent.org  There you can register, take practice tests, view your scores, and develop your plan to improve your scores.

32. ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Test ASVAB

33. What is the purpose of ASVAB?  The ASVAB is a career exploration test used to measure skills, abilities and interests.  This test is conducted by the Department of Defense and is required for those who want to join the military.  There is no obligation to join the military by taking the test.  The ASVAB can help you determine your own interests and aptitude even if you are not planning to enter the military or are undecided.  It can help you choose courses for college and assist in your personal career decisions.

34. Who takes the test?  The ASVAB is one of the most widely used, multiple-aptitude tests in the world.  More than half of all high schools nationwide administer the ASVAB test to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.  Students who are interested in finding more information about themselves and what careers they might be good at should take this test.  In addition, all students interested in the military should take it.

35. When is it given?  The ASVAB is typically given at RVHS in September.  The ASVAB will be given at MHS in February 2015.  Announcements will be made well in advance, you sign up with your counselor.

36. How much does it cost?  The ASVAB is completely free.

37. What sections are there/ what information is covered? The ASVAB consists of the following eight individual tests: 1. General Science 2. Arithmetic Reasoning 3. Word Knowledge 4. Paragraph Comprehension 5. Mathematics Knowledge 6. Electronics Information 7. Auto and Shop Information 8. Mechanical Comprehension

38. How is this scored?  Students are provided with scores on each of these individual tests and three Career Exploration Score composites: Verbal Skills, Math Skills and Science and Technical Skills.

39. Where/when do I sign up?  The ASVAB will be conducted at River Valley High School this coming September.  Announcements will be made well in advance for you to sign-up in the Guidance Office.  If a student wants to take the ASVAB before this, it can be arranged with a local military recruiter.

40. How do I get my scores?  The battery takes approximately three hours to complete, and test results are returned to schools in a few weeks.

41. Do I need a specific score to pass?  There is no pass or fail on the ASVAB.  Your scores reflect your own abilities.  You will want to do your best so that your scores will match your abilities and interests.  In addition, to gain entrance into the military service, you must obtain a minimum qualifying score on the ASVAB--this varies between services.

42. Where can I get more information?  The best online source for more information and sample ASVAB tests is at: http://official-asvab.com