Information covering SAT, ACT, and ASVAB tests

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

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.

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

When is it given?  The SAT and other College Board tests are offered several times a year.  dates: Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration / Changes Deadline October 5September 6September 20 November 2October 3October 18 December 7November 8November 22 January 25December 27January 10 March 8February 7February 21 May 3April 4April 18 June 7May 9May 23

How much does it cost?  The cost for the basic test is $50.  There is a $27 late fee for registering past the deadline.  There are fee waivers available if you qualify. Ask your counselor if you wish to take the SAT and cannot afford the test.

What sections are there/ what information is covered?  There are 3 sections:  Mathematics  Critical Reading  Writing  There is also an option to take single subject tests.

How is this scored?  Each of the 3 sections is scored between 200 and 800 points (in multiples of 10).  For your overall score (out of 2400), the scores from each of the 3 sections are added together.

Where/When do I sign up?  You can sign up online ( 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 ($50 fee) Late Registration ($77) October 5September 6September 20 November 2October 3October 18 December 7November 8November 22 January 25December 27January 10 March 8February 7February 21 May 3April 4April 18 June 7May 9May 23

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

Do I need a specific score to pass?  There is no set pass/fail score for the SAT  Depending on which college you are applying for and the degree/program you want to get into, different scores may be required.  Colleges typically post the ‘average’ scores their students receive that get in to that school or the minimum score you need to apply for a certain program.

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

*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 17/20, register with your counselor (no online registration). The cost for the PSAT is $14.

ACT

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.

Who takes the ACT?  The ACT is typically taken by High school Juniors and Seniors preparing for college.  Typically 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).

When is it given?  The ACT tests are offered several times a year.  dates: Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration / Changes Deadline September 21August 23September 6 October 26September 27October 11 December 14November 8November 22 February 8January 10January 24 April 12March 7March 21 June 14May 9May 23

How much does it cost?  The cost for the basic test is $35.  If you want to take the optional writing section, the total cost is $50.50  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.

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)

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.

Where/When do I sign up?  You can sign up online ( OR for any testing centerwww.actstudent.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.  Testing registration deadlines: Test Date Registration ($35/$50.50) Late Deadline ($57/$72.50) September 21August 23September 6 October 26September 27October 11 December 14November 8November 22 February 8January 10January 24 April 12March 7March 21 June 14May 9May 23

How do I get my scores?  Scores are available online ( ) 3-8 weeks after your testing date.  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).

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 want to get into, different scores may be required.  Colleges typically post the ‘average’ scores their students receive that get in to that school or the minimum score you need to apply for a certain program.

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

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Test ASVAB

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. Taking the ASVAB does not commit you to anything.  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.

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.

When is it given?  The ASVAB will be given at Mohave High School this coming January.  Announcements will be made well in advance.

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

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

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.

Where/when do I sign up?  The ASVAB will be conducted at Mohave High School this coming January.  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.

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.

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.

Where can I get more information?  The best online source for more information and sample ASVAB tests is at: