College Planning Classes
The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test. It tests reading, writing, and math knowledge of students — subjects taught in high school. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions. Taking the SAT is the first step in college admission. consider during admission decisions processes. High school grades are also very important. In fact, the combination of high school grades and SAT scores is the best predictor of a student’s academic success in college. The SAT is not designed to test logic or abstract reasoning but rather it tests the skills learned in school: reading, writing, and math. Students’ knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and future career. However, SAT scores are only one of many factors that colleges
Sections
- The Critical Reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions.
- The Writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage.
- The Mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability.
- From 2016 the New SAT,
- Scale ranging from 400 to 1600
- Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading
- Essay results reported separately and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three traits for Essay
The SAT is just one factor among many that colleges employ to understand applicants. It is best to keep the test in perspective and understand that it is only part of a comprehensive admissions process that also recognizes other factors including extracurricular activities and recommendation letters. Every college and university use a different combination of criteria for admissions. Feel free to reach out to schools of interests to understand their unique admissions policies.
PSAT | NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
- The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are the same test, offered at different times of the year. They have these benefits in common:
- They are both great practice for the SAT because they test the same skills and knowledge as the SAT — in a way that makes sense for your grade level.
- They both provide score reports you can use to personalize your Khan Academy® SAT practice.
- This score reports also list which AP courses you should check out.
PSAT/NMSQT vs. PSAT 10
Facts and Features | PSAT/NMSQT | PSAT10 |
Who takes the test? | 10th and 11th graders | 10th graders |
Where? | At school | At school |
When? | Schools choose between Oct. and Nov. | Schools choose a date between Feb. and March |
ACT
The American College Testing (ACT) is a standardized test for high school achievement and college admissions.