ACT, PSAT, SAT, Subject Tests

Every college or university to which you apply will require that you submit scores from one of two standardized tests, the ACT or the SAT. Most often the tests are taken during your junior year and may be retaken as frequently as you like through February of your senior year. They are given at national test centers (high schools/colleges in your area) on Saturday test dates. To assure that you can take the test on your preferred date(s), you must register by the registration deadline. When completing the registration form either on line (www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com) or on paper, be sure to enter your high school's code number**. This way your high school will receive your test results. Make certain the you enter your correct social security number, as well, thus fulfilling one requirement for TOPS. Also on the registration form you have the option to send your test results directly to three or four colleges. Once your registration has been processed, you will receive an admission ticket in the mail, which you must take with you on the day of the test. You must also bring proper identification (driver's license or school id). Please see the charts below for test dates and registration deadlines. If, after the late registration deadline, you decide that you want to take the ACT, SAT, and/or Subject Tests, you may be a "walk in" for the test. You must bring with you a completed registration form, the regular fee for the tests PLUS a stand by fee, a completed registration form, and acceptable identification.

Many colleges require that your ACT and SAT scores be sent directly from the testing agency, ACT or College Board. If you do not want your scores sent to a particular college or scholarship program prior to knowing you results, an "additional score report" form must be sent. "Additional Score Report" forms are available in your Guidance Counselor's office or at the College Counseling Center. Better yet, send additional scores by going to the ACT or College Board web site (www.act.org or www.collegeboard.com). If using the postal service, you need to mail in the form approximately six to eight weeks before admission or scholarship deadlines. Many colleges, universities, and scholarship program require that your scores be sent directly from the testing agency.

We recommend that you take both the ACT and the SAT at least once to see which of the two assessments is most suited to your testing style. We also recommend that you retake the test on which you scored the highest. In most cases, the higher score will be accepted, and sometimes colleges will split your SAT scores, taking the highest of each individual score.

**For special testing arrangements (i.e. extended time), please see your school's Guidance Counselor.