Testing Information

  • SAT - A standardized test used for college admissions that includes a Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, and a Math Test. The SAT has an optional essay component,which some colleges will require. SAT questions focus on skills that matter most for college readiness and success, according to the latest research.  On their website you can practice (are you doing the Question of the Day or do you have the free app on your  ios or Android device?), register for the SAT, and view your scores. If you have an access code from the PSAT, you can get FREE customized SAT Prep on Khan Academy!
  • SAT Subject Tests – Either required, recommended or considered by major colleges and universities as part of the college admissions decision. The UC system no longer requires Subject Tests, but recommends them for competitive majors (e.g. Engineering). June is a great month to take your Subject Tests.
  • ACT – A popular alternative to the SAT and is accepted at all colleges. The ACT consists of four sections: English, Math, Reading and Science and offers an optional Writing/Essay component (students taking the ACT should ALWAYS take the Writing component though). Each of the sections has a total possible score of 36 points, but rather than adding all the scores of all the sections to determine a total score the way the SAT does, the ACT averages the scores of all sections to produce a composite score. The website also offers a Question of the Day and there is a free ACT student app on iTunes.
  • PSAT – The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It’s a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT.  It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
  • ASPIRE - The ASPIRE is a preliminary ACT that is taken by 10th grade students.
  • AP - Find information and practice questions for the various AP exams (AP exams take place in May)
  • Number2.com- a FREE test prep site for the SAT or ACT
  • Khan Academy – a great resource with videos explaining a variety of topics, but did you know that there are also SAT prep videos? Check it out!
  • CaliforniaColleges.edu - free SAT and ACT test prep
  • FairTest.org - almost 850 four-year colleges do not use the SAT or ACT to admit substantial numbers of undergraduate applicants. Take a look at this growing list of schools!