College Admissions Testing Information, Dates and FAQ's 
PSAT
This exam is given once a year in October. ALL college-bound sophomores and juniors should register to take this test. This is a practice SAT I exam to acclimate the students to the SAT and to provide predictive information for SAT performance. It is also used by the National Merit Corporation to identify highly qualified juniors for recognition.
SAT
This is a three and one-half hour test, divided into three sections, which includes Critical Reading, Mathematical, and Writing. The score ranges from 200-800 in each section. It is recommended that students take the exam two or three times, two of which should be in their junior year.
ACT
This test is an alternative to the SAT. It can be taken during a student's junior and senior years. The ACT is divided into four parts, Math, English, Science Reasoning, Reading, and has an optional Writing section. The student will receive a composite score from 1-36. Students with a solid course background are encouraged to take the ACT test as an alternative to or in addition to the SAT.
SAT Subject Tests (SAT II)
Students applying to selective schools are required to take the SAT II Subject Area Tests (usually three exams). Each test is one hour long so students can take one, two or three at one administration. Each subject score ranges from 200-800. Students taking advanced coursework in math or science in their freshman or sophomore years may wish to take the related exam; ask your teacher or counselor for more information. Most students take the SAT II Subject Tests at the end of their junior year or beginning of their senior year. You should consult your counselor for the timing of the test.
SAT and ACT Testing Dates
For more information on SAT, SAT Subject Tests or on-line registration, please go to: www.collegeboard.com
For more information on the ACT or on-line registration, please go to: www.act.org Frequently Asked Questions about College Admissions Testing While the following questions and answers will provide general information, it is best to contact individual colleges and testing agencies directly for detailed answers and the most up-to-date information.
| S.B.H.S SCHOOL CODE |
| 310-802 |
| TEST CENTER |
| MONMOUTH JUNCTION |
| TEST CENTER # FOR SAT |
| 31-517 |
| TEST CENTER # FOR ACT |
| 162-010 |
This exam is given once a year in October. ALL college-bound sophomores and juniors should register to take this test. This is a practice SAT I exam to acclimate the students to the SAT and to provide predictive information for SAT performance. It is also used by the National Merit Corporation to identify highly qualified juniors for recognition.
SAT
This is a three and one-half hour test, divided into three sections, which includes Critical Reading, Mathematical, and Writing. The score ranges from 200-800 in each section. It is recommended that students take the exam two or three times, two of which should be in their junior year.
ACT
This test is an alternative to the SAT. It can be taken during a student's junior and senior years. The ACT is divided into four parts, Math, English, Science Reasoning, Reading, and has an optional Writing section. The student will receive a composite score from 1-36. Students with a solid course background are encouraged to take the ACT test as an alternative to or in addition to the SAT.
SAT Subject Tests (SAT II)
Students applying to selective schools are required to take the SAT II Subject Area Tests (usually three exams). Each test is one hour long so students can take one, two or three at one administration. Each subject score ranges from 200-800. Students taking advanced coursework in math or science in their freshman or sophomore years may wish to take the related exam; ask your teacher or counselor for more information. Most students take the SAT II Subject Tests at the end of their junior year or beginning of their senior year. You should consult your counselor for the timing of the test.
SAT and ACT Testing Dates
| SAT Dates | Registration Deadlines |
|---|---|
| October 4, 2008 | September 9, 2008 |
| November 1, 2008 | September 26, 2008 |
| December 6, 2008 | November 5, 2008 |
| January 24, 2009 | December 26, 2008 |
| March 14, 2009 | February 10, 2009 |
| May 2, 2009 | March 31, 2009 |
| June 6, 2009 | May 5, 2009 |
For more information on SAT, SAT Subject Tests or on-line registration, please go to: www.collegeboard.com
| ACT Dates | Registration Deadlines |
|---|---|
| October 25, 2008 | September 22, 2008 |
| December 13, 2008 | November 7, 2008 |
| February 7, 2009 | January 6, 2009 |
| April 4, 2009 | February 27, 2009 |
| June 13, 2009 | May 8, 2009 |
For more information on the ACT or on-line registration, please go to: www.act.org Frequently Asked Questions about College Admissions Testing While the following questions and answers will provide general information, it is best to contact individual colleges and testing agencies directly for detailed answers and the most up-to-date information.
- General Questions
- What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? Is one preferred over the other by colleges?
The SAT tests students' critical thinking skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The ACT® assesses students' general educational knowledge in English, mathematics, reading, and science and includes an optional writing test. Most colleges accept either test. Verify the requirements with the schools on your list. -
How many times should I take the SAT or ACT?
Most students take the SAT or ACT two or three times (in total). - What is the best way to prepare for the PSAT, SAT or ACT exams?
There are a variety of study options offered by the CollegeBoard, Princeton Review, Kaplan, Barron's, and other companies based on how you learn, the amount of time you are willing to study, and your budget. The most common options are private tutoring, small group tutoring, classroom courses, online courses, or self-study using test preparation books which include testing tips and practice exams. - When should test scores be sent to colleges? Who will send them? Are transcript scores accepted?
Students request that their test scores be sent to the colleges on their list. Each student should decide whether to send the scores immediately after taking the test or wait until they submit the college applications. Most schools require an official copy of the scores from the testing agency. - Do I need to submit both SAT and ACT scores if I have taken both exams?
No, students can decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. - Are students with disabilities or special needs given additional time for college admissions testing? Students who receive extended time at school will have the same accommodations made for college admissions testing. Students should discuss this with their case manager at the beginning of their junior year.
- What is the difference between the SAT and ACT? Is one preferred over the other by colleges?
- PSAT
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How do students qualify as National Merit Commended or Semi-finalists?
Students who score above the minimum selection index (set by state) on the PSAT taken in their junior year will be named by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Only those semi-finalists that achieve finalist status are eligible to receive a scholarship.
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How do students qualify as National Merit Commended or Semi-finalists?
- SAT
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Are all parts of the SAT taken into consideration by the colleges?
Some schools do not consider the scores from the writing section. Contact schools of interest for their policy.
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Are all parts of the SAT taken into consideration by the colleges?
- SAT Subject Tests
- Do most schools require SAT Subject Tests?
No, only the most selective schools require them. - How many SAT Subject Tests are required by schools that want them?
Either 2 or 3. Check with the schools of interest. - What SAT Subject Tests are best to take?
Generally schools prefer that only one test be taken in a subject area. Some schools require one specific test (such as math) and let the students select the other tests. Check with the schools of interest. - When should I take the SAT Subject Tests?
Most students take the SAT Subject Tests in May or June as they are completing the class so that the material is fresh in their minds. Students taking AP or Honors courses in their freshman or sophomore year (particularly in science) should consider taking the SAT Subject Test. Speak to your teacher for more information.
- Do most schools require SAT Subject Tests?
- What is a TOEFL exam?
TOEFL is an exam for students who speak English as a foreign language.