SAT, SAT II, PSAT & ACT

An Overview of College Admissions Testing For San Antonio ISD High School CounselorsOffice of Research and Evaluation

Which Test to Take and Why? SAT, SAT II and ACT are accepted U.S. college and

university admissions exams, used as one part of a complex applications process.

PSAT is an excellent practice test for the SAT but is not accepted by schools for admissions review.

SAT II offers one-hour Subject Tests. Some colleges may require applicants take 2 or 3 of these tests as part of the admissions process.

Each college and university sets their own requirements. Students must understand what will be required by each school to which they apply.

Data Source: The Princeton Review

When the Tests are Offered The PSAT is generally taken in the fall of the junior

year in preparation for the SAT exam. It is offered only once each year, in October.

The SAT and ACT are generally taken in the spring of the junior year. If necessary, both can be retaken during the fall of the senior year. The tests are offered six times each year.

The SAT II subject tests are also offered six times each year. However, each subject may not be offered at each administration so students should be careful to determine when their particular tests will be offered.

Data Source: The Princeton Review

Test Basics All are timed, standardized, multiple-choice tests. The

SAT II Writing test includes a 20-minute essay. Students will have 3 hours to complete the SAT or

ACT. Students have 1 hour for each of the SAT II tests and 2 hours and 10 minutes for the PSAT.

SAT, SAT II and PSAT include penalties for wrong answers. The ACT does not.

PSAT scores are the only qualifying criteria for National Merit Scholarships and National Achievement Scholarships.

The SAT, SAT II and ACT are used as criteria for many other scholarship programs.

Data Source: The Princeton Review

Test Details

7 Sections: 3 Verbal, 3 Math,

1 Experimental Questions are:

In order of difficulty Less based on curriculum Tricky with many distracters Highest math level is

Algebra/Geometry Test is preferred by:

Private schools as well as schools on the East and West coasts

4 Sections: English, Mathematics,

Reading, Science Reasoning Questions are:

Not in order of difficulty More based on curriculum Straightforward with fewer

distracters Highest math level is

Trigonometry Test is preferred by:

Private schools as well as schools on the East and West coasts

SAT ACT

Data Source: The Princeton Review

Test Details (cont.)

One-Hour Tests on the following:

English—Writing, Literature Math—Math IC*, Math IIC* History—American

History/Social Studies, World History

Sciences—Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Foreign Languages—Chinese, French, German, Modern Hebrew,Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish

English Language Proficiency

5 Sections: 2 Verbal, 2 Math, 1 Writing

Skills Verbal and Math questions are

similar to the SAT Writing skills questions are

similar to the multiple-choice questions on the SAT Subject Test in Writing

Offered only once each year in October

Scores: Not used for college admissions Are used for Scholarships

SAT II PSAT

Data Source: The Princeton Review

Math—Math IC* and Math IIC*

Math IC - 50 questions- Assumes two years of algebra and one year of geometry (plane Euclidean,

coordinate, three-dimensional). understanding of basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary

statistics, and some miscellaneous topics.

ability to use scientific or graphing calculator …a calculator is required Math IIC - 50 questions- Assumes Two years of algebra, one year of geometry (coordinate, three-

dimensional). , and precalculus and/or trigonometry Understanding of basic trigonometry, algebraic functions, elementary

statistics, and some miscellaneous topics. ability to use scientific or graphing calculator …a calculator is required

From: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII/popMath.html

Preparing for the Tests Practice tests and preparatory courses are

available on the web. http://www.princetonreview.com/college/testprep

Information on how to study for these tests is available at bookstores, libraries and online.

Data Source: The Princeton Review