Standardized Test & Conquering Test Anxiety Fact Sheet
Standardized Test & Conquering Test Anxiety
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Love them or hate them, standardized tests are an integral part of high school and college admissions. Throughout your high school years, you will be asked to take a variety of tests to evaluate your aptitude and understanding of various topics. Many states are aligning their high schools’ curriculum with the Common Core State Standards and may require yearly assessment tests. Some states and/or school districts also require high school exit exams to prove a minimum level of knowledge before graduation. Additionally, students who take Advanced Placement courses or participate in International Baccalaureate programs will have the opportunity to take final AP or IB exams. Likewise, students who speak English as a second language may be required to prove proficiency in English with the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Test System).
What are college admissions standardized tests?
Both the SAT and ACT are college admissions tests designed to measure your reading, math, writing, and science abilities. Together with your transcript and other academic information, these tests give an indication of your readiness for college-level studies. While a majority of colleges require the SAT or ACT, there are a group of colleges that are test-optional. To find these schools go to: www.fairtest.org.
SAT OR ACT?
All colleges will accept either the ACT or SAT for admissions purposes. It is wise to either take one of each test or a diagnostic test to determine which one reflects your strengths. It will simplify your life if you work to master just one test.
ACT Test
What is the ACT Test? ACT test results are used as one of the criteria for acceptance to a majority of colleges. The test measures academic achievement in English, Math, Reading, and Scientific Reasoning. The exam is almost three hours long (English: 45 min., Math: 60 min., Reading: 35 min., and Science: 35 min.). In addition, there is a 40-minute ACT writing test. You may sign up to take the test with or without the writing portion, but you should check with each college you plan to apply to and see if the essay is required. The base test costs $60 and the ACT with a writing section is $85. In 2018, the ACT added a 20-minute experimental section that will not impact students’ scores but will be mandatory.
When should you take the ACT Test? You can take the ACT Test anytime during high school, usually in junior and senior years. The test is given seven times yearly usually in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. It is given at selected high schools that are listed on the website (www.act.org). You can choose to take the test at any available high school or community college venue. Sign up early to get the location you prefer. How is the ACT Test scored? The Composite Score is 1 to 36 (average of the four section scores) on the base test. The writing score is graded 1-12, is reported separately, and does not affect your Composite Score. Test scores will be available two-eight weeks after the test.
SAT Test
What is the SAT Test? The SAT was designed to be used as a test for college admissions. The SAT has three components: Verbal – Reading and Writing; Quantitative – Math and Science; and Optional Essay. The test is 3 hours and 30 minutes long and the essay is an additional 50 minutes. When should you take the SAT Test? Students can take the SAT anytime during high school, usually in junior and senior years. The test is given seven times yearly usually in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. It is given at selected high schools that are listed on the website (www.collegeboard.org). You can choose to take the test at any available high school or community college venue.
How is the SAT scored? The Verbal and Quantitative sections of the SAT are worth 800 possible points. The maximum score is 1600 and includes subscores for Reading, Writing, Math, and Science. Note that the math portion is broken into two sections: one that allows the use of a calculator and one that does not. The essay score has three components: Reading, Analysis, and Writing. Each score is from 2-8. Test results are made available to you within three to five weeks of the testing date.
What is the cost and where do you take the SAT Test? The cost of the test is $60 with an optional essay. Fees may increase slightly each year. Many area high schools are testing sites — find locations online (www.collegeboard.org) or in your SAT Registration Bulletin. Sign up early to get the location of your choice.
Action Steps:
- Download and review the Standardized Tests fact sheet.
- Download and complete the Conquering Test Anxiety worksheet.
- Download and share with your parent or guardian the Testing, Testing, 1,2,3… parent article.
- Upload the fact sheet, worksheet, and parent article to your Unit 4 folder.
