SAT and ACT

Updated 8/09

Which test(s) should I take?

Students planning to attend a 4-year college or university should take the ACT, SAT (Reasoning Test), or both. Consult a college’s website, catalog, or printed materials to determine which test(s) it requires or recommends. Almost all colleges will accept either the ACT or SAT for admission to their school. It is recommended that you take both tests or the test with which you are more comfortable. (If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can try taking the other test later.)

Some of the very selective schools require or recommend that students also take the SAT Subject Tests. For example, University of California schools require the SAT (or the ACT With Writing) and two SAT Subject Tests (formerly called the SAT II’s). Many Calvin students will take Literature, Biology, Math Level 2, Spanish, Chemistry, or U.S. History. It is your choice which ones to take; however, for the UC schools, the 2 tests must be from different subject areas (i.e. not Biology and Chemistry). Up to three SAT Subject Tests may be taken on one test day, but the SAT and SAT Subject Tests must be taken on separate test days.

When should I take the test(s)?

It is recommended that you take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring or summer of your junior year. (Students at any age are allowed to take the tests, but your best chance of getting your best scores to use for college is at the end of your junior year. Some students find it useful to take the test earlier so they can get more familiar with it before the end of junior year.) SAT Subject Tests should also be taken at the end of the junior year unless you complete a course in the subject area sooner. (For example, if you take Chemistry as a sophomore, you might want to take the Chemistry SAT Subject Test at the end of your sophomore year while it is still fresh in your mind.)

How do I register for the test(s)?

You may register for the exams via the Internet (the websites are listed on back) or mail. The deadlines listed on back mean that your registration must be submitted online (or postmarked) on or before the date indicated. The most convenient test centers fill up fast, and the late applicants are assigned to less convenient sites, so register early. Registration materials for all tests are available in the Counseling Office.

How can I prepare for the test(s)?

Included on back are some basic test-taking tips for each exam. Students can also prepare for the exams by using practice tests, sample tests and test preparation materials available in the Counseling Office, bookstores, libraries, or the Internet. It is recommended (but not required) that you attend the SAT preparation classes offered at Calvin Christian in April. (Other preparation classes are available at Palomar College and through numerous private organizations.)

What is Calvin Christian’s high school code number?

Calvin Christian's Code Number for SAT and ACT: 050-876
SAT (Reasoning Test) (cost: $45.00)

SAT Subject Tests (cost: $20.00 fee plus $9.00 for each test)

Internet registration: www.collegeboard.com

The SAT Reasoning Test measures aptitude in critical reading, math and writing, while the SAT Subject Test measures abilities in specific subject areas. Scores are given on a scale from 200 to 800 for each test section.

Regular Late Registration

Test Date Tests Offered Deadline Date (Add additional fee)

Oct 10, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests Sep 9, 2009 Sep 23, 2009

Nov 7, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests Oct 1, 2009 Oct 15, 2009

Dec 5, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests Oct 30, 2009 Nov 12, 2009

Jan 23, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests Dec 15, 2009 Dec 30, 2009

Mar 13, 2010 SAT only Feb 4, 2010 Feb 18, 2010

May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests Mar 25, 2010 Apr 8, 2010

June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests Apr 29, 2010 May 13, 2010

Taking the SAT:

You get one point for each question you answer correctly, and you lose a fraction of a point for each question you answer incorrectly. You neither gain nor lose points for questions you omit.

As you go through the test, mark questions that seem too difficult or take too much time and return to them if time allows. Remember, you get just as much credit for correctly answering easy questions as hard ones.

When you know that one or more choices can be eliminated, guessing from among the remaining choices should be to your advantage.

Many students who do well on the SAT omit some questions.

ACT (cost $32.00 + $15.00 for the optional Writing test)

Internet registration: www.actstudent.org

The ACT tests skills in English, math, reading, science reasoning, and writing (optional). Scores are given on a scale from 1 to 36 on each test and overall (composite). Scores for the optional writing test will be given on a scale from 2 to 12. (For a list of colleges that require the optional Writing test, go to www.actstudent.org/writing/index.html.)

Regular Late Registration

Test Date Deadline Date (Add additional fee)

Sep 12, 2009 Aug 7, 2009 Aug 21, 2009

Oct 24, 2009 Sep 18, 2009 Oct 2, 2009

Dec 12, 2009 Nov 6, 2009 Nov 20, 2009

Feb 6, 2010 Jan 5, 2010 Jan 15, 2010

Apr10, 2010 Mar 5, 2010 Mar 19, 2010

June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 21, 2010

Taking the ACT:

There is no penalty for guessing on the test; a student's raw score on each test is simply the number of correct responses. Thus, it is to each student's advantage to answer every question. (But avoid wild guessing. Try to eliminate one or more of the multiple choice options first; then guess from among the remaining choices.)