PSAT/SAT/ACT Info
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.
Hellgate offers this test during the month of October.
Inside the Test
The PSAT/NMSQT is highly relevant to your future success because they focus on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. They’ll measure:
- What you learn in high school
- What you need to succeed in college
If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you’ll never use in the real world, think again. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.
- The best way to prepare for the test is to:
- Take challenging courses
- Do your homework
- Prepare for tests and quizzes
- Ask and answer lots of questions
In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can.
PSAT Test Taking Tips
Find out what kinds of questions you’ll see on the PSAT/NMSQT*. Where do you want to start?
*Information about the PSAT/NMSQT was taken from the College Board PSAT/NMSQT Website.
Getting Your Scores
Students will be able to access their scores and AP Potential information at studentscores.collegeboard.org.
Paper copies of student scores have been returned to students during February and March. Students can use the Access Code provided on the front cover of the Score Sheet to link PSAT scores to a College Board account. Students can then access numerous resources through the College Board website.
Parents, read this PSAT Tutorial to find out more about reading PSAT Scores.
SAT
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized exam widely used for college admissions in the United States. It measures a student’s readiness for college by assessing skills in reading, writing, and math. The test is designed to provide colleges with a common data point to compare applicants from different schools and backgrounds. A strong SAT score can enhance a student’s college application, help qualify for scholarships, and open doors to a wider range of academic opportunities.
Inside the Test
Your On Your Way
One of our biggest goals in changing the SAT was to make sure it’s highly relevant to your future success. The new test is more focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:
- What you learn in high school
- What you need to succeed in college
If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you’ll never use in the real world, think again. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.
The same habits and choices that lead to success in school will help you get ready for the SAT. The best way to prepare for the test is to:
- Take challenging courses.
- Do your homework.
- Prepare for tests and quizzes.
- Ask and answer lots of questions.
In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can.
One More Thing!
Know what to expect.
Find out what kinds of questions you’ll see on the new SAT and what the test will measure.* Where do you want to start?
*Information about the SAT was taken from the College Board SAT Website.
Khan Academy & the SATs
Khan Academy is partnering with the College Board so that all students who want to go to college can prepare for the PSAT & SAT at their own pace, at no cost.
The College Board just announced that they’re redesigning the SAT for 2016, and Khan Academy is partnering with them to make free, world-class prep materials.
ACT
ACT
The ACT Test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
*Information about the ACT was taken from the ACT Student Website.
- FREE ACT Plus Writing for Hellgate Juniors
- Sending ACT Scores to Colleges
- Creating an ACT AccountÂ
- Resources
FREE ACT Plus Writing for Hellgate Juniors
Hellgate offers the ACT for free every year to the junior class. HHS Juniors will be registered for the exam based on their enrollment in school (there is no need to register online). Students will need to complete personal information and create a profile before the exam (this will be facilitated at school).
While other opportunities to take college admission tests will continue to be available as usual, this will be the only opportunity to take an admission test without cost—a savings of approximately $50.00. Students may want to take the test again at a later date, for a fee.
Sending ACT Scores to Colleges
During the month of February or March, students will complete the information section of the answer sheet in their English classes. Students may choose up to 4 Colleges and Scholarship agencies to include on their answer sheets. ACT will send your scores to these agencies at no cost. If you do not send your scores initially and choose to do so at a later date, ACT will charge a fee to send your score. You can view your choices at: http://www.actstudent.org/scores/scodes/
Creating an ACT AccountÂ
After the March Exam, students will receive a score report. At this point, students are able to log on to ACT.org and create a profile. They can review their results, access resources and prepare for future ACT Exams. If students plan to take additional ACT exams, and would like to access all of their information in one account, it is critical that they create an account on ACT.org with the information provided from their first set of scores. To sign up for additional exams, students then just need to log into their account and sign up to take the exam again.
Resources
Additional Free ACT practice tests can be found at: http://smartaboutcollege.org/high-school/college-planning/junior.jsp
More Information will be provided as the date approaches.