College testing has two primary purposes—admissions and financial aid. For admission purposes, most schools require either the SAT or the ACT. Some schools will also require placement exams (e.g. for math and English).

 

Juniors are encouraged to take one SAT plus essay (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/) or ACT plus writing (http://www.act.org/) in the spring. Should the scores be satisfactory, the student need not take the test again. Use the summer to review and prepare for fall testing if needed. Most colleges specify a date by which the SAT or ACT needs to be taken or when the scores are to be received.

 

SAT Subject Tests are required by some colleges and universities. Students may take up to three SAT exams on one day. These tests are designed to measure what has been learned in particular subjects. These scores may be considered for admission along with other scholastic information about the student. Some schools use the scores for placement, especially in the subject areas of English, Mathematics, Science and World Languages. Some colleges will specify which tests must be taken in order to apply for general admission or for a special program.

 

Review individual colleges’ testing requirements. If you need to take BOTH the SAT and SAT Subject Tests, you must plan ahead as both may not be taken on the same testing date.

 

As sophomores, Gonzaga Prep students take the PreACT  in October. This test serves three purposes:

1. Assist in identifying academic strengths and weaknesses in English, Reading, Science, and Math;
2. to project how the student might perform on the ACT;
3. to enter a student search service which will enable students to receive information from colleges. 

As juniors, Gonzaga Prep students take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This test is administered to all juniors in October. The test serves three purposes:

1. to identify areas of verbal and math strength and weakness in preparation for the SAT;
2. to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition;
3. to enter a student search service which will enable students to receive information from colleges.

An important point to remember is that no colleges will receive the results of the PSAT or PreACT without the student’s permission. 

 

 

Remember:

• Know what tests colleges require and by when you must take them.
• Know how colleges use test scores
• Know when and how to register for tests.
• Prepare for college admission/placement tests:
• read! Read! READ!
• Follow the test taking principles and take practice tests
• Utilize Naviance Test Prep in the Family Connection