Access the official MCPS Counseling and Testing Calendar
ACT Testing Calendar
Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
(Late Fee Required) |
September 10, 2011 |
August 12, 2011 |
August 13 – 26, 2011 |
October 22, 2011 |
September 16, 2011 |
September 17 – 30, 2011 |
December 10, 2011 |
November 4, 2011 |
November 5 – 18, 2011 |
February 11, 2012 |
January 13, 2012 |
January 14 – 20, 2012 |
April 14, 2012 |
March 9, 2012 |
March 10 – 23, 2012 |
June 9, 2012 |
May 4, 2012 |
May 5 – 18, 2012 |
SAT Testing Calendar
Test Date |
Registration Deadline |
(Late Fee Required) |
| October 1, 2011 |
September 9, 2011 |
September 10 - 21, 2011 |
| November 5, 2011 |
October 7, 2011 |
October 8 - 21, 2011 |
| December 3, 2011 |
November 8, 2011 |
November 9 - 20, 2011 |
| January 28, 2012 |
December 30, 2011 |
December 31, 2011 - January 13, 2012 |
| March 10, 2012 |
February 10, 2011 |
February 11 - 24, 2012 |
| May 5, 2012 |
April 6, 2012 |
April 7 - 20, 2012 |
| June 2, 2012 |
May 8, 2012 |
May 9 - 22, 2012 |
There are two college entrance exams, the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), which are used for admission, placement, and scholarships. Students should decide which test to take based on the requirements of the institution to which they are applying. Most colleges will accept the ACT or SAT for admission testing purposes. Check directly with each institution being considered for the requirements. Registration materials are available in the College/Career Information Center and online. Students who require testing on a Sunday for religious reasons should check online or pick up a Registration Bulletin for required documentation, locations and dates of exams offered.
ACT (American College Testing Program)
The ACT is a set of four multiple choice tests covering English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT Plus Writing Test includes the four multiple choice tests plus the Writing Test.
Test |
|
|
|
English |
75 questions |
45 minutes |
The test consists of five prose passages, each one followed by multiple-choice test questions. Different passage types are included to provide variety. |
Mathematics |
60 questions |
60 minutes |
The test measures the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th grade. |
Reading |
40 questions |
35 minutes |
The test measures reading comprehension. Several texts are read followed by answering questions to show understanding. |
Science |
40 questions |
35 minutes |
The test measures skills in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning and problem solving. |
Optional Writing |
1 prompt |
30 minutes |
Essay test that measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses. |
The ACT registration fee for the Assessment Plus Writing is $48.00. To find out if the Writing Test is required, visit the website or call the admissions office of each college or university to which you plan to apply. If a student chooses to take the ACT without writing, the fee is $33. Late registration: $21; Standby fee: $41. Most scores are available online within 2 1/2 weeks after the test for an additional fee. The service allows students to view their scores before the official score report arrives by mail. Scores are based on the number of correct answers; there is no penalty for guessing. Students must mail their ACT registration forms and fee in the pre-addressed envelope available in the College/Career Center or register online.
For Sunday testing centers, visit the ACT website.
ACT
CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board)
The CEEB offers the following tests: SAT Reasoning, SAT: Subject Tests, AP (Advanced Placement Tests), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and CLEP (College-Level Examination Program). Contact your counselor for fee waiver information if the registration fees present a financial hardship.
- SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test, commonly known as the SAT, is a 3 ¾ hour test that measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing skills a student has developed over time to be successful academically. This test is administered seven times a year and is typically taken by high school juniors for the first time in the spring and again as a senior in the fall or winter. Each section is scored on a 200-800 scale as well as two sub-scores for the writing section.
- Students may register for the SAT Reasoning test by mail or online. It is highly recommended that students register online. Students are responsible for the $47.00 registration fee, which can be paid by credit card or check directly to ETS. An additional $24.00 late fee or $41.00 stand-by fee must be added to the $47.00 regular registration fee when a deadline is missed. Registration forms and information are available in the College/Career Information Center or online.
- Each edition of the SAT includes a Critical Reading, Math and Writing Section, with a specific number of questions related to content.
Time |
Content |
Item Types |
70 minutes.
(two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section) |
Math Section:
Arithmetic, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry |
Multiple-choice questions and grid-ins (student-produced responses) |
70 minutes.
(two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section) |
Critical reading:Passage-based reading comprehension and sentence completion |
Multiple choice |
60 minutes: 25 minute multiple choice section, 10 minute multiple choice section, 25 minute essay. |
Writing Section:
Grammar usage, word choice, organization and clear expression |
Multiple choice, persuasive essay |
SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests are designed to measure knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge. Subject tests are also used by some colleges for admission and placement purposes. Students may take up to three tests in one session, but may not take the Reasoning and the Subject Tests on the same day. It is recommended that a Subject Test be taken following the completion of the highest level of the course. The registration fee includes a basic fee of $21.00 plus an additional $21.00 fee for a Language Test with Listening or an additional $10.00 for all other Subject Tests. Students are penalized for missing the regular deadlines and must pay an additional $24.00 late fee or $41.00 Standby Fee. Please check the SAT Testing Bulletin or your College/Career Center for Test Center locations and schedules. Note: Most colleges do not require the Subject Tests. Check the college website to see if these tests are recommended. |