Richard Montgomery High School

College Test Preparation

MCPS SAT Preparation 
PSAT / SAT Prep classes offered by Montgomery County Public Schools

College Board: PSAT Practice and Preparation 
Tips and practice questions with answers and explanations for the PSAT

College Board: SAT I Learning Center 
Take a free mini-SAT, learn study tips and skill builders

College Board: SAT II Learning Center 
Interactive practice questions and tips for the SAT II

ACT: Test Taking Strategies 
Become familiar with the content of the ACT test

SAT Test Dates for School Year 2008-2009 

ACT Test Dates for School Year 2008-2009 

SAT Reasoning Test

The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of your critical thinking skills needed for academic success in college. The test is an assessment of how well you have learned to analyze and solve problems - skills throughout your school years, that you'll need in college.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain two subscores. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S. For more online sample questions and preparation materials, visit http://www.collegeboard.com.

Students may register for the test by mail or online. It is highly recommended that students register online at http://www.collegeboard.com. Students are responsible for the $45.00 registration fee, which should be paid by credit card or check directly to ETS. An additional $23.00 late, or $38.00 stand-by fee must be added to the $45.00 regular registration fee when a deadline is missed. Registration forms and information are available in the College/Career Center.

SAT Subject Tests 

The SAT Subject Tests are given in a number of academic areas and are used by some colleges for admission and placement purposes. Students may take up to three tests in one session, but may not take the SAT I and the SAT II on the same day. Students must check dates for each test offered. It is recommended that SAT II tests be taken following the completion of the highest level courses. The basic registration fee is $20.00; plus $20.00 for the Language Test with Listening; add $9.00 each for all other subject tests. Please note that most colleges do not require SAT Subject Tests. 

American College Testing (ACT)  

The ACT (No Writing) is a set of four-multiple choice tests that covers English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four-multiple choice tests and a Writing Test.

The score is based on the number of correct answers; there is no penalty for guessing. Most scores are available online within 2 1/2 weeks after each national test date. Your scores are not reported any faster if you view them online. Score reports are usually mailed to your home within 4 to 7 weeks after each test date. If you took Writing, your score report will be mailed only after your Writing scores are available.

Students should mail their registration form and a $31.00 fee in the pre-addressed envelope available in the College/Career Center. Registration is also available online at http://www.actstudent.org. Deadlines not met require an additional $20.00 late or $40.00 stand-by fee.

The registration fee for the ACT Assessment Plus Writing is $46.00 (an extra $15.00). To find out if the Writing Test is required, visit the website or call the admission office of each college or university to which you plan to apply. A list of the closest ACT test centers are below...

The Closest ACT Test Centers are: Walter Johnson High School, The University of Maryland-CP, Frederick High School, Quince Orchard High School, Watkins Mill High School, Wootton High School, Springbrook High School and Good Counsel High School. The closest test centers for Sunday are: Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, Spencerville Adventist Academy and Columbia Union College.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students are offered thirty-seven courses across 22 subject areas to test in. If successful on the test, the student may be given college credit in that subject. Tests are graded on a five-point scale: 5 extremely well-qualified; 4 well qualified; 3 qualified; 2 possibly qualified; and 1 no recommendation. All colleges who subscribe to the AP Program recognize grade 5 for credit in a subject; nearly all coleges recognize grade 4; most colleges recognize grade 3, and some colleges recognize grade 2. Check with individual colleges to see which scores are acceptable. Students must pay an $86.00 per exam fee to register at their school. For information about AP Testing, visit the website http://www.collegeboard.com/apstudents/ or call 1-888-225-5427.

Testing for Special Populations 

SAT / PSAT Guidelines for Students With Disabilities 
Eligibility and registration deadlines for the SAT/PSAT

TOEFL / Test of English as a Foreign Language 

The TOEFL is an Internet-based Test (iBT) required by almost all U.S. Colleges and universities for students whose principal language is not English. The test is made up of three multiple choice sections: listening comprehension, structure and written expression, and reading comprehension and takes approximately four hours to administer. The $150.00 registration fee includes: 1 examinee score record and 4 score reports sent to your designated institutions. The TOEFL should be taken in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT. The registration forms are found online on the website http:// www.ets.org/toefl or in the TOEFL Bulletin available in the College/Career Center. Students may email toefl@ets.org or call 1-877-863-3546 for more information. To schedule a convenient testing time, students may call 301-718-9893 (Bethesda) or 301-314-0319 (College Park) at least six weeks in advance of the desired testing date. Fee waivers for qualified students are available for this test upon seeing Ms. Hull in the College/Career Center.