Testing Information
Information about the Redesigned PSAT and SAT
The College Board has made significant changes to the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT in an effort to better align the tests with high school curricula and the skills necessary for college and career readiness. The revised PSAT/NMSQT will launch in October 2015 and the SAT in March 2016. The redesign affects the way the test is structured, administered, timed and scored.
Features of the redesigned SAT include:
- An optional essay
- Fewer multiple choice questions
- No penalty for incorrect answers
- A 1600-point scale
There will be an increased emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving and data analysis. The test is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and is based on what students are already learning in class. Download a flyer with more information about the new tests/Descargar un bulletin con informacion del PSAT y SAT rediseñado.
Registering
- To register for the SAT: www.collegeboard.com
- To register for the ACT: www.act.org
Testing Preperation/Tutoring:
- ACT Exam Practice Tests
- ACT Student
- College Board Test Practice
- Free Rice Through a partnership in which each right answer provides food to people in need.
- Huntington Learning Center
- Kaplan Test Prep
- Khan Academy
- March2Success
- Montgomery College: Accuplacer
- Number2
- Power Score
- Prep Factory
- PrepTalk
- Princeton Review
- Revolution Prep
- TOEFL Information
- Tutor Find
- Vocab Test
ACT VS. SAT
| SAT | ACT | |
|---|---|---|
| Why Take It | Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships | Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships |
| Test Structure | Reading Writing and Language Math Essay (Optional) |
English Math Reading Science Reasoning Essay (Optional) |
| Length | 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) |
2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay) 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay) |
| Reading | 5 reading passages | 4 reading passages |
| Science | None | 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not your specific science knowledge) |
| Math | Covers: Arithmetic Algebra I and II Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Analysis |
Covers: Arithmetic Algebra I and II Geometry and Trigonometry |
| Calculator Policy | Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator | You can use a calculator on all math questions |
| Essays | Optional—the essay will test your comprehension of a source text | Optional—the essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues |
| How It's Scored | Scored on a scale of 400-1600 | Scored on a scale of 1-36 |
TOEFL Test: Tests for English Proficiency
TOEFL (Test of English As a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is designed to determine the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. These students may take the TOEFL in addition to the SAT I or ACT. Students may wish to call (301) 314-0319 (College Park) to schedule a convenient testing time at least six weeks in advance of the desired testing date. TOEFL can be taken computer-based or on paper. Information bulletins are available in the Career Center or by calling 1-800-GO TOEFL, or by visiting the website at http://www.toefl.org
