SAT, ACT & PSAT
Introduction
The SAT and ACT are taken by college-bound students in the spring of their junior year, and are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. PSATs help prepare students for the SAT, access scholarships and connect to AP.
SAT and ACT Comparison
SAT | ACT | |
MEASURES | Reading, writing/language and math with optional essay | English, reading, math and science with optional writing section |
COST | $60.00 (without essay)* $______ (with essay)* | $50.50 (without writing)* $67 (with writing)* Juniors take ACT for free in the spring. |
SCHOOL CODE | 394288 | 394288 |
TEST RESULTS | Approx. 5 weeks | Approx. 6-8 weeks |
REGISTRATION |
*Fee waiver available from the school counselor for juniors and seniors receiving free and reduced lunch.
NOTE: When creating an account with the College Board, students must use a personal email address, not their NEB email address because they will use their account with the College Board after high school graduation. Students are also advised to keep the email address consistent and only maintain one College Board account.
Scoring
The SAT reading and writing/language portions are combined for an overall score between 200 and 800. SAT also has an optional essay portion. The math portion is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. Each category includes subcategory scores to further break down the tester’s skills. For more information on the SAT, visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/test-design.
Each ACT section (except writing) is scored between 1 and 40; and the average score in each section is 20.
Test Dates and Locations
Both exams are offered at a number of local test centers on various Saturdays throughout the year (usually neighboring high schools such as Sayre, Troy, Wyalusing, etc.) For SAT dates and deadlines, visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines or go to the guidance office. For ACT dates and deadlines, visit http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html or go to the guidance office.
Test Prep
KAHN ACADEMY
Free SAT preparation is available through www.kahnacademy.org. By creating an account using Facebook, Gmail or another personal email account, students are provided with an individualized study plan that can be saved over time to get prepared. A student takes several pre-tests in the different assessment areas so that the program can identify strengths and weaknesses.
Additional preparation materials are in the High School Guidance Office.
PSAT
PSATs help prepare students for the SAT, access scholarships and connect to AP. The next PSAT will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 8:30am.
All 11th grade students test for free and are expected to test unless they choose to opt out. (If choosing to opt out, you must provide a written request from a parent or guardian to the Guidance Office at least one week before the test date.) 10th grade students choosing to test pay $18. The PSAT test is encouraged for all 10th grade students considering dual enrollment in 11th or 12th grade. Students may request a fee waiver from the guidance office.
For more information, visit http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html