COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS - GENERAL INFORMATION

The following information is related to college entrance exams.  Much of the information is applicable to vocational-technical schools as well as colleges and universities.

ADMISSIONS TESTS

Most colleges will require prospective students to take either the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).

  1. They are used for selecting students for admission.
  2. They are used as an aid for advising students.
  3. They are used for placement.

The ACT (American College Test).

  1. The test is an educational development test covering the fields of English, mathematics, reading, and natural science reasoning. Many schools require the writing portion as well.
  2. All schools in Illinois accept the ACT for admission.
  3. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36.
  4. Illinois State Scholar recognition is awarded partly on the basis of the ACT and/or SAT.
  5. Test registration materials are available in the Counseling Office or you may register online at www.act.org. 
  6. The ACT is given six times each school year.
  7. The ACT is required for graduation. It will be administered to all juniors in April.
  8. Sterling High School's test code is 144-010.

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test).

  1. The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills. The SAT assesses how well a student analyzes and solves problems.
  2. Each section of the SAT is Scored on a scale of 200-800, and the writing section will contain two sub scores.
  3. Each section includes a Critical Reading, Math and writing section.
  4. The SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II) are designed to measure knowlege and skills in a particular subject.
  5. Many colleges us the Subject Tests for admissions, course placement or for course advisement.
  6. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests are required for admission, others allow applicants to choose the test.
  7. Test registration materials are available in the Counseling Office or you may register online at www.collegeboard.com.
  8. The SAT is given seven times a year.

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

  1. The Prelimianry SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
  2. PSAT/NMSQT stands for Prelimianry SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  It is a standradized test that provides frirsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test.  It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
  3. The PSAT/NMSQT measures: critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills.  You have developed these skills over many years, both in and out of school.  This test doesn't require you to recall specific facts from your classes.
  4. The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
    • to recieve feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study.
    • to focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
    • to see how your performance on admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
    • to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11).
    • to help prepare for the SAT.
    • to become familliar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
  5. The PSAT is given during the week in mid-October at Sterling High School. Students must sign up in the Counseling Office in advance of the test day. A fee is charged for this test.

 

PRAIRIE STATE ACHIEVEMENT EXAMINATION

What is the PSAE (Prairie State Achievement Examination)?

  1. The PSAE is a required examination for ALL Illinois juniors.
  2. It is a two day test that is given in April.
  3. It assesses reading, mathematics, and science.
  4. The PSAE is comprised of an Illinois State Board of Education designed science test, two ACT WorkKeys tests, and an ACT.
  5. Work Keys was developed by ACT.  Work Keys tests measure the level of skills needed in the workplace.  Test items at each level simulate the characteristics of the workplace as much as possible.  The materials for reading and problem solving come from actual workplace situations.
  6. The ACT component is an actual ACT test. 
    1. There is no charge for the test.
    2. Illinois state universities and many other state schools will accept the ACT score from the PSAE as an admission test.
  7. Students who desire to retake a PSAE test that includes an ACT component will receive a voucher to take the ACT at a national test site on the October national test of their senior year.

Credit by Examination

College credit may be earned through the College Level Examination program (CLEP).

  1. CLEP can help a student save time and money.
  2. Several hours of college credit may be earned.
  3. CLEP tests can be taken during your senior year.
    1. Sauk Valley is a CLEP test center. 
    2. For more information, call the counseling office at SVCC.

You may want to participate in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) of the College Board, which enables some colleges to award college credit for high scores.

  1. AP exams are given in May of your junior or senior year.
  2. AP exams follow the completion of an AP course.
  3. Some students may take AP exams without taking an AP course.
  4. Contact your counselor for further information.

Q & A

Q.    Why do colleges want me to take either the ACT or SAT?

A.     There are more than 25,000 high schools in the U.S., and their courses and grading standards vary widely.  Since the ACT and SAT are standardized and objective (multiple choice) it gives colleges a common yardstick that measures the high school curriculum in a consistent manner.  Your scores show colleges how ready you are to handle the work at their institutions and how your skills compare with other applicants.

Q.    What does the ACT or SAT tell colleges about me?

A.     The test measures your abilities.  They do not seek to determine how much information you have accumulated in high school nor are they a measure of innate intelligence.  Likewise, they do not measure other important skills such as motivation, creativity, or special talents that can help you succeed in college and life.

Q.    How important are ACT or SAT scores in admission decisions?

A.     The best way to predict how a person will perform in a new situation is to observe how well s/he performed in similar sitautions in the past.  For this reason, the high school transcript, judged both by grades received and the rigor of the courses taken, is the most important college entrance criteria.  In an attempt to provide a more complete picture of you, admission committees also consider a variety of other evidence, including scores, essays, extracurricular activites, and what your teachers and counselors have to say about you.  Test scores are only one of several factors.

Q.   Is the SAT more difficult than the ACT?

A.     The two tests measure somewhat different things.  The SAT tests critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills, while the ACT exam is somewhat more closely tied to high school curricula.  Whether one test would be easier or harder, or about the same as the other will vary from student to student.  However, most students will perform similarly on both tests.

Q.   Should I take a test preparation course?

A.     That depends on your particular needs.  It makes sense to approach the test with a  confident and positive attitude.  ACT offers several on-line test prep options.  Some activities are free of charge and others have a fee.  Sauk Valley Community College periodically offers a test prep course.  Watch for the class in their fall and spring registration brochures or on their on-line registration site.

Q.   How often should I take a test?

A.     At least half of all students take the ACT or SAT exam twice.  Most students take one in the spring of their junior year and the second test in the summer or fall of their senior year.  All scores are reported but colleges generally look at the highest ones.  Some students take the tests three or more times in hopes of getting a better score.

Q.   Will high test scores make up for a low grade point average?

A.     Don’t count on it.  Selective colleges turn down large numbers of applicants with high test scores every year.  A pattern of high scores/low grades suggest to  admissions directors that your are not working up to your capacity.  If you took the easy road in high school, why should they expect you to act differently in college?  If you’re in this situation, the best approach is to dig in, and get decent grades in the time you have left in high school.

Q.   Can a good score get me a scholarship?

A.     Yes.  Many states and colleges use ACT or SAT scores as the basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.  Many use formulas involving grades and test scores for initial screening of candidates and even for scholarship decisions.

Q.   What about other test preparartion items?

A.     There are many products that can help you prepare for the ACT or the SAT tests. There is no need to purchase such products.  The Counseling Office has a number  of books with practice tests included.