COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTS 

Students planning to further their education may be required to take college entrance examinations.  These tests are used along with the high school record to predict a student's chance of success in college.  Generally, the first test taken is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).  Some colleges will require the SAT from the College Board.  Other colleges may require the American College Test (ACT).  In addition, some colleges request Subject Tests (SAT II) which are used for admission and/or class placement.

Determining which tests are appropriate is each student's responsibility.  It is most important that juniors review the college catalog or website for each college they are considering.  Particular attention should be paid to the section on "Admissions Requirements." Specific information regarding test registration and admission deadlines will be announced by the high school counselors.

Registration materials are distributed through the guidance office.  Students may also register online atwww.collegeboard.org for the SATs or www.actstudent.org for the ACTs.

Cedar Cliff High School and Red Land High School have been approved as testing centers for the College Board Tests (SAT I & SAT II Subject Tests).  All tests are given on Saturday.  The ACT is administered at Harrisburg Area Community College or Cumberland Valley High School.

PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST (PSAT/NMSQT)

The PSAT/NMSQT score is used to estimate performance on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I).  It is a shortened version of the SAT I.  In addition to estimating performance, the PSAT/NMSQT is the route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship program for Outstanding African American Students. 

The PSAT/NMSQT provides information that can assist in planning future education.  It gives students and parents an idea of the student's ability to handle college work.  The student's performance on the test can be compared with a national group of students planning to enter college.

Another feature of the PSAT/NMSQT is the Student Search of the College Board.  Students who participate in the service will receive information from colleges or other post-secondary institutions about education and financial aid opportunities.

Description -  The PSAT/NMSQT is a mostly multiple-choice test that measures developed verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities which are important for academic performance in college.  The PSAT/NMSQT consists of two 25 minute critical reading sections, two 25 minute math sections and one 30 minute writing skills section.  The test takes a total of two hours and ten minutes.  An additional 20 minutes is needed for the completion of student information.  Students may use a calculator for the math section.

 The PSAT/NMSQT tests an individual's ability to reason with verbal and mathematical facts and concepts rather than to recall and recite them.

Students are advised to obtain a booklet entitled Student Bulletin which contains a sample test and information on scoring.

EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICES (ETS) - www.collegeboard.org

SAT I - Reasoning Test 

The SAT I consists of three categories:  Critical Reading, Mathematics and Writing (optional).  Each section is scored 200-800 points.

• The test time is 3.5 hours with three (3) sections in math, three (3) sections in critical reading, one (1) experimental/unscored section and two (2) sections in writing skills.
• Critical reading will include passage-based reading and sentence completion.
• Math test questions will include multiple choice and student produced responses.
• Math content encompasses Algebra I and II, basic geometry, numbers and operations, statistics, probability and data analysis.
• The writing section includes both multiple choice questions and a direct writing measure in the form of an essay.

SAT II – Subject Test 

Some colleges may require subject area tests for admission or placement purposes.  These are one-hour, multiple-choice tests in specific subjects.  Subject tests measure knowledge of a particular subject and ability to apply that knowledge. Therefore, one should try to take a test as soon as the last course in that subject is completed.  The twenty (20) subject tests offered are:

NOTE:  SAT I Reasoning Test and the SAT II Subject Test cannot be taken on the same test date.