> College Counseling: Testing Information

There are two college entrance exams, the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), which are used for admissions, placements, and scholarships. Every Thurgood Marshall Academy student will take the ACT and SAT twice with fee waivers each time. Students will register online during class or make an appointment with the College Counselor. The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) is provides practice for students preparing for their first SAT; it also qualifies students for national scholarship and awards programs.

SAT
ACT
PSAT

SAT

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200–800, and the writing section will contain two sub scores. The SAT is taken by high school juniors and seniors. Thurgood Marshall Academy students will register for the SAT in May of their junior year and October of their senior year.

For online sample questions and preparation materials, visit the College Board website and select "For Students."

SAT Question Types

Section	Time	Content	Item Types	Score
Critical Reading	70 minutes (two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section)	Critical reading and sentence-level reading	Reading comprehension Sentence completions Paragraph-length critical reading	200–800
Math	70 minutes (two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section)	Number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry; statistics, probability, and data analysis	Five-choice multiple-choice questions Student-produced responses	200–800
Writing	60 minutes	Grammar, usage, and word choice	Multiple choice questions (35 minutes) Student-written essay (25 minutes)	200–800

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 Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests on the same day. Students must check dates for each test offered. It is recommended that SAT Subject Tests be taken following the completion of the highest level of these courses. Please note that most colleges do not require SAT Subject Tests.

SAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

2007–2008 Test Dates	Test	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline*
October 6, 2007	SAT & Subject Tests	September 10, 2007	September 14, 2007
November 3, 2007	SAT & Subject Tests	October 2, 2007	October 11, 2007
December 1, 2007	SAT & Subject Tests	October 30, 2007	November 8, 2007
January 26, 2008	SAT & Subject Tests	December 26, 2007	January 4, 2008
March 1, 2008	SAT only	January 29, 2008	February 7, 2008
May 3, 2008	SAT & Subject Tests	April 1, 2008	April 10, 2008
June 7, 2008	SAT & Subject Tests	May 6, 2008	May 15, 2008

ACT

The ACT is a set of four multiple-choice tests that cover English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT Plus adds an optional writing test. Colleges require the 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. Score reports are usually mailed to your home within 4 to 7 weeks after each test date. Score reports will be mailed only after writing scores are available.

Section	Questions	Time	Content
English	75 questions	45 minutes	Measures standard written English and rhetorical skills
Mathematics	60 questions	60 minutes	Measures mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12
Reading	40 questions	35 minutes	Measures reading comprehension
Science	40 questions	35 minutes	Measures the intepretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences
Optional Writing Test	1 prompt	30 minutes	Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline*
September 15, 2007	August 16, 2007	August 24, 2007
October 27, 2007	September 21, 2007	October 5, 2007
December 8, 2007	November 2, 2007	November 15, 2007
February 9, 2008	January 4, 2008	January 18, 2008
April 12, 2008	March 7, 2008	March 21, 2008
June 14, 2008	May 9, 2008	May 23, 2008

PSAT

The PSAT is a two-hour-and-ten-minute exam that is administered only once during the school year. It consists of two 25-minute math sections, two 25-minute verbal sections, and one writing skills section. This test predicts how well you will do on the SAT.

Only students who take the PSAT in their junior year will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program, or the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program.