SAT/ACT Links

• ACT Registration Link
• SAT Registration Link
• Test Prep Options

SAT and ACT Testing

The SAT and ACT are standardized, objective tests that are required for entrance into four-year colleges and universities. Your scores show colleges how ready you are to handle the work at their institutions and how your skills compare with other applicants. As a high school Junior, you should be preparing to take these exams during the spring of your Junior year or at the latest, fall of your Senior year.

ACT/SAT Quick Facts

ACT: 

• The ACT is offered on the FMHS Campus.
• An achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. 
• Up to 5 components including English, Math, Reading, Science and an optional Writing Test. 
• Scores based on number of right answers. No penalty for guessing.
• Test Score Scales - English 25%; Reading 25%; Math 25%; Social Science 25%
• Composite - 1-36 (average of 4 test scores)

SAT:

• The new SAT looks a lot like the ACT.
• The SAT is now scored out of 1600
• The Reading and Writing sections on the current SAT have been combined into a single section in the new SAT, with a maximum score of 800.  
• Writing is now known as "Writing and Language."
• The Math section is still scored out of 800.
• The Essay is optional and has changed drmatically
• Instead of 5 answer choices for each question, there will be only 4.
• No penalty for guessing.
• Focused on math that matters most
• Reflects what students learn in class.

**SAT II:

• This test is required at many competitive colleges. Check with the admissions office at the school to which you are applying. The Subject Tests measure students’ knowledge and skills in a particular subject and their ability to apply that knowledge.

PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test The PSAT/NMSQT, a short form of the SAT, measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. It serves four purposes:

• Allows students to compare their academic abilities with other college-bound students at their specific grade level.
• Familiarizes students with the SAT.
• Shows the student areas on which he/she may need to concentrate additional preparation before taking the SAT.
• Allows college-bound juniors to compete for National Merit Scholarship.

The test is offered only in October and should be taken by all sophomores and college-bound juniors. Freshman are encouraged to take the test for practice.

Understanding your PSAT scores: This site will give you a personalized online PSAT score report, personalized SAT study plan, and an interactive college/career/major match.

The following link has a good review for the ACT: http://www.mometrix.com/academy/act-test/ 

SAT Vocabulary Word List

College Testing Accomodations for 504 & Special Education Students

Visit CollegeBoard.org for more information. 

Texas Success Initiative

Students attending Texas public institutions of higher education must be in compliance with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), as of fall 2003 (Texas Education Code §51.3062) in order to enroll in public institutions of higher education. The law requires all entering college students to be assessed for college readiness in reading, mathematics and writing unless the student qualifies for an exemption. Each student who fails to meet the minimum passing standard of the exam offered by the institution must be placed in a developmental education program designed to help the student achieve college readiness.

Q: Which students must take a TSI exam?

A: Unless exempt, students who are entering a Texas college or university must take a TSI exam and receive a passing score in order to enroll in credit bearing courses. Students may be exempt from taking a TSI exam by achieving any of the requirements: ACT score of 23 or higher with at least a 19 on the English test and/or math section; OR a SAT combined verbal and math score of 1070 with a minimum of 500 on the verbal test and/or math test.

Q: When do students take a TSI exam?

A: Students must take a TSI exam and have scores on file before they can enroll in college-level classes. Each college and university offers a different exam. A student must take the exam required by the college or university he/she will be attending. Students are notified of their scores and eligibility to enroll in credit bearing courses immediately upon completing an exam. 

Testing for College Credit

AP: Advanced Placement Testing: Advanced Placement Examinations are administered at SHS during the spring of each year. These exams are based upon college-level courses taught in high school. Exam scores are reported on a five-point scale with five being the highest score. A score of three or better is acceptable for advanced placement and college credit by most colleges.

CLEP College Level Examination Program: CLEP provides an opportunity for individuals who have acquired certain knowledge outside the traditional classroom to earn core academic college credits through an examination. The scores range from 200-800. Some colleges give credit for scores above 500, enabling students to skip certain courses. Students can register for and take CLEP Exams at most college and university testing centers.

Local Test Prep Sites:

• C2 Education
• Huntington Learning Center
• Sylvan Learning Center