Admissions Testing – ACT/SAT

Admissions Testing

Many four-year colleges will require scores from a college admissions test – either the ACT or the SAT. These scores are one part of the college application process and factor in to admissions decisions; however, they are not as important as your transcript and the grades you earned.

We recommend that students who are applying to institutions that require either an ACT or SAT take both. Colleges will accept the higher of both tests.

Some competitive colleges will require SAT Subject Tests. Please check the admissions requirements of potential colleges well in advance as these tests can be taken as early as Sophomore year, depending on a student’s course load. (For example, if a student takes Honors Chemistry during sophomore year, it would be wise to take the Subject Test following the end of that course while the material is still fresh.) Click here for a list of colleges that ask for SAT Subject Tests.


Test Optional

fairtestSome four-year colleges have become test optional; citing that test scores are not always reflective of a student’s ability to be successful on campus. You can research schools that do not require SAT or ACT. Fair Test offers a comprehensive list here.


Community Colleges

Community colleges typically do not require an ACT or an SAT. However, community colleges will utilize a placement test (such as the Accuplacer) to ensure proper placement in their courses once a student is enrolled.  Click here for a free Accuplacer study App.


ACT

actThe ACT® is a curriculum- and standards-based educational and career planning tool that assesses students’ academic readiness for college.

  • The ACT is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States.
  • The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on The ACT are directly related to what students have learned in high school courses.
  • More than 1.66 million high school students in the graduating class of 2012 took The ACT.
  • The ACT is administered in all 50 of the United States and in many other countries (from act.org).

Students must register with ACT directly – click on this link to set up an account. The ACT is offered at ConVal on the February test date only but students can take it at any neighboring school.

Students with disabilities (IEP or 504) who would like to request accommodations on the ACT need to see their counselor or case manager to begin the approval process. The earlier the better!

Families who meet financial eligibility requirements can receive a fee waiver for the ACT. See your counselor if paying for the test is a hardship – all requests are confidential.

Click on the links for practice materials for the ACT.

ACT Sample Questions

Preparing for the ACT

VLACS Free Test Prep (for credit)


SAT

collegeboardThe SAT and SAT Subject Tests are designed to assess your academic readiness for college. These exams provide a path to opportunities, financial support, and scholarships, in a way that’s fair to all students. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century (from collegeboard.com).

Beginning in March of 2016, the SAT will be “The New SAT.” Click on this link to read about the changes.

Students must register with College Board directly – click on this link to set up an account. The SAT is offered at ConVal on the October, December, May and June test dates only, but students can take it at any neighboring school.

Students with disabilities (IEP or 504) who would like to request accommodations on the SAT need to see their counselor or case manager to begin the approval process. The earlier the better!

Families who meet financial eligibility requirements can receive a fee waiver for the SAT. See your counselor if paying for the test is a hardship – all requests are confidential.

Click on the links for practice materials for the SAT.

Question of the Day and Practice Test from College Board

Kahn Academy Free SAT Prep

VLACS Free Test Prep (for credit)