Testing Information

Some research suggests that student achievement in higher education is predicted by high school grade point averages and standardized test scores. As a result, performance on standardized tests is one piece of information considered by many colleges and universities when making admission decisions. Standardized tests commonly include the PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, ACT, and AP examinations. Sample questions, registration dates, and contact information are available at the College Board and ACT Web sites.

Some general guidelines related to test administration, registration, and score reporting:

Administration
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy administers the PSAT and AP examinations. PSAT examinations occur on-campus during the freshman, sophomore and junior years.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy does not administer the SAT I, SAT II, and ACT tests. They are held off-campus.

Test Selection
All students are encouraged to take both the SAT and ACT tests. Be sure and check with each school to which you are applying to find out if the school prefers one over the other. If there is no preference then the Counseling Department suggests that both tests be taken. Some students will do better on one test as opposed to the other due to the difference in the test construction.

SAT I and SAT II
All high school students are encouraged to take the SAT I at least twice: first in the spring of the junior year (preferably May or June) and second in the fall (September or October) of the senior year. Some students opt to take the SAT I a third time later in the fall of the senior year. It is not advisable to take the SAT I beyond the third time. You should remember that the most important piece of the college application is the transcript. Take your best shot at raising your scores as high as possible. After taking the SAT I a few times however, your time and energy is best spent on your class work.

Students are encouraged to take the SAT II exams, only when it is a requirement of the school(s) to which you are applying. You may opt to retake some SAT II exams in the fall of your senior year. Similar to SAT I exams, be cautious about over testing.

ACT
The American College Test (ACT) is a curriculum-based examination and is considered by many colleges to be a respectable alternative to the SAT. The ACT may substitute for the SAT I for some colleges and universities, although a conversion equivalence may apply. Students must contact each college and university to which they plan to apply for specific application requirements. The ACT has four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Because the sub-tests are based more specifically upon your curriculum at school, some students who have experienced less success with the SAT have found greater success with the ACT.

On each section, scores range from 1-36 points. The composite score is the average of the four test scores. A concordance table exists to show the relationship between composite ACT and SAT I (Math and Verbal) scores. In February 2005, students may take the new, optional 30-minute Writing Test as part of the ACT. The Writing Test will offer a sub-score as part of the English Test. For more information about the ACT Tests, sample questions, and preparation, please refer to the ACT Web site at www.act.org

You must determine initially whether the colleges you are considering accept the ACT. At that point, see your counselor to obtain registration materials or register online at www.act.org. If you plan to take the ACT, you will be responsible for contacting ACT to send official test scores to colleges to which you plan to apply. Call ACT Customer Service at 319-337-1270. The ACT score report lists only results from individual test dates. Unlike the SAT, it is not a cumulative report of every ACT test you have taken. Therefore, it is a “win-win” situation if you want to try the ACT. If you are pleased with the results, you can submit the scores to colleges; otherwise colleges do not need to see the scores.

Registration for SAT, ACT, AP

To ensure optimal test performances before applying to colleges and universities, students should take at least two complete rounds of the:

SAT I examination (Math and Verbal sections) and/or ACT examination

Students and families are responsible for registering to take the SAT I, SAT II, and ACT.

Students and families should electronically register for the SAT I, SAT II, and ACT, before pertinent deadlines, to receive the benefits of security and speed of processing.

Electronic registration requires a valid credit card to create an online account. The online account saves information, which facilitates scheduling of future examination dates.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy handles registration for the AP examinations held in early May each year. In sessions on campus before the AP examinations begin, students complete a registration answer sheet with all necessary information. The School sends a letter to each student's family with information about the AP process and the testing sites.

Score Reporting
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy’s CEEB/COLLEGE BOARD code is: 030-492

Standardized test scores are included on transcripts if Pusch Ridge Christian Academy receives a score report from the testing organizations. However, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that standardized test scores are released directly to colleges and universities from the appropriate testing board.

ACT and the College Board usually take four to six weeks to process release requests.

In some cases, "rush reporting" may ensure that scores are received in time for consideration in the college admission process. A fee often is charged for rush reporting.
SAT I and SAT II score reports are cumulative. The College Board will report all scores involved with your record when reporting to colleges and universities.

PSAT scores are not reported on a student's official College Board score report.

ACT scores are not cumulative. Students may control which test scores are reported to colleges and universities.

Testing Timeline
Student comfort levels with testing, academic demands, and varying college and university test requirements make for individualized patterns of standardized test taking. The test timeline below identifies general test-taking trends among Pusch Ridge Christian Academy students. Months listed are typical times of year that students usually take a particular test if applicable. Exact national test dates and months are set by the College and ACT Boards. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy is not involved in appointing these national test dates.

Freshman Year
October: PSAT

Sophomore Year
October: PSAT

Junior Year
October: PSAT (National Merit Qualification)
Spring May through June): SAT I and/or ACT
Spring (May through June): SAT II (three subject tests: math and two tests of the student’s choice if required by school)
May: AP Examinations

Senior Year
Fall (September through December): SAT I and/or ACT
Fall (October through December): SAT II (three subject tests: math and two test of the student's choice if required by school)
May: AP Examinations

Test Preparation
Many students and families opt to enroll in test preparation programs because standardized testing has become an increasingly important part of the college application. Programs vary widely in cost, location, and format (e.g., one-on-one tutoring and group classes). Different programs offer diverse options to fit different test preparation needs and budgets. Students and families are advised to investigate multiple companies and options before enrolling in a test preparation program. Families are encouraged to research all available options and choose the services that best fit the testing needs of their student as well as their individual family budget.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy offers SAT Preparation classes in the fall and the spring semester. The class is comprised of three verbal sessions and 3 math sessions. Emphasis is on test-taking strategies to increase college entrance exam scores. Sessions are approximately one week apart, each lasting one hour. The schedule is arranged so that students may take verbal and/or math sessions. The teacher/student ratio is a maximum of 1:5.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy does not endorse any particular commercial test preparation company. Mention of specific companies on this Web site does not constitute their approval or endorsement by Pusch Ridge Christian Academy or its personnel. Please note that this list of test preparation companies is not comprehensive and includes programs in which students have commonly enrolled.

Double800.com (local classes) www.double800.com  
March 2 Success (online SAT Prep) www.march2success.com  
College Board Online www.collegeboard.org  
ACT www.act.org  
Testprep.com www.testprep.com  
Kaplan www.kaplan.com  
Study Skills Resources www.studyweb.com  
AP Exam Review www.apexlearning.com  
Study Skill Sites www.ucc.vt.edu  

                                      

Bookmark and Share



site by: the visual studio & merge left marketing