Standardized Testing

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Students are responsible for determining which tests they should take and properly registering to take them. Registration can be done online or by completing an application which can be found in the HFA Guidance Office. Students are responsible for releasing and sending test scores.

Which test do I take and when?

ACT, SAT I (reasoning test), and SAT II (subject tests) are all nationally standardized tests and are typically required for college admissions and scholarship competitions. ACT/SAT results are also used to determine eligibility for the HOPE Lottery Scholarship.

ACT/SAT I

The ACT and SAT I are both used for college admissions and cover general knowledge; students can take either test or both. The tests are slightly different in content and scoring.

SAT II/Subject Area Test

Selective private institutions also require SAT IIs for admission (typically two – one math and one topic of your choosing). These are Subject Area Tests focusing on a particular discipline. Other institutions will use the SAT II for placement purposes once you are admitted.

When should I take the tests?

Students should take the SAT II for the subject areas in which they are currently taking advanced courses; e.g., if taking AP U.S. History, you should take the June SAT II in U.S. History. Juniors should take at least one nationally standardized test, either the ACT or the SAT I, during their spring semester.

The tests are only offered during the academic year and not during the summer, so if there are any discrepancies between your test score and your ability, you have the opportunity to retake in the fall. Review materials and registration are available in Guidance or on-line at www.actstudent.org (for the ACT) or www.collegeboard.com (for the SAT I and the SAT II).

How can I prepare for the tests?

· Individual test preparation can be done through the on-line test sites and through test prep books (available in the HFA Library, the HFA Counseling Office, the Public Library, and local bookstores).

· We offer test preparation programs after school throughout the year. There are also a number of private organizations locally that offer either individual or group test prep.

· Underclassmen prepare for these tests by taking the PSAT (practice SAT) and PLAN (practice ACT)– discovering what the tests themselves are like, becoming comfortable with the testing environment, and discovering their own strengths and weaknesses in relation to the tests and knowing what to study in order to perform better on the tests.

Students concerned about paying for any of these tests should talk to their counselor.

Recommended Testing Schedule

October of freshman and sophomore year	PSAT
November of sophomore year	PLAN
October of junior year	PSAT/NMSQT
Spring of junior year	First SAT I
Spring of junior year	First ACT
March-June of junior year	SAT IIs, retake SATI & ACT
October-November of senior year	Retake SAT I & ACT
May	AP Tests, Gateway Tests

PLAN – Preliminary ACT

An achievement test that measures knowledge gained in the classroom, the PLAN is given during the sophomore year. The results of this test provide an estimate of how the student will score on the ACT and an idea of the subject areas that require more attention.

PSAT - Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Administered during October of each year, the PSAT is divided into three parts – critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing. The PSAT is designed to predict student scores on the SAT I. PSAT scores range from 20-80. (SAT equivalency scores can be determined by multiplying the PSAT two-digit score by 10.) All students at Hume-Fogg are required to take the PSAT their freshman, sophomore and junior year.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses the PSAT during a student's junior year as the initial screening process for identifying students for its scholarship and recognition competitions. Depending on the student's selection index score (the sum of the verbal, math and writing scores), a student may be recognized as a Commended Student or may be identified as a Semi-Finalist to then be invited to compete for Finalist.

ACT - American College Testing Program (www.actstudent.org)

The ACT is an achievement test that measures knowledge, understanding and skills that you have acquired. The test consists of four subtests - English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. Students receive five scores for the ACT, subtest scores and a composite score. ACT scores range from 1 to 36. Some colleges will accept the ACT in place of the required SAT I and SAT II. Check college literature for details.

SAT I - Reasoning Test (www.collegeboard.com)

The SAT I Reasoning Test measures writing, critical reading, and mathematical reasoning ability, knowledge that has developed over time. The scores for each section of the test range from 200 to 800. Many schools will honor the highest combined test score, so taking the test more than once can be to the student's advantage.

SAT II - Subject Tests (www.collegeboard.com)

The SAT II Subject Tests are each one hour long and a student may take as many as three on one testing date. (This test may not be taken on the same day as the SAT I.) SAT II subject tests allow colleges to assess a student's ability in specific subject areas. Many colleges require that students submit as many as three SAT II Subject Tests along with their SAT I Reasoning Test scores.

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

The purpose of the TOEFL is to test the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. Consult the registration packet or website, www.toefl.org, for test center locations.

Releasing Test Scores

It is the student's responsibility to release test scores to HFA and send them to the college or university to which the student has applied.

Students can release score reports and request additional scores electronically, by mail or phone. For directions, consult the website for each respective test.