College Board's My College Quick Start

sIf you took the PSAT in October, then you have probably received or will shortly receive your score report. Other than your score, one of the most important areas of the report is "Your Code." This "Your Code" is your access to College Board's My College Quick Start which has tools that can help you determine a college major, find a school that meets your requirements, and will help you as you try to improve your scores on the Official SAT. So, don't throw away that report. Write down your access code and keep up with it. You can use the tool anytime, and better yet, you can use it for FREE!

Good guessing (SAT/ACT)

There is guessing and then there is good guessing. On the SAT test, good guessing may help you. Random guessing probably won't. The Collegeboard states in their Official SAT Study Guide that if you can eliminate one answer you should guess. The more choices you can eliminate, the greater the chance you will answer correctly. The SAT does penalize slightly for an incorrect answer, so take a stab at it only if you can eliminate at least one answer choice.

The ACT does not penalize your score for an incorrect answer. So guess away.

Choose the right test for you!

Taking the SAT or the ACT this month? Knowing what to expect may help you choose the test that is right for you. Here is a breakdown of the two tests:
SAT
10 sections: 3 Critical reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing(includes essay),1 Experimental (unscored)
Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes
Scoring: Total score possible 2400
3 scores: 200-800 each section
Score: Each correct answer=1 point
Incorrect answer subtract 1/4 point (except math grid-in answers)
Leave blank=0 points
Guess: Collegeboard publications recommend guessing if you can rule out one answer

ACT
Sections: 4 sections (5 if you choose to take writing)
1 Reading, 1 Math, 1 English, 1 Science (optional writing section at end of test)
Length: 3 hours, 25 minutes if taking optional writing
Scoring: 1-36 possible on each section, Composite score with average of all sections 1-36
Score: No wrong answer penalty, always guess

PSAT-Take it!

Did you know that the PSAT really does count! The Preliminary SAT(PSAT), if taken during a student's junior year, counts plenty toward college and scholarship opportunities. It is the qualifying test for several scholarships and programs. Although the National Merit Scholarship is the most widely known, there are others including the National Achievement Scholarship Program (for African American students) and the National Hispanic Recognition Program for students who identify themselves as at least 1/4 Latino orHispanic. For more information on each of these, click on the links.

So juniors, take the PSAT! Deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 23 at lunch. It will cost you a fee, but if you are on free lunch, see Mrs. Schilit for a fee waiver. Take your fee to Mr. Eberlin and sign up with Mrs. Todd in guidance.

One last advantage of taking the PSAT, it allows you to use the College Board's My College QuickStart Program. That program can help you set up a personalized SAT prep program, search for colleges, look at timelines, etc.

Sign up today for the PSAT!

Update on SAT registration

The date for regular registration for the SAT in October has been extended until Sept. 23. That means you can still register without paying a late fee. And if you need a little more practice, check out this page on the college board website.

SAT registration

Tomorrow, September 9, is the regular deadline for registering for the October 10 SAT. Don't wait any longer. If you are a senior, planning on attending four-year college, and haven't taken either the SAT or ACT yet...register now. The October 24 ACT deadline is September 18. Although you can register for either test after the regular deadline, you shouldn't....unless you just enjoy spending extra money.

Frugal SAT and ACT practice

In these difficult economic times we are always excited when we find cheap, or better yet free, ways to help you in the college process. One of the premier providers of college entrance test preparation is Kaplan. They often offer free events for students. In the Columbia area, there will be a free full length practice SAT given on Saturday, October 3 at the Kaplan Center located downtown. Sign up online at the Kaplan website. Check their website for other free events! If you don't live in Columbia, just put in your zip code under free events and find a session close to you.

*Kaplan also offers fee serviced test preparation that you may want to take advantage of.

ACT and SAT Test Dates

Have you registered? Don't end up paying late fees! Check the dates for both at the following links and register today! Remember, for each test you can send your scores to up to four colleges for free. Make sure you register the schools you want your test scores sent to at registration. If not, you will have to pay a send fee later. Schools are looking at your best scores. That means if you aren't happy with the first set of scores, take the test again and send them to the colleges again.

SAT TEST DATES

Fees for the SAT, if you register on time, are $45 and up to four colleges get your reports free. Additional reports sent to colleges cost $9.50

ACT Test Dates
The ACT costs $32 without the writing portion. The ACT including the writing portion costs $47. Most schools want the writing portion, but check your college or university to be sure. Four colleges may receive scores free with your test. Each additional college you want it sent to costs $9.

SAT Test registration

College Board has extended the late registration deadline for the SAT until this Friday, May 22. If you are a junior, who is planning on attending a four-year college, the SAT or the ACT may be required as part of your application. Most colleges and universities use either one of the tests as part of the admissions criteria. See the links on the side column for their websites.

Free SAT/ACT practice test opportunity

Kaplan has a great opportunity to help you get ready for the SAT or ACT. Check out this website to sign up for a free practice SAT or free practice ACT.

Kaplan SAT ora ACT practice test

Fair Test

Did you know that not every school requires an SAT or ACT? Check out this list of 815 colleges and universities who now list the SAT or ACT as optional. Be sure and read the key at the bottom of the list as some of these schools have caveats to the option.