PSAT/NMSQT

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Examination Test. This test is taken  by sophomores and juniors each October. Sophomores and juniors are strongly encouraged to take this examination as a testing experience. The PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal and reasoning abilities and produces a verbal and a math score and has a writing section. It follows the same format as the SAT and as such is a good preparation for the SAT. Students and parents shouldn’t become overly concerned about PSAT results as they are generally not submitted to colleges. The very top scores are used to determine National Merit eligibility for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Students register at school for the test at school.

SAT I: Reasoning Test

Reasoning Test is a three-hour primarily multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. This test is designed to measure general abilities. US Colleges generally require SAT scores because the results are the only common comparison they have for students coming from a variety of schools and backgrounds. In combination with grades, SAT scores can be helpful in determining who will be successful at college. Registration materials are available at school and must be mailed to the U.S. or students can register online through the College Board or the Educational Testing Service.

SAT II: Subject Tests

SAT IIs are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. This test measures knowledge of particular subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge. Students can take up to three tests in one sitting, matching the test choices to fit the college requirements. SAT IIs are sometimes required by the more selective US colleges and universities, however the majority of schools do not require them.

ACT (American College Test)

A college admissions test that measures skills in four major curriculum areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Colleges in the Midwestern part of the US sometimes recommend this test. For students overseas, the ACT is given two times each year (December and April). Deciding whether to take the SAT or ACT primarily depends on which colleges you intend on applying to. Since most of our students attend schools on either the east or west coast, the vast majority of our students take the SAT. Registration materials for the ACT are available at school and the form and testing fee are submitted at the time of testing.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Required of all students who are not citizens of the U.S. and for whom English is not the first and only language. TOEFL is a test measuring one's ability to academically function in English. In the Philippines, TOEFL is now done only through a computerized test. Materials are available at the guidance office.

The following are preliminary test dates. Please check the Guidance Office and in the student circular for announcements of confirmed dates. Registrations packets are available in the Guidance Office but perhaps the easiest way is to register online.

SAT Testing Dates
SAT I & II
www.collegeboard.com

ACT Testing Dates
www.act.org