~Testing Information~

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.

Click here for PSAT Registration info...
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. The easiest way is online through the College Board: www.collegeboard.com.

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

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.

SAT Testing Dates
SAT I & II

ACT Testing Dates

Test Date	Test	Registration Deadline
October 25, 2008	ACT	September 19, 2008
December 13, 2008	ACT	November 7, 2008
April 4, 2009	ACT	February 27, 2008

 ISM ACT test center #8475.  

~Testing Sites~

These sites connect you to sites dealing with standardized testing and preparation. Specifically, most sites deal with SAT, ACT, and other examinations for US based colleges.

The Princeton Review - an excellent test preparation site. Offers test review and preparation as well as free online SAT prep courses!

College Board - a lot of info. Can register for the SATs here.

Educational Testing Service - site of the world’s largest testing organization. Offers info and registration for SAT, ACT, TOEFL, AP, GMAT, GRE.

TOEFL - the site for English second language testing

ACT - the site for the American College Test

Number2.com - the better you do on Number2's free SAT practice test, the harder the questions become. If you get an answer wrong, the site will tell you why. It also offers strategies for each SAT section.