College Entrance Tests
Colleges require that students take a college entrance test as part of the application process. There are two college entrance tests - the SAT and the ACT. Colleges will accept scores from either test and will consider your best score for admissions. The SAT is more popular with students on the west and east coasts, and the ACT is the test that is most often taken in the middle part of the country.
Forest Lake Christian School students take the PLAN test, which is a practice ACT test, in the fall of their sophomore year. Students then take the PSAT test, which is a practice SAT test, in the fall of their junior year. It is wise for students and parents to compare scores from the PLAN and PSAT tests so see whether the ACT or SAT would be the best choice for college admissions.
What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
The SAT is a reasoning test designed to measure critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills. It is called a reasoning test because students must use critical thinking skills to reason out the best answer. Typically there are two good answers to a question, and students must determine which is the best answer. There are three components to the test - Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. Points are gained for answering questions correctly and points are subtracted when a question is answered incorrectly. Therefore, guessing plays an important role in the score that is received on the SAT.
The ACT is an achievement test designed to measure academic achievement in the areas of English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is an optional writing test which students may take or not, depending upon the admission requirements of particular colleges. The ACT is called an achievement test because it measures what a student has learned in high school. If a student knows the correct answer, it will be fairly easy to see. The student will not have to “reason” between two answers to choose the best one. There is no penalty for guessing on the ACT test, you gain points for a correct answer, but do not lose points if an answer is wrong. Therefore, it is best to answer every question, even if you are guessing.
When should I take the tests?
It is recommended that the SAT and/or ACT be taken in the spring of the junior year. Test dates are available in March, April, May, and June. Tests may be taken as many times as possible, and it is wise to take the tests more than once. Students may take the tests again in the fall of their senior year. Tests are available in September, October, November, and December. Tests are always on Saturday mornings, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and finish by 1:00 p.m.
How do I sign up to take the tests?
Registration is available online or by mail and the registration deadlines are about one month before the test date. For the SAT, register online at www.collegeboard.com and the cost is $45.00. The ACT website is www.actstudent.org. and the cost is $31.00 for the basic test or $46.00 with writing. If you prefer to register by mail, see Mrs. Moskus for paper applications. When registering , a test center site will be chosen. The closest sights are Placer High School, Colfax High School, Nevada Union High School, Rocklin High School, Woodcreek High School, and several others in the Roseville area.
How do I prepare to take the tests?
Free test preparation booklets are available in the College/Career Center, and the registration websites also offer preparation resources. FLCS offers an SAT Preparation Course each fall and spring. The spring, the class will begin on February 25, and will continue on Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. for eight weeks. The cost for the course is $100.00. There are also resources available online, through Sierra College, and other preparation course are offered throughout the area.
Mark your calendars to attend the College Planning Meeting on Thursday, March 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Information on how to choose a college, admission standards, college visits, and financial aid will be discussed. Parents of freshmen, sophomore, and juniors are encouraged to attend the meeting. Students are welcome to attend with their parents. Each family will receive a College Planning Binder and many handouts.
Please feel free to contact Mrs. Moskus in the College/Career Center if you have any questions about planning for college.
