College Testing Information

Know Your Tests: College Entrance Exams  

Test: ACT

• Description: Three-hour exam; 215 questions; measures achievement in English, math, reading and science. The ACT Plus Writing includes an optional 40-minute writing test. Scores on each section are averaged to create a composite score. A perfect score is 36. Students in the Midwest and South generally take the ACT. Wisconsin requires all juniors to take the ACT Plus Writing test. 
  
  Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both).

Test: SAT Reasoning Test

• Description: Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for essay. Essay results reported separately. The test is split up into three different sections. You’ll have 65 minutes to answer 52 reading questions, 35 minutes to answer 44 writing questions/tasks, 80 minutes on 58 math questions and 50 minutes for the essay. The SAT is not required and is not necessary for most Wisconsin and Midwest schools. 
  
  Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both).

Test: SAT Subject Tests

• Description: One-hour test that assesses mastery of a particular field of study. Up to three tests can be required for admissions. Some schools use for course placement; others don’t require it at all. Tests are offered in five subject areas: English, Math, History, Science and Foreign Language. Scores are based on an 800-point scale.
  
  Usually Taken: Soon after you have finished the relevant course work (can be as early as freshman or sophomore year, depending on the school’s curriculum and the student’s progress).

 

To find more information about the ACT, register or send your scores, please visit:

http://www.actstudent.org/

To find more information on the SAT, register or send your scores, please visit:

http://sat.collegeboard.org/home/

 

The websites above provide the following information:

* Test registration

* Test dates and registration deadlines

* How to send/view your scores

* Test preparation and practice

* Test day to-dos

 

Free Test Prep Websites:

https://www.number2.com/

http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html

http://sat.collegeboard.org/practice

khanacademy.org/sat