Great College Advice

While standardized tests are not a measure of one’s value as a human being, they are critical in the college admissions process. They are important because they help college admissions officers compare students from different sorts of schools all across the nation. Of course, many have criticized the tests on many grounds–with good reason–there is no getting around the fact that the standardized tests are important elements of the admissions game.

The PSAT
Every junior should take the PSAT in October of the junior year. This is a good “practice test” for the SAT. Scores are not reported to schools, and their only real purpose is to qualify you for the National Merit scholarship programs. However, they can be a good indicator of how you might perform on the SAT in the spring of the junior year.

ACT
Every student in Colorado is required to take the state-administered ACT. These scores can be helpful and can be submitted to colleges for admission. However, keep in mind that the state does not administer the optional writing test at this time, and many private (and many public) colleges require that portion. So you will likely have to take the ACT again for college entrance purposes. You may choose to submit only one score to colleges, or you may submit more than one score: colleges see only the scores you submit.

SAT
You should plan to take the SAT in the spring of the junior year. If you choose to submit your SAT scores to a college, the admissions office will see all your scores, no matter how many times you took the test. You cannot cherry pick scores, as you can with the ACT. As with the ACT, you should be sure to register for the writing portion of the SAT; this is technically “optional,” but more and more colleges want to look at the writing scores, too.

SAT II
These are tests offered in a wide range of subjects. They are shorter (usually only an hour or so), and you can sit as many as three SAT II exams on the same day (you cannot take the SAT I and the SAT II tests on the same day, however). Your parents may remember these as the “Achievement Tests.” Students considering a selective college will want to take several SAT II tests. Many selective colleges require two or three of these exams, and some colleges may require specific SAT II scores to be submitted. The more you take, the more able you are to cherry pick from among your best scores as you submit them to colleges. Generally, focus on SAT II tests in subjects where you are most confident. Plan to take the test immediately upon finishing the relevant course (i.e., take the chemistry exam as you are wrapping up your chemistry course). Also try not to take only science courses or only social studies courses. Admissions officers like to see intellectual breadth, as well as depth. And as with the other test, be sure to buy a book or two to help you familiarize yourself with the structure of the test and the material it will cover. Preparation is very important with the SAT II subject tests.

Dates for 2008
SAT I and SAT II Subject Test
October 4, 2008 Register by Sept. 9 Late Deadline is Sept. 16
November 1, 2008 Register by Sept. 26 Late Deadline is Oct. 10
December 6, 2008 Register by Nov. 5 Late Deadline is Nov. 18
January 24, 2009 Register by Dec. 26 Late Deadline is Jan. 6
Mar. 14 (SAT I only) Register by Feb. 10 Late Deadline is Feb. 24
May 2, 2009 Register by Mar. 31 Late Deadline is Apr. 9
June 6, 2009 Register by May 5 Late Deadline is May 15

ACT Test
October 25, 2008 Register by Sept. 19 Late Deadline is Oct. 3
Dec. 13, 2008 Register by Nov. 7 Late Deadline is Nov. 20
Feb. 7, 2009 Register by Jan. 6 Late Deadline is Jan. 16
April 4, 2009 Register by Feb. 27 Late Deadline is Mar. 13
June 13, 2009 Register by May 8 Late Deadline is May 22