PSAT/SAT/ACT Information

PSAT Information

Most colleges and universities require some form of standardized testing as a part of their application process. Students at NBHS register to take the PSAT (Preliminary Standardized Aptitude Test) in the fall of their junior year, but may take it sooner. PSAT will be on October 13, 2021.

Taking the PSAT not only gives students an unofficial preview of the SAT (Standardized Aptitude Test) which is normally taken in the Spring of junior year and/or fall of Senior year, but also qualifies them for national merit scholarships based on their scores. Some also choose to take the ACT (American College Test) as another standardized testing option.

SAT Information

https://www.collegeboard.org/

*NBHS School Code (CEEB) 311017*

SAT Test & Registration Dates for 2021-22 school year from College Board
Test Dates	Regular Registration Deadline	Late Registration Deadline*

* October 2, 2021	July 30, 2021	August 17, 2021
November 6, 2021	October 8, 2021	October 26, 2021
*December 4, 2021	November 4, 2021	November 23, 2021
March 12, 2022	February 11, 2022	March 1, 2022
*June 4, 2022	May 5, 2022	May 25, 2022

*SAT will be offered at North Bergen High School

SAT versus ACT: Differences at a Glance

	SAT	ACT
Type of Assessment	Aptitude Test - reflects content used in all strong college preparatory courses.	Achievement Test - curriculum-based tests that measure achievement in core content areas.
Acceptance	The SAT is accepted nationwide.	The ACT is accepted nationwide.
What is the structure of the test?	Ten Sections: 3 Critical Reading 3 Math 1 Experimental (masked to look like a regular section)	5 Sections: English Math Reading Science Optional: Writing (required by most) 1 Experimental section (only added to certain test dates)
What is the test content?	Math – Up to Geometry & Algebra II Reading – Sentence completions, short and long critical reading passages, reading comprehension	Math – up to Trigonometry Science - charts, graphs and data interpretation Reading – Four passages, one each of Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities and Natural Science English – Grammar Writing – Persuasive Essay
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?	YES ¼ of a point for each wrong multiple choice answer	NO
Testing Time	3 hours, 45 minutes, including an unscored 25 minute experimental section	2 hours, 55 minutes Optional 30-minute Writing Section
How is the test scored?	200-800 per section, added together for a combined score of 400-1600	Each section is given a score of 1-36 All sections averaged together give the student a total composite score of 1-36 Writing – a score of 2-12 and it counts as 1/3 of the total English score
Are all scores sent to schools?	NO For requests made after March 2009, there is a score choice option. Students can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the school will see.	NO There is a score choice option. Studentts can choose which schools will receive their scores AND which scores the school will see.
Test Accommodations?	YES – Forms/Documentation needed	YES – Forms/Documentation needed
Fees	$46.00 (SAT)	$38.00, ACT plus Writing $54.50
Contact Information	www.ets.org www.collegeboard.com	www.ACT.org