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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