The PSAT/NMSQT
(Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test) is a standardized test that provides practice for the
SAT Reasoning Test. This test measures critical reading, writing and
math problem-solving skills. When students take the PSAT test in their
Junior year they will be eligible to enter National Merit Scholarship
Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs depending on their score. Colleges
and Universities do not require nor view score results from the PSAT.
The PSAT is offered one time a year, usually in October at Upper Moreland
High School. To register and pay for the PSAT please visit the
Upper Moreland Guidance Office.
For more information about the PSAT/NMSQT
visit www.collegeboard.com
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test that measures a students’ critical
reading, writing and math skills. The SAT assesses how well a student
can analyze and solve problems. Each section of the SAT is scored on
a scale of 200—800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice
and the essay. A large majority of Colleges and Universities require
students to take the SAT’s for admissions. High School Juniors
who are planning on attending college should take the SAT at least once
in their junior year, and again in the fall of their senior year. Students
can register and pay for the SAT Reasoning test at www.collegeboard.com The
test is usually offered 7 times a year at local schools. The test is 3
hours and 45 minutes long.
For more information visit www.collegeboard.com
SAT Subject Tests
Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject Tests) are designed to measure
a students’ knowledge and skills in specific subject areas. For
example, a student could take a subject test in Spanish, Biology, World
History or Mathmatics. The tests are independent of any particular
textbook or method of instruction. Many colleges that are considered
highly competitive will use the Subject Tests for admission as well as
course placement.
Some colleges specify the Subject Tests they require for admission or
placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take.
Students
can register and pay for the SAT subject tests at www.collegeboard.com
ACT
The ACT is a standardized test which assesses high school students' educational
development and their abilities and skill levels in English, mathematics,
reading, and science. There is also a writing Test, which is optional. The
ACT can be taken as an alternative to the SAT Reasoning test. The
ACT is judged equally to the SAT by college admissions. The ACT
includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours
and 30 minutes to complete with breaks (or just over four hours
if you are taking the Writing Test). Actual testing time is 2 hours
and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes if you are taking the Writing Test).
Students can register and pay for the ACT at www.actstudent.org.
For more information visit www.actstudent.org
TOEFL
The TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language) measures the ability
of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it
is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.Most
students’ take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for admission into
colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition,
many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and
scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency
of people for whom English is not their native language. It
is suggested that nonnative English speakers at the 11th-grade level
or above should take the TOEFL test to provide evidence of their English
proficiency before beginning academic work. The test content is considered
too difficult for students below 11th grade.
For
more information about the TOEFL go to www.toefl.org. |