Standardized Testing

What are all the different tests? The first step of the college process is registering for standardized tests. There has been much national debate over testing and while there are many colleges no longer requiring tests it looks as if they are here to stay.

The tests discussed in this section:

• PSAT/NMSQT: Preparatory SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
• SAT Reasoning Test
• SAT Subject Tests
• ACT WITH WRITING: American College Testing
• AP: Advanced Placement Tests
• TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

PSAT/NMSQT

Preparatory SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
Given in mid-October at St. Mark's School to all V Formers.
DESCRIPTION: There are three parts to the PSAT:

1. The Verbal/Critical Reading Section (50 minutes…two 25-minute sections) contains critical reading questions based on short reading passages. Each is approximately 100-200 words long. The passages will be taken from a variety of fields, including the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. They may also be excerpts from works of fiction. Passages will vary in style and may include narrative, argumentative, and expository elements. Each short passage will be followed by two questions. There will also be a pair of short passages followed by four questions. (Score: 20-80)
2. The Mathematics Section (50 minutes…two 25-minute sections) will include concepts of numbers and operations, algebra and functions, geometry and measurement, and data analysis, statistics, and probability, as well as some pre-calculus questions. (Score: 20-80)
3. The Writing Section (25-30 minutes…based on final specifications of the new SAT writing section). There is a multiple-choice writing section which focuses on grammar, usage, and word choice and includes sections on Improving Sentences, Identifying Sentence Errors, and Improving Paragraphs. (Score: 20-80)

Scoring

The scores are reported as twodigit numbers ranging from 20 to 80. If you multiply your scores by 10, you will have a rough estimate of your projected SAT I scores (73 = 730, 65 = 650, etc.). You will receive three PSAT/NMSQT scores: Verbal, Math, and Writing Skills.

Purpose

The PSAT/NMSQT results are meant to give students “practice” and an early indication of how they might perform on the SAT I.

You will receive your PSAT scores along with your answer sheet and test booklet in December. Review the questions and your answers. Identify your weak areas and prepare so that you can do better when it does count.

SAT Subject Tests

Many colleges currently require that applicants take two or three SAT II Subject Tests. Usually students can choose which tests they want to take, however, on occasion, a math or science Subject Test is required (for many state schools and for most engineering programs) and then one or two tests of your choice. Check carefully the requirements of the schools and programs in which you are interested. Note, that Math IC and Math IIC cannot be counted as two separate tests.

Format: Subject Tests are one-hour long and you may take up to three on any one test date.

Subject Tests are given in the following disciplines:

Literature, United States History, World History, Mathematics Level IC and Mathematics Level IIC (both allow you to use an approved calculator), French, German, Italian, Modern Hebrew, Latin, Spanish, Biology E/M, Chemistry, and Physics. There are also language listening exams in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.

Purpose: SAT II Subject Tests measure what you have learned in a specific subject area. Scores range from 200 to 800. Since courses, standards and requirements vary widely among high schools, the Subject Tests provide colleges with one objective way to compare your knowledge against that of other students across the country.

• We generally advise all students to take Subject Tests in May and/or June of the V Form year. You and your counselor will discuss your individual testing calendar at your first meeting.
• You can and should study for Subject Tests — they are specific and factual. Preparation books and software packages are widely available.
• It is not wise to take a Subject Test for which you have not prepared. CANCELLING SCORES: If you feel that you did not do well on a Subject Test you may cancel your scores within 72 hours of the test date. However, test cancellation is an all-or-nothing proposition – canceling one test will automatically cancel all of your tests taken that day.

For more information on the SAT II Subject tests, consult the College Board Web site at www.collegeboard.com.

ACT with Writing: American College Testing

The ACT can be used at almost all colleges as a substitute for the SAT I (and often for the SAT II Subject Tests). In the past, the ACT was used primarily by mid-western and western colleges. More recently, the number and geographical spread of colleges accepting the ACT has grown. For example, more than 98% of the 330 colleges that accept the Common Application, accept the ACT. You should read the requirements of the colleges in which you are interested to determine whether the ACT is an acceptable or preferred option.

Description

The ACT currently consists of four 35-50 minute subtests in the areas of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning as well as the writing. You will receive four separate scores plus a composite score that averages the tests. Scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high). The College Counseling Office can provide you with a graph that will help you to correlate ACT and SAT I scores.

Some differences between the tests include: (1) the ACT stresses reading comprehension, but is not as focussed on vocabulary, especially out of context; (2) the ACT tests English grammar while the SAT-I does not; (3) unlike the SAT-I, there is no penalty for guessing on the ACT, so you should answer each question. (4) One only needs to send their best composite score to colleges, unlike the SAT where all scores are automatically sent. Go to www.act.org for more information.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

This test is for non-native English speakers who either (1) have only been in the United States a few years -or- (2) find the SAT I does not accurately reflect their English competency. The TOEFL is meant to assess if your English is sufficient to understand college-level texts, rather than evaluating the fine points and extensive vocabulary covered by the verbal SAT and English subject tests. An English Language Proficiency Test, sponsored by the College Board, is an alternative aimed towards students who have been taught in English for an additional number of years.

AP: Advanced Placement Tests

AP classes are college level courses taught in high schools which follow a nationally developed curriculum. Scores range from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and exams are given at St. Mark's School in May. Colleges vary greatly in how they use the AP and what credit students can receive. At St. Mark's School, students enrolled in AP classes are required to take the exam. The exams last three hours and are based on full-year college-level courses. They are given once a year in May in the subjects of Art History, Studio Art, Biology, Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics (Micro and Macro), English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French, German, Government and Politics, Human Geography, International English Language, Latin, Music Theory, Physics, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.

The AP program was not designed for purposes of college admission. Instead, it was designed to allow students to obtain college credit and/or to exempt students from introductory college courses. In terms of gaining credit for college, selective colleges require a score of at least 4, and some require a 5, (and some will not award credit at all). While AP’s were not intended to be used in colleges’ evaluation of candidates, many admission offices do pay attention to the presence of AP scores in an applicant’s folder. If you have taken AP’s and have done well, (a score of 4 or 5) it may be in your best interest to report these scores to colleges on your application. The task of reporting AP’s lies with you and is something you will need to include on your application. You do not officially send AP’s until you are ready to matriculate to a college.

How do I register for these tests?

For the PSAT and for AP exams, St. Mark's School registers all students, and then charges the fee to your St. Mark's School account. For the SAT-I, SAT-II, ACT, and TOEFL, you are responsible for registering yourself. Many students register on-line (www.collegeboad.com, www.act.org, or www.toefl.org). The College Counseling Office has registration booklets which contains handy information and mailable paper forms. Remember that the St. Mark's School school code is 221965. St. Mark’s SAT Test Center code is 22150 and the ACT Test Center code is 231620.

Most V Formers will take the SAT Reasoning in December or May and the SAT Subject tests in May and June. A complete testing plan will be developed for each student in their first individual session with their college counselor.

Test Preparation

The best preparation for college entrance examinations is to build a very strong academic foundation, by preparing assignments to the best of your ability throughout your schooling and by extensively reading books with a rich vocabulary outside of class. In general, the best short-term preparation for the exams is familiarity, and, in the case of mathematics, reviewing those formulae which may have become rusty. This can be achieved by working through a book of practice tests, by working with interactive computer software, by studying individually with a tutor, or by enrolling in a group prep course..

St. Mark’s works with Summit Educational Group to provide individual tutoring and classes in SAT Prep at St. Mark’s this winter as well as next fall. There are many firms that offer SAT Prep and some claim to help students “beat” the test. We cannot guarantee any of these will make a difference for St. Mark’s School students. Some students have improved using these services, some have stayed the same and some have seen their scores decline. Beware of claims too good to be true; they probably are. You need to use your best judgment, and your child has to decide if he or she has the time and energy invest in SAT Prep. If you and your child decide on a test preparation course, we advise you to choose one that reviews material, enhances skills that would be useful in any testing situation and provides exercises that help to increase concentration and relaxation. St. Mark’s students are very busy during the school year, and we encourage students who want to do SAT Prep to enroll in a prep course or have tutoring over the summer between the V and VI Form as that seems to be when the motivation is highest for the student.