Standardized Tests

Standardized Testing
http://www.collegeboard.com
http://www.xap.com
http://www.act.org
http://www.kaplan.com
http://www.review.com
http://www.testprep.com
http://mycollegequickstart.com

The standardized tests, used by colleges in evaluating candidates, provide standards by which to compare candidates. Colleges, however, do not always place the same emphasis on these tests. Some colleges place little emphasis on standardized test results, and for other colleges test scores play a greater role in the admissions process.

PSAT/NMSQT: Typically given to all sophomores (free, state mandated) and juniors (costs approximately $14) and should be taken in October. This test parallels the SAT and provides an excellent practice for and understanding of what is expected on the SAT.

SAT Reasoning Test: This test measures developed verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities, as well as, writing skills related to successful performance in college. It is intended to supplement the secondary school record called high school transcript.

SAT Subject Tests: These one-hour tests are designed to measure knowledge about a particular subject area.

ACT: Measures knowledge, understanding and skills in English, Mathematics, and Scientific Reasoning and used by colleges to compare applicants.

ACCUPLACER: Given at all community colleges for placement

ASVAB: or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery: This test is administered to all prospective recruits to help with training and career placement. This is an excellent aptitude test for students intending or not intending on going into the military.

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language: The TOEFL is a computer-based test designed to evaluate the English proficiency of student whose native language is not English. The test is four-part and tests listening, structure (the ability to recognize language), reading and writing.

TSE or Test of Spoken English: The TSE test is designed to measure proficiency in communicating in spoken English.

Remember…standardized tests have rigid registration deadlines and might require you to register as much as 6 weeks in advance. Registration materials are available both on-line and in the Gardiner Area High School Guidance Office. SAT preparation courses are offered on-line through the state dept. at http://www.

Students are required to send their own application, application fee, and SAT scores. Go to www.collegeboard.com for SAT scores.

SAT REGISTRATION ACT REGISTRATION
http://www.collegeboard.com http://www.act.org

Tips for Standardized Test Taking
1. Review the basics. The math section of the SAT tests arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. For the ACT you will also need to know some trigonometry. Both tests will have reading comprehension, and the ACT’s will stress grammar while the SAT’s tests critical reading and writing.
2. Learn the specific techniques. Learn good test-taking techniques. Refer to test-prep book or check out the above websites.
3. Apply the techniques. Take timed practice tests and then analyze your answers. This will help you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
4. Study in a comfortable environment. This will boost your discipline and make the test seem less intimidating.
5. Stick to a serious study plan. Set up a consistent schedule that allows you to study for your test. Many stores offer SAT Prep Programs for the computer and even for your vcr/dvd
6. Review areas of strength to boost your confidence
7. Eat healthy and get at least eight hours of sleep the night before testing.
8. Cramming is unlikely to help you.
9. Relax your brain so you can tackle the test with a clear mind
10. Set out everything you will need to bring to the test the night before: (admission ticket, photo identification, 3, #2 pencils, calculator with fresh batteries, watch, eraser, directions to the test center.)
11. Wake up early enough to get to the test center without rushing
12. Eat a healthy breakfast if you can.
13. Wear comfortable layered clothing
14. Don’t rush through the test. The last 3 questions are always the hardest. Do the easier questions first.
15. Don’t guess blindly. You will lose a fraction of a point for a wrong answer. On the ACT test you do not lose points for incorrect answers, so guessing is OK.
16. Don’t get stuck. It is important to answer all the questions you do know, later go back to the questions you are unsure of.
17. Don’t ignore any answer choices. Make sure you look at all the choices before answering your question.