Getting into College: PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests
PSAT
The PSAT is a preliminary version of the SAT that tests virtually the same skills as the SAT. Students generally take the PSAT in October of their junior year, and receive scores in December. Used by scholarship committees to determine award eligibility, the PSAT also provides valuable practice and experience for the SAT.
Content
In many ways, the PSAT is a shorter version of the SAT. Students complete two math sections that test concepts such as algebra, geometry and logic; two reading comprehension sections that assess a student’s vocabulary and ability to think critically about reading passages; and a writing section that tests grammar concepts.
Scoring
The three individual sections of the PSAT – Math, Reading, and Writing – are scored on a scale from 20 to 80, and these scores are added together to create a composite score between 60 and 240. Students are also assigned a percentile ranking that compares their scores with those achieved across the nation.
Preparing for the PSAT
In addition to providing valuable practice for the SAT, the PSAT is also used to determine National Merit Scholarship qualification. At Pinnacle Prep, the PSAT is incorporated into a student’s overall test plan in order to provide a solid foundation for upcoming tests and to maximize scores on the PSAT itself. Contact us to discuss how PSAT preparation can best fit into your individualized test plan.
For more information on the Pinnacle Prep approach, click here.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses PSAT scores to determine the recipients of its scholarship awards and merit recognition. Approximately 50,000 students who achieve above a certain score on the PSAT are recognized as commended students or semi-finalists. In a recent year, a score of 201 qualified students for commendation. Semi-finalist qualifications are by state. Here are some examples of cutoffs in a recent year:
Connecticut: 218
New Jersey: 221
New York: 218
Massachusetts: 221
Registration and Test Dates
The PSAT is offered each October. In general, schools automatically register students for this exam.
For more information on the PSAT, click here.
SAT
Colleges use SAT scores to help determine admission and assess a student’s capacity for college-level work. The SAT is offered throughout the year, and students can take it during their junior or senior year. Many students take the SAT more than once to achieve a maximum score.
Content
The SAT is comprised of ten timed sections that are grouped under three main headings: Math, Reading, and Writing. The Math sections test arithmetic, algebra, and geometry concepts. The Reading sections assess a student’s command of vocabulary and ability to think critically about reading passages. The Writing sections analyze a student’s writing ability and command of grammar concepts through two multiple-choice sections and a timed essay.
Scoring
Students receive a point for each correct answer, and lose a quarter point for each incorrect answer. The raw score for each of the three sections is converted to a score between 200 and 800, and these three scores are added together for a total score between 600 and 2400. Students are also assigned a percentile ranking that compares their scores with the national average. Most competitive colleges look for scores of 1800 and higher, and the top schools look for students with scores of 2100 and over.
Preparing for the SAT
The SAT is a major component of a student’s test plan. Preparation ideally begins with the PSAT, and continues with multiple SAT tests throughout the year so that students have the opportunity to send their top scores to colleges. To help students maximize their SAT scores, Pinnacle Prep tutors analyze individual needs and prepare a learning plan that incorporates math, reading, and grammar fundamentals and writing skills. Test practice is emphasized through homework and in-office mock exams.
For more information on the Pinnacle Prep approach, click here.
Registration Dates and Test Dates
Students can register for upcoming tests until the registration date cutoff. (Fees apply for late registration.) Students who decide to take the SAT after the late registration date has passed can show up at the testing location on test day and be placed on stand-by.
To register for the SAT, click here.
ACT
The ACT is designed to determine students’ general educational development and to predict their ability to complete college-level work successfully. Covering four skill areas (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science), the test also includes an optional Writing assessment. Most students take the ACT during their junior and senior years, and many students take the ACT more than once to increase their chances to reach their goal.
Content
The ACT is divided into 4 multiple-choice sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The English section contains passages that require editing for grammar and usage, as well as questions that evaluate overall comprehension. The Math section tests concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry, while the Reading section contains four individual passages, each followed by reading comprehension questions. Finally, the Science section, while incorporating scientific concepts, does not require scientific knowledge – all the information is there. Rather, the section tests a student’s ability to read charts and graphs and to draw logical conclusions and inferences from given data.
Scoring
Students receive a point for each correct answer, and, unlike the SAT, incorrect answers are not penalized. The raw score for each of the four sections is converted to a score between 1 and 36 points. A composite score is calculated from the average of the 4 section scores. Students who write the optional essay will receive an additional score between 2-12 on the essay.
Preparing for the ACT
Increasingly, more colleges accept or require the ACT in addition to the SAT. Since many colleges accept either SAT or ACT scores, and since the SAT and ACT utilize many of the same concepts and skills, it makes sense to incorporate the ACT into a student’s test plan. To help students prepare for the ACT, Pinnacle Prep tutors create a learning plan that incorporates math, reading, and grammar fundamentals (including concepts that are not covered on the SAT), as well as ACT-specific strategies and skills.
For more information on the Pinnacle Prep approach, click here.
To register for the ACT, click here.
SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests cover a variety of academic subjects and are designed to measure a student’s knowledge of specific disciplines. SAT Subject Tests are “curriculum-based,” which means they test material learned in high school classes. Many top colleges require scores from one or more Subject Tests.
Subjects Offered:
Literature
United States History
World History
Mathematics Level 1
Mathematics Level 2
Biology–Ecological
Biology–Molecular
Chemistry
Physics
Chinese with Listening
French
French with Listening
German
German with Listening
Modern Hebrew
Italian
Japanese with Listening
Korean with Listening
Latin
Spanish
Spanish with Listening
Scoring
The SAT Subject Tests are graded on a scale between 200 and 800. Each test utilizes a different scale; the more advanced tests, such as the Mathematics II test, have a more generous curve.
Preparing for the SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests are a valuable addition to a student’s application portfolio, and are a requirement for some colleges. At Pinnacle Prep, we help students analyze which tests would make sense to incorporate into their individualized test plan, and we match students with tutors who specialize in each subject test area.
Registration Dates and Test Dates
For a complete list of test dates and fees, click here.