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Standardized Tests

2011-2012 SAT Testing Dates

Test Date	Tests	Registration Date	Late Registration Date
Oct 1	SAT/Subject Tests	Sep 9	Sep 21
Nov 5	SAT/Subject Tests	Oct 7	Oct 21
Dec 3	SAT/Subject Tests	Nov 8	Nov 20
Jan 28	SAT/Subject Tests	Dec 30	Jan 13
Mar 10	SAT ONLY	Feb 10	Feb 24
May 5	SAT/Subject Tests	Apr 6	Apr 20
June 2	SAT/Subject Tests	May 8	May 22

2011-2012 ACT Testing Dates

Test Date	Registration Deadline	Late Registration Date( late fee required)
Sep 10	Aug 12	Aug 13-26
Oct 22	Sep 16	Sep 17-30
Dec 10	Nov 4	Nov 5-18
Feb 11	Jan 13	Jan 14-20
Apr 14	Mar 9	Mar 10-23
June 9	May 4	May 5-18

SAT or ACT Optional Schools

The SAT
The Act
Advanced Placement Tests

The SAT

The SAT is a standardized test that colleges use to evaluate candidates. The test measures a student's ability to understand and process elements of mathematical and verbal reasoning. SAT scores are calculated based on a student's performance relative to other test-takers, and have proven to be an indicator of collegiate success.

The SAT consists of ten sections:

3 writing sections—one 25 minute student-written essay, one 25 minute grammar section and one 10 minute grammar section
3 math sections—two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section
3 critical reading sections—two 25 minute sections and one 20 minute section
1 "experimental" section—an additional 25 minute section (unscored)
There are short breaks every hour.

The ACT

The ACT is a national college admission examination that consists of subject area tests in: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes these four subject area tests plus a 30-minute Writing Test. ACT test results are accepted by U.S. colleges and universities as widely as the SAT. Most schools accept the ACT with Writing in place of SAT Subject tests. 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). The ACT is administered on six national test dates—in September, October, December, February, April, and June. The basic registration fee includes score reports for up to four college choices for which a valid code is listed at time of registration. Learn more about the ACT at: www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/what.html

What are AP courses and exams?

In high schools that offer advanced placement (AP) courses, they are the courses that indicate a student is taking a challenging, college prep curriculum. High schools that do not offer AP courses will have courses that are designated "Advanced" (GFS) or “Honors” which are the equivalent of AP courses.
GFS does not offer AP courses, but administers AP exams. Courses at GFS such as level 4 and 5 of a language, advanced science courses, calculus, differential calculus, statistics, senior studio, American history, and English 12 are all designated advanced and are the equivalent of an AP course. Students can choose to take an AP exam in any of these areas and others (see complete list on back of AP Bulletin)
AP exams are primarily essay writing exams. Though there is some multiple choice.

When are AP exams scheduled?

the middle two weeks of May: May 7-11, May 14-18
each exam last three hours, 8:00-11:00 AM or 12:00-3:00 PM
if you take an AP, you are allowed to miss that whole day of school, but at a minimum you will miss a morning or an afternoon of classes.
the exam schedule is on the back of the AP Bulletin that I gave out at the Feb. 8 class meeting. Extra copies are available in the College Room.

How much does it cost to take an AP?

each exam costs $87. For students with demonstrated financial need, there is a reduction by $30 to $57.

How is an AP exam graded?

AP's are scored from 5 to 1, with 5 being the highest score you can achieve.

What is the advantage of taking an AP exam?

AP exams are not used for college admission to schools in the USA. They are used, however, as a qualifying credential for UK and European universities.
with a strong score (4 or 5):

each school has a different policy, so you need to check each college's web site to find out how they handle AP exams.

What is the disadvantage of taking an AP exam?

it is expensive - $87 per exam.
it is a demanding and long writing-intensive exam at a busy time of year.
You will need to spend time studying for it, and may need to attend some review classes with your teacher.
you will have to miss classes, and possibly tests or presentations that can be difficult to make up.
if you play sports and have an afternoon AP exam, the timing may be very tight on game days, especially if it is an away game.
your family may have graduations or weddings in the middle two weeks of May on the day(s) when you are considering taking an AP, so you need to check the family calendar very carefully.
many schools will expect you to take their placement test even if you have a strong AP score.

How do I find out if a particular AP is a good idea for me to take?

discuss with your teacher and/or the department head
Seniors - Check your colleges' website for AP information

How do I register and pay?

let Della Micah know by Friday, March 16 at the latest, which AP exam(s) you want to take. We order the exams based on this information.
you need to deposit $15 per exam when you register with Della. The check should be made payable to GFS.
the remaining $72 will be due on the day of your exam if you choose to take the exam.