Skip to main content
Main Menu Toggle
College Guidance/Academic » PSAT, SAT, ACT Testing

PSAT, SAT, ACT Testing

PSAT

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 are not considered for entry.

 

ASK scholars are given the opportunity to take the PSAT during both their 10th and 11th grade years, during school hours in April.  There is no cost to the scholar in 10th grade year. However, 11th grade year there is a fee to take the exam.

 

To take the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 with accommodations, students with documented disabilities must return a Parent Consent Form that will be mailed home from the school.  Since the deadline for submitting all documentation is in late August, the process for requesting accommodations should start in the spring of the previous school year.

 

For more information, please visit www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org

 

*Please visit www.actstudent.org or www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org to see updated information about testing sites that will be available over the next couple of months. Finally, please be advised that some colleges and universities are offering a test-optional admission; however, this might not be the case for scholarship consideration. Please check with the college or university to confirm how you need to proceed. 

 

ACT

The ACT is considered an achievement test, which means that it directly tests what you have learned in high school. The ACT tests knowledge in English, Math, Reading, and Science. The Writing portion of the ACT test is optional. Please contact the college(s) of choice if you have questions about whether or not you should register for ACT Plus Writing. For additional information and on-line registration, go to www.actstudent.org.

 

SAT

The SAT is considered an aptitude test, and measures reasoning and verbal abilities. The SAT tests knowledge in English and Math. For additional information and on-line registration, go to www.collegeboard.org.  

 

New to NM: the SAT will replace the required PARCC exam as the state competency exam.

 

11th graders will take the SAT, during school hours, at no cost to the student sometime in the Spring. 

 

Juniors will have an opportunity to send their scores to up to four colleges, and will NOT need to register online for this test, as the pre-registration will be given to scholars ahead of time.  This is a real SAT test, so please take it seriously, and take the time to prepare! 

 

SAT/ACT Testing outside of ASK

Both tests are open to any college-bound student and are offered approximately six times during the school year. It is recommended that college-bound seniors register to take the ACT and/or SAT early this school year. Students are allowed to take these tests numerous times and most colleges will look at the best scores. Check with your school to see which test scores they take as some only take most recent even if it isn't your best. When registering for the ACT and/or SAT, you may also want to be aware of the application deadlines of the colleges you are applying to.

 

The ASK Academy’s CEEB code for both ACT and SAT is 320356.

 

Signing up is easily completed online and credit cards are accepted for payment. Both tests charge a fee and require advance registration. Remember, the earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to get your first choice location for your test date. Registration information is also available on the ACT and SAT websites.

  

Be sure to take your ID AND ADMISSION TICKET with you to the test!!!  Security procedures are very strict and you will not be able to test without them. 

ACT/SAT Test Prep

Both the SAT and the ACT websites offer free practice tests through their online websites. Take advantage of this free resource to help make the actual test more familiar to you.  The following links below offer additional ACT and/or SAT test preparation:

 

ACT Academy: Academy.act.org

 

LEAP Program: https://www.leaprogram.com/

 

Chegg Test Prep:

 

Study.com free ACT practice test: https://study.com/act/act-practice-tests.html

 

Additional Test Prep: