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TEST REQUIREMENTS You have been taking tests for years. Now you are asked to take tests to determine your capacity for higher education. The SAT I tests your verbal and math reasoning abilities. The SAT II and ACT test what you know about certain subjects. These tests, then, are opportunities to show your competence in specific areas. There are many types of tests used for college admission, four of which are given by the same company, the CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board Test Program). You are responsible for registering for these tests and for requesting that scores be directly reported by testing services to the colleges to which you apply.
SAT I: (www.collegeboard.com) This three hour test is identical to the PSAT in format and is designed to measure verbal and mathematical reasoning ability. Many colleges require the SAT I for admission. It is recommended that you take the SAT I twice, preferably in January of your junior year and in October of your senior year. Most colleges will accept your highest score. ACT ACT (www.ACT.org) The ACT is a test required for admission at many colleges. Four 35-60 minute tests in the areas of English, math, reading, and science reasoning are given. Almost all colleges will accept either the ACT or SAT I; thus, it may be a good idea for you to take both the SAT I and the ACT. The ACT should be taken during the second semester of your junior year. SAT II: SAT II: (www.collegeboard.com) Some colleges require three subject tests (SAT II) which measure knowledge in specific areas. Each subject test takes one hour of testing time and all consist entirely of multiple-choice questions except the writing tests. You will probably do best on a Subject Test if you take it as close as possible to completing a course (or courses) in the subject, while the material is still fresh in your mind. For instance, juniors that are now taking pre-calculus honors should take the Math Level II subject test in June. If you decide to take a Subject Test in a subject you haven't studied recently, you should review the course material thoroughly and methodically over several weeks' time. Last-minute cramming is not likely to be of much use.
To decide when to take the Subject Tests, find out the requirements of the colleges to which you may apply. Colleges that use Subject Tests results as a part of their admissions process often require that you take the tests no later than December of your senior year. (While many colleges will accept November scores for early decision, some may require earlier scores.) If the college in which you're interested uses Subject Tests results only to help with placement decisions, you might be able to take the tests as late as May or June of your senior year.
NOTE: If you have taken the ACT, your college choices may not require you to take SAT II Subject Tests. Discuss this with each college.
AP (www.collegeboard.com) In May of each year, these three-hour examinations are given to students who have completed any AP course offered at Episcopal High School. If the student makes a certain score on the exam, college credit or advanced placement in college courses is possible. Highly selective colleges do review AP scores as a part of the admissions file and prefer to see scores of 4 and/or 5.
TOEFL Students whose first language is not English are generally required to take this exam as part of college admissions. Check with the college counselor for test dates.
THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment) This test, mandated by House Bill 2182 and passed by the Texas Legislature in the spring of 1987, provides information about the reading, mathematics, and writing skills of students entering Texas public colleges and universities. As part of the THEA program, colleges and universities are required to offer their students advisory and support services related to the THEA Test and to develop and implement appropriate remedial activities for students who do not pass one or more sections (reading, mathematics, and writing) of the THEA Test. Students who have scored 1070 or more on the SAT I (with a score of at least 500 each on verbal and mathematics portions of the test), or 23 or more on the ACT (with a score of at least 19 each on the English and mathematics portions of the test) do not have to take the THEA.
YOU MUST TAKE THE TASP TEST IF ANY OF THE CONDITIONS LISTED BELOW APPLIES TO YOU:
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THESE TESTS: Registration forms and other information can be obtained in the College Counseling Office or online (www.thea.nesinc.com). You may also want to visit with your college counselor regarding specific testing concerns. Remember, it is the student's responsibility to complete and mail the registration forms by the appropriate deadlines. THE CEEB AND ACT NUMBER FOR E.H.S. IS 440561
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