Standardized tests are only one indicator of how well you might perform in college. Of course we like to see high scores if possible, but your day-to-day performance in classes (i.e., GPA) is more important to us. The combination of a mediocre GPA and low test scores will be a concern, however.

Our Student Records Department has PSAT, SAT and ACT test scores on the transcripts for some students, but only if the student provided us with his/her correct social security number and put the correct social security number on the test at the time the test was taken. Test scores are posted from a data file purchased from the testing company, so we can't be certain that all information is provided. We are under no requirement to maintain these scores, but do so as a convenience to the students.

The PSAT (Pre-Scholastic Assessment Test) is normally taken by high school students and serves as a practice test for the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). The SAT is taken by juniors and seniors as a precursor to college/university admission. It is also an assessment of a student's verbal and mathematical skills.

A raw PSAT score is calculated the same way as a raw SAT score. For each section (verbal, math, or writing skills), you get one point for a correct answer, but you lose 1/4 of a point for an incorrect regular multiple-choice answer. In the math section, you lose 1/3 of a point for each incorrect quantitative comparison answer. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a grid-in. There is also no penalty for skipped questions.

Unlike the SAT, the PSAT scores are not sent to colleges and are not used for the college admissions process. Instead, the PSAT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Award. The PSAT contains questions that are designed to be slightly easier than those on the SAT and is approximately half as long as the SAT. However, since the SAT and the PSAT measure similar skills and have similar structures, preparing for and taking the PSAT can be excellent practice for taking the SAT.

The PSAT/NMSQT was designed to provide students with practice for taking the SAT, while also offering opportunities to qualify for scholarship and recognition programs. Like the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT measures math, reading, and writing skills. While the PSAT/NMSQT contains actual SAT questions, it is not designed to be as difficult. The PSAT/NMSQT is also shorter than the SAT, coming in at two hours and ten minutes. The SAT itself takes three hours and forty-five minutes.

The Scholastic Aptitude Test is given 7 times a year, beginning this school year on October 12, 2002. You can register to take the test either online or with a registration packet, available at the CORE Resource Centers. For online registration, visit www.collegeboard.com. The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is given on two dates in the fall of every school year. This year, the dates are October 15th and October 19th. Students are instructed to ask their school's counselor for registration information.

College admissions offices will not see students' PSAT scores. This score is meant to give students some guidance in preparing for the SAT, and for strong junior test takers, this score will be used to determine students' status in the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

The SAT I is a standardized test taken by high school students across the country, that measures students' ability to answer verbal and mathematical questions. The SAT II's are subject-specific tests that test the knowledge you have accumulated in high school. For example, some of the most widely taken SAT II tests include the Writing SAT II (which tests your grammar and ability to write) and Math IC SAT II (which covers what you learn in two years of algebra and one year of geometry).

The PLAN, a practice ACT, is given in October during the Sophomore year and the PSAT in October of the Junior here at LHN. SAT and ACT tests should be taken during your child's Junior year. Parents should register for the fall, winter or spring dates. Your child can take the ACT and SAT more than once. Mrs. Christian, our college guidance director, will answer any questions.

Without any additional preparation, PSAT scores are a good indication of how the student will perform on the SAT. Students normally take this in October of Grade 11.

It is the exam usually taken in the sophomore or junior year as a warm-up for the College Board SATI. The SAT is the exam accepted by colleges and universities as part of their admission requirements. The SATII subject exams test specific areas such as English, Math or a foreign language. You can choose which subject tests to take. The UC system requires the SATII exam. It is one of the exams colleges and universities accept as part of their admission requirements.

The disappearance of Analogies certainly means that vocabulary is not as important as it once was on the SAT. Sentence Completions and vocabulary-in-context questions, however, still require knowledge of classic "SAT words." Rote memorization of vocabulary, though, has diminished in importance and has been superseded by other test-taking strategies.

SAT scores are just one of many components of each student's application. Median SAT scores have recently been in the range of 1450-1470. If a candidate is below 1300, statistically speaking their probability of admission is lower, but they may have other outstanding qualities or accomplishments which outweigh the SAT. Conversely, a student who is above 1500 statistically has a better chance, but is certainly not assured of admission.

The chapters will take into account a participant's SAT/ACT scores along with her high school/college grades. If a Potential New Member's scores/grades are low, the chapters will have concern for the possibility of the Potential New Member experiencing difficulty in managing the time commitment required for New Member Education and a busy school schedule.

SAT scores are used by colleges and universities as part of a series of admission criteria. Increasing your scores will significantly increase your chances of getting into the school of your choice.

Most colleges view the SAT as a crucial part of the admissions process. Your score will be used by schools to determine whether they feel you would succeed as a part of their campus. Doing well on the SAT can significantly increase your chances of acceptance at the school of your choice.

Although there are a number of subtle differences between the two exams (all of which are captured by Compass' course materials written exclusively for the New SAT), there are a few changes that stand out. The most obvious change is the addition of the Writing section. This section will be scored 200-800 like the other two sections, so combined SAT scores will now go from 600-2400 instead of the old 400-1600 scale.

SAT I or ACT are required for admission and are used as part of the evaluation process. We have no firm cut-off score, and there is no magic number that ensures your acceptance at Saint Anselm. SAT/ACT scores are just one source of information that we use in determining your ability to succeed, and they are not the only source.