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.

There is no way to accurately predict 100% of the time how well any given person will do in their first year of college. That is because a student's success depends on many factors, including your own desire to excel. However, the SAT does provide schools with another tool to estimate how students will do at their particular school. By looking at the SAT scores, high school GPAs and GPAs of its current freshman class, admissions staff may notice certain trends.

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.

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.

Requirements for test scores vary by major. A detailed explanation of scores by program can be found here. You can also view a chart of SAT-1 and ACT scores for the middle 50% of bachelor degree accepted students.

For international students this test is not necessary for admission to Hope College. However, it is strongly recommended for scholarship purposes.

All freshmen applicants are required to take either the College Board's Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the ACT by November 2007. There is no minimum SAT or ACT score required for admission. Freshman applicants are ranked using the CSU eligibility index which combines the grade point average and SAT/ACT test scores. For fall 2007, the average SAT score of admitted freshmen who met the selective criteria was 1,128; the average ACT composite score was 24.

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.

The UC doesn’t require a minimum SAT score. However, there was an index that matched a student’s GPA with a needed SAT I and SAT II score total. However, that index will soon be changed to reflect the new SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Test requirements. When it is available, students will be able to find the new UC Eligibility Index: But of course, try to get as high a score as possible in order to make yourself competitive.

A good score is one that will get you into the college of your choice, so the answer depends on where you want to go to college. The average score on the SAT is about a 1540. While class rank, extra-curricular activities, major, recommendations, essays, and other factors also come into play in college admissions, below is an estimate of what score is needed on the SAT for various colleges:

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.

Houghton looks at a student's entire academic record, including the high school transcript, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and recommendations. Our average SAT for the fall 2004 incoming class was 1173 (25.8 ACT); our middle 50% was 1070-1280 (23-29 on the ACT).

To a point, yes. We count your highest SAT math score and your highest verbal score, even if you took them on different dates. On the other hand, when someone retakes the SAT a large number of times it can begin to look desperate.

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.