SAT Information
Standardized Tests
SAT I
Also called the SAT Reasoning Test, this test is regarded as a measure of the critical thinking skills you will need for success in college. It contains three multiple choice sections: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Each of the three sections is scored on a 200-800 point basis for a possible score of 2400. The essay is scored on a 2-12 point scale. The test is three hours and 45 minutes long. For the math section, students should use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator.
It is a requirement that all BSA students take the SAT I at least twice. It is recommended that students take the SAT at the end of their junior year (May or June) and in the fall (October [preferred] or November) of their senior year. It is not advisable to take the SAT more than three times. Statistically, scores do not change significantly after taking the SAT twice.
SAT II
Also called Subject Tests, these are one-hour tests based on individual subjects. Some of the more competitive schools require two or three Subject Tests, in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test. The best time to take a Subject Test is just after completing the course related to the test subject. Like the SAT Reasoning Test, the Subject Test is scored on a 200-800 point basis. A student can elect to take up to three Subject Tests on one testing day.
The SAT II tests are as follows:
Math Level 1: Can be taken after Algebra 2
Math Level 2: Can be taken after Precalculus
Foreign Language: Should not be taken until the third year of a language has been completed. The Language with Listening test (November only) is recommended only for students with strong listening comprehension.
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
World History
Literature
Test Preparation
The most important thing you can do to prepare for the SAT I and SAT II tests is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. You may purchase a book of SAT practice tests and do 10-20 (or more!) questions a night, along with your regular homework. Score yourself and if you get a question wrong, read the description of the correct answer. When you are within a month of taking the test, take one morning on a weekend, and time yourself taking one of the practice tests.
If your family can afford to pay for SAT tutoring, take advantage of the assistance. It is advisable to take a class or see a tutor within a month of taking the test.
In addition, there are several online tutoring options. Please note that prices for tutoring services vary.
www.Number2.com (FREE)
www.freevocabulary.com (5000 words that may be on the SAT)
BSA usually offers after-school test preparation courses before the fall SAT tests. These courses should not be your only source of practice. They are only to provide extra assistance.
Registration and sending scores
To register for the SAT, go to www/sat/collegeboard.org/register. If necessary (though not recommended), you may also fill out a paper application well in advance of the registration deadline. See Abby for paper applications. Please note the registration deadlines and test dates below.
The cost for taking the SAT is $49. You will have to pay with a credit card at the end of online registration. If you receive free or reduced lunch, you are eligible for two SAT fee waivers. Please see Abby to request an SAT fee waiver. Waivers are limited.
When you register, please write down your user name and password and keep them in a safe place.
After you have taken the test, your scores will be sent to you. This usually takes about three weeks.
It is the student’s responsibility to send his/her scores to the colleges to which he/she is applying. You may do this from the College Board website (www.collegeboard.com). At the time of registration, you may send your scores to four colleges for free. There is a fee for sending scores to the rest of your schools. Please send your scores as soon as they are reported. It can take up to three weeks for schools to receive SAT scores.
College Board, the organization that offers the SAT, has implemented a ‘Score Choice’ option. This allows student to choose by test date which SAT score they want sent to colleges (I.e. You may have your highest math score in May, but your highest Critical Reading score in October.) Please note that many highly-selective colleges do not allow students to use the ‘Score Choice’ option.
SAT I and II TEST AND REGISTRATION CALENDAR
|
Test Date |
Early Registration |
Regular Registration |
Late Registration (fees apply) |
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October 1 |
August 23 |
September 9 |
September 21 |
|
November 5 |
September 27 |
October 7 |
October 21 |
|
December 3 |
October 25 |
November 8 |
November 20 |
|
January 28 |
December 20 |
December 30 |
January 13 |
|
March 10 |
Not applicable |
February 10 |
February 24 |
|
May 5 |
March 27 |
April 6 |
April 20 |
|
June 2 |
April 24 |
May 8 |
May 22 |
SAT II (SUBJECT TEST) SCHEDULE
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|
Oct. 1 |
Nov. 5 |
Dec. 3 |
Jan. 28 |
May 5 |
June 2 |
|
Literature Biology Chemistry Physics Math Lev 1 & 2 |
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World History |
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Spanish Language (Reading only) |
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Spanish Language (Listening only) |
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To see a list of schools that do not require the SAT, go to www.fairtest.org
ACT
Some schools will accept ACT scores as well. Most students in the mid-west and the south take the ACT while students on the coasts take the SAT. A handful of BSA students every year decide to take this test. The ACT is designed to test your skill levels in English, Math,
