Testing Standard

SAT and ACT tests are standardized tests in the US for high school students, especially those hoping to go to college or university. SAT and ACT (originally American College Testing) are similar in that they help colleges and universities to compare the abilities of students from schools in different states and school districts, which may have significant differences in funding and curriculum. The SAT test tends to be favored in Eastern and Western states, the ACT in Midwestern and Southern states, although the ACT has seen recent growth in Eastern states. ACT test dates occur up to six times per year, usually on Saturdays.

In other parts of the world (such as European nations) there can be a strongly centralized national curriculum for schools, and government sponsored (or government regulated) national university admission tests. The situation differs in the US, however, and there are many local variations in education standards and curriculum across the country.

National schooling standards do not exist in the US because of the federal system, with local control of schools leading to much variation in curriculum, in standards, and in funding. There are also many home schooled pupils, and private schools, whose students also seek college and university admission.

US colleges and universities have therefore seen a need to implement national tests. These compare applicants from schools in different states and cities. The national tests administered by ACT and SAT have been performing this comparison function for many decades (since 1959 for ACT). ACT tests originally included English, Math, Reading and Science. Writing has been added in more recent years (as an option).

ACT and/or SAT scores allow college admissions staff to apply a national perspective to the results from individual schools. Usually the ACT or SAT score is considered together with many other aspects of the applicants school record: class rank, GPA, course and extra curricular work etc. Students should check directly with their chosen college about admission requirements.

In some states all students undergo ACT testing, and the state uses the results to compare the quality of education in different schools. States with this system include Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, Wyoming.

The actual ACT test dates can vary from state to state, but there will be between four and six dates per year in every state. Tests are held on Saturdays (exceptions can be made on religious grounds). Tests will be in the following months: February, April, June, September, October and December.

To help you further prepare for your ACT Exam, please check out our guide to ACT Test Dates.

Scott Mansfield, Test Editor for Test-Guide.com

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Advanced Placement tests are offered in many subjects. Students who take AP classes have an opportunity to get credit for survey level courses without having to take them in college. The exams are given in May and cost approximately $90 each. I have been involved with AP testing for over 23 years, first as a teacher and then as the AP coordinator for my school. I think AP tests are an incredible way to get a jump-start on college.

Many parents and students are not familiar with AP classes and the benefits that they provide for students. Here are just a few of the benefits of taking Advanced Placement Exams that I’ve observed over the years:

• The course is taught at a college level and pace. This gives students an opportunity to adjust to the rigors of college while still in high school. This sends them to college with a much more realistic view of the work that is required.

• Students can earn college credit for survey college courses in a variety of subjects. Depending on the school, scoring a 3, 4 or 5 on the exam earns students 1 or 2 semesters worth of college credit. Note: This is not the same as testing out of a class, which just places a student in a more difficult class. AP credits count as college credits. In most AP courses, the majority of students who take exams do score at least a 3.

• Students can begin college as a 2nd semester Freshman or even as a 1st semester Sophomore. If attending a private school, starting as a 2nd semester Freshman can save over $20,000 in college costs. Starting as a 1st semester Sophomore saves over $40,000. Getting credit for an entire year of college takes preparation and long-range planning but it is a feasible goal for motivated students. Several students from my high school have done it. In this economy, that’s an incredible opportunity!

• Students who took AP classes are much more likely to graduate from college. (Only half of students who begin college ever graduate with a degree.)

• Students who took AP classes are much more likely to graduate from college within 4 years. (It takes most students 41/2 to 5 years to graduate.)

• Colleges view students who take AP classes and AP exams favorably when making admissions decisions. This also holds true for the awarding of scholarships. Even colleges who don’t accept AP credits (the service academies for example) expect students to take these advance classes. It’s an indication of their work ethic and preparation for college.

When it gets close to time to take the exams, some students get cold feet. Seniors sometimes decide they want to have fun the last couple of weeks of school and decide not to take the exams. This is very short-sighted thinking. Don’t let your child do this! This is very much a time when you need to reinforce with your child why he took the AP courses in the first place and review the benefits of doing well on the exams.

For more information on the Advanced Placement program go to CollegeBoard.com.

Barbara is a professional speaker, seminar/workshop presenter, staff development trainer with 32 years of classroom experience.

Her book, A Teacher’s Book of 10s: Best ways to Do Everything in Your Classroom, will be published in the summer of 2011.

Contact Barbara at http://www.barbaratoney.com