PSAT
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
Gholson PSAT-October of each year
The PSAT is a multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities important in doing college work. It is designed for college-bound students presently a junior or sophomore and is given once a year in October. The test is useful in the following ways:
1.Provides excellent practice for taking the SAT (this test is similar to the SAT)
2.Indicates the student’s academic strengths and weaknesses (Helps you prepare for the SAT and is a FREE SAT prep document)
3.Provides information in planning for the student’s college course of study
4.Via “My College Quick Start” provides valuable feedback on content knowledge
The preliminary SAT, will be administered to all freshmen,sophomores, and juniors who sign up. The cost of the test is $15. There are no fee waivers. This serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program for juniors and as an indicator for sophomores to consider when choosing their courses for their junior year in high school.
With the score reports for these tests, these students have free access to My College Quick Start a career and college program designed to match student personality traits with specific programs and colleges. This program is offered through the College Board. All students are encouraged to use this valuable resource.
Gholson PSAT-October of each year
The PSAT is a multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities important in doing college work. It is designed for college-bound students presently a junior or sophomore and is given once a year in October. The test is useful in the following ways:
1.Provides excellent practice for taking the SAT (this test is similar to the SAT)
2.Indicates the student’s academic strengths and weaknesses (Helps you prepare for the SAT and is a FREE SAT prep document)
3.Provides information in planning for the student’s college course of study
4.Via “My College Quick Start” provides valuable feedback on content knowledge
The preliminary SAT, will be administered to all freshmen,sophomores, and juniors who sign up. The cost of the test is $15. There are no fee waivers. This serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program for juniors and as an indicator for sophomores to consider when choosing their courses for their junior year in high school.
With the score reports for these tests, these students have free access to My College Quick Start a career and college program designed to match student personality traits with specific programs and colleges. This program is offered through the College Board. All students are encouraged to use this valuable resource.
ACT
To Register for the ACT use the following links to create an account.
SAT
GHOLSON ISD CODE: 447302
To Register for the SAT use the following links to create an account.
SAT vs. ACT
Should you take the SAT or ACT? Our complete ACT vs. SAT analysis lays out all the big differences to help you decide which test is right for you.
Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?
It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT. In lieu of a crystal ball, we created The Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) designed to help you determine which test is better fit with your abilities.
To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences:
ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
If you're an ardent wordsmith, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.
The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.
The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.
In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.
The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools.
The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score — schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying before opting out.
The SAT is broken up into more sections.
On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized?
The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.
It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT. In lieu of a crystal ball, we created The Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) designed to help you determine which test is better fit with your abilities.
To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences:
ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
If you're an ardent wordsmith, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.
The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.
The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.
In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.
The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools.
The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score — schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying before opting out.
The SAT is broken up into more sections.
On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized?
The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.
If you have a smartphone you can download apps from SAT or ACT for free! These are great for practicing in the car when you are coming to school or going on vacation!