College Counseling

Standardized Testing

There is a wide range of information available about college admission and standardized testing; much of it is flawed at best. We don't claim to have all the answers, but we do feel you will find sound advice and counsel below regarding which tests to take and when.

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Bishop's CEEB/ACT Code: 051330

SAT Program: http://www.collegeboard.com/  

Tests & Dates		U.S. Registration Deadlines
2010-2011 Test Dates	Test(s) Offered	Regular	Late Registration Deadline (Add'l fee applies)
October 9, 2010	SAT & Subject Tests	September 10, 2010	September 24, 2010
November 6, 2010	SAT & Subject Tests	October 8, 2010	October 22, 2010
December 4, 2010	SAT & Subject Tests	November 5, 2010	November 19, 2010
January 22, 2011	SAT & Subject Tests	December 23, 2010	January 7, 2011
March 12, 2011	SAT only	February 11, 2011	February 25, 2011
May 7, 2011	SAT & Subject Tests	April 8, 2011	April 22, 2011
June 4, 2011	SAT & Subject Tests	May 6, 2011	May 20, 2011

 

ACT Program:  http://www.actstudent.org 

2010-10 Test Date	Registration Deadline	(Late Fee Required)
September 11, 2010	August 6, 2010	August 7-20, 2010
October 23, 2010	September 17, 2010	September 18–October 1, 2010
December 11, 2010	November 5, 2010	November 6-19, 2010
February 12, 2011	January 7, 2011	January 8-21, 2011
April 9, 2011	March 4, 2011	March 5-18, 2011
June 11, 2011	May 6, 2011	May 7-20, 2011

PSAT Test Date:  Saturday, October 16, 2010 

Advanced Placement Testing:  Monday May 2 – Friday May 13, 2011 

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The Bishop’s School College Counseling Office
Standardized Testing Philosophy

Despite the enormous amount of publicity standardized testing receives, it is important to know that the SAT, ACT and/or SAT Subject Tests are not the most important part of the college application process.  The attention these tests receive and the money spent preparing for these tests are disproportionate to the importance of these scores in the process.  In order to answer the many questions we receive about standardized testing, we have prepared this FAQ page to help you decide when to take these tests and which may be best for you. 

How important are standardized tests in the college process?

This is a question best asked of each college you are interested in attending.  The vast majority of colleges are more concerned with your high school transcript – your grades and the rigor of courses you take – as the transcript gives information about your academic performance on a day-to-day basis.  The SAT, ACT and SAT Subject Tests give the colleges an indication of your performance in a national context. 

In general, large public universities will give standardized test scores almost as much weight as the transcript.  Because of the large applicant pool as well as the large incoming class size, these universities will look at objective information more than the subjective parts of your applications.  

In general, medium to small colleges will place the majority of their weight on your transcript.  Other factors like essay, recommendations, extra-curricular activities and interviews may play as much of a role as test scores.  This is an excellent question to ask college representatives or to research on a college website. 

Keep in mind as well that over 800 colleges in the U.S. are testing-optional, meaning that you have the choice of whether or not you want your test scores to be considered in the application process. You can find more information on these colleges at http://www.fairtest.org.

What tests will colleges see? Do I get to choose?

As many of you have heard, The College Board (who administers the SAT and Subject Tests) recently implemented a new program called "Score Choice." Under this new program, students are given the opportunity to choose which SAT Reasoning Test date(s) and which SAT Subject Test scores they would like to send to colleges to which they apply. This program began for scores submitted to colleges after March 2009.

Since College Board first announced this change, many Deans and Directors of Admission across the country at some of the most selective colleges in the nation -- colleges to which many Bishop's students are likely to apply -- have stated that they will require that applicants submit ALL TEST SCORES. This, in effect, eliminates the Score Choice option for students applying to those schools.  A complete list of the policies reported to College Board to date can be found at http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf.

Here's our advice regarding Score Choice -- Assume that at least one college to which you will apply will want to see all scores from each time you have taken the SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests. We have heard from many families that their students will plan to take several SAT Reasoning Tests earlier than recommended assuming that they can choose which scores to send once senior year rolls around. We STRONGLY suggest that you treat any SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Test as though it will be seen by all colleges to which a student will ultimately apply.

Our general advice about testing remains unchanged -- practice and prepare before you take any test. Take both a practice SAT Reasoning Test and ACT during the fall or winter of your junior year.  Meet with your college counselor to discuss which test is best for you to take in the spring of your junior year. Plan to take another round of testing during the fall of senior year. SAT Subject Tests should be taken at the end of a relevant class in which the student has done well.

Information on Score Choice from The College Board: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-reasoning/scores/policy

List of Score Choice policies by college: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf 

Newsweek article on Score Choice: "The New SAT Score Policy: Tiny Loophole, Big Shock?" 

New York Times article: "SAT Changes Policy, Opening Rift with Colleges"

What tests do I take in ninth grade?

It is not appropriate to take either the SAT or ACT during or following 9^th grade.  You may be invited to attend a program like the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth or the Duke TIP program that require SAT scores for eligibility.  Otherwise, it is not appropriate or necessary to take the SAT or ACT this early in high school. 

What tests do I take in tenth grade?

Each Bishop's sophomore will have the opportunity to take the PSAT in the fall of this academic year.  We handle all registration for this test; the family does not have to do anything extra to sign up for this test and the student's account will be billed. In 10^th grade, the PSAT is taken for practice – the score is not used for any scholarships nor is it sent to any colleges.  This testing administration is a great chance for students to become more comfortable in the testing environment.  It is not necessary for the student to receive any test preparation for the PSAT.  We do not suggest the SAT and/or the ACT during 10^th grade. 

Some tenth grade students may take SAT Subject Tests at the end of the school year.  Please see the SAT Subject Tests section of this article for more information.

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What tests do I take in eleventh grade?

Fall semester of 11^th grade:  Each Bishop's junior will have the opportunity to take the PSAT for a second time.  Again, we will handle all registration for the test; the family does not have to do anything to sign up for this test and the student's account will be billed.  In 11^th grade, the PSAT is used as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.  The score is not sent to colleges, though name and address information can be shared with colleges at the student's request.  It is not necessary or suggested that students receive test preparation for the PSAT. 

In addition, we suggest that each Bishop's junior take both a mock/practice SAT and ACT during the fall semester, and we will offer each test at Bishop's.  We have found that students tend to perform better on one test or the other, and we recommend that students take each test to find their strength.  This will also offer a benchmark for study and preparation prior to taking the actual test.

Spring semester of 11^th grade:   Students will want to check the calendar to plan when they will take the SAT, ACT, and/or Subject Tests. These tests are offered as early as January and almost monthly through June.  After the student receives their scores, the student and their college counselor can assess the scores to identify which, if applicable, test the student should re-take and when.  In general, we suggest that a student take the SAT and/or ACT only once during 11^th grade.

We suggest that most Bishop's juniors take at least two SAT Subject Tests at the end of 11^th grade.  Most Bishop's students will be finished with SAT Subject Tests, with at least two appropriate scores (as determined by the student and their college counselor), by the end of 11^th grade.  Please see the SAT Subject Tests section of this article for more information. 

What tests do I take in twelfth grade?

All standardized testing for the college process should be complete by the end of the first semester of 12^th grade.  Each student should have at least one SAT and/or ACT complete before 12^th grade, and most students should take the SAT and/or ACT once more during the fall of 12^th grade.  We do not recommend that a student take either test more than twice during 12^th grade.  

With the exception of some SAT Subject Language with Listening tests offered in November, seniors should not have to take any SAT Subject Tests if they planned well in junior year.  

How do I know if the ACT or SAT is a better test for me?

Each year, the College Counseling Office will provide free mock/practice SAT and ACT administrations for juniors.  These are unofficial tests that are given in realistic testing situations, but the scores will not show up on any official test report.  The tests will be scored, and there will be an opportunity to discuss the scores.  The score reports will give information about the student’s strengths and weaknesses, giving insight as to which portion of the tests should be focused upon for further study.  After these programs, the student should discuss the outcome with their college counselor to plan further testing. 

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When should I begin test prep?

We do not suggest that you take test prep classes before 11^th grade.  Also, please remember that grades earned in academic classes are far more important than standardized testing.  If test prep interferes with a student’s class work, then the time is not being well-spent.  The majority of college applicants, including those who eventually attend highly selective colleges, do not devote hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to test preparation. 

There are many different ways to prepare for the SAT, ACT and SAT Subject Tests.  We suggest that students familiarize themselves with the SAT and/or ACT before the first testing by participating in the free unofficial test administrations.  Students can take advantage of the many test prep books and computer programs available.  We can suggest several test prep companies for group and one-on-one test preparation.  Finally, a test prep class is also available at Bishop's each year during summer session. 

Just a note – according to The Princeton Review Foundation, the best way to boost your verbal scores is to read, read, read!  Flash cards, vocabulary lists and test prep books are not as valuable as reading words in context. 

How many times should I take these tests?

The PSAT is taken once in tenth grade and once in eleventh grade.  In general, we suggest that a student take the SAT and/or the ACT once during 11^th grade.  After that, most students will take either or both of those tests once or twice during twelfth grade.  Many studies show that standardized test scores plateau after the third testing.  Most Bishop's students will have at least two SAT Subject Tests scores by the end of eleventh grade.  In general, it is not advisable to re-take SAT Subject Tests, with the possible rare exception of language and Math II tests. 

Do colleges prefer the SAT or ACT?

Every college in the nation accepts either tests and the overwhelming majority view the ACT with the same weight as the SAT.  Take whichever test is better for you.

If I take the ACT, should I also take the optional Writing section?

Yes! Since virtually all colleges will require it, you should take the Writing section. 

How do I know if I need to take SAT Subject Tests?

Because many Bishop's students apply to highly selective colleges and those within the University of California system, we suggest that almost all students take at least two SAT Subject Tests, just to be on the safe side.  You should determine whether each college to which you will apply will require SAT Subject Tests and if so, how many are required.  The vast majority of colleges that ask for SAT Subject Tests require only two; only one remaining college asks for three Subject Test scores.  You can find information about required testing at the colleges’ individual web sites or on the Common Application web site. 

Keep in mind that some colleges will now accept the ACT with Writing in lieu of the SAT and SAT Subject Tests.  Again, the college web sites can help you find this information.

Please note that the UC system will require two SAT Subject Tests for the graduating class of 2011; they will not accept the Math I test as one of those required tests. Students graduating in the class of 2012 onward will no longer be required by the UC system to take two Subject Tests, but some campuses and majors may maintain additional requirements.

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Which SAT Subject Tests are right for me?

In general, you should take SAT Subject Tests when you complete a subject area and if you have performed well in the class.  Below is a list of SAT Subject Tests and the recommended course the test should follow.  You should consult your teacher and College Counselor to discuss appropriate SAT Subject Tests.  Also, review sample tests on the College Board web site or in prep books to make sure you are comfortable with the material that is covered on the test.

SAT Subject Test	Taken after completing this class	Special notes
Biology	AP Biology	Honors Biology students should discuss readiness with their teacher.
Chemistry	AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry	Honors Chemistry students should discuss readiness with their teacher.
Chinese w/ Listening	Chinese IV Chinese V AP Chinese	Discuss listening skills w/ instructor to determine appropriate skills for this test.
English Literature	English III English III Honors
French	French IV AP French Language
French w/ Listening	French IV AP French Language	Discuss listening skills w/ instructor to determine appropriate skills for this test.
Latin	Latin IV AP Latin
Math I	Math 5 Math 5 Enriched	The UC system does not accept this test as one of the two required for admissions.
Math II	Advanced Pre-Calculus Advanced Pre-Calculus Honors Calculus AP Calculus, AB or BC	In some cases, this test may also be appropriate for a Pre-Calculus student.
Physics	AP Physics, Advanced Honors Physics
Spanish	Spanish IV AP Spanish Language
Spanish w/ Listening	Spanish IV AP Spanish Language	Discuss listening skills w/ instructor to determine appropriate skills for this test.
US History	US History AP US History
World History	Not applicable	AP European History alone does not prepare students for this test.

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Additionally, students who have fluency in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and/or Spanish can considering taking the Listening tests in those languages even if they have not taken formal classes in those languages.  As always, check the College Board website or test prep books for more information about those tests. 

Should I take specific SAT Subject Tests if I’m considering certain majors or colleges?

If you have a definite major in mind, you may want to consider taking SAT Subjects Tests that will highlight you talents in those areas.  Students interested in majoring in math and science should have SAT Subject Tests in those areas; students interested in majoring in foreign languages should take those tests.  Some colleges will ask you for specific tests, and their websites will give you that information. 

Please note that the UC system will require two SAT Subject Tests for the graduating class of 2011; they will not accept the Math I test as one of those required tests. Students graduating in the class of 2012 onward will no longer be required by the UC system to take two Subject Tests, but some campuses and majors may maintain additional requirements.

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