Standardized test scores remain an important part of the admissions decision at many four year colleges. Some schools, however, do not require standardized tests. These schools are listed at: www.fairtest.org.

The ACT versus the SAT:

• The ACT has a science component; the SAT I does not.
• The ACT is scored from 1-36; the SAT has three components, Math, Critical Reading and Writing, each scored from 200-800.
• The ACT permits “score choice” whereby students can choose the scores they want to send to colleges; the SAT does not.

SAT I: The SAT I includes three sections: Verbal, Math and Writing. Each section is scored from 200-800 points. The Writing component has a student-written essay that is scored from 1-6 points. The SAT I is offered 7 times per academic year. Score reports include the results of all SAT tests a student has taken. The Win Commons posts testing dates and provides transportation to locations for those who need to take them.

SAT II Subject Tests: These hour-long exams are offered in Writing, Literature, U.S. History, World History, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and a variety of languages. SAT IIs are administered 6 times per academic year. Students can take up to 3 tests in one day. Free SAT II subject test prep booklets (which include sample tests) are available in the Win Commons. Sample tests can also be downloaded at the College Board website.

The Win Commons posts testing dates and provides transportation to locations for those who need to take them.

Registration for the SAT I AND SAT II: Students can register online at www.collegeboard.com, or pick up a registration booklet in the Win Commons. Online registration provides immediate registration confirmation and also allows students to choose a test center. A list of test dates and registration deadlines can be found at the College Board website.

The ACT: The ACT, traditionally taken by students in Midwestern states in lieu of the SAT I, is gaining popularity on the East Coast. Unlike the SAT, which is designed to measure reasoning and critical thinking skills, the ACT is designed to measure academic achievement in English, math, reading and science. Because of this some students may feel more comfortable with the ACT. The ACT has an optional writing component. To be competitive with the new SAT I, students should take the optional writing component of the ACT. ACT practice test are available in the Win Commons. Students can register online at www.actstudent.org or pick up a registration booklet in the Win Commons.

Different Standardized Test Requirements at Different Schools
Many schools require the SAT I, or the ACT (with the optional writing component) plus two SAT II subject tests, however some require fewer and some more. Students can quickly look up admission requirements of different schools by using the “College Quickfinder” at www.collegeboard.com.

Forwarding Standardized Test Scores to Colleges
Students are responsible for having their test scores forwarded to colleges. Neither the Win Commons nor the Registrar’s Office send SAT or ACT scores to colleges. SAT scores can be forwarded at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html

ACT scores can be forwarded at:

http://www.actstudent.org

General Equivalency Diploma (GED): Some institutions will require a high school diploma or a GED in addition to a college transcript. The Massachusetts Department of Education awards the high school equivalency certificate to those who pass the GED exam. The GED covers five topics Language Arts Reading and Writing, Social Studies, Science and Math. To pass the GED you must receive a minimum of 410 on each test AND receive an overall average of 450 on all five tests for a total score of 2250.

Berkshire Community College is a local testing center and the Win Commons will arrange transportation to all students interested in taking the test. The Win Commons will post GED dates.

Pre-registration is required to secure a seat for the exam. Applications are available in the Win Commons.