There are a variety of standardized tests used by college admissions committees.  

 

D-E students take the PSAT 10 in February of their 10th grade and the PSAT/NMSQT in October of 11th grade. The D-E College Counseling Office strongly encourages students to take at least one SAT and/or ACT in the spring of 11th grade. at least twice, two SAT Subject tests, and/or the ACT to best prepare a testing portfolio.

 

Note: Students with demonstrated learning differences may wish to consult with Marc Gladstone, LEAD Learning Specialist, at gladsm@d-e.org or 201 227-3160 regarding testing accommodations.

 

The following is a brief description of each of these instruments.

 

 

The key content features on the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT include a Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section that includes a Reading test, a Writing and Laguage test, and a Math section. Many of the questions on the tests focus on important, widely used words and phrases found in texts in many different subjects. For instances, there will be some questions ask students to figure out a word's meaning based on context. The words are ones that students will probably encourter in college or in the workplace. No longer will students use flashcards to memorize obscure words, only to gorget them after the test.

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section asks students to interpret, sythesize, and use evidence found in a wide range of sources. These sources include informational graphics, such as tables, charts, and graphs, as well as multiparagraph passagges in the areas of literature and literary nonfiction, the humanities, science, history and social studies, and on topics about work and career. In the Reading test there will at least one question that will aks students to identify which part of the test best supports the answer to the previous question. In other questions, students will be asked to find the best answer to a question by pulling together information conveyed in words and graphics. The Writing and Language test will also focuses on commond of evidence. Students will be asked to analyze a series of sentences or paragrpahs and deide if ti makes sense. There will be other questions that will ask students to interpret graphics and to edit a part of the accompanying passage so that it clearly and accurattely communicates thet information in the graphics. 

The Math test focuses in-depth on three essential areas of math: Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Heart of Algebra, and Passport to Advance Math. Problem Solving and Data Analysis includes using ratios, percentages, adn proportinal reasoning to solve problems in science, social science, and career contexts. The Heart of Algebra focuses on the mastery of linear equations and systems. Finally, Passport to Advanced math is on more complex equaations and the manupulation they require. 

The actual testing time of the tests is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The scores are reported on a scale range between 320 and 1520, 160-760 for each of two section scores, and 8-38 for the test scores. There is no essay offered for both tests. The format of the test is as follows: 60 minutes for Reading, 35 minutes for Writing and Language, and 70 minutes for math.

For 10th grader, they will be able to access their online PSAT 10 score reports approximately in the 3rd week of April. 11th graders can view their PSAT/NMSQT online score reports in early December. The score reports will includes a summary of the student testing performance and is an effective tool to assist in assessing areas of needed improvement. While the scores obtained on PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT can help to predict the performance on the SAT, the scores are not sent or used by colleges in the application process, and the selection index is used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarship nomination.

 

 

The SAT is also administered by the College Board and scored on a 1600 point scale and is administered each year on nationally determined test dates. It is a three hour, plus 50 minutes for the Essay which is optional, assessment used to measure Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math (plus Essay which is optional)skills. The scoring ranging is 400 to 1600, 200 to 800 for each of the two sections. The optional essay is scored by 2 readers and each reader can award 1-4 points for each dimension: reading, analysis, and writing. The two scores for each dimension are added and students will receive one score ranging from 2-8 points for each dimension.

Colleges that use the SAT require that scores be officially sent directly by the College Board. Most colleges focus on a student’s highest score on the verbal and math sections, even if they are from different test dates. This is referred to as “super scoring.” The skills needed to perform well on this test are accumulated over time and thus one’s performance is likely to improve with continued learning.

 

Dwight-Englewood strongly encourages students to take the SAT at least twice, in the spring of junior year and in the fall of senior year. To register for the SAT visit: www.collegeboard.org.

 

 

The College Board offers over 20 different SAT Subject tests each designed to measure knowledge and skills in a particular subject area. As with the SAT, scores on these examinations are normed nationally. Your performance on these tests is compared to the performance of other students across the country. Therefore, many selective colleges strongly recommend or require SAT Subject tests in order to gain another academic perspective of you as an applicant. D-E students are strongly encouraged to sit for two of these examinations of the student’s choice. Naturally, those areas where you perform with strength are advised as tests to consider. The best time to take an SAT Subject Test is after you have completed the course, while the material is still fresh in your mind and recall is optimal. Thus a student’s timing for taking these tests is individually based on their course selection. Students should consult their teachers and College Guidance director to plan a suitable testing time line. Students can take up to three SAT Subject tests on one administration day.

 

English: Typically the spring of junior year or fall of senior year is preferable

History:

   US: Spring of junior year, after completing either AP US History or American History electives.

   World: After sophomore year (consult with your teacher).

Math:

   Level 1: After IMM 2H or Precalculus

   Level 2: After freshman Hyper Math,  in junior year after Precalculus or Precalculus H or AP Calculus AB

Science:

   Biology: After completion of IBC II or II H or AP Biology

   Chemistry: After completion of IBC or IBCII H or AP Chemistry

   Physics: After completion of a full year of Physics in junior year or AP Physics.

Foreign Language: Usually after the third year of study.

Language with Listening: If fluent in the language, after a summer language immersion program or at an advanced level of study. Students should consult with their teacher. (Offered only in November)

 

 

The American College Testing Program is scored on a 36 point scale. It has gained greater visibility in the Northeast in recent years and is administered several times each year on a nationally determined test schedule.  Colleges accept the ACT as an alternative to the SAT. Some colleges that require both the SAT and SAT Subject tests will accept the ACT in lieu of both.  The format of the ACT is content oriented and divided into four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36. A composite score, on the same scale, is calculated by computing the average of these four sections. Most selective colleges require students to sit for the optional writing section that is an additional 30 minutes. Charts which compare ACT scores with the SAT Reasoning are available in the College Guidance Office. Most colleges will consider the results of both examinations and give the applicant the benefit of the doubt by taking the higher score. To register for the ACT visit: www.actstudent.org.

 

Dwight Englewood has a relationship with Revolution Prep, an independent test prep organization. For information about test prep options: www.revolutionprep.com.

 

AP’s are administered by the College Board and are scored on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest score.  AP Examinations are subject specific and are taken upon the completion of an AP course. D-E students who enroll in an AP course are required to sit for the AP exam in that subject. Some D-E students have opted to sit for an AP exam without taking the specific course, but usually these students have completed independent study on the topics included in the exam. Depending on the score a student receives, advanced standing or credit may be awarded at the college he or she attends. Most colleges provide information on their AP policies in their catalogues or websites. 

Link to AP Exam Dates information: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/takingtheexam/ap-calendar