College Entrance Standardized Tests

When registering for all tests, use the Paly school code: 052-350

College Entrance Test Preparation

Some colleges are test-optional or do not require college entrance tests for admission. Information about test-optional colleges is available from the National Center for Fair and Open Testing (Fair Test) at fairtest.org.

ACT test schedules and preparation: www.act.org

PSAT, SAT I, SAT II and AP test schedules and preparation: www.collegeboard.com

Differences between SAT (I) and ACT Tests

Both the ACT and the SAT are nationally administered standardized tests that help colleges evaluate applications. There are differences in test structure and the type of content assessed.

In order to create the best application for yourself, you could begin by considering which test might show you at your best. You can use the Kaplan chart to see which test could make the most of your strengths. You can also check out the ACT and College Board Concordance study Overview and the ACT-SAT Tables. For more specific SAT (I) or ACT test information, see the Testing Information section below.

College Requirements and the SAT (II) Subject Test

The Compass college chart provides a list of colleges that require, recommend, or consider the SAT Subject Test scores as part of the admissions process. It is always a good idea to check the school web sites for the most accurate information. For an SAT (II) test overview and more specific information, see the Testing Information below.

Some colleges accept the ACT in lieu of SAT Subject tests.

Tips for Saving Money when Sending SAT and/or ACT Test Scores to CSUs

Send scores to multiple campuses for free or the price of one campus! Select one campus during test registration and it’s free; request a score report to one CSU after you take the test (for a modest fee) and later release scores to additional campuses for free.

    1. Once scores are received, you can access the ACT Manager in CSU Mentor (under the Apply Online section) to release those scores to other campuses without additional fees.
       
    2. On the Application Submittal screen, select the checkbox to release your ACT scores to CSU Mentor to use for subsequent applications.

Test Preparation and Practice

For Purchase

There are a number of resources that offer online preparation courses and practice PSAT, SAT, ACT and AP examinations. Here are a few. You can do an online search for additional resources.

For Free

There are many online resources offering study guides, preparation courses, and practice tests at no charge. The following is a partial list in no particular order. You can do an online search for additional resources.

Testing Information

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is given only in October each year. The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT and is also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. All juniors are strongly advised to take the PSAT and are given priority in registration. Sophomores should not take the exam unless they have completed geometry and will be wait-listed until all juniors who wish to take the PSAT have registered. You will receive help in interpreting the scores so that you will be able to determine what specific areas may need additional work. Your original test booklets will be available from your Teacher Advisor in January. This test does not count for college admissions. Palo Alto High School, following the guidelines of the College Board, does not release PSAT scores to colleges.
Students register through Paly, not the College Board; the ASB Accounts Clerk handles registration and dates are announced in the Daily Bulletin. For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com. The Paly contact for testing is Assistant Principal Chuck Merritt, (650) 329-3824.

SAT I (Reasoning Test) measures verbal, numerical reasoning, and English writing skills. It is used by the University of California (UC), the California State Universities (CSU) and many private colleges as an entrance requirement. It is a 3-hour and 45-minutes test – half verbal and half mathematics. It is advisable to take SAT I in the spring of your junior year. There are two advantages: you will gain experience, and if you wish to take the test again, you may do so in the fall. All scores are recorded on the report form; the colleges will use your best score for admission purposes. (UC colleges, however, use the scores from any single date that you specify.) Be sure to arrange with the testing service to have these and all scores sent to the colleges. Scores are mailed home. There is a fee. You cannot take SAT I and SAT II on the same day. For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com. The Paly contact for testing is Assistant Principal Chuck Merritt, (650) 329-3824.

SAT II (Subject Tests) test specific knowledge in subject matter. These are one-hour tests and are entrance requirements for many colleges (check your colleges). Students should take these tests as late as possible in the sequence of their course curriculum or at the conclusion of the related courses. In particular, juniors thinking of majoring in math or science related fields should consider taking the subject test at the conclusion of their current math or science classes. Math students need to check college admission requirements and confer with their teachers concerning the math level IC or level IIC option. (For the UC system, only Math IIC is accepted.) Both levels require at least a scientific calculator. Review your strengths. If Spanish is your strong point, take the Spanish subject test when you complete the course. Even though you can select your testing subjects at the test site on the day of the test, you would be well advised to have your test choice and sequence in mind. The University of California requires two SAT Subject Tests in two different areas, chosen from the following: history, literature, mathematics (level 2 only), science, or language other than English. SAT IIs are a major part of the UC eligibility index. Students are encouraged to take SAT II tests in the spring of their junior year. Most students take three subject matter tests in different areas in one morning (the least expensive way). There is a fee. For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com. The Paly contact for testing is Assistant Principal Chuck Merritt, (650) 329-3824.

ACT (American College Test) tests student ability in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The ACT is a college entrance examination that is an acceptable alternative to the SAT I for virtually all colleges, including the University of California and California State Universities. You may take the ACT during the spring of your junior year or in the fall of your senior year. If your math is weak, the ACT may be preferable to SAT I. ACT registration envelopes are available in the College & Career Center. There is a fee. Complete all pages of the form or you may register online at www.act.org. The Paly contact for testing is Assistant Principal Chuck Merritt, (650) 329-3824.

AP (Advanced Placement) tests are given in May for college–level courses taken at high school. Most colleges give AP credit to students who make acceptable scores on the AP examinations. Standards are high: grades range from 1 to 5. While a grade of 3 is generally considered to be a passing score, some colleges acknowledge only a 4 or 5. Each college determines its own policy in regard to granting credit, advanced placement, or both, depending upon the AP score. If AP credits are earned in four of five subject areas, some colleges will offer immediate sophomore standing. Even so, a student may choose to enter college as a freshman. The student would have the opportunity to take advanced courses earlier and to enjoy richer programs.

Palo Alto High School offers AP courses in College Chemistry, College English, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, French, Spanish, German, Calculus, Computer Science, Statistics, U.S. History, Art History, Studio Art, Psychology, and Music Theory. The emphasis in AP courses is on developing critical thinking and on writing clear, effective essays using primary research sources. Several studies have shown that AP students on the average do better work in college than do students with equal or greater abilities who have not taken AP courses. Anyone with special strengths in a subject should talk with his/her teacher advisor about getting into AP classes. Students enrolled in AP courses should take the AP tests. In late March or early April, AP teachers will sign students up for the tests and distribute explanatory information. Even if they are not in an AP course, students with strong interest and demonstrated competency in a subject are also encouraged to take the test. Such students should see the administrator in charge of testing in March. There is a fee for each test, payable to the ASB Accounts Clerk in April. There are also fees for late registration and cancellation. While the AP tests can be taken as early as 10th grade, the greatest number of the three-hour, objective-short-answer, and juniors and seniors take essay tests. There is a fee.

Additional considerations:

For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com. The Paly contact is Assistant Principal Chuck Merritt, (650) 329-3824.

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