PSATs, PSSAs, SATs, ACTs, help?

Question

Okay so my high school has failed me(not as in failing a year). They haven't informed me about any of these standardized tests, and now I'm entering my Junior year and I'm just confused about all of these tests I'm supposed to take. I know that I'm too old for the PSATs and I HAVE to take the PSSAs but should I worry about not taking the PSAT? Also what about these SATs and ACTs I know you take one or the other but what do they for exactly (I know they have to do with college enrollment and SAT is more widely taken). Please no rude remarks and any legitimate answer is greatly appreciated, thank you in advance.

Answer 1

No, you are not too old for the PSAT's. Take it! Take as many as you can, because it helps. ACTs include english, math, reading, science, and writing (optional), but is considerably much easier than the SAT, and is accepted in many colleges. The national average score for the ACT was 21.1/36. Most colleges require the SAT or ACT scores along with your transcript and application. This is because they want to know how educated you are compared to everyone else who's taken the test-- to know where you stand. Because not all schools have the same degree of excellence in education.

Overall, take as many PSATs as you can if you're going to take the SAT. I took my SAT in senior year, but in a hurry (most college applications are due around november-dec.)

If you're going to take the ACT then take the PLAN which is a pre-ACT.

Answer 2

When I was in high school I remember we had to take a test freshmen year, then the PLAN, which was like a pre-ACT, and we could opt to take the PSAT, which obviously is a pre-SAT. As to whether or not to take the ACT, SAT, or both, that depends on what schools you're looking at for college. If you're not going to college, don't bother. If you're looking at difficult schools, ivy league and such, and also just more east coast or west coast schools in general, they tend to prefer the SAT. Midwestern regions tend to favor the ACT. A lot of schools will take either. Some require both. Look into schools that you think you'll be interested in and find out if they require one or the other. Some require a certain score for admission, so it's good to take the tests early so that you have a chance to take them again. They look at your highest score. They've both been updated recently, but I believe the SAT focuses mostly on math, english, and writing, whereas the ACT also has science and maybe some other things. They're looking at your general knowledge, logical thinking, test-taking abilities, etc. Despite all kinds of ways to get into schools, they like to try to have a fairly even playing field when you start. It doesn't happen though. A higher average test score (either ACT, SAT, or both) for a freshmen class makes a school look better in the rankings as well. It's not necessary to take any of the pre-tests, they're just helpful to see what you need to work on before taking the actual tests. Second half of junior year is a really great time to take the ACT or SAT. If you need to take it again, you have several chances before college apps are due. I don't really know what the PSSA is by name, but if you're school requires it just ask a guidance counselor about it. Believe me, some of them live solely to explain that stuff to students. They tend to get a big kick out of actually being helpful. Who would have thought?

Answer 3

You aren't to old for the PSATs. You are suppose to take them when you are a junior in highschool. The PSATs are in October. The PSATs is a practice SAT test just mince the essay. The SATs and the ACT are both college enrollment test. You can take either one. Colleges will accept either ACT or SAT.  

Answer 4

PSAT are just the practice SAT so don't worry about it

The SAT or Standardized Aptitude Test is one of the two most widely used tests for colleges to judge applicants.  It tests your reasoning skills in Math and Language including writing.  

The ACT is similar to the SAT but uses different scoring and different style questions.  Most all colleges take the SAT and only some accept the ACT.

The SAT IIs or SAT Subject tests test your knowledge in specific subjects such as US History or Chemistry.  Some colleges require these some don't.

Answer 5

All or most of the other information is correct, but the PSAT is not just a practice test. This is the year that you will take it. In order to qualify for the National Merit scholarship you must take it this year. Please do yourself a favor and make a appointment to talk to your counselor. They can tell you how these various test effect you.