Testing

While most admission officers would state that course selection and grades in school are the most important part of the applicant's academic profile, standardized testing play a significant role, as well. Here is a brief description of each kind of exam you and your student may encounter during the high school years:

Preliminary SAT

The PSAT is administered each fall at high schools across the country. It is designed primarily for eleventh graders, although many schools (including GCS) include sophomores to give them practice at admission testing.

In addition to being an introduction to the SAT, the exam serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Each year, approximately 50,000 of the highest scoring juniors are selected for recognition by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Of those, 15,000 are identified as Semi-Finalists, who complete an application that may lead to Finalist standing. Finalists may be eligible for scholarship money from colleges, corporations and foundations.

Students do not register individually for the PSAT. The School orders the testing materials and covers all administration costs. Results from the October test are usually available in early December. The student's score report and original test booklet are mailed home at that time.

SAT I: Reasoning Tests

The Scholastic Assessment Test is a three+-hour multiple-choice and writing exam that measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing skills. It is given at specified test centers seven times each year. The scores for the critical reading, math and writing sections range from 200-800. The SAT I is required or recommended by many colleges as part of the admission process, sometimes in combination with one or more of the SAT II: Subject Tests.

Students should take the SAT I at least twice, usually once in the winter or spring of the junior year and once in the fall of the senior year. Additional testing may be recommended, but lots of administrations may not dramatically improve scores.

Students need to register individually for the SAT. Many find it convenient to open an account on the College Board web site so they can register for tests and, when the time comes, send score reports to colleges. Note: Glenelg Country School is not a test center for the SAT. Students need to choose a test center close to their homes.

The College Board Website

SAT II: Subject Tests

These exams (previously called Achievement Tests) are diagnostic measures of actual knowledge acquired in specific areas. Eighteen different tests are offered. These tests last one hour and, again, are scored on a 200-800 scale. In general, you should not sit for this kind of exam until you have nearly completed a course in the subject. If you plan to take the math test, you should consult your teacher before deciding on Math Level I or II. While you will pre-register for these tests, you may change the subjects, add or eliminate tests on the day of the exam. You may take up to three on any given test day.

The College Board Website

ACT

Most colleges will accept the results of the ACT in lieu of the SAT I and II. It tests English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning and Writing. A composite score of the four areas is also reported. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36. Note: Unlike the SAT, the essay portion of the ACT is optional, so you do not have to take it. However, you should check the admission requirements of the colleges to which you will apply to see if it will be necessary.

If you consider yourself a better classroom student than a standardized test taker, you may consider taking the ACT. It is given in October, December, February, April, and June (it will not be given on the same Saturdays as SAT dates).

Again, on-line registration is available for the ACT:

ACT Website

Advanced Placement

One of the distinctive aspects of the GCS curriculum is the number and variety of Advanced Placement course we offer. Student who enroll in A.P. classes are expected to sit for the exam.

A.P. exams are 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours in length. Exams are given during a two-week period in May each year. They are ordered by and administered at school; students do not need to register individually. Families will be billed the cost of the exam, plus a small administration fee.

A.P. exams are scored on a 1-5 scale. Colleges often grant credit or advanced standing for scores of 3 or higher, although more and more require a 4 for credit.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

Students whose first language is not English may be required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL). This test is a fairer measure of your English fluency than the SAT or ACT, both of which are designed for native English speakers (specifically American English speakers!). While colleges may not have minimum scores for other standardized tests, many will have a minimum score for TOEFL. They set that minimum based on the level of fluency required for success in their curriculum.

Students may take the TOEFL more than once in order to achieve the necessary score. TOEFL takers may register on-line, or may download and print out a registration form at

The TOEFL Website.