Throughout the year college admission tests are administered to college-bound students. It is important that students become familiar with these tests. Information regarding evening test preparation courses will be made available upon request through the school counseling center. GEARS offers an SAT prep course in the fall and spring each year (367-0355). Computer-assisted instruction is also available from commercial computer programs, and by visiting the SAT website, www.collegeboard.org, and the ACT website, www.act.org. See your counselor for information regarding any of these testing programs.
 
PSAT/NMSQT   (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying)
Test Duration - Approximately 2 1/2 hours; given on Wednesday in mid-October
Taken by - High school juniors (available to interested sophomores)
Given by - College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Frequency - One time per year (October)
Purpose - Practice for SAT and qualify for National Merit Scholarship

SAT   (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
Duration - Approximately 3 1/2 hours
Taken by - Juniors and Seniors
Given by - College Board
Frequency - Seven times per year (Saturday – usually offered in October, November, December, January, March, May, June)
Purpose - College Admissions for dates
Website - www.collegeboard.org

SAT II– SAT II – Subject Test
Duration - One hour per test (maximum of three per testing date)
Taken by - Juniors and Seniors
Given by - College Board
Frequency - Six times per year (Saturday – usually offered in October, November, December, January, May, June)
Purpose - College Admissions
Website - www.collegeboard.org

ACT   (The American College Testing Program)
Duration - Three hours
Taken by - Juniors and Seniors
Given by - ACT
Frequency - Six times per year (Saturdays – usually offered in September, October, December, February, April, June)
Purpose - College Admissions
Website - www.act.org

Advanced Placement Tests – Subject area tests
Duration - Two to three hours
Taken by - Students enrolled in AP courses
Given by - College Board
Frequency - One time per year, in May
Purpose - May fulfill college credit requirement
Website -  apstudent.collegeboard.org