PSRC

Entrance Tests 2008-2009

More About the:

For testing purposes our THMS code is 030-530

Which test Should You Take

The entrance tests are one thing colleges use to assess you as a potential student.
  • You need to take the SAT Reasoning or ACT if you plan to attend a 4-year college or university.
    • Check the admissions requirements to see which test is required by your college of interest.  Although, most colleges and universities accept both.
    • It does not hurt to take both tests.  Taking them twice is also a good idea since the second time scores tend to be higher according to statistics.
    • Colleges will generally look at your highest scores.
  • Community Colleges - like Pima - do not require these tests.
  • Many selective out-of-state schools will also require the SAT Subject tests.
  • Give yourself enough time to take the test again if you need to raise your score.

Questions? See Dr. Ostroff

When to Take the Entrance Tests

Sophomores Take the PSAT for practice and to learn what you need to study.
Juniors Retake the PSAT in order to also qualify for the National Merit Program.  Take the ACT and/or SAT at the end of your Junior year.
Seniors If you haven't taken the tests or want to improve your scores, you need to do so as soon as possible.

 

Where to Take the Entrance Tests

The tests are given at local area high schools and at the University of Arizona.
  • When you register for the test, you will indicate your 1st, 2nd and 3rd testing location choice.
    • The earlier you apply, the greater the chance you will be able to take the test at your 1st choice.
  • If you apply by mail, you will be notified by mail of your testing location
  • If you apply online, you will be notified by email of your testing location, so be sure to check your email and/or update your email address if it changes. 

Cost of Entrance Tests

PSAT
 FREE for sophomores and  $5 for juniors.  This year we will be testing sophomores as mandatory.  Freshmen are also welcome to register as optional for the regular fee of $13.  Receive a study guide at the Finance Office.
  • Juniors and Freshmen:  Payable at the Finance Office (next to the cafeteria) before and after school or during lunch.
  • If your family needs financial assistance, see Dr. Ostroff in the Post-Secondary Resource Center/Main as there are a limited number of fee waivers available.
SAT Reasoning
  • $45
SAT Subject Tests:
  • Language Test - $20.00
  • Other Subjects - $9.00
ACT
  • $31.00
  • with the written portion - $46.00

Note:  Students interested in attending in-state colleges do not need to take the Written portion since it is not required.

There are some fee waivers available for students on free or reduced lunch for the above tests.

See Dr Ostroff

Signing Up

Test Register

PSAT

 registration available at the Finance Office
SAT Reasoning/ SAT Subject Tests
registration materials available in the PSRC or register on line at www.collegeboard.com
ACT registration materials available in the PSRC or register on line at :www.actstudent.org

You will need our THMS school code 030-530 to fill in the registration form. 

Test Preparation

These free information booklets to help you study for and take the test are available in the PSRC-Main
Taking the SAT Reasoning Test or Preparing for the ACT Assessment
Free practice tests and information on essay questions on-line:
www.testu.com    www.collegeboard.com   www.actstudent.org
 
Or, simply pick up a used (or new) SAT or ACT book and study.  Ask your teachers for help and use your conference period and tutoring opportunities.

Test Preparation Courses and Tutoring

In addition to the free study aids, there are also several programs to help you prepare for the ACT and SAT. Information on costs for these programs is available in the PSRC-Main or by contacting the resources listed.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton review offers classroom, online, and private tutoring to prepare for and improve your scores on the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and the ACT.
For more information visit http://www.princetonreview.com/home.asp Improve Your Scores & Skills
Double800
Double800 offers courses to prepare and improve your PSAT and SAT scores.
For more information visit http://www.double800.com/.
Kaplan
Kaplan offers courses and tutoring to prepare for and improve your scores on the SAT, PSAT, ACT.
For more information visit http://www.kaptest.com/.

PSAT

The PSAT is the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test and is often known as the Practice SAT.
The PSAT is offered once a year at Tucson High. This year it will take place on Wednesday, October 15 from 7:30-11:00 am. 
 Schedule will be adjusted to accommodate testing. 
This year we will be testing sophomores as mandatory.  The fee for juniors is $5 payable at the Finance Office (next to the cafeteria) before and after school or during lunch.  Freshmen are also welcome to register as optional for the regular fee of $13.

Students will receive a study guide as they register for the test.

If your family needs financial assistance, see Dr. Ostroff in the Post-Secondary Resource Center/Main as there are a limited number of fee waivers available.

It is important especially for juniors to take this test for the following reasons:
  • It is good practice to take this test before you take the SAT Assessment Test later this year. It will not seem as difficult if you take the PSAT now.
  • By taking the PSAT now, you will also find out what you need to work on to get a higher score on the SAT Assessment Test. It is a predictor to the SAT.  You will have plenty of time to study or do a preparation course if needed. See Dr. Ostroff for information about free online preparation courses.
  • No one other than you and Tucson High will see the PSAT test scores. If you don't do well, no colleges will know.
  • Juniors who get high scores on the PSAT are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship competition. This can mean lots of scholarship dollars when you go to college! It is also used for several minority scholarships and awards.

SAT

The SAT is a reasoning tests consisting of a verbal, math and writing essay portions. The format is more personalized than the ACT.
The SAT is accepted by almost all colleges and universities in the US.
Cost is $45. Register online About the SAT Reasoning

You will need your school code to register for the test, Tucson High Magnet School code: 030-530

Calendar and fees for school year 2008-2009 including registration deadlines: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html
Calendar and fees for school year 2009-2010 including registration deadlines: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calenfees2.html

Your official printed score report will be mailed to you, your high school, and to colleges and scholarship programs designated on your Registration Form about three weeks after the test.

There are some fee waivers available for students on free or reduced lunch.

See Dr. Ostroff in the PSRC-Main for fee waivers.

SAT Test Day
Be well-rested and ready to go. Get a good night's sleep the night before the test.
Eat breakfast. You'll be at the test center for several hours and you're likely to get hungry.
Bring acceptable Photo ID and your SAT Admission Ticket.
Bring two No. 2 pencils and a good eraser — a pencil is required for the multiple choice questions and the essay. Mechanical pencils are not allowed. Pens are not allowed.
Bring a calculator with fresh batteries.
Bring snacks. You will get a short break at the end of each hour of testing time. You can eat or drink any snacks you have brought with you during these breaks. A healthy snack will go a long way toward keeping you alert during the entire test.
Plan to arrive at the test center by 7:45 a.m. Testing starts at about 8:00 a.m.
Make sure you use a No. 2 pencil on the answer sheet. It is very important that you fill in the entire circle darkly and completely. If you change your response, erase it as completely as possible. It is very important that you follow these instructions when filling out your answer sheet.
If you are only taking one or two Subject Tests, you may leave the test center after your final test is finished.

Your official printed score report will be mailed to you, your high school, and to colleges and scholarship programs designated on your Registration Form about three weeks after the test.
Be sure to dress comfortably. The room may be warmer or colder than it is during the week so dressing in layers will help you be comfortable regardless of the room temperature.

SAT Subject Tests

Many selective colleges expect Subject Test scores.

Check the admission requirements of any school where you are applying.

It is a good idea to take these subject tests as soon as possible after you complete the corresponding class.

Areas covered by the Subject Tests:

Languages:

Reading Only

Languages:

Reading and Listening

Literature
 French Chinese
United States (U.S.) History
 German French
World History
 Modern Hebrew German
Mathematics Level 1
 Italian Japanese
Mathematics Level 2
 Latin Korean
Biology E/M (Ecological/Molecular)
 Spanish Spanish
Chemistry    
Physics
    
It is a good idea to take these subject tests as soon as possible after you complete the corresponding class.
Have your scores sent to THMS and they will be available for your college applications.
Your scores will also be mailed to colleges and scholarship programs designated on your Registration Form about three weeks after the test.
Schedule of Subject test dates for 2008-2009 school year are available on the Collegeboard webpage: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calensubj.html
Schedule of Subject test dates for 2009-2010 school year are available on the Collegeboard webpage: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calenfees2.html

Cost: cost and fees for the subject tests vary - information is available at: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/fees.html
You will need your school code to register for the test, Tucson High Magnet School code: 030-530

Notes About the Subject Tests
You can take up to three SAT Subject Tests on a single test date.
You cannot take the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT Reasoning Test during the same test administration.
You must indicate which Subject Tests you plan to take when you register for a test. Except for Language Tests with Listening, you can change your mind on test day about which Subject Test you want to take. You may substitute a Subject Test (other than a listening test), or add Subject Tests (other than a listening test) on test day.
Students may only use a calculator on the Subject Tests in Mathematics Level 1 and Mathematics Level 2. Both the Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 and the Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 have some questions that require the use of at least a scientific calculator. Students can take these tests without using a calculator, but it may put them at a disadvantage.
If you are only taking one or two Subject Tests, you may leave the test center after your final test is finished.
You may work on only one test during each testing hour. You will get a short break at the end of each hour of testing time.
Also read about Test Day in the SAT section

More information on the SAT Subject Tests is available in the PSRC-Main

ACT

The ACT is a multiple choice test covering four skill areas:

English, mathematics, reading, and science.

The writing test is optional and measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.

Cost is $31.00; with the written portion - $46.00

You will need your school code to register for the test, Tucson High Magnet School code: 030-530

For more information visit : http://www.act.org
For information on preparing for the ACT visit: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/
Calculators are permitted for use on the Mathematics test - however NOT ALL calculators are allowed. Check http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/calculator.html for information on which calculators can be used.
If you have taken the ACT or ACT Plus Writing more than once, ACT maintains a separate record for each test date. If you ask them to send a report to a college, they will release only the record from the test date you request. Visit http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/morethanonce.html for more information on taking the test more than once.

ACT Writing Test

ACT offers a 30-minute Writing Test as an optional component to the ACT for students testing within the United States.
Check the requirements of the colleges you are considering to see if you need the ACT Writing Test.
Note:  Students interested in attending in-state colleges do not need to take the Written portion since it is not required.

Information on sample essays and how they are scored visit :http://www.act.org/aap/writing/sample/

You will need your school code to register for the test, Tucson High Magnet School code: 030-530

For more information visit : www.act.org

ACT Test Day

Get plenty of rest the night before the test.
Dress comfortably. Some test centers are warmer or cooler on weekends than during the week. Consider dressing in layers, so you'll be comfortable no matter what the room conditions.
Check your admission ticket for your test option—ACT (No Writing) or ACT Plus Writing—and the location of your assigned test center.
If you're unsure where your test center is located, do a practice run to see how to get there and what time you'll have to leave home to arrive by 8:00 a.m.
Plan to arrive by the time indicated on your admission ticket, normally at 8:00 a.m. If you arrive earlier than 7:45 a.m., you might have to wait outside. DO NOT arrive late!
Make sure you have acceptable ID. You will not be admitted without proper ID! They want a ID with your picture, or description of you from your High School. For acceptable ID visit: http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/id.html
For more information visit : http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/testday.html

Test Taking Tips from ACT

Read the instructions carefully

Read the directions for each section carefully.

Read each question carefully.
Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil with a good eraser; do not use a mechanical pencil, ink pen or correction fluid.
Mark your answers neatly. If you erase, erase completely and cleanly without smudging.
Pace yourself—don't spend too much time on a single passage or question.
Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones.
On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.
Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.
Review your work. If you finish a test before time is up, go back and check your work.
Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test or continue writing on the Writing Test after time has been called or you will be disqualified from the exam.
For more test taking tips on the ACT visit: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/index.html