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Testing

Throughout the year college admissions tests are administered to college-bound students. It is important that students become familiar with these tests. 

Information Sources

  • Goldstein Test Prep
  • College and Career Center: Information about local test preparation classes.
  • Computer-assisted instruction is also available on the web by visiting the SAT, the ACT or Khan Academy.

See Mrs. Whalen for information relating to these testing programs.

College Admissions Testing

PSAT

Pine-Richland High School CEEB Code: 391512

The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is given in October of a student's junior year. Sophomores may seek to take the test in order to become familiar with content and help to identify strengths and weaknesses. Juniors who do well on the test may qualify for National Merit Scholarship. Students register for the test in the high school Guidance Office. Additional information can be found on the College Board website. 

Overview

  • Takes about two hours and 10 minutes 
  • Taken by high school juniors and available to interested sophomores
  • Given by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) and National Merit Corporation (NMSC) one time per year in October.
  • Measures educational development in three areas and establishes eligibility for certain scholarships.

*The publisher for these tests charges a fee. Students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program may be eligible for discounted rates. See your counselor for more information.

SAT

Pine-Richland High School CEEB Code: 391512

The SAT is part of the College Admissions Testing Program (ATP) and is usually taken by juniors and seniors.

The test measures how well you analyze and solve problems. Math, reading and writing skills are tested in nine sections (plus one experimental section that will not effect your score)

Students can register by using the registration booklet in the Guidance Office or online at the College Board Website at www.collegeboard.com

Overview

  • The duration of the tests is about three hours and 45 minutes in length
  • The test is taken by high school juniors and seniors at PRHS in the fall. Students may also take the test at other centers throughout the year.
  • The test is given by College Board
  • The test is offered seven times per year on Saturdays usually in October, November, December, January, March, May and June.
  • The test is most used by colleges for admission purposes.

*The publisher for these tests charges a fee. Students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program may be eligible for discounted rates. See your counselor for more information.

ACT

Pine-Richland High School CEEB Code: 391512

ACT, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that administers the ACT Assessment Test. This is a multiple-choice test that measures a student's skill in:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Reading
  • Science

The ACT also offers an optional writing component. Each test is scored on a scale of 1 (low) to 36 (high). Separate scores will be given in each area, plus a composite score, which is an average of these numbers.

Many college and universities will allow students to submit either the SAT or the ACT test scores for admission. Students should check with each college individually to find out which score they prefer.

A copy of Preparing for the ACT Assessment is available in the Guidance Office. Registration booklets are also available in the Guidance Office or students may register online at the ACT Website at www.act.org.

Overview

  • Testing is four hours long
  • Junior and seniors take the test, which is offered in the spring at PRHS
  • ACT Administers the test six times per year on Saturdays usually in September, October, December, February, April and June.
  • The purpose of the exam is to test students in English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. (Check information from the specific colleges to see if these tests are acceptable in place of, or in addition to, the SAT) The ACT also offers an optional writing sample at the end of each test.

*The publisher for these tests charges a fee. Students who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program may be eligible for discounted rates. See your counselor for more information.

Advanced Placement Testing

The Advanced Placement examinations offer students an opportunity to receive college credit. Each test is scored on a scale of 1-5. Colleges usually awarded credit for scores of 3, 4 or 5.

Students are responsible for checking with individual colleges to ascertain their Advance Placement policy. These tests are administered at Pine-Richland High School in May.

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are required to take the examinations. The Program of Studies lists the AP courses available at PRHS.

Overview

  • Duration is three to four hours
  • Taken by students enrolled in AP courses
  • College Board administers once per year in May
  • The test may fulfill college credit requirements (Information available in the guidance office)

*The publisher of these tests charges a fee. Students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program may be eligible for discounted rates.

PRHS students who score 3, 4 or 5 will be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost. Reimbursement forms are available on the district website and due September 30 annually. See your counselor for more information.