FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Difference between the SAT and ACT?
The SAT is divided into three sections: critical reading, math and writing
The ACT has four parts: English, math, reading and science. An optional
writing section also has been added The SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes
and the ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes plus a 30-minute optional writing
test.
Should I take the SAT or ACT?
The SAT is often taken on the East and West coasts. The ACT is popular
in the South and Mid-West. It can't hurt to take both tests. The ACT covers
science and trigonometry. The SAT stresses vocabulary more than the
ACT. Try a sample test and see which one works best for you. Go to: www.
collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org
Will most colleges accept an SAT or ACT score?
Yes.
What is the difference between the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT
Subject Tests?
The SAT reasoning test included critical reading, math and writing.
The SAT Subject Tests include tests in a variety of subject areas. (math,
history, science, foreign language, etc.) Not all colleges require the SAT
Subject Tests. More selective colleges often require the SAT Subject
Tests.
Are there any four year colleges that do not require the SATs?
Yes. The following colleges offer a test-optional alternative:
Bard, Bates, Bowdoin, Denison, Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Hamilton,
Middlebury, Mount Holyoke and Union College.
If I want to play Division 1 or Division 2 sports in college, what do I need
to do?
Check the NCAA website for information. www.ncaa.org
When should I take the PSAT?
Juniors interested in attending a four year college should take the PSAT in
October of the junior year. Many sophomores like to take the test as well.
The test is only offered in October at your high school. National merit
scholars will be selected from the PSAT test scores of juniors, not
sophomores.
How do students become National Merit Semi-finalists?
Students need to take the PSAT in the junior year and receive a high score
on the test. (99%) Your high school will notify you if you are a national
merit semi-finalist or a commended student. Semi-finalists may compete
for National Merit scholarships. See the National Merit Scholarship
section on this web site for more information.
How do I appeal a college decision?
Check the college web site for information. You need to write a letter
giving your reasons for appealing the decision. New information should
be provided. See the Appealing a Decision page for more information.
How do I know which colleges offer majors in various fields?
The College Board Book of Majors lists all the majors on college
campuses in the United States.
Where can I find accurate information on various colleges?
The College Handbook by College Board provides information on every
two and four-year college in the United States. Most colleges also have a
web site.
Are there any books that indicate what the college atmosphere is really
like?
Yes. The Fiske Guide to the Colleges provides information on over 300
colleges.
Princeton Review’s The Best 361 Colleges is also helpful.
The Insider's Guide To The Colleges provides comments from students.
Do any colleges have programs for students with learning disabilities?
Yes. Many colleges have programs for students with disabilities. The
K&W Guide To Colleges For Students With Learning Disabilities or
Attention Deficit Disorder by Kravets and Wax provides information on
these programs.
Where can I get information on college sports programs?
The NCAA website provides information for high school athletes. www.
ncaa.org
How do I calculate my grade point average?
In order to calculate your academic grade point average for college, you
need to know which courses are college prep courses. Your transcript
should indicate this information.
Academic courses in grades 10 and 11 are used to compute the
academic GPA. An A= 4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points and a D=1 point.
Then count the semester courses and add the total grade points. Also
add an extra point for each honors or AP course. Take the total points and
divide by the total courses. Example: A's = 10 x4 = 40; B's = 12x3= 36. 22
total courses (10+12) and 76 grade points (40+36) + 2 AP courses= 78
divided by 22 equals 3.5 GPA.
What is a Midyear Report?
Private colleges and universities usually want a Midyear Report. After the
end of the first semester or second trimester of the senior year, colleges
want the Guidance Counselor to submit a report which includes the
student's grades from the first semester of the senior year. The Guidance
Counselor also has an opportunity to submit additional information if
there have been any substantial additions or changes in the student's
academic or extracurricular record. A copy of the MidYear Report is
available on the Common Application at www.commonapp.org
Frequently Asked College Planning Questions
