2016-2017 SAT Registration and Testing Dates
Local Testing Sites: South Hagerstown High School and Williamsport High School
Think you are ready to take the SAT? Please see your SAT Coordinator, guidance counselor, or sign-up with Mr. Gossard or Ms. Davis for registration assistance and preparation tips.
Every student needs to study for the SAT. Link your PSAT scores to Khan Academy to get individualized practice.
Research your dream schools, know what score you need for admissions and scholarships, and make your plan.
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Endless Possibilities: Build Your Future Utilizing Your PSAT Scores
Some colleges require or recommend one or more SAT Subject Tests as part of the application,
especially in specific majors or program of study. Click here to find out more.
especially in specific majors or program of study. Click here to find out more.
Want to increase your SAT score?
1. Get the New SAT Daily Practice app.
2. Click here and create your own account with your personal email. 3. Schedule time to study and raise your score so you can earn scholarships for college. |
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2016-2017 ACT Registration and Testing Dates
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Click here for a presentation on understanding SAT and ACT scores and the value of preparation.
College Entrance Examinations
Students considering college should take the appropriate entrance examination(s) after consulting with their counselor and completing the necessary academic preparation. Many students take an entrance examination more than once, and some take both the SAT and the ACT. These tests are formatted and scored differently and assess different skills, so students should practice and prepare accordingly.
SAT - Are you ready?
The SAT, the most widely used college admissions test, assesses critical thinking and problem solving skills in mathematics, critical reading, and writing. There are a number of benefits to taking the SAT:
• SAT scores are often tied to merit scholarships
• SAT scores influence acceptance into specific majors
• SAT scores help place students out of basic (non-credit) classes
• SAT scores can offset a low GPA on a college application
The SAT is administered seven times throughout the school year at South Hagerstown High School and Williamsport High School in Washington County. Other test sites can be located on the SAT website, which also includes registration information, test-taking strategies, and sample test questions. Students should plan to take the SAT no later than the spring of their junior year. Students should use their PSAT results to prepare for the SAT.
ACT
The ACT is another college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science, with an optional 30-minute writing test. ACT results are accepted by virtually all 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S. Like the SAT, the ACT is often used as a placement tool and as criteria for scholarships and acceptance into specific majors. The ACT is administered six times each year at North Hagerstown High School. Students can find practice questions and other information on the ACT website.
Which test is best for you? Compare the ACT and SAT by clicking here.
Fee Waivers and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Both the SAT and ACT offer fee waivers for economically disadvantaged students and testing accommodations for students with disabilities. High school counselors have the necessary forms and procedures for waivers and accommodations. The approval process for testing accommodations can take up to six weeks. Students who receive accommodations in their classes are not guaranteed accommodations on the SAT or ACT; therefore, it is recommended that students begin this process a year or two before they plan to take their college entrance exams.
SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT II) are content-based tests that allow students to showcase achievement in specific subjects. SAT Subject Tests assess mastery of material learned in high school classrooms and are available in five general areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Some colleges require or recommend specific SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement. Students should look for these recommendations on the college's admissions site and plan to take the Subject Tests as soon as possible after completing the related coursework.
ACCUPLACER Assessment
ACCUPLACER is a placement test used by many schools, including Hagerstown Community College, for students who have not taken the SAT or ACT or who did not score well enough on either of those tests to be placed directly into college-level courses without additional diagnostics. ACCUPLACER assessments measure proficiency in reading, writing, and math to determine if students have the necessary skills for college coursework or if they need remedial assistance.
Test Preparation
Students should prepare for college entrance and placement exams by enrolling in rigorous academic courses and practicing regularly with test preparation materials. Each testing company offers practice questions and test-taking tips on its website.
WCPS also offers College Prep, a one credit course that teaches high school students about college entrance exams, college admissions, financial aid, and skills for academic success. Interested underclassmen should talk to their counselors about registering for this course. For additional test preparation resources, see College Readiness: External Sites.
SAT - Are you ready?
The SAT, the most widely used college admissions test, assesses critical thinking and problem solving skills in mathematics, critical reading, and writing. There are a number of benefits to taking the SAT:
• SAT scores are often tied to merit scholarships
• SAT scores influence acceptance into specific majors
• SAT scores help place students out of basic (non-credit) classes
• SAT scores can offset a low GPA on a college application
The SAT is administered seven times throughout the school year at South Hagerstown High School and Williamsport High School in Washington County. Other test sites can be located on the SAT website, which also includes registration information, test-taking strategies, and sample test questions. Students should plan to take the SAT no later than the spring of their junior year. Students should use their PSAT results to prepare for the SAT.
ACT
The ACT is another college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science, with an optional 30-minute writing test. ACT results are accepted by virtually all 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S. Like the SAT, the ACT is often used as a placement tool and as criteria for scholarships and acceptance into specific majors. The ACT is administered six times each year at North Hagerstown High School. Students can find practice questions and other information on the ACT website.
Which test is best for you? Compare the ACT and SAT by clicking here.
Fee Waivers and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Both the SAT and ACT offer fee waivers for economically disadvantaged students and testing accommodations for students with disabilities. High school counselors have the necessary forms and procedures for waivers and accommodations. The approval process for testing accommodations can take up to six weeks. Students who receive accommodations in their classes are not guaranteed accommodations on the SAT or ACT; therefore, it is recommended that students begin this process a year or two before they plan to take their college entrance exams.
SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT II) are content-based tests that allow students to showcase achievement in specific subjects. SAT Subject Tests assess mastery of material learned in high school classrooms and are available in five general areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Some colleges require or recommend specific SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement. Students should look for these recommendations on the college's admissions site and plan to take the Subject Tests as soon as possible after completing the related coursework.
ACCUPLACER Assessment
ACCUPLACER is a placement test used by many schools, including Hagerstown Community College, for students who have not taken the SAT or ACT or who did not score well enough on either of those tests to be placed directly into college-level courses without additional diagnostics. ACCUPLACER assessments measure proficiency in reading, writing, and math to determine if students have the necessary skills for college coursework or if they need remedial assistance.
Test Preparation
Students should prepare for college entrance and placement exams by enrolling in rigorous academic courses and practicing regularly with test preparation materials. Each testing company offers practice questions and test-taking tips on its website.
WCPS also offers College Prep, a one credit course that teaches high school students about college entrance exams, college admissions, financial aid, and skills for academic success. Interested underclassmen should talk to their counselors about registering for this course. For additional test preparation resources, see College Readiness: External Sites.
