ACT
The ACT® test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
How much does it cost to take the ACT?
The 2014-2015 registration fee is added to your WATS application for a total of $88 payable to CNDC CBK.
How long does the test take?
Just over 4 hours for the ACT, including administration instructions and breaks. Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes, broken down as follows:
English: 45 minutes
Math: 60 minutes
Reading: 35 minutes
Science: 35 minutes
How do students benefit from taking the ACT?
The ACT is universally accepted for college admission, and in many states, has become mandatory as a type of graduation test. For example, all students in Colorado are required to take the ACT in 11th grade.
The ACT is curriculum-based. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what students have learned in high school courses in English, mathematics, and science. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content. If your student loves science, this is a good selection. The ACT scale is 1-36.
The ACT is a good value. As a private, not-for-profit organization governed by educators, ACT is committed to providing services at the lowest possible cost. Accordingly, the ACT provides a comprehensive package of educational assessment and career planning services for college-bound students at a fee that is lower than the fee for the competing admission test.
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems-skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. The SAT is typically taken by high school seniors. The SAT is NOT the PSAT, which is a very different test given for different purposes.
What does the SAT cost? What about fee waivers?
The 2014-2015 basic registration fee is $53, paid separately to SAT with your secondary registration packet that is mailed to SAT. You MUST first register with WATS to obtain these materials, and pay your $46 WATS fee at that time.
Is the new SAT harder than the old one?
The new SAT is different, not necessarily harder. Quantitative comparisons in the mathematics section have been eliminated. A few mathematics questions cover topics from what students learn in their third-year college preparatory mathematics classes, including concepts in Algebra II. However, the test still measures reasoning ability and problem-solving skills gained through activities and learning in and out of school. Since few students are exposed to analogies in their classrooms, the analogy questions have been replaced with more critical reading passages. The addition of the writing section gives students the opportunity to demonstrate how they have learned to develop, organize, and express their thoughts.
How much time do I have to complete the SAT?
The total testing time for the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
May I bring something to eat or drink during the test?
Although for security reasons, you cannot open or consume food or drinks during testing, you are encouraged to bring snacks in a book bag on test day. These snacks are easily stowed under desks or chairs in the test room and can be consumed in designated areas during breaks.
What do SAT scores look like?
The SAT has three scores, each on the scale of 200-800. Your score will iinclude writing (W 200-800), mathematics (M 200-800), and critical reading (CR 200-800).
What do the initials "SAT" mean?
Originally, SAT was an abbreviation for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. In 1993, the test was renamed the SAT I: Reasoning Test. At the same time, the former Achievement Tests were renamed the SAT II: Subject Tests. In 2004, the numerals "I" and "II" were dropped and the tests are now named the SAT Reasoning Test (or just SAT) and SAT Subject Tests. SAT is a simple and recognizable way of referring to the SAT Reasoning Test.
What are the similarities and differences between the SAT and the PSAT/NMSQT?
Both the SAT and the PSAT/NMSQT measure reasoning skills in critical reading, writing, and mathematics. The PSAT/NMSQT contains actual SAT questions, but it is designed to be slightly easier than the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT is two hours and 10 minutes, whereas the SAT takes three hours and 45 minutes. The SAT is used for college admissions, but PSAT/NMSQT scores are not sent to colleges. The PSAT/NMSQT Score Report gives you personalized feedback on areas in which you could improve, along with specific advice on how to improve. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT gives you a chance to qualify for scholarship and recognition programs.
EXPLORE
The EXPLORE® program is designed to help younger students explore a broad range of options for their future. EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post-high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student's future academic and career success and is traditionally given in the 8th grade. The EXPLORE consists of four 30-minute achievement tests in mathematics, science, English, and reading, with total testing time about two and a half hours. The fee is added in your original WATS application for a total of $80, as WATS will register you with the company. The EXP scale is 1-25. The EXPLORE was discontinued by ACT and is being replaced by Aspire. Until that transition fully occurs, Talent Searches are still offering EXPLORE using previous national norms.
