• "Which college entrance exam should I take?"

    This is a commonly asked question of college-bound students. The following information is a guideline on when you should take specific tests.

    Grade 10 Testing

    In grade ten, college-bound students could take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) as a practice test for the PSAT and the SAT in their junior year. These scores will not be used by any college for admission purposes.

     

    Grade 11 Testing

    Students in eleventh grade should take the PSAT in October of their junior year. Scores on this test enter students into the National Merit Scholarship program. Many companies that give financial aid to children of employees use the PSAT scores as one of the factors in determining the aid given to students. Moreover, these scores have validity in predicting the scores on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), and taking the test is good practice for taking college entrance examinations. In grade eleven, students should also take the SAT and/or ACT. Here at Hamilton, all juniors will be taking the ACT test in April. Generally, colleges use the highest total score on any one test, but some do take the best score of each section. Students can take it as many times as they wish provided they have the time and resources to do so.

    Grade 12 Testing

    All college-bound students should take the ACT and/or SAT if they have not taken them in their junior year. They take them as many times as they feel they need to in order to achieve the highest possible scores. Students should make sure to schedule their test dates in time to meet the application deadlines of the colleges where they are applying.

     

     

    ***A common high tier applicant will take the PSAT sophomore year, take SAT and ACT summer before Junior year. Choose the highest scoring test and retake that one or two more times as well as the PSAT in junior year for National Merit consideration.

     

     

     

    NOTE: Non-College Bound Students:

    It is suggested that all students take the SAT and ACT even if they do not plan to attend college immediately after graduation. They may go into the military or workforce. However, if they want to go to college later, they may need the scores. Generally, students will score better while in school than several months or years after graduation.