PSAT & ACT

  PSAT is the Preliminary SAT test sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation.   It is a norm reference or standardized test that measures knowledge in the following areas: critical reading, math problem solving and writing. The PSAT test is open to any student.

It can be used as an indicator for performance on the SAT or ACT. Tenth graders may take the test as a practice only. Eleventh graders test to qualify as a National Merit Scholar and to become eligible for a variety of scholarships. The test is given once a year in October. Although the PSAT is given during a school day, it is an independent test. It is not required by the state or the school district. Registration and payment to take the PSAT is handled through the counseling center at the high school.  

For more information about the PSAT, contact the high school counselors or the Gifted and Talented department. Information and practice tests are available through the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com.

American College Test, commonly known as ACT, is a college entrance exam. It has been used by colleges since 1959 to predict if a student has the skills and knowledge to be successful at the college level.

The exam covers four content areas: English, Math, Reading and Science and requires about four hours to complete.  

ACT is a norm-reference test and is administered on six national Saturday test dates (September, October, December, February, April and June).   Although the school acts as a proctor for ACT, it is an independent test and is not required by the state or the local school district. ACT may be taken by any student at any grade level, however, most students begin taking the ACT during the junior year of high school. Colleges use ACT scores for admission and for scholarship awards. The higher the ACT score, the higher the likely scholarship amount.   Because of this relationship, a student may retake the ACT up to twelve times to increase their score. Registration and payment to take the ACT is the student’s responsibility.  High school counselors are available to assist students with the registration process or to answer questions. For more information about the ACT, contact the high school counseling department. Information, registration and practice materials are available through the American College Testing Program website at www.act.org.

Please contact the CHS Student Success Center for more information  at 501-843-3562.