This document provides information about standardized testing requirements and options for college admissions. It discusses the SAT, ACT, PSAT and SAT subject tests. The main points are:
- Most colleges require the SAT or ACT for admission. Some also require SAT subject tests.
- BHSECQ students can take the PSAT in 10th grade as practice for the SAT. The PSAT is also used for National Merit Scholarship eligibility.
- The SAT and ACT cover critical reading, math and writing skills. Scores range from 200-800 for each section of the SAT and 1-36 for each section of the ACT.
- SAT subject tests demonstrate mastery in specific subjects. Students can take up to
1. Standardized Testing Information
With some exceptions, all colleges require either an SAT 1 or ACT, and many also require two SAT
subject tests. The ACT was traditionally administered in the Midwest, but it is now common on the
East coast as well and equally accepted by all colleges. Colleges accept either test, without exception.
Last year, approximately 25% of BHSECQ students took the ACT, and we anticipate that this will
increase. The mean SAT scores for the class of 2012 were 560 in critical reading and 570 in math. The
national means were 502 in critical reading and 515 in math.
The PSAT
BHSEC Queens administers the PSAT in October of 10th grader and Y1. It is not a required college
entrance exam. However, the PSAT is used to provide students with an introduction to the SAT
Reasoning Test. The Critical Reading (CR), and Math (M) and Writing Skills (WS) sections are each
scored on a scale of 20-80. Y1’s who score among the highest scores in the nation on the PSAT could
eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and the other select scholarship
programs. The NSMC uses a selection index that adds all three subscores (CR+M+WS)
The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly known as the SAT of the SAT I). The SAT Reasoning Test has
three components: Critical Reading (CR), Mathematics (M) and Writing (W). There are ten sections to
each SAT, nine of which are scored (3 CR, 3 M and 3W) and the tenth is an experimental section (but
students are not informed which section is not scored). The test is scheduled to last for 3 hours and 45
minutes.
The CR section includes exercised in sentence completion, short and long critical reading passages and
reading comprehension. The M section covers mathematical reasoning and study through geometry
and algebra II. The W section includes exercises in grammar, word usage, word choice and an essay
prompt.
Students are not penalized for blank answers and lose ¼ point for each wrong multiple-choice answer.
Each Section (CR,M,W) receives a score of 200-800 points, making the highest possible total score a
2400.
The SAT Reasoning Test is offered in October, November, December, January, May and June of each
year.
If a student does take the test more than once, a college will usually consider their best-combined
scores of the three sections.
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT II’s or SAT Achievement Tests) are one-hour, multiple
choice tests (usually 60-90 questions) to demonstrate mastery of specific subjects such as English,
history, mathematics, science and foreign language.
The Subject Tests are offered in the following areas:
2. Languages: Chinese w/Listening, French, French w/Listening, German, German w/Listening, Modern
Hebrew, Italian, Japanese w/Listening, Korean w/Listening, Latin, Spanish and Spanish w/Listening
English: Literature
History: United States History and World History
Mathematics: Mathematics Level Mathematics Level II and I
Science: Biology E/M, Chemistry and Physics
SAT Subject Tests are offered in October, November, December, January, May and June. A student
may take one, two or three tests on one test date, though two is usually the maximum recommended in
one sitting. The language listening exams are only offered in November and not all examinations are
offered on every test date. A student may not take the SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests on the
same day.
Success in a course does not guarantee success on the corresponding SAT Subject Tests. Preparation
therefore requires not only success in the course but specific test prep as well. Students should talk
with the CTO Director or their Guidance Counselor to come up with an appropriate subject-testing
schedule.
The ACT
The ACT is an alternative the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests. At all schools who require
standardized testing, the ACT can replace the SAT Reasoning Test. At some schools, it will also
replace the requirement for SAT Subject Tests.
The ACT has 5 sections: English (stressing grammar), Mathematics (up to trigonometry), Reading
(four passages: prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences), Science Reasoning (Charts,
graphs, data interpretation) and Writing (essay). The Writing section is optional, but it is high
recommend that you sit for it and complete the Writing section.
The ACT is scheduled to last for 3 hours and 45 minutes. The ACT is offered in September, October,
December, April and June. Its dates do not conflict with the SAT of Subject Tests.
There is no penalty for wrong or blank multiple-choice answers. Each section receives a score of 1-36
and is averaged together for a composite score of 1-36. Students may take the ACT more than once.
Traditionally, many schools did not combine scores of different sittings but an increasing number of
colleges are doing so.
Both the ACT and SAT (The College Board) offer selective reporting. However, it is still up to
individual colleges to set their own policies regarding which scores they want students to submit and
which scores they review. Some of the most selective colleges will requires students to submit all
scores from all tests. That is why our recommendation is that students take each standardized
test only once of twice, and possibly three times if appropriate.
3. Test Prep Options for Year 1 Students
The CTO recommends that BHSEC students take the SAT/ACT for the first time in March or May of
Year 1 and two subject tests in June. Most students take the tests a second time in the fall of Year 2. In
order to prepare for the SAT 1 or ACT, Year 1 students have the following two options.
Princeton Review Class at BHSEC Queens
A great opportunity for Y1 students to prepare for the March SAT and April ACT Financial aid is
available to qualifying students. Students can register as late as the first day of the class.
Eutilia Ruggiero | The Princeton Review |High School Territory Mgr
317 Madison Avenue, Suite 415, New York, NY 10017
1.800.273.8439 ext 5666
Free SAT Prep Courses
The programs below are free, but do have an application and screening process. Space is limited.
These programs are intended to serve students who do not have the means to pay for SAT preparation
courses, such as those that are offered by Kaplan or Princeton Review. Most of these free programs
also offer general college guidance services.
Edgies Teen Center; Free SAT classes and college prep
The Edgies Teen Center is an official Educational Alliance Boys and Girls Club with many programs
for teens, including a very strong college preparatory program. Edgies is located in lower Manhattan at
197 East Broadway. The Edgies college prep program is highly recommended by the BHSEC CTO.
BHSEC students have greatly benefited from, and enjoyed, this program. In addition to SAT prep,
Edgies offers college tours and help with college applications and financial aid forms.
Sonia Bhuta, College Prep Director
212.780.2300 ext. 374
sonia_bhuta@edalliance.org
OPTIONS program at Goddard Riverside; Free SAT classes and college prep
SAT Prep is usually offered in the winter or spring. All classes and practice tests take place at
OPTIONS at 593 Columbus Avenue at 88th Street in Manhattan.
Henry Street Settlement; Free SAT classes and college prep
The Henry Street Settlement offers free SAT prep and an extensive college counseling program,
including college trips.
Expanded Horizons College Program
Henry Street Settlement, 301 Henry Street, New York, NY 10002
Ritu Sen, Program Coordinator
212-254-3100 ext 203
RSen@henrystreet.org