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Baker High School 
Standardized Tests/Preparation
Click here for test dates/registration information

Many colleges have waived or eliminated testing requirements for the Class of 2023. For a list of test opotional/test not required colleges, check our FairTest.org

SAT/ACT Preparation Tools:


Khan Academy

ACT Prep


Here's another neat site to help you prepare for standardized tests sponsored by the U.S. Army

www.number2.com is a free website that helps students prep for the SAT/ACT. There is no time limit and researchers have found that high school students felt this website was as helpful as Kaplan and Princeton Review.


Most high school students who are contemplating formal education beyond high school should participate in a program of standardized testing. Such testing is required by most colleges and universities as a factor for consideration in the admissions process. Also, students will find that the test results may give them some valuable information to use as they consider which institutions should warrant their consideration and perhaps their eventual application. If a student is unsure of his/her immediate plans following high school, he/she is still encouraged to participate in a standardized testing program. The results of such tests remain on file with the student’s records.
 
College entrance tests are designed to measure a student’s ability to do college level work. By having a standardized set of test scores for every student applying to a college or university, the admissions professionals are able to compare students from different states, schools, and academic backgrounds.
It is rare for any college to base its admission decisions solely on the results of the SAT or ACT scores. Decisions are made based on all the information available to a college including the high school transcript, teacher and counselor recommendations, personal statement, resume, interviews, and test scores. At each college, the weighing of these factors varies, but the high school record is almost always the most important single factor for consideration for admission.


 
SAT I: Reasoning Tests – The SAT I is a test used by many colleges for entrance purposes. It is a test designed to measure verbal and mathematics abilities. A score ranging from 200 to 800 is reported for both the verbal portion and the mathematics portion. The cost is $60. Registration deadlines are approximately five weeks prior to each test administration. Students must register online at the College Board web site.
 
PSAT: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test -- The PSAT is taken in October of the Junior year. Registration is done through the Counseling office approximately one month prior to the test date. The PSAT offers students the opportunity to participate in a standardized testing situation that is less stressful for the student; PSAT scores are not reported to colleges and universities. PSAT scores are used as qualifiers for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Test results are given as a verbal score, a math score, and a National Merit Selection Index.
 
ACT: The American College Testing Program -- The ACT is accepted for entrance and/or placement purposes by many colleges and universities. It consists of a series of four tests in the following areas: English, Mathematics, Reading Context, and Science Reasoning. The tests are designed to provide an overall estimate of a student’s ability to succeed academically at the college level. Each test deals more with the use of skills than with specific subject matter. Approximate cost is $63.00 (no writing) and $88 with writing.  Students must register online at the ACT web site.  Click here for a site that allows you to test yourself with practice questions: http://www.actexampracticetests.com
 
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language -- For the student whose primary language is not English, the TOEFL offers a way to be competitive in the college application process without being penalized for a deficiency of English vocabulary. 
 
 
 
A suggested schedule for standardized testing is as follows:
 
PSAT
taken in October of the Junior year.
 
SAT I
taken in either May or June of the Junior year for the first time; students may sit for the exam again, in October, November or December of their Senior year.
 
 
 
For more specific information about standardized testing, students are encouraged to talk with their counselor.
 
*LINKS TO THIRD PARTY SITES:  The links in this area will let you leave the Baldwinsville Central School District ("The District") site.  The linked sites are not under the control of the district and The District is not responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites.  The District is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by The District of the site.