ACT and SAT Testing

Make Sure You Take Your ACT / SAT

All schools across the nation accept either the ACT or SAT so it is your choice which one you want to take. You will need to sign up on your own. If you are on Free or Reduced Price Lunch you can get a fee waiver from the Counseling Office.

• ACT Registration Site
• ACT Prep and Practice Tests
• ACT Academy
• SAT Registration Site
• SAT Practice Tests
• Khan Academy and SAT Prep

Test Optional Schools

Some colleges have elected to go Test Optional for the 2020-21 application cycle. This means, you do not have to have an ACT or SAT test score for admissions. Below is a list posted by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC). It is important to note that schools may be test optional for admissions but may still require a test score for scholarships. It is important to do your research by looking at each website for the schools you are interested in.

Test Optional Schools

Important Dates

ACT Test Dates

ACT Website

Test Dates 2022. Deadline

• February 25
• April 2
• May 6
• June 11
• June 17
• July 16

SAT Test Dates

SAT Website

Test Dates2022 Registration Deadlines

• February 11
• March 12
• April 8
• May 5
• May 7
• June 4

ACT and SAT Waivers

Please note that students can receive ACT/ SAT waivers if they are on Free/Reduced Lunch.

SAT Subject tests are given on (almost all) the same dates as the regular SAT (see above). These 1-hour exams are required/strongly suggested by certain selective colleges and universities.

For more information, click here.

Testing

Accuplacer

(Taken by 10th, 11th, and 12th graders)

This test includes assessments in reading, English, and math that determine course placement for college course placement. The University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College use this assessment for dual enrolled student placement if needed

Practice Accuplacer

ASVAB

(Taken by 10th, 11th, and 12th graders)

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multi-aptitude test battery consisting of 10 individual tests. Students receive scores on each individual test as well as composite scores based on the combination of individual tests. Composite scores are given in the areas of Verbal, Math, and Academic Ability. Students who would like to join the military need to take the ASVAB. It is also a career exploration test so any student can take it even if they are not interested in the military.

• ASVAB Test: Definitive Guide
• ASVAB for Dummies

PSAT

(Taken by 10th and 11th graders. 11th grade testing is National Merit Scholars qualifying year)

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) test is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT test. It is also a pre-qualifier to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship program, National Achievement Scholarships for Outstanding Black Students, and the National Hispanic Scholar Recognition Program. The PSAT provides feedback on student's strengths and weaknesses for study in college.

• PSAT Preparation
• Interpreting PSAT Scores - RaiseMe

AP

(Taken by 10th, 11th, and 12th graders)

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Based on their performance on rigorous AP examinations, students can earn credit, advanced placement, or both for college. Students are strongly encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exams. Colleges look favorably at transcripts that have AP courses. A Department of Education study reports that participation in AP courses is one of the strongest predictors of college success. AP Courses are open to any student who wishes to enroll.

NOTE: Each AP course requires a minimum of 1-2 hours of homework each night. Plan accordingly.

• AP Students
• AP College Credit Search
• College Board
• Your AP Scores
• Exam Day Policies
• Practice AP Site

ACT

(Taken spring semester of junior year and preferably early senior year)

The ACT Assessment measures academic achievement in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science. The ACT is required for entrance to many colleges and universities. It can be used to determine placement and scholarship eligibility.

• Practice ACT
• ACT Academy
• 2020-2021 Practice Test

SAT

(Taken spring semester of junior year and preferably early senior year)

The SAT measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills. The SAT is required for entrance to many colleges and universities. It can be used to determine placement and scholarship eligibility.

• Practice SAT
• Khan Academy