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Most four-year colleges and universities
require applicants to submit their SAT or
ACT scores with their applications. Most
colleges accept either test, but check with
the schools’ requirements to see if they
prefer one or the other. The UC system
requires applicants to take and submit
scores from two SAT subject tests (as of the
year 2011) in the following subject areas:
History, Literature, Math Level 2, Science
and Language other than English.
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is a condensed version of the SAT administered to students during the 11th grade in high school. Ninth and tenth grade students may sign up as well to familiarize themselves with the SAT test content and format, but priority is given to 11th grade students. Students receive their scores in late December or early January. At that time, they should go over their scores to identify strengths and weaknesses in certain subjects and see how they rank among other applicants and test takers. Students may get information about colleges if they check “yes” to Student Search Service. The PSAT is the only test that qualifies 11th grade students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
*Note: The ACT has its own preliminary test, the PLAN test, that is similar to the PSAT in that it is a condensed version of the original test. However, PLAN takers do not qualify for any scholarship programs.
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a globally recognized test that shows colleges what you know. This college admission test measures your knowledge of reading, writing and math.
Almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to
make admission decisions and the majority of students take
the SAT during their third and fourth year of high school.
High school and college teachers experienced in SAT scoring will be reading your essay. Two readers independently score your essay on a scale of 1 to 6. The two scores are then combined to produce the composite score (2 to 12). A third reader will score your essay on the rare occasion that the first two readers’ scores differed by more than one point. Visit the College Board for a more detailed scoring guide.
The SAT subject tests are hour-long tests that allow you to showcase your knowledge in specific subjects. These are the only national admission tests in which you can choose the subjects of the tests that best show your strengths and interests. They allow you to differentiate yourself in the pool of applicants by showcasing these talents and complete the picture of yourself that you are sending to schools. Some colleges even use subject tests to place students in certain courses. Depending on your scores, the subject tests can allow you to fulfill basic requirements and/or receive credit for introductory-level classes.
The subject tests that you may choose from include: History, Literature, Math Level 2, Science and Language other than English.
The ACT, a standardized test for college admissions offered by American College Testing, is similar to the SAT in that it tests your knowledge of subjects commonly studied in high school. However, this test also measures your skills in science. There is an optional writing test.
Although there are many similarities between the SAT and ACT, there are many differences which can impact your decision on which test to take. Assess your strengths and weaknesses before committing to either test.
RESOURCE: Download the Comparison Chart for SAT and ACT Testing to compare the
differences between the two college admissions tests.
Upcoming SAT Tests
Upcoming ACT Tests
Empowering Students | College Guide | Finding the Right College | California Public University Requirements | Private Colleges and Universities | Community Colleges | Testing | AB 540 Students | Planning Tools and Resources
Prepare for college by exploring the wealth of resources available here. Students from seventh through twelfth grade will find valuable tools to get on the road to college.
Find the courses high school students are required to take for entrance to the University of California and the California State University campuses.
Learn how our STEM education programs are preparing students for success in math and science and raising their aspirations to go to college.
If you are a student at Yerba Buena or Andrew Hill High School, you may be eligible for the Meadows Neighborhood Scholarship. Learn more about this oportunity. The application deadline has been extended until Monday, April 23, 2012.
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