Standardized Testing

Welcome to CDM College Corner

The SAT & Subject Tests

The SAT (also known as the SAT Reasoning Test) is a four-hour critical thinking test which covers skills in Critical Reading, Math and Writing.

The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour exams covering specific areas of curriculum. It is recommended that you take Subject Tests in May or June toward the end of the corresponding high school class. AP tests are given in the same time period so students in those classes are well prepared for the Subject test also.

Both SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests are admininstered by Collegeboard, a not-for-profit membership association responsible for the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®).

Scores are available online and by phone several weeks after the test. Official score reports are mailed about five weeks after the test.

The ACT

The ACT Plus Writing is a three and a half-hour comprehensive curriculum test covering English, Mathematics, Reading, Science and Writing.

The ACT is administered by the ACT, an independent, non-profit organization that provides more than a hundred assessment, research, information, and program management services relative to education and workforce development.

To request test accommodations or extended-time testing, or plan to pay with a fee waiver, you must register by paper folder, not online. Please allow six weeks to two months prior to a test date for this.

Visit the ACT vs SAT tab on this website for a more complete explanation of the differences between the two tests to help you decide which test is best for you or your student.

AP Tests

AP Tests are administered at CDM during a two week period in May of each school year. Registration forms are handed out to students in advance by AP teachers. AP Exams are one hour tests in 37 different subjects. AP Tests are NOT required for admission to colleges and universities, however, they are worthwhile for possible college credit, placement, or both with a score of 3 or higher. Many colleges will grant course credit but each college will determines the qualifying AP scores. Students will be required to send an official AP score report from Collegeboard prior to enrolling in that college for course credit.

ACT Test Information

Which Test is Required

Private Colleges and Universities:

Either the SAT or ACT is required. Some schools are test- optional, or de-emphasize test scores. See link below for more information.

Some private colleges also require 2 or 3 Subject Tests (see additional information below) in additional to the SAT or ACT Plus Writing.

University of California:

Either the SAT or the ACT plus Writing is required

The UCs also require two SAT Subject Tests in two different areas, chosen from the following: English, history and social studies, mathematics (Level 2 only), science or language other than English. For the class of 2012, this requirement will be eliminated.

If you would like more information, visit:

http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/paths_to_adm/freshman/examination_reqs.html

California State Universities:

Either the SAT or the ACT is required No subject tests are required.

For additional information, check out:

http://www.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/grades_tests.asp

Community colleges

Community colleges do not require any standardized test scores for admission. They will require placement tests in math and English prior to registration.

The National Center for Fair & Open Testing

There are colleges that do not require a standardized test for admissions. This link provides a list of those colleges and more information about test-optional admissions.

Practice Test Days

Corona del Mar Counseling Department partners with Princeton Review and Kaplan to offer one practice test day each semester. On a Saturday morning, students can take a practice PSAT, ACT, or SAT. Students receive their score reports within a week at a Scores Back Seminar in the evening. The scores from these tests are for personal information only and are not sent to the colleges or to the counseling department. The cost of the practice test day is $15 and the 2011 - 2012 dates are Saturday, September 17 and Saturday, February 4. Registration forms will be available two weeks before the practice test day online through a School Loop email, in the Counseling Department, and on the college information table outside the Student Resource Center. Registration forms and the $15 fee must be taken to the ASB Office by the designated registration deadline.

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