Seniors, get ready! It's college application time and in the next three Warrior issues, look for advice and some helpful tips about how to successfully get through the most stressful time of senior year. Because time is running out, the topic of choice for this issue is standardized tests! Even if you have not decided where you are applying just yet, almost every single college or university will require scores from either the SAT or ACT tests. All seniors who decide to take the SAT will be taking the new SAT, which consists of reading comprehension, math, and writing sections, totaling to the highest score of 2400. If a school requires that you take the SAT, you probably will also be required to take two (sometimes three depending on the school) SAT II subject tests (i.e. literature, U.S. history, etc.). On the other hand, the ACT consists of math, English, reading, and science sections, totaling a high score of 36. Try to get a good idea of what the schools that you would like to apply to prefer. Once you do that, sign up! SAT takers should go to http://www.collegeboard.com to register and can use the site as an excellent college resource. Otherwise, visit http://www.actstudent.org to register for and get the scoop on the ACT. When all of the logistical issues have been sorted, start preparing as soon as possible. Check out The Princeton Review's website (http://www.princetonreview.com/home.asp) for information on a variety of books that can help you prepare for both the SAT and ACT. On the test day, stay calm and make sure to work quickly but efficiently. Senior Deanna Hann suggests, "Eat a good breakfast, bring three pencils, and don't stress because SATs [and ACTs] don't determine what you're going to do for the rest of your life!" Just try your best and get started as soon as possible. Below is a table of dates that seniors should be aware of! Stay tuned because next month the actual application process in all of its glory (i.e. getting recommendations, essay advice, etc.) will be covered. Hopefully, with the help of these tips, you will receive a number of promising acceptance letters in the spring. In the meantime, good luck with your testing!

Upcoming SAT Dates (in time for college deadlines):
October 14, 2006 (SAT and Subject Tests)
November 4, 2006 (SAT and Subject Tests)
December 2, 2006 (SAT and Subject Tests)

Upcoming ACT Dates (in time for college deadlines): (San Jose Sites)
San Jose State University: (October 8, 2006 and December 9, 2006)
Santa Theresa High School: (October 28, 2006 and December 9, 2006)
William C. Overfelt High School: (October 28, 2006 and December 9, 2006).

[Go Back]