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Use Your PreACT, PSAT performance to choose a college entrance exam

September 5th, 2017

Now that most schools are in session, we hope everyone is settling into the groove of routines and schedules again.  September is the month for all juniors and some sophomores to register for the October PSAT, so this article is perfectly timed to share. School counselors will share details about the PSAT calendar and how to register.

Many seniors begin the year with plans to retake either the ACT and/or the SAT (some took advantage of the College Board’s August test date).  But juniors and their parents often ask how to determine which exam is right for the student.  Most of you have discussed with us taking an ACT practice test to compare to the PSAT; according to the US News article linked below, evaluating your performance on the PSAT and the Pre-ACT is also a helpful way to determine which exam is right.  We can compare results, consult a concordance table, and then develop a plan for tests and dates to follow.

One important note:  although the article suggests otherwise, all colleges weigh the ACT and SAT equally now, so there need not be concern about any college preferring one over the other.

Article referenced below from US News

Choosing between the ACT and SAT is a pivotal decision that all college-bound high school students must make. One of the key steps in reaching an informed decision is to sit for an official practice test – the PreACT or PSAT – which give you a better idea of what to expect when you take the official college entrance exams.

In addition to considering other factors, such as whether your top-choice schools prefer a specific standardized exam, your performance on these pre-exams can help guide you in choosing between the ACT and SAT.

Read more at US News >>

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