Mariemont High School ACT/CEEB code:   363205

• Information about the SAT

• Information about the ACT writing section

• Comparison of SAT and ACT scores (based on previous test versions)

• List of colleges where SAT/ACT tests are OPTIONAL in the admission process

ACT Test Dates 2008-2009 (fee $43.00 with Writing Test--recommended)

SAT Reasoning  and SAT Subject Test Dates 2008-2009 (fee $41.50)

PSAT/NMSQT

(Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

Recommended as a valuable practice testing experience, the PSAT/NMSQT is offered to college-bound juniors on a Tuesday morning in October.  Students pay the fee of $13.00 and experience a shortened version of the SAT.

Scores are reported within a range of 20-80 for each section of critical reading, math, and writing skills.  They can be related to actual SAT scores by adding a zero to each score (the SAT ranges from 200-800 for each of the three sections).

Students will receive their actual test booklet when they get their scores.  Their score report shows correct and incorrect answers, enabling students to learn from the questions they missed.  Score reports are sent through the high school and will be distributed during December.

The three scores are added together to form a "selection index" which is used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to identify those students with high scores.  The top .5% of the scorers in each state are named National Merit Semi-finalists and are invited to compete for scholarship money.  This is a very prestigious recognition.  Mariemont usually has several semfinalists, and has had as many as five.  Corporations and universities sponsor the scholarships.

PLAN

(Practice ACT Test)

The PLAN test is the ACT practice opportunity for sophomores offered each November and administered at MHS.  The PLAN test acts as a reliable predictor for a later ACT score.  In addition, it has a career planning component that enables a young student to have career interests measured.  Students pay the fee of approximately $12.00.

The academic portions are identical to the ACT, in style and format, but with fewer questions.  The entire PLAN Test takes over 3 hrs. to administer.  The test is given during the school day.

The PLAN score reports are returned within 6 weeks and are distributed to students in small group sessions.

Test Preparation

Even the test publishers tell us that the best preparation for any college admission test is the consistent daily school involvement students have.  The harder students work on day-to-day assignments and projects, the better their chances for a higher score.  Nevertheless, many people wish to have some review and preparation in order to maximize their scores. Here are a few suggestions to get some preparation:

The MHS Library website has an extensive, up-to-date list of online mostly free test prep resources.  Please make this a first-stop!

Here are more free and for-fee sites:

StudyGuideZone for SAT

StudyGuideZone for ACT

Test Prep Review

ACT website

College Board web site.  Also check out the SAT Question of the Day.

Kaplan (may be costly)

Princeton Review (may be costly)

There are numerous printed materials with sample tests, hints, test-taking tips, and more.  Either borrow them from the Guidance Office or check them out of the school library or the public library.  They can also be purchased at area bookstores.

Sample tests and hints, provided from the test publishers FREE, are available if students request them from the Guidance Office.

Using PLAN and PSAT score reports are another good way to prepare.  The actual test is returned to the student and the score reports include correct answers.  Students can go back through the test learning from mistakes.  (Test prep instructors use these practice tests as a starting point when working with students.)