Testing

Glossary of Terms

Testing:

ACT: American College Test (www.act.org). The American College Testing Program is a national testing service. The ACT contains four tests that measure abilities in the area of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, and yields a separate sub score in each area and one overall composite score. The score range is 1 (low) to 36 (high). The ACT test also has an optional Writing Section. Students should register for this section as most colleges require this section even if they are not using the score in the admissions process. This test is a measure of academic development which relies, in part on the student’s knowledge of the subject matter fields, reasoning abilities, and the ability to use both together. Some students perform better under this format, so we encourage students to try each the SAT and ACT test at least once. Most colleges accept ACT scores in lieu of SAT scores. Students should register online at ACT.org. The school number for the ACT is 410902. Please go to www.actstudent.org for further details.

Advanced Placement (AP): Although not specifically used for college admission, Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in which college-level courses are offered in high schools and students who score high enough on AP exams may be able to qualify for college credit for, or exemption from, introductory college courses. AP Exams are administered in May at SJCS. For more information regarding AP Exams, please visit www.collegeboard.org.

ATP: Admissions Testing Program, the term covering the Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT) and the SAT Subject Tests (formerly called Achievement Tests).

College Board: Organization who administers the PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Tests. It also sponsors programs such as the Admissions Testing Program and the College Scholarship Service (CSS).

Fee Waiver: Exemptions for financially needy students to register for the ACT and/or SAT without the registration fee. Please note that some colleges will also offer Fee Waivers for application fees.

National Merit Scholarship Program: In the junior year the PSAT is also used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to determine semifinalists for National Merit Scholarships. This test is also used to identify National Achievement Scholars (African Americans) and National Hispanic Scholars.

NMSQT: National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test Selection Score, the score used to determine those students who will be named semifinalists in the competition for National Merit Scholarships and National Achievement Scholarships. The score will also determine those who will receive Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This score is derived by the formula of