College Test Information

ACT:

·        On December 9th and April 14th, the ACT will be given at Perryton High School.

·        Most college and scholarship agencies recommend that students take the ACT during the second semester of their JUNIOR year.  All Seniors should have taken the ACT at least once by the beginning of their senior year.  Seniors who have not yet taken the ACT might want to check into taking it in Balko, Booker, Amarillo, or Borger.  All Seniors should take the ACT in December.

·        New for 2005:

Beginning in 2005, a second test option is available – the ACT Assessment Plus Writing, which includes a 30 minute writing test and has a higher fee.  Not all institutions require or recommend taking the ACT  Writing Test in addition to the ACT Assessment.  If you plan to enter college in the year 2006 or later, check with the colleges you are considering or go to www.act.org for a list of institutions that have provided information to ACT about their policies – whether they require, recommend, or do not need results from the ACT Writing Test.

·        If you are a student athlete, please keep in mind that the NCAA requires an ACT score before you are allowed a paid visit to any college or university.  Recruiting often begins as early as December so you may want to test in October.

·        Our high school code for the ACT is 445-470

·        Fees:   ACT Assessment

 Basic test fee                                                            $29.00

                        Optional test fees

                             Additional college choices                                  $  8.00 (each)

                        Late registration fee                                                  $48.00

·        Fees:    ACT Assessment Plus Writing

Basic test fee                                                            $43.00

                        Optional test fees

                             Additional college choices                                  $  8.00 (each)

                        Late registration fee                                                  $62.00

·        Score Reports: Results are normally mailed about four weeks after the test date.  Early score reports can be accessed at  www.act.org for an additional fee of $8.00.

·        If you wish to retake the ACT, you must submit a new registration folder with the full registration fee.

·        ACT packets are located in the counselor's office or you can register on-line at www.act.org  

·        You are responsible for completing your own application and mailing it yourself.  Please keep a copy of your application; you will most likely take the test again and having a copy of your previous application saves a lot of time. 

 SAT:

R = Reasoning Test

S = Subject Test

·        The SAT test was modified into a new format in 2005.  It consists of a Reasoning Test,

(formerly SAT I), and Subject Tests, (formerly SAT II).  The Reasoning Test includes a Critical Reading, Math, and Writing section.  This is the test that is required for college admission.  Some colleges will also require specific Subject Tests for admission and course placement.  You should check the requirements of each college in which you are seeking admission.

·        Most students take the SAT during the JUNIOR & SENIOR years.

·        Most universities accept the ACT in place of the SAT.  Generally, the SAT is only needed for eastern universities.  However, many of the larger universities in this area are now requiring the SAT Reasoning Test.

·        The high school code for the SAT is  445-470

·        SAT packets are located in the counselor's office or you may register on-line at www.collegeboard.com

·        Fees:

            SAT Reasoning Test:                                                    $41.50

            Subject Tests

Basic Registration Fee                                           $18.00

Language Test with Listening                               $19.00 (additional)

All Other Subject Tests                                               $ 8.00  (each)

            Late Registration Fee                                    $21.50

THEA:  (This is the former TASP test.  The name was changed in 2003 to                        THEA – Texas Higher Education Assessment)

·        Background:  The Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test, mandated in the spring of 1987, provides information about the reading, mathematics, and writing skills of students entering Texas public colleges and universities.

·        The THEA test is the only assessment developed specifically to evaluate the readiness of students for college-level coursework in Texas.  As part of the THEA program, colleges and universities are required to offer their students advisory and support services related to the THEA Test and to develop and implement appropriate developmental education activities for students who do not pass one or more sections of the THEA Test. 

·        You must take the THEA Test if you are entering or are enrolled in a Texas public institution of higher education (i.e., a college, university, or technical institute) as a full-time or part-time student in an associate or baccalaureate degree program.

·        You must take the THEA Test before enrolling in any college courses.  (This includes courses taken concurrently during high school).

·        THEA Exemptions:  You are exempt from taking the THEA Test if you meet any of the following:

          ACT:      Composite score of 23 or higher with a minimum of 19 on both the English and the mathematics   tests.

          SAT:      Combined score of 1070 or higher with a minimum of 500 on the verbal test and a minimum of 500 on the mathematics test.

          TAKS:   A minimum score of 2200 on the ELA test along with a writing score of 3 or higher and a minimum score of 2200 on the Math test.

·        If you are not enrolled in college courses, it is advised that you take the THEA in February.

·        Fees: 

            Regular registration for any or all sections                         $29.00

            Late Registration                                                                  $49.00

            Emergency Registration                                                      $59.00

·        The THEA test is only offered on college and university campuses.

·        Registration bulletins are in the counselor's office or you may register on-line.

·        THEA Web site:           www.thea.nesinc.com

          (A free practice test is available on-line.)