College Entrance Exams

ACT Information

About the PSAT/NMSQT

Description: Two 25-minute critical reading sections; two 25-minute math sections; one 30-minute writing skills section. Not used to determine college admissions; intended to help students prepare for the SAT. Same format as the SAT, but shorter – a test of verbal and mathematical reasoning. The score range is between 20 and 80, with 80 being a perfect score. The average score for high school juniors is 49. This is a practice test for the SAT.

Usually Taken: During your junior year, though you may wish to take it in 10th grade for practice. GRHS does not offer this test at this time.

Tips and Strategies: If you do well on the PSAT (and meet additional academic requirements), you may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program (a nationally distributed merit-based scholarship). Only scores from the junior year are used to determine qualification for the National Merit Program. 

About the SAT

Description: Comprised of a 70-minute critical reading section, a 70-minute math section, and a 60-minute writing section. Scoring on each section ranges from 200-800 points. Scores on the essay range from 1-6 points. Students in the East and West generally take the SAT.

Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both, if you want a practice run). GRHS does not offer the SAT. Check out College Board for scheduling. 

Tips and Strategies: The SAT carries a “wrong answer penalty.” If you guess right, you gain a point; if you guess wrong, you are penalized. Eliminate the answers you know are wrong before guessing. You can retake the test to improve your score, but your college will send all available scores to your prospective college, including the results of tests you have taken previously. The SAT does not allow students to send only their latest and/or best scores.