Standardized Testing and Preparation (PSAT, ACT, and SAT)

PSAT

As Prairie sophomores and juniors, you are automatically registered to take the PSAT on campus on October 13, 2010.

Sophomores, you take it for practice.  Because the PSAT is written for juniors, you should view your scores in light of the fact that it tests some material you have not yet learned.  

Juniors, the PSAT is important for you for two reasons:  First, it’s a general indicator of your likely performance on the SAT and, more specifically, it reveals areas of relative strength and weakness.  You can use that information to shore up skills in anticipation of taking the SAT later in junior year.  Second, particularly high scores on the PSAT qualify you for National Merit Commendation and Scholarship competition.  The thresholds for commendation and scholarship competition are state-specific and float slightly from year to year.  The National Merit Corporation notifies students who qualify at either level through the College Counseling Office, and we work closely with students who choose to compete for a scholarship.

ACT and SAT

We strongly recommend that juniors take one ACT (the version with Writing) and one SAT in late winter or spring.  We recommend you take the tests late in junior year because you will have learned more of the test content by then.  And we recommend you take both tests because some students score notably better on one or the other, and that’s useful information when you’re deciding which one to retake in senior year.

Test dates and registration deadlines are available on our flyer.  For complete registration and testing information, practice tests, testing tips, and other helpful material, visit the testing agency websites:  

For ACT information, visit the ACT website.
For SAT information, visit the College Board website.

SAT SUBJECT TESTS

Each year, Upper School teachers recommend that some students consider taking one or more SAT Subject Tests in the spring.  These are advanced-level tests in a wide variety of specific subjects.  Some of the most selective colleges require Subject Tests, sometimes in one or more specific topics.  Many others will accept the ACT in lieu thereof.  For a list of these colleges, see Colleges that Require SAT Subject Tests, but be sure to confirm that information on the website of all colleges of interest.  

Many colleges that do not require Subject Tests will nevertheless consider Subject Test scores with your application.  So while it is not necessary to take SAT Subject Tests for colleges that do not outright require them, if you’re confident you will score well, consider taking them.  If you’re less confident, bear in mind that some colleges will require you to send your whole SAT history, including any Subject Tests, and poor Subject Test scores could disadvantage you.  Practice Subject Tests, available online and in print, are a good way to gauge your mastery of the material.  Consult with your teachers and College Counselor as needed.

TEST PREPARATION

We’re pleased to offer the ACT/SAT Ivy Prep Course by Sylvan Learning (Kenosha) with á la carte options on our campus this fall for all seniors. Build your own test prep package by choosing any or all of the options! Click here to review the details and print this flyer as desired.

Other forms of test preparation include practice tests online and in print, as well as courses at independent agencies (e.g., Sylvan Learning, Princeton Review, and Kaplan).