- Barnstable High School
- College and Career Planning
- College Admission Testing
College Admissions Testing
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While some colleges/universities do not require standardized test scores anymore (See link to FairTest below), many use them as one of the indicators of a student's predicted success in college. The two that are used for college admissions are the SAT and the ACT – each testing students a little differently and both being accepted equally at all colleges and universities.As all students are different and may perform differently on tests, it is encouraged, if possible, to take both the ACT and SAT to determine if one would be better than the other to send to colleges. If students choose to just take one of the exams and are unsure which to take, the student should consult with her/his parents and school counselor.If students qualify and receive free or reduced lunch, they should see their school counselor for a waiver to register for either test.
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SAT and ACT Preparation
There are many options available for students to do preparation for both the SAT and ACT tests. Books are available at local bookstores and there are a number of online programs that are options as well. Below are some of the websites that our students have used in the past and some of the programs they offer:
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PSAT
Benefits of the PSAT:
- To prepare students for college admissions testing - SAT and ACT.
- To support appropriate course selection and academic placement
- For students to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program
Who: Sophomores and Juniors
When: TBA
Where: Barnstable High School
How to Register: Information will be coming soon!
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ACT
The ACT Assessment is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.Test Dates
Registration Dates
September 9, 2023
August 4, 2023
October 28, 2023
September 22, 2023
December 9, 2023
November 3, 2023
February 10, 2024
January 5, 2024
April 13, 2024
March 8, 2024
June 8, 2024
May 3, 2024
July 13, 2024
June 7, 2024
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SAT
The SAT made substantial changes beginning with the March 2016 test and will look a lot more like the current ACT. The SAT tests in the areas of reading, writing, and math.Test Dates
Registration Dates
August 26, 2023
July 28, 2023
October 7, 2023
September 7, 2023
November 4, 2023
October 5, 2023
December 2, 2023
November 2, 2023
March 9, 2024
February 23, 2024
May 4, 2024
April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024
May 16, 2024
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TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is used as an alternative college admissions test OR in conjunction with the ACT/ SAT for students for whom English is not their first language. Students who have been English Language Learners (ELL) in high school, should take the TOEFL to submit to colleges.
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FairTest
FairTest lists the 1,835+ four-year colleges do not use the SAT or ACT to admit students to their institutions.