Standardized Tests
• Blair's test code is 210965.
There are several standardized tests that students can take as part of the college preparation process. While it is not required that students take all of these tests, many of them are strongly reccommended, as they are often required for college applications. A few important tests are the SAT, ACT, PSAT, TOEFL, and ASVAB. Information on taking and preparing for these tests can be found below.
SAT and ACT: Determining Which Test is Right for You Students have the option of taking either the
SAT Reasoning Test or the
ACT as a college entrance examination. Historically, the SAT was the more widely-accepted college entrance test on the East and West coasts, and the ACT was the more common choice in the Midwest. However, today, most colleges and universities will accept either test. While both the SAT and the ACT share some characteristics, it is important to understand the special features and structures of both tests to determine which would be your best choice:
The ACT math includes some trigonometry, the SAT does not.
The ACT includes a science reasoning test, the SAT does not.
The SAT questions, within a particular section, appear in order of difficulty - not true on the ACT.
The SAT tests vocabulary much more than the ACT.
The ACT tests English grammar, the SAT does not.
The SAT is not all multiple choice.
The SAT has a wrong answer penalty; the ACT does not.
The ACT is more of a content-based test; the SAT test focuses on critical thinking and problem solving.
Some schools require students who take the SAT Reasoning test to also take one or more
SAT Subject Tests.
PSAT The PSAT (The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
The PSAT/NMSQT measures:
critical reading skills
math problem-solving skills
writing skills
You have developed these skills over many years, both in and out of school. This test doesn't require you to recall specific facts from your classes.
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:
to receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study.
to see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 11).
to help prepare for the SAT and become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
to receive information from colleges by checking "yes" to Student Search Service.
The 2007 test will be administered at Blair on Wednesday, October 17th during regular school hours. All students in grades nine through eleven will take the test. The registration and $12.00 fee are required for JUNIORS ONLY. In an effort to improve county test scores and to provide students with several opportunities to practice taking the PSAT, MCPS covers the costs for freshmen and sophomores. Juniors are required to pay the registration fee because their scores are official and are included in their test records. The practice 9th and 10th grade scores are not included in the official record.
On PSAT Day, Seniors will participate in a mini college and career fair that will be held in the gym. There will be opportunities for seniors to attend workshops on using Family Connection, Writing Winning Essays, Preparing Resumes, etc. More details will be announced in the fall.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) The
TOEFL is now a year-round computer-based exam offered in the United States and often required for college applicants originally from other countries. Test takers are assigned to an individual work station equipped with a computer and headphone set. The test is available by appointment only through the Prometric Learning Centers. Local testing sites include: The University of Maryland, College Park at 301-314-0319, Prometric (Bethesda) at 301-718-9893 or Prometric (Lanham) at 301-552-3400. You can also
register online or by calling 1-800-GO-TOEFL. Stop by the Career Center for instructional flyers and information on ordering free practice CD-Roms and practice kits. The Career Center has one practice CD-rom on file for use by appointment. The cost to take the TOEFL is $150.00.
The ASVAB Test The
ASVAB Test is an assessment of academic ability that can predict a student's success in a number of
military and civilian fields. The test is offered twice at Blair each school year, once in the fall and once early spring. The test is open to juniors and seniors only. Read the weekly Career Notes and listen to InfoFlow for upcoming test dates and registration procedures. Mr. Hopkins is the test coordinator.
Test Registration
Online registration is the quickest method to register for most of the standardized tests. Students are strongly encouraged to use the online registration process to register. This will allow for better test site selection and quicker confirmation. Students who register by mail will be responsible for completing the necessary registration materials and mailing them directly themselves. Students needing testing accommodations should see their counselor ASAP for instructions to complete the College Board's "Testing For Students With Disabilities Form".
Fee Waivers
Fee waivers are available for the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, ACT and TOEFL. Additionally, there is a fee waiver available for students who may need assistance in paying for the SAT Prep course offered by Montgomery College at high schools throughout Montgomery County (insert link). Eligibility to receive a waiver is determined primarily by membership in a family whose annual income falls within predetermined guidelines or eligibility to receive public assistance or living in subsidized housing. Students are encouraged to see Ms. Partlow or Ms. Henderson-Stein for the Waiver Eligibility Form and registration instructions. Students using a fee waiver can now register for the SAT online.
When You Should Take the Tests
Those students planning to get a head start on SAT or ACT testing should take note of the early testing dates and deadlines for the SAT and the ACT. The first test date for the ACT is September 15, 2007 and the regular registration deadline is August 10th. Registration materials are available in the Career Center but students are strongly encouraged to register online for the SAT or ACT. The first scheduled SAT test date is October 6, 2007 and the regular registration deadline is September 10th. Additional test dates and registration deadlines are posted below. It is important to select testing dates that will allow you to be able to send your scores to the admission offices of the schools to which you will be applying in time to meet the application deadlines.
2007-08 Test Dates
SAT Reasoning Test & SAT Subject Test Dates | Test | Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | | SAT & Subject Tests | October 6, 2007 | September 10, 2007 | September 14, 2007 | | SAT & Subject Tests | November 3, 2007 | October 2, 2007 | October 11, 2007 | | SAT & Subject Tests | December 1, 2007 | October 30, 2008 | November 8, 2007 | | SAT & Subject Tests | January 26, 2008 | December 26, 2007 | January 4, 2008 | | SAT Only** | March 1, 2008 | January 29, 2008 | February 7, 2008 | | SAT & Subject Tests | May 3, 2008 | April 1, 2008 | April 10, 2008 | | SAT & Subject Tests | June 7, 2008 | May 6, 2008 | May 15, 2008 |
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The cost of regular registration for the SAT is $43.00.
The cost of regular registration for SAT Subject Test is the basic fee of $20 PLUS $8.00 per subject tests.
The language test with listening is an additional $20 PLUS the regular registration fee for SAT Subject Tests instead of $8.
To take the test as a walk-in/stand-by, add $37.00 to the regular registration fee.
Online registration is available for the SAT. Please note that a credit card or fee waiver is required for online registration.
ACT Test Dates| Test Date | Regular Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | | September 15, 2007 | August 10, 2007 | August 24, 2007 | | October 27, 2007 | September 21, 2007 | October 5, 2007 | | December 8, 2007 | November 2, 2007 | November 15, 2007 | | February 9, 2008 | January 4, 2008 | January 18, 2008 | | April 12, 2008 | March 7, 2008 | March 21, 2008 | | Jun 14, 2008 | May 9, 2008 | May 23, 2008 |
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The regular registration fee for the ACT is $30.00 without the writing section and is $44.50 with the writing section.
The late registration fee for the ACT is $19.00 in addition to the regular registration fee.
The standby testing fee for the ACT is $39.50.
Online registration is available for the ACT. A credit card is required for online registration.
SAT Prep Classes In partnership with the MCPS Office of Adult Education and Summer School , SAT Prep Classes are offered by
Montgomery College. The fall classes have been scheduled and are open for registration. Starting with the August classes cost for the course is $175.00 tuition + $85.00 fee = $260.00 for Maryland Residents, $400.00 for non-Maryland residents. Registration forms are available in the Career Center and should be submitted directly to Montgomery College. For information on when courses will be held, see the
schedule of course listings. Financial Aid is available for students whose families would face an economic burden to pay for this class. You may pick up the forms from the Career Center.
While Blair does not endorse any of the many other organizations that provide testing preparation, you can obtain information about other test prep resources from the Career Center.
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