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Most colleges require that you complete some type of college entrance exam in order to be admitted. Pre-tests allow you to become familiar with these tests before you have to sit for the real thing. Below are descriptions of some of the tests you may be asked to complete.
The ACT and SAT are college admissions tests. Many colleges and programs use ACT or SAT scores in their admission decisions, although some do not, and some specifically require one test or the other. So check the requirements for the colleges in which you’re interested. Universities also often use your ACT or SAT score in specific subject areas to determine freshman year course placement, particularly for math.
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT), also known as the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a practice version of the SAT exam. You can only take the PSAT once per year, and many students take the test in both 10th and 11th grade. If you earn a high score on the PSAT your junior year, you could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship; $180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year. The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and tests your skills in Reading, Writing, and Math. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520. Check with your school counselor to see if the PSAT is offered at your school and what the cost would be (fee waivers might be available).
Score: The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36
Questions: ACT questions tend to be more straightforward
Reading: The ACT has four reading passages
Science: The ACT has a science section that tests your critical thinking skills
Math: Both tests now have the SAME advanced math concepts: arithmetic, algebra I & II, geometry, and trigonometry
Tools: You may use a calculator for ALL math questions on the ACT
Essay: The ACT wants to see how well you can evaluate and analyze complex issues. You have 40 minutes to complete it.
Score: The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600
Questions: SAT questions require more time to understand and answer
Reading: The SAT has five reading passages
Science: There is no science section on the SAT
Math: Both tests now have the SAME advanced math concepts: arithmetic, algebra I & II, geometry, and trigonometry
Tools: Some SAT math questions don’t allow you to use a calculator
Essay: The SAT essay section is more comprehension-focused. You have 50 minutes to complete it.
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You will be redirected to the TSAC Student Portal. Applying for a scholarship (example: the Tennessee Promise) is not complete once a student portal account has been created. Next, you must re-enter your Username and Password and answer the challenge question. Once you have accepted the “User Agreement”, click the “Apply for Scholarships” button and then click the appropriate scholarship program to complete and submit the online application.
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