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Testing and Registration Timelines

Watch for free test prep sessions at your high school or other high schools in your district. The ACT and SAT websites have great access to practice tests free of charge, and some more extensive packages for a fee. ACT practice here. Private tutoring is available, and can be expensive, but often results in slightly higher scores.

10th Grade

PSAT Test

  • Pre-SAT test
  • Consists of two 25-minute verbal sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one 30-minute writing skills section
  • Offered once a year in mid-October
  • Optional practice for a 10th grader
  • Does not count for National Merit Scholar program when taken as a sophomore
  • $18.00 (free for Idaho public school sophomores)

11th Grade

PSAT Test

  • Pre-SAT test
  • Consists of two 25-minute verbal sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one 30-minute writing skills section
  • Offered only once a year in mid-October
  • National Merit Scholar program qualification test when taken as a junior
  • $18.00 

ACT Test: www.actstudent.org

  • Consists of four multiple-choice test in English, math, reading and science, as well as an optional writing test
  • Each subject is scored 1 – 36 for a composite score, the highest being a 36 overall
  • We recommend a junior taking this test in June, but it may be taken earlier in the year also. The test is offered usually six times during a given school year.
  • May be taken with or without the writing section
  • Register online for the ACT at www.actstudent.org
  • $60.00 without writing section; $85.00 with writing section

SAT Reasoning Test: www.collegeboard.com

  • Is a 10-section exam consisting of critical reading, math and writing
  • Scores for each section range from 200 – 800 points. The scores for each section are combined, and the highest possible combined score is 2400.
  • We recommend a junior taking this test in May or June, but it may be taken earlier in the year also. The SAT is offered seven times each school year.
  • Register online for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com
  • $60.00, $90.00 if you register late (free in April of Junior year for Idaho public school students)

12th Grade

ACT Test: www.actstudent.org

  • Consists of four multiple-choice test in English, math, reading and science, as well as an optional writing test
  • Each subject is scored 1 – 36 for a composite score, the highest being a 36 overall
  • A senior student must take the ACT in Sept, Oct, or Dec (Dec being the absolute latest date for college admission and financial aid purposes)
  • May be taken with or without the writing section
  • Register online for the ACT at www.actstudent.org
  • $60.00 without writing section; $85.00 with writing section

SAT Reasoning Test: www.collegeboard.com

  • Is a 10-section exam consisting of critical reading, math and writing.
  • Scores for each section range from 200 – 800 points. The scores for each section are combined, and the highest possible combined score is 2400.
  • A senior student must take this test in Oct, Nov, or Dec (Dec being the absolute latest day for college admission and financial aid purposes)
  • Register online for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com
  • $60.00; $90.00 for late registration