College and Career Center
College & Career Information Specialist: Leighton Lang (650) 354-8219 llang@pausd.org
  Colleges

College Testing Information

Registration

 

PSAT: The PSAT (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 is offered at Gunn once each fall for juniors. In past years, sophomores were also encouraged to take the test if they would like to have a practice test-taking experience. For 2009, Gunn has an alternate program planned for sophomores.

For more information visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

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SAT: The SAT Reasoning Test is widely used by colleges and universities admissions. It tests students' knowledge of subjects that are necessary for college success: reading, writing, and mathematics. The SAT assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college—skills that students learned in high school. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is offered at Gunn several times each year. For more information visit
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html

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SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as SAT II Tests): Many colleges use the Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take. The UCs currently require two SAT Subject Tests of a student's choice; starting with the high school graduating class of 2012, SAT Subject Tests will no longer be required for the UCs.

Subject Tests are offered at Gunn several times each year. They are usually taken by juniors and seniors after they have completed the appropriate courses. Sophomores also may want to take a Subject Test if they have completed an advanced course. For more information visit
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html

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The ACT: The ACT is a national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in:
English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The ACT Plus Writing includes the four subject area tests plus a 30-minute Writing Test. ACT results are accepted by all 4-year colleges and universities in the U.S.

The ACT multiple-choice tests are curriculum based. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in the four subject areas. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, some students are more comfortable with the ACT than they are with traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content.

The ACT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is offered at Gunn several times each year. For more information visit www.actstudent.org/index.html

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AP Tests: Through AP's college-level courses and exams, students can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admissions process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers in the world. AP Tests are offered at Gunn every May and are typically taken by juniors and seniors at the end of the AP class. For more information visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

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PSAT: At Gunn Wed., Oct 14, 2009, for juniors only. See PSAT link for current info.

SAT: See SAT site for current schedule and locations.

ACT: See ACT site for current schedule and locations.

Reminder: most of the tests are offered at Gunn, but space is limited. Be sure to register early if you want to be able to take the test at Gunn. If Gunn is full, you may have to travel to another community or take the test at a different date.

 

Online registration is available for all tests except the PSAT. PSAT registration takes place at the high school only.

Register as soon as you know your plans to try to get into your preferred testing site. See the appropriate website for more information: PSAT, SAT or SAT2, ACT.

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There are many qualified private tutors and firms that offer test preparation courses and programs. Do an online search and talk with other parents and students for recommendations. The College Board and the ACT sell test practice guides on their web sites. Resources are also available in the CCC and in the local library.

Kaplan and Revolution are two private firms that hold classes at Gunn with discounts for Gunn students. We recommend that you call the company or check its website to be sure you have accurate scheduling information, especially over the summer when this website is not kept up to date.

Fee waivers may be available for these classes. See Mr Lang in the CCC or call the companies directly for scholarship information.

Gunn works with Kaplan and Revolution to offer these classes on campus as a convenience for the students, and tries to offer useful information on this website, but this not constitute an endorsement of any particular company or tutoring service.

Kaplan Test Prep & Admissions:

Revolution Prep:

Flex:

Other Companies :

  • Do you have a company to recommend? Please email Mr Lang with the information. Remember that Gunn can not endorse or take responsibility for any private tutors or institutions.

Private Tutors:

  • Would it be helpful for you to have a list on this web site of private tutors Gunn students have used and recommend? If so, email Mr Lang with your request. If you have a private tutor to recommend, email Mr Lang with the information. Remember that Gunn can not endorse or take responsibility for any private tutors or institutions.

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Most, but not all, colleges and university require the SAT or the ACT Plus Writing. Some require SAT Subject Tests as well. Even if not required, good scores on these tests can help a student gain admission to most institutions.

The University of California (UC) system currently requires either the SAT or the ACT Plus Writing, and two SAT Subject Tests of a student's choice; starting with the high school graduating class of 2012, SAT Subject Tests will no longer be required by the UCs. For more information see
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/apply_to_uc.html

The California State University system requires either the SAT or the ACT unless you have a grade point average above 3.0 and are a resident of California. Even if you have a GPA above 3.0, it is useful to take either an SAT or ACT as the score may indicate if you do not need to take English and math placement tests after you are admitted and before you enroll at the CSU. For more information see
www.csumentor.edu/planning/high_school/grades_tests.asp

Private institutions each determine their own required and optional tests that may be considered for admission. Check with the individual college or university in which you are interested.