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Testing

Planning when and what tests to take is an important task and is different for each student. Working with your college counselor is an ideal way to determine what is appropriate. Many students find a test prep course to be helpful. Gill St. Bernard's offers a test prep course several times a year. For some students, non-standard testing is an option that warrants discussion.

PSAT

This test is administered, by Gill St. Bernard's, to sophomores and juniors in October. It is used as a practice for the SAT and is often predictive of SAT scores. The scores from the junior year are used by the National Merit Association to award scholarships. The score range is 60-240. <back to top>

SAT Reasoning Test

This test or the ACT is required by most colleges and universities. Most students in the northeast and on the west coast would take the SAT’s. The test is divided into three sections, critical reading, math, and writing. The test is offered in October, November, December, January, March, May, and June. It would be typical for students to take the test 2-3 times. The score range is 600-2400. Register online. <back to top>

SAT Subject Tests

These subject specific tests are designed to measure what a student has learned in a particular subject. Students would typically take these tests in May or June after the completion of coursework. Many schools require one or more Subject Tests. Some schools will require a specific test for all of their applicants. Read applications carefully to be sure of Subject Test requirements. The tests are offered on the same dates as the SAT, except March which is an SAT-only test date. The score range is 200-800. Register online. <back to top>

ACT

This test is used in lieu of the SAT at many colleges and universities in the south and midwest. Schools that usually use the ACT will almost always accept the SAT. The ACT is divided into four sections, English, math, reading and science reasoning. A discussion with your college counselor about the ACT may be helpful to determine if taking this test is a good decision for you. The score range is 1-36. Register online. <back to top>

AP: Advanced Placement Tests

AP tests are subject specific and are designed to test a student’s knowledge of that field. Typically, a student would take this test at the end of a course designed to teach the material covered on the test. The exams are administered on designated dates in May. They are used for both college credit and college placement. The score range is 1-5. Currently Gill St. Bernard's offers over ten AP classes. <back to top>

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language.

This test is generally for students that have been in this country less than six years and English is not their first language. Register online. <back to top>