ACT

The ACT is a national college admission exam accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. The ACT measures students' college readiness in the areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science. The exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills students have developed throughout high school and is used by colleges for admissions, scholarships, course placement, and academic advising.

Students receive a score for each of the four subject areas, and those scores are averaged to create a composite score. ACT scores range from 1–36, with 36 being the highest possible composite score.

The ACT Writing test is optional. While most colleges and universities no longer require the Writing test, some programs or scholarship opportunities may recommend it. Students should check the admission requirements of the colleges they plan to attend before registering. Additional information, registration dates, and practice resources are available on the ACT website.

SAT

The SAT is a national college admission exam administered by the College Board. The digital SAT measures students' knowledge and skills in Reading and Writing and Mathematics. The exam is designed to assess college readiness and is widely used by colleges and universities for admissions, scholarships, and placement decisions.

Scores range from 400–1600, with section scores ranging from 200–800 for both Reading and Writing and Mathematics. A perfect SAT score is 1600.

The SAT no longer includes an optional essay, and SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II) have been discontinued.

Students should check the admission requirements of the colleges they plan to attend to determine whether the SAT is required or recommended. More information, registration, and practice resources are available on the College Board website.

PSAT/NMSQT

The best preparation for college entrance exams—and for college itself—is to take challenging courses with a strong academic curriculum. Students should read widely, write frequently, and build their vocabulary by learning unfamiliar words. Reading a variety of materials, including fiction, nonfiction, news articles, and informational texts, helps develop the critical thinking and literacy skills needed for college and future careers.

Students are encouraged to prepare for college entrance exams by using official practice materials and other reputable resources. Free practice tests and preparation tools are available through the ACT and College Board websites. Students with disabilities who need testing accommodations should contact their school counselor well in advance of the registration deadline.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) provides students with an opportunity to practice for the SAT while also measuring college readiness. The PSAT/NMSQT also serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program for eligible juniors.

At Bainbridge High School, freshmen and juniors may take the PSAT/NMSQT for a nominal fee, while the State of Georgia funds the exam for all sophomores during the October administration.

PSAT results help students, parents, teachers, and counselors identify academic strengths and areas for improvement, make informed course selections (including Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities), plan for future college entrance exams, and explore postsecondary options. Bainbridge High School personnel provide score interpretation and college planning information following each annual PSAT administration.

ACCUPLACER

ACCUPLACER is a computer-adaptive placement assessment developed by the College Board to evaluate students' skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Many colleges and technical colleges use ACCUPLACER to determine course placement and identify students who may benefit from additional academic support before enrolling in college-level coursework.

ACCUPLACER provides immediate results and helps ensure students are placed in courses that match their current skill levels.

Students may schedule the ACCUPLACER through the Southern Regional Technical College Assessment Center.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude assessment that measures students' strengths in verbal, mathematics, science, technical, and spatial skills. The ASVAB is used by the U.S. Armed Forces to determine qualification for military occupations, but it is also an excellent career exploration tool for all students.

Taking the ASVAB does not obligate a student to enlist in military service. The assessment helps students identify their interests and aptitudes and explore a variety of career pathways.

The ASVAB is typically offered to all eleventh-grade students. Students should contact their school counselor for information about testing dates and registration.