STANDARDIZED TESTS
A. PSAT-Preliminary SAT
During G11 1st semester, students are encouraged to do some basic preparation for both SAT and SAT subject tests. Students are recommended to take Preliminary SAT test in our center in October so that they would get to know this important test better and realize how to prepare for them.
Students who decide to take the test should register in Counseling Office. The examination officer will order test papers from College Board, arrange test in our center and mail the finished test papers back to US for marking. Test results and reports will be available from College Board in the early December.
B. SAT tests
SAT reasoning test (SAT 1) is the most general standardized test offered by College Board. With three sections that measure critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing skills. Each year, CB will hold six SAT tests outside the US: January, May, June, October, November and December.
Since 2017, August test will be facilitated and since 2018, January test will be canceled.
SAT subject tests (SAT 2) are also vital for applying for US top universities. Except for tests of languages which is offered by College Board only in November, others are offered 6 times a year (Jan, May, June, Oct, Nov, Dec) outside the US, Students can take up to three subject tests at a time.
SAT subject tests include the following subjects:
Biology/EM Literature
Chemistry Math Level 1
French Math Level 2
German Modern Hebrew
Italian Physics
Japanese Spanish
Korean U.S. History
Latin World History
Since most students would like to choose subjects they take classes in school, like Math, Physics and Chemistry, they don’t need to take extra trainings. What we suggest is they’d better work with their subject teachers and do extra tests after class to ensure they get enough exercise before taking tests. Students who choose subjects which they don’t take classes in school are suggested to learn on their own and take mock tests in spare time.
C. Resources
Books: OG (SAT Official Guide), Barron, Princeton;
Online: Request on College Board website for “question of the day”;
Training teachers: Students can reach out to training teachers for advice and help anytime.
D. ACT test
The ACT test assesses the mastery of college readiness standards. Generally, universities have no preference to ACT or SAT. They are both considered as the standard scholar aptitude tests. ACT consists four sections: English, Math, Reading and Science reasoning, writing is optional. There are five ACT tests each year: April, June, September, October and December.
E. AP
AP courses are rigorous, college-level classes in a variety of subjects that give students an opportunity to gain the skills and experience colleges recognize. At WXYZ, students can self-study AP subjects and register AP exams in exam office. Each May, we will assist students to take AP exams in Changzhou.
F. Test registration & organization: The counseling office will help students sign up PSAT, SAT and AP tests. Students and parents should provide valid registration information and pay the test fee by the deadline. For tests take place out of the city or mainland China, the Counseling Office will organize test trips including transportation and accommodation.
