Suggested College Testing Schedule
The following is a suggested schedule of testing for a student who is planning
to apply to universities in Mexico AND outside Mexico. There are many ways to
go about this process... what you see below is just one suggested plan.
JUNIOR YEAR (11th Grade):
- October: PSAT/NMSQT
- April: ACT with Writing
- May: SAT Reasoning Test
- June: SAT Subject Tests
SENIOR YEAR (12th Grade):
- September/October: PAA for local universities*
- October/November: Retake ACT, SAT, and/or SAT Subject Tests**
- December/January: Last chance for retakes of SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests***
- You may also need to take the TOEFL (see TOEFL section below for more
details)
*This is not necessary if your SAT scores from May/June can be revalidated.
**Only if you are not satisfied with your original scores.
***Only if you are not satisfied with your scores to date. Also, be sure to
check whether these late testing dates will be accepted by the universities to
which you are applying.
Please read the information below CAREFULLY as it is vital to your college
application process! Contact me directly if you have any questions.
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Resources for the PSAT, PAA, SAT, ACT, and TOEFL
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PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT will be given to all ASFM students in October of their junior
year. The Class of 2011 will take the PSAT on October 14, 2009. There is no
need for ASFM juniors to register for the PSAT - you will be registered
automatically (the $14 USD fee will be charged through your tuition bill).
Interested sophomores (10th) or freshmen (9th) should see Ms. Loring in
September to sign up and can make payments by check to the school.
.
About the PSAT
Preparing for the PSAT
Understanding Your PSAT Score
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PAA
The PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Acad�mica) was developed by the College Board for
Puerto Rico as an equivalent to the SAT, but in Spanish. It is the admissions
test used by many universities in Latin America, including TEC & UDEM. It
will be offered on our campus (free of charge) by both the TEC and the UDEM in
the fall.
Please note: Although both universities use the PAA, it is recommended that
you take it separately for the two schools. The TEC will not accept UDEM's
test. UDEM will accept the TEC's test, but you will have to pay to have your
results sent to UDEM.
Additional note: Both the TEC and UDEM will revalidate your SAT scores, if
they are high enough. Many ASFM
students choose to revalidate SAT's because they prefer to test in English.
You will be asked to sign up in the counseling office if you wish to take this
exam on our campus.
.
Information about the PAA
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SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test has three sections: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.
Students who are planning to apply to universities outside Mexico are URGED to
take the SAT at least once BEFORE their senior year (May or June at the end of
11th grade is perfect). Registration for the SAT is done entirely online.
Quick Tip: The SAT has a penalty for guessing, so it is important to practice
before you take the test.
I strongly recommend that you prepare a strategy for deciding when to skip
questions.
.
SAT Test Dates
SAT Test Fees
SAT Online Registration
SAT Preparation
SAT Scores - What do they mean?
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SAT Subject Tests
The first thing you should ask yourself before you take these is: Do I need
to? Some universities ask for SAT Subject Tests, others do not. Do your
research first and find out if the universities YOU are considering ask for
them. If you are planning to apply to any highly selective universities,
subject tests are probably a good idea... but still, do your research to find
out if there are specific tests you
should take. I often recommend to take Math Level 1 or 2, English Literature,
and one other subject test as a starting point in the spring of your junior
year. You can take other subjects later if needed.
.
SAT Subject Tests Preparation Center
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ACT
The ACT has four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. In April and
October, students can take the ACT WITH WRITING, which has a fifth section for
writing.
Please note: Some universities will accept the ACT with Writing in PLACE of
the SAT AND SAT SUBJECT TESTS! Students planning to apply outside Mexico are
URGED to take the ACT with Writing in April of their junior year.
Registration for the ACT is done entirely online.
Quick Tip: The ACT is a great test for students who can work quickly. There
is no penalty for
guessing... but there are a lot of questions for the amount of time, so be
ready to move fast.
.
ACT Test Dates
ACT Test Fees
ACT Online Registration
ACT Preparation
ACT Scores - What do they mean?
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TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) is required by many
universities, as proof that international students can survive college level
coursework in English. There are four parts to the test: Speaking, Listening,
Reading, and Writing.
We do not offer the TOEFL at ASFM. You can take it at the Benjamin Franklin
Library (on Hidalgo).
Special note: MANY universities have allowed ASFM students to waive the TOEFL,
which is a great option because the TOEFL is pretty expensive. If a
university that you are applying to asks for the TOEFL, here is what I
recommend that you do:
1) Call the admissions office and ask politely to speak with someone about a
TOEFL waiver.
2) Introduce yourself and explain your situation. Example Script: My name is
Suzy Student, and I have been a student at the American School Foundation of
Monterrey since I was three years old. At my school, the language of
instruction is English. For all these years, all of my classes have been in
English (except for Spanish class). When I graduate, I will receive a Mexican
Bachillerato diploma AND a United States High School Diploma. Is there any
way that we could arrange for the TOEFL to be waived for me?
3) They may ask for more information (SAT Critical Reading scores, ACT
scores). Have it ready.
4) If even one of your schools says no, you'll have to take the TOEFL anyway.
Sorry!
.
TOEFL Test Dates
TOEFL Test Fees
TOEFL Online Registration
TOEFL Preparation (not terribly necessary for students at our school... but here it is anyway!)
TOEFL Scores - What do they mean?
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No matter where you are planning to apply for university, testing is
recommended... and in most cases, it is required. It is your responsibility
to be sure that you have all the tests required for your universities... and
to make sure that your test scores have been SENT to the universities!!!