Freshmen Year
- No standardized exams
- Take the SAT Subject Test (required through the Class of 2011) in Biology in June if you did well in Biology in 9th grade. Register on-line with the College Board at www.collegeboard.com.
Sophomore Year
- PLAN: Take the PLAN Test in the Fall (register at school). This is a practice test for the Act and is offered to sophomores.
- PSAT: Take the PSAT Test in the Fall (register at school) for excellent practice for the SAT.
- CAHSEE: All students will take both the English and math sub-tests in March.
- SAT Subject Tests: Take the SAT Subject Tests (required through the Class of 2011) in Biology or Chemistry in June if you did well in any of those classes. Register on-line with the College Board at www.collegeboard.com.
- Advanced Placement (A.P.): These tests are taken in May (register at school). Students in A.P. classes prepare for these subject-oriented exams during the entire school year.
Junior Year
- PSAT: Take this test in the Fall (register at school). National Merit Scholarships are linked to this exam.
- CAHSEE: Retake either or both the English and math sub-test if not previously passed in Sophomore year.
- ACT: Take this test in April or later (register on-line with ACT at www.act.org). Test includes English, mathematics, reading, science reasoning, and writing.
- SAT Reasoning: Take this test in April or later (register on-line with College Board at www.collegeboard.com). Test includes critical reading, mathematics, and writing.
- SAT Subject Tests (required through the Class of 2011): Take in June (register on-line with College Board at www.collegeboard.com). Freshman U.C. applicants must submit scores on two SAT Subject tests in two different subject areas of the student’s choice: history/social science, English literature, mathematics, laboratory science, or language other than English. While not all colleges require the SAT Subject Tests, many competitive schools do, including the U.C. system and the Ivy leagues. Check with individual schools to determine any specific requirements.
- Advanced Placement (A.P.): These tests are taken in May (register at school). Students in A.P. classes prepare for these subject-oriented exams during the entire school year.
Senior Year
- Senior year should be left for score improvement on the SAT Reasoning test and/or ACT, and SAT Subject Tests (required through the Class of 2011). All testing should be completed in October.
- CAHSEE: Retake either or both the English and math sub-test if not previously passed in Junior year.
- IMPORTANT Note: While many schools will allow you to take up to the November and December test dates, check with the schools to which you are applying to determine their policies and deadlines.
| For all 4-year colleges, the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Test is required. For U.C. colleges and some private colleges, in addition to the above test, the SAT Subject Tests are required (through the Class of 2011). |
