Test Information For McLean HS
Testing Information
Now that the writing test has become a reality for both the ACT and SAT, it is important to know that there are clear differences between the two. The ACT offers an optional Writing Test that is only taken if a student intends to apply to a college requiring it. With the SAT, it is mandatory – always. What should juniors be advised to do? Go to www.actstudent.org and click on “Writing Test Option.” To view a college’s decision about the writing portion, click on “What Colleges Have Decided About the Writing Test.”
Test Dates
PSAT/NMSQT® (Sophomores and Juniors will take this at McLean HS during school hours in October)
ACT EXPLORE® (Freshman will take this during school hours in October)
ACT®
SAT® Reasoning and SUBJECT TESTS
CONCORDANCE TABLE (Comparison table of ACT and SAT test results)
TOEFL®Test of English as a Foreign LanguageTM
Test Preparation
Fairfax County Public Schools offers SAT preparation and other enrichment courses for secondary school students at several area schools (including McLean). For more information, visit the website. For more information about the classes, call 703-658-1202 Monday through Friday, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.
Test Hints
How’s Your Student's Penmanship?
If your student is going to practice writing essays for the ACT or the SAT, they should not practice on the computer. They will be hand writing the essays. If they practice on the computer, they will not get an accurate idea of timing. It will probably take them longer to hand write the essay than it would if it were done on the computer as most people type faster than they can write.
Advice from the College Board
Click here to view tips from the College Board that can help your student to do their best on test day.
Looking for Colleges which are Test Optional?
FairTest is the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, lists over 700 colleges and universities which do not require standardized testing for admission.
AP and SAT are registered trademarks of the College Board and PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT and ACT Explore are registered trademarks of ACT.