Over the course of the school year, Sutter High School offers a variety of testing opportunities for students to measure academic achievement and vocational aptitude. Parents and students are encouraged to include the appropriate testing in their high school plans. Testing dates are avaialble at each site or in the counseling center.

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Top Ten SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips

Brought to you by the American School Counselor Association

1. Be Equipped
On the night before the test you should gather everything you'll need: the admission ticket, a valid form of photo identification, several #2 pencils, a calculator with fresh batteries (for the SAT only), a watch, and a high-energy snack.

2. Don't Cram
You've worked hard. The best thing to do the evening before the test is to get a good night's sleep. You've covered the content and you've perfected the skills. Now it's time to get in test mode -- calm, rested, confident, and ready.

3. Dress in Layers
The climate in test centers can vary from sauna-like to frigid. Be prepared for both extremes and everything in-between. You need to be comfortable to do your best.

4. Arrive Early
You may want to scope out your test location before test day to ensure that you know where you're going. Getting to the test should be the least of your concerns.

5. Don't Spend too Much Time on One Question
Each question is worth the same number of points. If a question is confusing or too time-consuming, don't lose your cool. Instead, move on to greener pastures. You can come back to hard questions if you have time at the end of a section.

6. Don't Look for Unscored Questions/Sections
The experimental section on the SAT is well-camouflaged. Sometimes the ACT contains experimental questions that are scattered throughout the sections. Do your best on every question--that way, you're covered.

7. Keep Track of Where You Are in a Section
On the SAT, obvious answer choices early in a set may be correct. Obvious choices near the end of a set are often booby traps.

8. Guess Aggressively
If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess randomly. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then make an educated guess from the remaining options. Remember, if you can eliminate even one answer choice then it pays to guess on the SAT.

9. Be Careful Filling in the Answer Grid
Make sure you're filling in answers next to the right numbers.

10. Relax
Your attitude and outlook are crucial to your test-day performance. Be confident.

Advanced Placement

A series of courses offered in high schools nationally that allow students to complete college-level courses and earn college credit while still in high school. The culminating activity in each course is the Advanced Placement Test developed by College Board and given nationally on the same dates in May.

Algebra 1 Challenge Test

The Algebra 1 “Challenge Test” will be offered June 11, 2007 in room F-9 beginning at 9:00 A.M.

Students that pass this test with 80% correct will receive a “P” and 10 credits on their high school transcript. Upon passing, students will be recommended to take a higher level math class. Students need to bring a calculator and a pencil.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) provides a wealth of vocational aptitude information to students and parents that is useful in career planning. There is no military obligation involved in taking this battery of tests.

California State STAR Testing

Each year in April and May, all students in grades 7-11 are given the California State STAR test to measure student achievement in language and math. Students are urged to make every effort to attend school on test days to avoid having to do make-up testing later. An individual student test summary will be mailed home in the fall. California is offering merit scholarships as incentives to students to do well on this test. For more information click here.

PSAT

Only given once each year in mid-October, the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) is the first step in preparing to take the SAT I and the ACT for college admission. The PSAT may be taken as early as the freshman year. However, students should have a strong background in English, Algebra, and geometry to expect college-recommending scores on the test. Juniors completing the PSAT may also qualify for National Merit Scholarship consideration and should make this test a part of their overall college-prep program.

SAT I - ACT - SAT II

Because courses and grading standards vary so widely from school to school, standardized admissions tests help colleges compare the ability of students from different high schools. The College Board SAT I: Reasoning Test and/or the American College Testing ACT assessment are required by most four-year colleges and universities as a part of the admission process for high school seniors. Most college-bound students should plan to take the SAT I and/or ACT at the end of the junior year and again in the fall of the senior year if needed. Some programs like the military academies may require earlier testing. Students should check with their prospective colleges and programs to determine which tests to take and the deadline for submitting scores. It is advised that students prepare for taking the SAT!

A growing number of colleges and specific majors at colleges are requiring prospective students to take the College Board SAT II: Subject Tests. These tests can include up to three one-hour subject area tests. The subject areas to be tested will vary according to the requirements of the particular college or major. Students should check with their prospective colleges to determine which subject area tests are required and the deadline for submitting scores.

Free... that's right... FREE SAT prep is available from the U.C. College Prep Initiative.  Select the link "Other Students" under the "Free SAT Prep" area.  All students are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable service.

SAT I and II Registration

Register online at www.collegeboard.com... use Wheatland High School code 053750.

ACT registration

Register online at www.actstudent.org... use Wheatland High School code 053750.

High School Exit Exam

Starting with the graduating class of 2005, students in the state of California must pass the High School Exit Exam (HSEE) to receive a high school diploma and graduate. (Senate Bill 2; Statutes of 1999)

For more information on the HSEE, check the Frequently Asked Questions page.