college admissions testing
PSAT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). If you are a Junior, it is highly recommended that you take this exam. It is a great practice tool for the SAT and can even possibly allow you the opportunity to be classified as a National Merit Scholar where you will receive scholarship money for school.
SAT is the most recognized college admissions test. It has three components, testing students in reading, writing, and math. Most students take the SAT in their Junior or Senior year in high school with some taking it more than once (recommended to take more than once). Your SAT scores are one of the factors in determining college admissions. The other factor is grades. Both scores and grades are the best predictors for determining college success. The cost of the SAT is $60. Fee waivers are available to students who are on Free or Reduced Lunch. Students are limited to two waivers and are also eligible for college application waivers that are available in their College Board account once they have used an exam fee waiver and tested (Email Mrs. Collins-Swain with a copy of your FARMS letter for verification).
ACT is an achievement test measuring what you have learned in school. The ACT has up to five components including reading, math, science, English, and an optional writing section. The writing section is only taken if required or recommended by the college or university to which you are applying. The cost of the ACT is $68 w/o writing and $93 w/writing.
ACCUPLACER is a battery of tests that determines your knowledge and skills in math, reading, and writing. This exam is used to determine your placement in college level courses at college. Any eligible students interested in taking dual enrollment must take the Accuplacer exam. It is free to students in PGCPS. Accuplacer is administered twice each year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring for eligible students.
AP Exams are administered each May and represent the coursework taught and learned throughout the school year. There are more than 30 different exams offered, however Laurel HS offers ten AP courses, including English Language, English Literature, French Language, Spanish Language, US Government, Psychology, Modern World History, Calculus AB, and Studio Art 2D & 3D. Course offerings may vary year to year. Depending on the student's score, students may receive college credit for a course. PGCPS pays for AP exam fees (up to three exams) for students who are on free or reduced lunch. All other students must pay $95 per AP exam.
SAT is the most recognized college admissions test. It has three components, testing students in reading, writing, and math. Most students take the SAT in their Junior or Senior year in high school with some taking it more than once (recommended to take more than once). Your SAT scores are one of the factors in determining college admissions. The other factor is grades. Both scores and grades are the best predictors for determining college success. The cost of the SAT is $60. Fee waivers are available to students who are on Free or Reduced Lunch. Students are limited to two waivers and are also eligible for college application waivers that are available in their College Board account once they have used an exam fee waiver and tested (Email Mrs. Collins-Swain with a copy of your FARMS letter for verification).
ACT is an achievement test measuring what you have learned in school. The ACT has up to five components including reading, math, science, English, and an optional writing section. The writing section is only taken if required or recommended by the college or university to which you are applying. The cost of the ACT is $68 w/o writing and $93 w/writing.
ACCUPLACER is a battery of tests that determines your knowledge and skills in math, reading, and writing. This exam is used to determine your placement in college level courses at college. Any eligible students interested in taking dual enrollment must take the Accuplacer exam. It is free to students in PGCPS. Accuplacer is administered twice each year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring for eligible students.
AP Exams are administered each May and represent the coursework taught and learned throughout the school year. There are more than 30 different exams offered, however Laurel HS offers ten AP courses, including English Language, English Literature, French Language, Spanish Language, US Government, Psychology, Modern World History, Calculus AB, and Studio Art 2D & 3D. Course offerings may vary year to year. Depending on the student's score, students may receive college credit for a course. PGCPS pays for AP exam fees (up to three exams) for students who are on free or reduced lunch. All other students must pay $95 per AP exam.