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Saint Thomas Academy School Code—242320—used for test registration
Colleges that require testing accept either the ACT or SAT as part of the application process. While the exam is merely one factor in most college admission review processes, it is always best to feel prepared and confident going into the exam.

Standardized Tests Timeline

9TH GRADE

  • Practice ACT
    Date: October 
    Saint Thomas Academy sponsored and required

10TH GRADE

  • Practice SAT
    Date: October 
    Saint Thomas Academy sponsored and required
    Practice for the PSAT for junior year which will determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarship
  • AP Test as appropriate
    Student responsible for registration and cost

11TH GRADE

  • PSAT/NMSQT
    Date: October 
    Saint Thomas Academy sponsored and required
    The PSAT is a two-hour test given once a year in October. Students take the PSAT, not only as preparation for the SAT but also to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
  • SAT and ACT
    www.collegeboard.com (SAT) and www.actstudent.org (ACT)
    Students are responsible for registration and cost of each test.
    Students can chose to take either the ACT or SAT. Most students choose to take the test two- three times. How often and when to take the test is an individual choice. Your College Counselor can assist with coming up with a testing plan.
  • AP Test(s) as appropriate
    Students are responsible for registration and cost.

12TH GRADE

  • SAT and ACT
    www.collegeboard.com, www.actstudent.org
    Students are responsible for registration and cost
  • AP Tests as appropriate
    Students are responsible for registration and cost
    We encourage students to take AP tests for all AP courses they enroll in.

Key differences between the ACT and the SAT:
The SAT and ACT test on the same basic material in a very similar manner, but the ACT gives you less time per problem to go through the same set of steps.

ACT Time Per Problem

English: 75 problems in 45 minutes.
Math: 60 problems in 60 minutes.
Reading: 40 problems in 35 minutes.

SAT Time Per Problem

Writing+Language: 44 problems in 35 minutes.
Reading: 52 problems in 65 minutes.
Math: 58 problems in 80 minutes.

Time management is important on the SAT, and it is EVERYTHING on the ACT.
For more information, and to register for standardized tests, go to the following websites:
ACT.org
College Board