PSAT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 are not considered for entry.
FHS students are given the opportunity to take the PSAT during both their 10th and 11th grade years during school hours on a Wednesday in mid-October, at no cost to the student. Since PSAT tests have to be ordered by the testing coordinator over the summer, students who are interested in taking the PSAT need to make sure they fill out the Fall Testing Registration Form sent out by the testing coordinator in the spring prior to the testing school year, and select PSAT.
To take the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 with accommodations, students with documented disabilities must return a Parent Consent Form that will be mailed home from the school. Since the deadline for submitting all documentation is in late August, the process for requesting accommodations should start in the spring of the previous school year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ACT
The ACT is considered an achievement test, which means that it directly tests what you have learned in high school. The ACT tests knowledge in English, Math, Reading, and Science. The Writing portion of the ACT test is optional. Please contact the college(s) of choice if you have questions about whether or not you should register for ACT Plus Writing. For additional information and on-line registration, go to www.actstudent.org.
11th graders at FHS are given an opportunity to take the ACT, during school hours, at no cost to the student. Juniors will have an opportunity to send their scores to up to four colleges, and will NOT need to register online for this test, as the pre-registration will also be completed during school hours. This is a real ACT test, so please take it seriously, and take the time to prepare!
SAT
The SAT is considered an aptitude test, and measures reasoning and verbal abilities. The SAT tests knowledge in English and Math. For additional information and on-line registration, go to www.collegeboard.com.
Both tests are open to any college-bound student and are offered approximately six times during the school year. It is recommended that college-bound seniors register to take the ACT and/or SAT early this school year. Students are allowed to take these tests numerous times and colleges will look at the best scores. When registering for the ACT and/or SAT, you may also want to be aware of the application deadlines of the colleges you are applying to.
Fairfield High School's CEEB code for both ACT and SAT is 362465.
Signing up is easily completed online and credit cards are accepted for payment. Both tests charge a fee and require advance registration. Remember, the earlier you register, the more likely you will be able to get your first choice location for your test date. Registration information is also available in the Guidance Department.
Be sure to take your ID AND ADMISSION TICKET with you to the test!!! Security procedures are very strict and you will not be able to test without them.
Please visit the guidance office for ACT prep materials or see your counselor if you have any questions.
ACT/SAT Test Prep
Both the SAT and the ACT websites offer free practice tests through their online websites. Take advantage of this free resource to help make the actual test more familiar to you. The following links below offer additional ACT and/or SAT test preparation: