South Western High School

A Tradition of Excellence

Close attention should be paid to the testing requirements of every college that a student is considering applying to. Some colleges require test scores, others make it optional, while others are not looking at any test scores from any student, even if they are sent. Be sure to check the website or contact admissions officials at each college for clarification. Students are encouraged to participate in the PSAT opportunities in 10th and 11th grade, complete free practice on the Khan Academy and also consider the ACT online practice test when determining which exam best suits them.

PSAT (10th grade and/or 11th grade)

The PSAT is a practice exam for students planning to take the SAT. The PSAT requires a small fee and is given during the school day. Registration is through the Counseling Office. The 10th grade PSAT is offered in the Spring semester and the 11th grade test is offered in the Fall. The 11th grade PSAT also serves as an entry into the National merit scholarship contest.  Information on how to register will be shared via the Sapphire Community Portal to all juniors.

Following the exam, students receive an extensive score report and access to free, personalized online test prep materials. We recommend that all college-bound students take the PSAT in both 10th and 11th grade.

Link for Google Indexing of files

SAT (usually 11th grade)

The SAT is a college admissions test. The SAT is scored out of 1600 points and contains two required sections - Math and Evidenced Based Reading and Writing - plus an optional essay. The exam is given six times a year on a Saturday morning. Registration is completed online via the College Board website www.mysat.org.

There is a fee, however, students who receive free and reduced lunch are eligible for fee waivers. If you have free/reduced lunch prices and wish to register for the SAT, contact your counselor for a fee waiver code.

Students may take the SAT whenever suits them best based on their academic experience. It is helpful to consult with your school counselor, teachers and parents when determining when to take the SAT.

More information on the SATs: Will be available soon.

SAT Prep courses with PSU YORK - SPRING 2023

ACT (usually 11th grade) 

The ACT is a different kind of college admissions tests. Most colleges will accept either the ACT or the SAT. The ACT has sections on Reading, Math, Science, and option essay. It is offered on various Saturday mornings throughout the year. Registration is online at the ACT website.

There is a fee, however, students who receive free and reduced lunch are eligible for fee waivers. Contact your counselor for a fee wavier if you are eligible.

For those students that opt to take the ACT, they usually take their first attempt in the Junior year.

For more on how to register, when to take the test, & cost information: ACT - Information & 8 Things to Know about the ACT. 

For Test Center information: ACT Test Centers & Dates