Testing
SAT & ACT Information
Please visit College Board for up-to-date testing information and dates.
Please visit ACT for up-to-date testing information and dates.
SAT
The SAT test is used by colleges as one of the assessment factors in the admission-selection process. It is a test offered by the College Board. SAT includes a Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, and a Math Test. The SAT has an optional essay component, which some colleges will require (UC’s). SAT questions focus on skills that matter most for college readiness and success, according to the latest research. The test is approximately 3 hours + 50 minutes with the essay. There is a composite score range of 400-1600. All U.S colleges accept the SAT and there is no penalty for wrong answers.
Not all colleges require SAT Subject Test scores as part of their admission assessment. Make sure to check individual college requirements. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your strengths and interests. There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Each Subject
Test is an hour long. They are all multiple-choice and scored on a 200–800 scale. Subject Tests measures you on your knowledge of subjects on a high school level. The best way to prepare is to take the relevant courses and work hard in them.
ACT
The ACT test is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. There are four ACT sections: English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. The ACT also includes an optional 40-minute Writing Test. Some colleges may require that you complete the ACT Writing Test (UC’s). You can confirm each college's admissions policies on the school website. The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long. Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. our composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the ACT with Writing Test, you will receive a separate score on the Writing Test. All U.S Colleges accept the ACT and there is no penalty for guessing on answers.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you
determine which test is a better fit. *Most high school students take the ACT, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. Community College admission does not require taking admission testing, placement in classes is based on high school transcripts.
Accommodations - Students with Disabilities:
Students with documented disabilities may be granted accommodations. Talk to your school counselor before test date for approval
Fee Waivers:
Eligible students who demonstrate financial need can receive up to two fee waivers for the SAT, up to two waivers for the SAT Subject Tests, and two waivers for the ACT. See your School Counselor for waivers.
AP Exam Purchasing Instructions
Step 1: Begin the process by registering at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/051974. Any exam fees will be paid online so be sure to have a debit card or credit card available before beginning registration.
Step 2: Use the join codes provided at the completion of step one to enroll in your AP courses and opt in to take the exams in the College Board's system at myap.collegeboard.org.
CAASPP Testing Information
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, is the academic testing program for the state of California. CAASPP is a system intended to provide information that can be used to monitor student progress and ensure that all students leave high school ready for college and career. The CAASPP includes computer adaptive tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and the California Science Test (CAST).
CAASPP testing is the current indicator for school performance and progress. The results of these tests will assess our current English, Mathematics, and Science academic programs. El Toro High School wants to maintain its reputation as a high performing school within the community. Participation rate counts! If we do not reach the minimum percentage of participation (95%) our total school score is reduced.
The CAASPP and CAST are important assessments that inform policy, funding, and ratings for El Toro High School, and determine college and career readiness for students, including proper placement in classes for community college and Cal State University schools. For further information regarding the importance of the CAASPP and CAST assessments, please view the attached document, Top 10 Reasons El Toro Students MUST take the CAASPP. Top 10 Reasons for CAASPP
Only 11th grade students will be participating in the following assessments:
- California Science Test (CAST)
- California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessments in English and Math
Testing is scheduled for the following dates:
TBD – CAASPP – Mathematics CAT (11th grade)
TBD – CAASPP – Mathematics Performance Task (11th grade)
TBD – CAASPP – ELA CAT (11th grade)
TBD – CAASPP – ELA Performance Task (11th grade)
TBD – CAST (11th grade)
Make up exams are scheduled for the following dates:
TBD – CAASPP Mathematics – Regular Bell Schedule
TBD – CAASPP Mathematics – Regular Bell Schedule
TBD – CAASPP Mathematics, ELA & CAST – Regular Bell Schedule
All assessments will be administered on a Chromebook computer in a classroom. There is a Special Bell Schedule for each of the testing days. Please view the attached document for the Special Bell Schedule.
How can you help your child prepare for these assessments?
- Investigate the format of the test by visiting the CAASPP website
- Ensure your child is familiar with the types of questions they will see as well as the mechanics of the computer-based assessment by visiting the CAASPP Online Practice and Training page
- Ensure that your child is as rested as possible in order to perform well on the assessment.
- Ensure that your child has something to eat before they come to school for testing.
Please note: Students will need to use earbuds/headphones for portions of the test. Any type of earbuds/headphones that are used for mp3 music players, smartphones, or other devices that have a headphone input are acceptable. The school will have a small reserve on hand, but students should try to secure their own set of earbuds/headphones that can be used for the computer-based testing portion of the assessment.
Thank you for your continued support of El Toro High School!