ACT, SAT, PSAT, and AP Information

Often, the first question about the ACT and SAT counselors are asked is "Do I need to take both the ACT and the SAT?" or "Which test should I take?"  The answer to the first is, no, you don't need to take both because colleges accept either one; however, we might suggest that you take both because you might do better on one than the other. 

The answer to the second question is a bit more complicated, depending on the individual.  Both the ACT and SAT measure the knowledge and academic skills you have gained in high school, and both ask you to demonstrate your problem solving and critical thinking skills; the difference lies in the format and content of the test.  Based on the following data (SY 2016-2017), we often recommend that students take the ACT if they choose to only take one test.  Ironwood Ridge students are doing exceptionally well on the ACT!

SAT Average Scores for Ironwood Ridge 2018-2019 (164 students tested)

    ERW: 574

    Math: 577

    (Arizona ERW: 577, Math: 572)

ACT Average Scores for Ironwood Ridge 2018-2019 (505 students tested)

    Composite average: 21.5

    (Arizona Composite: 19.5)

Resources for both tests can be found on their respective websites and there are other books available for purchase or online. 

www.act.org                 www.collegeboard.org

Here's a page from The Princeton Review that details the differences between the tests to help you decide which test is right for you.

PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is offered to Juniors and Sophomores through the College Board.  Per the College Board, "the PSAT/NMSQT measures the knowledge and skills you've developed in reading, writing and language, and math."  For more information on the PSAT go to https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10?navid=bf-psat. 

While Sophomores are encouraged to take the exam as a preview and practice for the SAT, only the test taken during Junior year will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship (NMSQT).  Current practice tests and sample questions can be found online at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice/full-length-practice-test and students are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the test through these options.

**UPDATE** IRHS will be offering the PSAT/NMSQT here on campus starting at 9am on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, for juniors and sophomores who register.  Juniors can register at the IRHS bookstore for $25 starting on Monday, September 13th.  Sophomores can register for $25 through the IRHS bookstore starting on Thursday, September 30th.  There are a limited quantity of exams available and sold on a first come first serve basis.  Get to the bookstore ASAP to get your PSAT test. 

The last date to purchase a test (unless sold out sooner) is Friday, October 22nd.  Please see Ms. Amonson or a school counselor if you have any questions.

SAT Subject Tests

The SAT Subject Tests are just that, tests in specific subject areas.  They used to be called the SAT IIs, but for clarification purposes, are now the Subject tests.  More information can be found at https://sat.collegeboard.org/about-tests/sat-subject-tests.

These are only required by a select group of colleges, so check the website for the colleges you are considering applying to and make sure you know the requirements! 

Advanced Placement tests vs. College Level Examination Program (CLEP), what's the difference?  Both tests offer opportunities for students to earn college credit, but the AP program offers a wider variety of tests that are given at the end of a rigorous, college level course taken in high school.  CLEP is more widely used by adults returning to school and trying to gain credit for experience they gained in the work force.

Check out Synonym's website for more information and further explanations.

IRHS AP Letter and Registration Deadlines, as of Sept.2020.

IRHS 2021 AP Exam Schedule - detailed schedule of dates and times each AP exam is set to take place.