Tag college testing

Should I fear the writing section of the ACT or SAT?

GP Edge Guru September 2, 2015

Edge Tip:

The essay portion of the SAT is not to be feared, nor, does it need to receive an inordinate attention in the preparation process. It only counts for 25% of the score on the SAT Writing. The bulk of the score is in multiple choice questions. These questions cover improving sentences, improving paragraphs and identifying sentence errors. It accounts for 75% of the writing score. The essay is a first draft, written in 25 minutes.

Your Edge

Update your testing schedule in Edge.

Watch a quick video on how to do this!

When you register for the ACT, register for the writing section. Set a task in GuidedPath Edge to study for the writing sections of your tests, with an emphasis on the multiple choice questions. Plan to finish all your tests by December at the latest.

General, Seniors ACT, college testing, SAT, writing section

When is the PSAT not a practice test?

GP Edge Guru September 2, 2015

Edge Tip:

Do you know the entire name of the PSAT test? It is officially the PSAT/ NMSQT test. “NMSQT” stands for “National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test”. The only time you can be considered as a National Merit Scholarship finalist is your junior year. You have to take the PSAT to even get in the running to be considered.

Taking the PSAT by grade level

Freshman year– It is your first opportunity to take a college prep standardized test. Check to see if your school allows freshmen to take the PSAT/NMSQT. The school may want you to take the new PSAT 9 in the fall or the spring.
Sophomore year– Take it more seriously- this is the last time you can take this test and not have it sent to the colleges. You may be taking the new PSAT 10 in fall or spring.
Junior year– Game time! Prepare just as you have for the SAT test. Do your best on this PSAT/NMSQT test. You will have colleges knocking at your door if you do!

Your Edge

Update your testing schedule in Edge with the PSAT for the fall. Select the green “Add a Test Not Found in the Table” button and find PSAT.

Watch the quick video on how to do this.

Check with your counselor for registration and test dates.

General, Juniors college testing, PSAT