Post-Secondary Planning Guide
Download a PDF of the Post-Secondary Guide
A Look at Your Post-Secondary Options
 
Tips on . . .
Taking a Break After High School
 
The College Search
 
College Entrance Examinations & SATs
  SAT II Tests
  ACT,AP & TOEFL
  Registration, Scores
  SAT Prep Courses
  Students with Disabilities
  Student Athletes
 

Student Artists

  ROTC
 
The College Application Process
 
Financial Aid: Sources and Programs
 
Second Semester Senior Year Issues
 
The Wait List
 
Vocabulary
 
Rights and Responsibilities
 
Policy of Non-Discrimination
 

 

Testing . . .

College Entrance Examinations
Many of you have already taken the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Other tests you are likely to take are the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests. All of these tests are published by the College Board in Princeton, NJ. Some of you will also choose to take the ACT from the American College Testing Program which is the competitor to the College Board. If you feel you need additional preparation for the SAT, there are courses offered after school designed to help you. Check in the Main Office to see when these courses are scheduled. Other preparation courses are offered outside of Lexington High School.
 
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT is made up of three sections, critical reading, math, and writing, including nine subsections. The critical reading questions measure your ability to understand and analyze what you read and understand word meaning in context. The mathematical questions measure your ability to solve problems involving algebra functions, geometry and measurement, number and operations, data analysis, statistics, and probability. Calculator use is permitted and there are some questions that do not include multiple answer choices. The writing section tests your ability to use standard written English, identify sentence errors, and write an essay and develop a point of view. In the SAT test there is also one 30 minute equating section of verbal and math that does not count towards your score. SAT scores are to be used, together with your high school record and other information about your academic and personal background, in making decisions about your readiness to undertake successfully study at different colleges and universities. A detailed description of the SAT and a complete sample test and answer key are included in “Taking the SAT” which is available in all Guidance areas.

The SAT is a three-hour-and forty-five-minute test. However, there are several breaks between sections, during which you are welcome to eat or drink any snacks you have brought.
 
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II: Subject tests) measure knowledge and skill in particular subject areas. A booklet, “Taking the SAT Subject Test,” available in all Guidance areas describes the various tests. Since these tests measure what you have already learned in a given subject, it is best for students to take them as late as possible in the year. When you register for the Subject Tests you will be asked to indicate which specific Subject Test you plan to take on the test date you select. You make take one, two or three tests on any given test date; your testing fee will vary accordingly. Your selections at the time of registration are not binding; you may change your mind on the day of the test and select from any of the Subject Tests offered on that day.
Return to Guidance Home Page