Post-Secondary Planning

College Admissions Tests (ACT & SAT)

ACT

Juniors should plan to take the ACT through CSCS on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. This is a state required assessment so it is free and all juniors are automatically registered.

Students who would like to take the ACT an additional time will need to schedule this through ACT.org. These tests will not take place at CSCS, but there are locations within Dane County. If the testing fee is a barrier, please contact Sarah Estrella (sestrella@mcpasd.k12.wi.us) and/or Kim Gauen (kgauen@mcpasd.k12.wi.us) for information about fee waivers.

SAT

Most colleges will accept both the ACT and the SAT so make sure to check school admissions requirements before deciding whether or not to take the SAT.

The SAT is not offered at CSCS so students will need to register independently through the College Board website.

The ACT and Post-Secondary Planning

Here are several things to consider in regards to how the ACT applies to your post-secondary goals:

Hundreds of colleges/universities across the US are now either "Test Optional" or "Test Blind" so an ACT score is not required for admission

  • Test Optional - Students may choose to submit test scores but they are not required and choosing not to submit scores does not negatively impact a student's application.

  • Test Blind - The application process does not ask for test scores and colleges will not look at them even if they are provided.

Some colleges (including Madison College) will use ACT scores to help determine course level placement, even if they are test optional as part of the admissions process.

  • If you do not have an ACT score, then you will likely be required to take a placement exam.

Since CSCS does not have grades or a GPA, the ACT may become important/helpful in the following situations:

  • Scholarships - some require an ACT score and/or will use the ACT score to replace a GPA requirement

  • Course Placement - some colleges, including Madison College, will use ACT scores for course level placement

    • If you don't have any ACT scores, you will likely be asked to take a separate placement exam upon enrollment

  • A strong ACT score can help expedite the admissions process.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to the CSCS Counselor (Kim Gauen) if you have further questions.

Test Prep Resources

The most effective way to "study" for standardized tests is simply attending and engaging in your CSCS seminars and workshops! Although we cover content in a different way, the knowledge and skills you gain align with topics covered on all of the high school standardized tests.

We've gathered additional information, resources, test-taking strategies and access to online test prep in the slides below.

Test Prep Resources and Strategies

PSAT

The PSAT is an OPTIONAL standardized test that students can take in 10th and/or 11th grade. It is the qualifying exam to be considered for the National Merit Scholars program but does not impact (and is not considered as part of) the college admissions process.