2008-09 SAT - ACT

College Info

Scholarship Info

SAT/ACT Info

Summer Opportunities

It is important to register for the SAT and ACT tests as early as possible.  Certain dates get filled up in the Evansville area.  In past years students have been assigned to a test site as far away as Jasper, Vincennes or Terre Haute.  Since the tests begin at 8:00 a.m. Saturday mornings, this is a major inconvenience. The early time is further complicated because of Evansville’s Central time vs. these cities Eastern time.   You can register on-line for either test after June 15^th.  The Counseling Office will have “hard-copies” of the application forms for mailing in the fall.

It is highly recommended that students take both the ACT and SAT as the two tests measure different strengths.  Most colleges will accept the higher of the two.  A few colleges will accept only ACT scores.  It is best to be prepared with scores from both tests.

Since the Writing Testing is automatically part of the SAT, it is advisable that students take the optional Writing Test on the ACT also.  The majority of Colleges/Universities seem to be requiring the Writing Test.  If your student is absolutely positive which college will be attended next year, he/she can check with that schools Office of Admission to ascertain what is required.

It takes three to four weeks for test scores to be available.  Colleges and Universities will not make a decision concerning admission until aptitude test scores from either ACT or SAT are available. 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE MEMORIAL’S SCHOOL CODE ( 1 5 0 9 8 0 )  ON REGISTRATIONS ON LINE OR THROUGH THE MAIL,  TO ENSURE THAT WE RECEIVE LABELS TO INCLUDE ON EACH STUDENT’S TRANSCRIPT.

Athletes:  If there is a chance you might play a sport in college, you must register with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) at the end of your Junior year.  Registration is on-line at www.ncaaclearinghouse.org .  There are two extra important steps after that: request that Memorial send your transcript to the Clearinghouse and when you take the SAT/ACT include the Clearinghouse as one of your four free choices to receive your scores.  The Clearinghouse code is 9999.  Scores must come directly from SAT/ACT headquarters.  If you don’t list the Clearinghouse as a recipient on your original test registration, you can still request scores be sent to the NCAA, but it will cost $9.50 or more.

SAT Dates (online registration available @ www.collegeboard.com) -- $43 deadlines

ACT Dates (online registration available @ www.actstudent.org) -- $30 ACT Plus Writing $44.50

PSAT/NMSQT Test Date for all sophomores and juniors: Wednesday, Wednesday, October 15, 2008.  Students do not need to formerly register. The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test will be given during the school day using two blocks.  The PSAT is important. A student’s score on this test can make him/her eligible for scholarships.  Many well-known scholarships are based on a score that meets the National Merit Semifinalist benchmark.  Informational brochures will be sent home with your student at the end of September.   

The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation along with the private schools in Evansville will host a College Fair at the University of Southern Indiana’s PAC Arena on Sunday afternoon October 5^th.  This is a great opportunity for students and parents to get information about all Indiana Schools.

Both SAT and ACT provide the Counseling Office with copies of booklets to help prepare for these important tests.  This booklet will provide information about the SAT or ACT, suggests test-taking strategies and includes a complete practice test.  Students may pick up a copy whether they register on-line or by mail.

Financial Assistance Available for Test-takers:

It is possible to obtain a waiver for both the ACT and SAT to cover the cost of taking the test up to two times.  Eligibility requirements include that students must demonstrate economic need by meeting one or more of the following indicators:

• Student’s family receives public assistance.

• Student is a ward of the state.

• Student resides in a foster home.

• Student and/or sibling(s) participate in a free or reduced-price lunch program.

• Student participates in a federally funded TRIO program such as Upward Bound, 21^st Century Scholar or other local or state programs intended to aid students who are economically disadvantaged.

• Student’s total family income is at, or below, the following maximum amounts established by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Low Standard Budget for 2008:

ACT Guidelines:

Number in Family                                         2008 Total Income Before Taxes

1                                                                         $12,100

2                                                                         $19,800

3                                                                         $27,200

4                                                                         $33,600

5                                                                         $39,600

6                                                                         $46,300

over 6                                                                  $46,300 plus $3,600 for each additional family member  

SAT guidelines are even more generous waiver policy because income guidelines are based on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service Income Eligibility Guidelines.

Number in of Members in Household                   Total Income Before Taxes 
(Including head of household)                          (in preceding calendar year)

1                                                                        $19,240

2                                                                        $25,900

3                                                                        $32,560

4                                                                        $39,220

5                                                                        $45,880

6                                                                        $52,540

over 6                                                                 $52,540 + $6,660 for each additional dependent