Testing

See below for descriptions of all standardized pre-college tests. For dates and registration links, please see the College Advising Calendar. (PLAN and PSAT registration is automatic and paid by Bear Creek for all current students.)

PLAN

Pre-ACT test given in fall of the sophomore year.  Gives a rough indication of how well students will do in the ACT and acts as a career guidance tool. 

PSAT

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (College Board). Given in October to all Bear Creek juniors and most sophomores. Similar to the SAT, the PSAT is useful as an indicator of SAT scores and/or test practice. The basis of some merit scholarships and scores from the junior year PSAT will potentially qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT can also be a source of some college mailings.

SAT I

Scholastic Assessment Test: Reasoning Test (College Board). Since March 2005, the old SAT 1 has been replaced by a revised SAT.  Longer than the old SAT, this new SAT covers three areas: critical reading, math, and writing.  The critical reading section (70 minutes) tests students' ability to read and comprehend passages and complete sentences.  The math section (70 minutes) includes multiple choice questions/student-generated responses on Algebra I/II, arithmetic, and geometry.  The new writing section (60 minutes) tests students' ability to write a short essay and correctly use standard written English.  There is also a 25-minute unscored section.  Altogether the new SAT lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes.  The test is usually offered on seven occasions through the year.

SAT Registration

SAT II

Scholastic Assessment Test: Subject Tests (College Board). One-hour tests measuring knowledge or skills in a particular subject and ability to apply that knowledge. Up to three tests may be taken on one test date. Many selective colleges require up to three tests, and some will require specific tests for everyone, such as Writing, or specific ones for students applying for certain majors. Students may not take SAT subject tests on the same day they take a SAT I. Check admission requirements at your prospective schools for SAT II requirements.

SAT II/Subject Tests Registration

Alternatively, you can click here for a link containing the SAT II policies of several colleges and Universities. Please note that this link is not maintained by Bear Creek and the information is subject to change.

ACT

American College Testing Assessment (ACT). Includes tests in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.  Four sub scores plus a composite average score are reported.  There is also an optional writing component.  Many schools accept ACT in lieu of the SAT.  For many colleges in the South and Midwest, it is the test used by the majority of applicants.  Nearly all colleges which generally use the ACT will also accept the SAT.  However, if you are applying to a large public university or a service academy which use cutoffs for eligibility, it is in your interest to take the ACT in case your score is higher. Unlike the SAT, there is no penalty for guessing on the ACT, so you should be sure to answer each question. 

ACT Registration 

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement Tests (College Board). Typically APs are three-hour examinations based on full-year college level courses in high school. They are given once a year in May and are used for both college credit and placement. Some colleges accept a score of “3”; many others require a “4”, and most vary by department. Consult your particular college when evaluating your AP credit.

See the Advanced Placement section on the Bear Creek Upper School webpages for detailed course information.

AP Courses offered at The Bear Creek School (during general academic year taken):