1560 N. Minnewawa Ave. Clovis, CA 93619 | (559) 327-3000

Buchanan High

Part of the Clovis Unified School District

Testing

A note about college entrance exams ...

In recent years, the California State University (CSU) & University of California systems have removed the requirement of taking an SAT/ACT in order to be accepted for admission. Students looking to apply to colleges in these systems do not need to take one of these tests in order to be accepted. The admission departments have also stated that they will not look at scores even if a student submits them with their applications.

While these California school systems have made this decision, private universities (including those in California) and colleges and universities outside of California have varying requirements. We encourage students and families to check the admission requirements for each school to see what the requirement for the SAT/ACT is.

PSAT

The PSAT/NMSQT - which includes a Reading Test, a Writing and Language Test, and a Math Test - is administered at Buchanan High School in mid-October each year. Students in the 11th grade are eligible to take this exam in preparation for the SAT. This test provides an excellent opportunity to participate in a National testing program, and can be an effective diagnostic tool. There is no passing score for this test.

The benefits of taking the PSAT Test are:

A practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test;
An avenue for connecting students to colleges and scholarship organizations;
A comprehensive report with information about every question – including correct answers, student responses, and difficulty level, along with student’s own test booklet.

SAT

Buchanan High School Code: 050618

The SAT tests the reading, writing and math skills that are critical for success in college and beyond. The SAT also provides the opportunity for you to connect to scholarship opportunities, place out of certain college courses, and learn more about your academic strengths.

Students that are thinking about going to a private or an out-of-state four-year college should consider taking the SAT during the spring of their junior year and again during the fall of their senior year. Most colleges require students to take the SAT no later than the December test date.

New! Official SAT test practice is available through Khan Academy. Practice anytime, anywhere, at no cost.

ACT

Buchanan High School Code: 050618

The ACT is accepted by all 4-year colleges and universities in the United States. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. The test questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Every day you attend class you are preparing for the ACT. The harder you work in school, the more prepared you will be for the test.

Four year college-bound students should take the ACT during the spring of their junior year and again during the fall of their senior year. Most colleges require students to take the ACT or SAT no later than the December test date.

Advanced Placement Testing (AP)

AP exams are taken each year during the month of May. Exams are scored on a 5 point scale and most colleges and universities award college credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5. The amount and type of credit varies by institution. Students who are in need of special accommodations must notify their teacher and AP Coordinator upon enrollment in the course.

Buchanan High

Testing

A note about college entrance exams ...

PSAT

SAT

ACT

Advanced Placement Testing (AP)

Resources

Links