Testing for College Entrance

The first step in applying for post-secondary training often involves taking the appropriate entrance examinations. Peninsula College requires the ASSET test for admission for Running Start students. 

The following is a list of exams most often needed by students going directly from high school to four-year colleges.

1. Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This test will be given the third Saturday in October in the high school library. This test has two main purposes: A) Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is the first step for Juniors to enter the scholarship programs administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. B) It is a good practice test for the SAT.

2. Scholastic Aptitude Test I (SAT I). This test or the ACT is generally required for admission to four-year colleges. The SAT is offered five times throughout the school year. The testing center is Port Angeles High School. It usually is taken toward the end of your junior year. Many take it more than once. Registration forms are available in the Guidance Center.

3. SAT II Achievement Tests. Some colleges require that their candidates for admission take special achievement exams in one or more subjects, such as: English, math, U.S. History, second language, biology, chemistry, physics and world history. The colleges requiring these tests will say so in their catalogs. Registration forms are available in the Guidance Center. The testing center is Port Angeles High School. 

4. American College Test (ACT). A few colleges require this test instead of the SAT. It covers English usage, math, social studies, reading and science. Registration forms are available in the Guidance Center. The closest testing centers are Peninsula College and Sequim High School.