September 2005

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

The PSAT is a two-hour preliminary version of the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) administered on campus in October. This test measures verbal and mathematical abilities. It is the qualifying examination (for U.S. grade 11 students only) for the National Merit Scholarship Program. All grade 10 and grade 11 students take this test.

For further information, please visit the PSAT website: http://www.collegeboard.org/psat/student/html/indx001.html

The New SAT  

The SAT has changed.  The new version is more closely aligned with current curriculum and practices in high schools and colleges. The SAT traditionally looked at verbal and mathematics and reasoning skills, and it now contains a new section that tests writing ability.  

The SAT I is a three-hour examination given seven times each year. Scores range from 200-800, and new SAT scores will remain equivalent to former tests. Students take it at Prince Edward School in Harare . Harare International School is not a test center for the SAT and does not administer the test.  Students may bring a calculator and snacks to the test.  Identification is also required.

Students are responsible for registering for the SAT I. Harare International School cannot register students. Only students (or their parents) may register. There are three ways to register:

·      Online: at www.collegeboard.com  Recommended for all students.

·      By phone: Students may re-register (register for a second or third SAT) by phone at 1-800-728-7267 (1-800-SAT-SCORE) for an additional $10 fee

·      By mail: Use the form provided in the SAT Registration Booklet (This is not recommended for students attending school overseas.)  

How many times should a student take the SAT? Most students take the SAT  in May and/or June of the junior year and again in October and/or November of the senior year. If needed, students may take it again in during the first semester of the senior year. For example, HIS students might want to take the SAT I in May, the SAT II in June, and retake the SAT I in October.  HIS students must use the Early or International deadlines for registering for the SAT.  

Note:  Most students register online at collegeboard.com to take the SAT.  This type of registration requires an American credit card.  Individuals who do not have a U.S. credit card may see the HIS business office for assistance.  It is important to register early for the SAT, as Internet problems and credit card refusals sometime delay registration.  

The New SAT  

The class of 2006 is the first class to take the new SAT for college admissions.

What Will Change?

Why Is the SAT Changing?

The SAT assesses student reasoning based on knowledge and skills developed by the student in school coursework. By including a third measure of skills -- writing, the new SAT will help colleges make better admissions and placement decisions. In that way, the new SAT will reinforce the importance of writing throughout a student's education.

Educational Testing Service and College Board studies indicate that more than three tests tend to fall in a very predictable range and that there is usually no advantage to keep taking the test. Remember that ETS policy is that when one SAT test score is reported, they are all reported to colleges.

Use of approved calculators is allowed on the mathematics sections of the SAT I.

 SAT II: Subject Tests

The SAT II Subject Tests are one-hour exams that measure knowledge and skill in particular subject areas. Students may take up to three tests on the same test date but may not take the SAT I and SAT II on the same date. There are 22 SAT II exams offered six times a year.

Many colleges require one to three SAT II exams. Because there is so much variation regarding what exams different colleges require, it is very difficult to give general advice as to which exams should be taken. It is the student's responsibility to check the requirements of each college. Students who have questions about which tests to take may speak with the HIS counselor.

Since most colleges that request or require SAT II exams require the Writing exam, it is recommended that students take it in May or June of the junior year. Students completing physics or chemistry in 10`^h or 11'^h grades with grades of B or better may want to consider taking the corresponding SAT II exam at the end of that academic year (June).

Students who wish to purchase materials to study for the New SAT may do so locally from the U.S. Office of Public Affairs in Harare .  The Office of Public Affairs is located at 38 Nelson Mandela Avenue , (corner of Angwa Street and Century House East) first floor. Ask for Mrs. Rebecca Zeigler Mano or her assistant, Mr. Muchenje, who is known as Tap. Telephone: 758800 /1, ext. 226 (Mrs. Zeigler Mano),  or ext. 221 (Mr. Muchenje.

Tests Of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Students whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL exam for entrance into U.S. colleges and universities TOEFL exams evaluate the written and aural English proficiency of students . TOEFL exams are now computer based and administered by a private corporation. The exam is administered off-campus and appointments can be made to take the exams by registering with the TOEFL office. Do know it sometimes takes two months to obtain an appointment to take the test.

For further information on the TOEFL exam and registration procedures, please contact: www.toefl.org/index.html

ACER/ISA achievement tests

From 2005-2006, students in Grades 3,5,7 and 9 will annually sit the ACER/ISA (Australian Council of Educational Research/International Schools Assessment) achievement tests.  These tests address achievement in reading, writing and mathematics.

International Baccalaureate examinations

IB external examinations are scheduled for students who complete a full two-year IB course and are thus taken in their senior year. All exams will be administered at HIS. To see the IB schedule for May 2006, please go to: May 2006 Exam Schedule(pdf)

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