College-Admission-Testing

 

Early Assessment Program (EAP)

 

Each spring, all 11th-grade students take the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English Language Arts and mathematics. These assessments also serve as an indicator of readiness for college-level coursework in English and mathematics as part of the Early Assessment Program (EAP). Results are used by the California State University (CSU) and participating California Community Colleges to determine college readiness.

The EAP was developed by the CSU System to:

• Give high school students an early signal about their college readiness and adequate time in their senior year to prepare before entering college
• Make the senior year a time for more direct and specific preparation for college
• Exempt CSU-ready students from taking the CSU placement tests or the SAT/ACT, reducing testing time and expense

All 11th-grade students participate in EAP, but must authorize the release of their test scores to the CSU and Community College System. Scores do not affect a student's application for admission; they are only used to determine placement after admission.

Students will find their EAP status reported on the front of the Student Score Report. There are four possible EAP status levels:

1. Ready
   Students who score at the highest performance level (4) are considered ready for college-level coursework in ELA or math and are exempt from taking the CSU English Placement Test (EPT) and/or the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam.
2. Conditionally Ready
   Students who score at the "standard met" level (3) are considered conditionally ready for college-level ELA or math and are exempt from taking the EPT and/or ELM exam, but must complete an approved ELA and/or math class in their senior year and earn a grade of C or better.
3. Not Yet Ready
   Students who score at the "standard nearly met" level (2) must complete an approved ELA and/or math class in their senior year and then take the EPT and ELM before they will be scheduled for classes at a CSU.
4. Not Ready
   Students who score at the "Standard Not Met" level (1) are considered not ready for English and/or mathematics college-level coursework. They will need substantial improvement to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for success in entry-level credit-bearing college coursework after high school, and will be required to take the EPT and/or ELM exam unless they meet the exemption criteria through another pathway.

California State University System

Effective August 2, 2017, the California State University Office of the Chancellor Executive Order 1110 (EO-1110.pdf) provides for the broadest use of multiple measures for skills assessments and course placement recommendations into general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses, commonly described as "college-level English and mathematics." These additional multiple measures will supplement information currently determined by students' Smarter Balanced/EAP (CAASPP/EAP) Achievement Levels, SAT scores, and/or ACT scores. The CSU Placement Tests—English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM)—will no longer be offered or used.

This policy applies to all first-time freshmen who enter the CSU for fall 2018 (current senior class) and subsequent terms. The expansion of multiple measures beyond the current systemwide standards is being developed and will be released soon.

Please remember:

• CAASPP/EAP results will continue to be accepted for placement into English and mathematics courses at all 23 CSU campuses and over 95 California Community Colleges.
• Juniors: The CAASPP/EAP is important—prepare and take the test seriously.
• Incoming Seniors: Check your CAASPP/EAP results and ensure you successfully complete the appropriate courses in preparation for college.

University of California

The Entry Level Writing Requirement (ELWR) must be satisfied either before beginning courses on a UC campus or during the first three quarters (or two semesters) of enrollment. Check with your campus if you have questions about the ELWR time limit. For more information, visit: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/elwr/

At UC campuses, math placement tests—often called Math Placement Exams (MPE) or Math Placement Assessments (MPA)—are used to determine the appropriate level of math coursework, especially for students planning to enroll in Calculus. These tests help ensure students are placed in courses where they can succeed.

Students should check with their specific UC campus and major for math placement assessment requirements.

ACT College Entrance Exam

The ACT^® test is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam, accepted and valued by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning. The ACT contains multiple-choice tests in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The writing test is optional and will not affect a student’s composite score.

Cost: $65 without writing, $90 with writing. Fee waivers are available for eligible students—see your Career Center for more information.

Accommodations: Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may be eligible for testing accommodations. Each request must be approved by ACT well in advance of the exam date. For more information, see your Case Carrier or Guidance Coordinator.

ACT 2025-2026 Testing Schedule (More Info)

ACT Test Options and Prices (through July 2025)

Fee Waiver Information

To apply for the ACT fee waiver program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in high school in the 11th or 12th grade.
• Be testing in the United States, US territories, or Puerto Rico.
• Student must meet one or more of the indicators of economic need:
  • Check with your school counselor to see if you are eligible to apply.
  • Once approved, you can receive up to four fee waivers for the ACT test and free learning resources.
  • When you register for the ACT, use your ACT fee waiver code.

SAT College Admission Test

The SAT is a widely recognized college admission test that assesses students in reading, writing & language, and mathematics. There is also an optional essay component.

Cost: $52 without essay, $68 with essay.
Subject Test Fees: $26 registration plus $22 per additional test, or $25 per Language Test with Listening.
Fee waivers are available for eligible students—see your Career Center for more information.

Accommodations: Students with an IEP or 504 Plan may be eligible for testing accommodations. Each request needs to be approved by SAT well in advance of the exam date. For more information, see your Case Carrier or Guidance Coordinator.

August 2025–June 2026 SAT Test Dates (All Dates & Deadlines)

PSAT (Preliminary SAT)

The PSAT is the official practice test for the SAT and helps students prepare for college admission testing. There are three versions of the PSAT, each designed for different grade levels:

• PSAT 8/9: For students in grades 8 and 9
• PSAT 10: For students in grade 10, typically taken in the spring
• PSAT/NMSQT: For students in grade 11 (or grade 10), typically taken in the fall

Each high school will offer the PSAT in October 2025. More information is available through your school’s College and Career Center. The cost is $20. Reach out to your counselor to learn more.