Standardized Testing

Standardized tests are used by colleges and universities to judge an applicant’s “college-readiness”, or mastery of certain concepts. The ACT and SAT are required for students applying to 4-year colleges or universities, such as Averett University or Virginia Tech. A lesser known standardized test, the Virginia Placement Test (VPT), is used by all Virginia communities colleges for student placement in math and English courses.

 
The following chart draws some comparisons and differences between the ACT, SAT, and VPT.

Table1 (1)

 

How to Register:

For the SAT and ACT, the registration deadline is about a month before the actual test date. After the registration deadline has passed, any attempt to register for a test will require the payment of a late fee. Payment for either test requires a credit card, unless the student qualifies for a fee waiver. Student should discuss fee waiver qualifications with their counselor or college adviser.

 

A student may register for the SAT or ACT on their own, with their counselor, or with their college adviser. Both registration processes require a valid and accessible email address to create an SAT or ACT student account.

 

SAT- collegeboard.org

*Click “Sign Up” if you do not already have a College Board account.

ACT- actstudent.org

*Click “Registration” and then “Register Now” to register for the ACT.

 

Taking the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) is a bit different. There is no registration process for taking the VPT. In order to take the VPT, a student must complete and submit a community college application.

Central Virginia Community College: http://cvcc.vccs.edu/

Danville Community College: http://www.dcc.vccs.edu/

 

Upon completion of the application, a student must activate their student account using their username, password, and SIS ID given to them at the end of the online application process.

Central Virginia Community College: MyCVCC

Danville Community College: MyDCC

 

The student then contacts the Admissions Office to set up a day and time for them to take the VPT on the campus.

Central Virginia Community College: (434)832-7800

Danville Community College: (434) 797-8460 or admissions@dcc.vccs.edu

 

Study Tips:

Many times a student only has a handful of opportunities to take the SAT, ACT, or VPT. It is important to make the most out of each time you sit down to take either test.

The following are free study resources:

SAT:

  • Free App for studying on the go: Daily Practice for the New SAT
  • Online SAT practice: khanacademy.org
  • Free test booklets located in Guidance or with your college adviser

ACT:

  • Free test booklets located in Guidance or with your college adviser
  • ACT Online Prep*
  • ACT Kaplan Online Prep Live*

*free to those who qualify for a fee waiver

VPT: