Testing and Test Preparation
The guidance department has a database for student use, that provides excellent test preparation resources. Parents and students alike are encouraged to check out the Gale/Cengage database and all that it has to offer. Test preparation materials are from Barron’s publications. These full edition online books, provide practice exercises, helpful tips in test taking, and detailed guidelines about how to study for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and more. In addition to the online books, this site offers each student access to three full-length, timed, practice tests with automatic scoring features. You can take the SAT in the privacy of your own home, receive instant feedback, and know what areas you should concentrate on in your studies. You must register your information to take the practice tests, which are available for a 90-day period. After that time, you may register again and have access to the tests for another 90-day period.

The test prep materials are updated periodically to ensure that students have access to the most up-to-date information available.

What are the SAT and the SATII?
The SAT test is meant to measure the knowledge that a student has acquired during his or her tenure in high school. Tests in critical reading, writing, and math are the focus of this test. Many colleges and universities place high importance on the SAT test and high scores. As entrance to colleges for international students is highly competitive, SAT scores are also becoming highly competitive. The maximum score a student may earn in any of the three tests is 800. You can view our school profile to see how ICS students perform on the SAT tests. Preparing in advance is a good idea for all students as it will make the test more approachable when it comes time to take it.

ICS prepares its students for SAT testing in a few ways.
The classes that students take are taught with an American curriculum, so the types of passages read and wording of questions on the SAT will be familiar to students. Vocabulary building instruction is included in many of our English, science, and history courses to provide a broader knowledge of the English language. Our math program at ICS offers advanced courses and detailed instruction in all of the aspects of math covered on the SAT test.

ICS students may take the PSAT exam free of charge during their sophomore year and at a small fee during their junior year. This test is designed to help students identify areas of academic strength and weakness.  Students also receive access to college and career planning advice through the College Board when they take the PSAT.

ICS offers a crash course in SAT preparation during the first six weeks of the school year for all students enrolled in the College Prep class. This course, offered by the guidance department, allows students the opportunity to review Princeton Review principles and well and Barron’s test prep. Focusing on vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension, students are given one last boost to prepare for the October SAT test dates.

The guidance department sends out mini “assignments” for students by graduating class that encourage them to prepare and register for tests as the dates approach. You can also check the guidance calendar to access these important dates and mini “assignments.”

ICS has purchased the Gale/Cengage database for student use both at school and at home. This database provides up-to-date test preparation materials as well as three full-length online versions of the SAT. 

Students planning to take the SAT are advised to take it once at the end of their junior year and again in October of their senior year. ICS is an official testing center for the SAT, so students may come to a familiar location for testing. This often helps to set the students at ease because they do not feel the uncertainty and anxiety that a new location adds to the testing experience. 

The SATII tests are specific to a variety of subject areas. Students may register for the SATII tests on the College Board website. College Board encouraged students to take subject tests immediately following the related coursework (i.e. take the Biology subject test in May of the year that they will complete Biology or AP Biology). The SATII tests are not required for all universities. Students are encouraged to check with the universities and the particular colleges within those universities that they wish to apply to in regards to SATII requirements. When students register for the SATII tests, they may take up to three tests in one test date. The cost for the test is the same if a student takes one test or three tests. See the College Board website for further information. 

What About TOEFL and IELTS?
The TOEFL and IELTS are tests of English language proficiency. Students whose first language is not English are often required to take one of these two tests to prove their English skills. Some universities will waive the requirement for TOEFL or IELTS scores based upon a certain score on the SAT or based upon a student’s enrollment in an English speaking international school. While waivers are sometimes made available on a case by case basis, students are encouraged to go ahead and take the test in order to avoid delays in the application process for schools that require these tests. Check with the individual universities that you plan to apply to before deciding upon taking or not taking either the TOEFL or the IELTS. More information can be found about these tests at their respective websites accessible from the guidance links page. In addition, test preparation materials for the TOEFL are available on the Gale/Cengage database.