1. Does Gallaudet University require entrance exams and what kind of exams do I need to take to be considered for admission?
Yes, Gallaudet requires that all applicants take an entrance exam, either the ACT or the SAT.
2. Which of the two does Gallaudet recommend that I take?
Although test scores from either the SAT or ACT will be accepted, Gallaudet encourages applicants to take the ACT. More and more colleges are encouraging the ACT rather than the SAT. In fact, only one college in the country bars the ACT. Five states have adopted the ACT as the standard public high school assessment. All students in those states must take it so there is a nationwide trend among high school schools to encourage students to take the ACT.
3. What is the difference between the ACT and SAT?
Although both tests include content-based knowledge and critical thinking questions, the ACT emphasizes content knowledge learned in school while the SAT emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving skills. Many admissions officers and educators believe the ACT is a better assessment for testing students'"core curriculum" knowledge taught in most schools. If you've taken the ACT more than one time, only your best score will be sent to the colleges you've applied to. (Your first mediocre score will not follow you throughout your college application process.) There is no penalty to the students for guessing on the ACT test. The SAT has a guessing penalty. The questions on the ACT relate more directly to subjects taught in school. The ACT's essay is optional; the SAT essay is required. (Gallaudet already requires two essays as part of the application process.) The ACT tests math, science, reading, English and optional writing; the SAT tests critical reading, math and writing.
4. Can I take practice or review tests?
A variety of websites provide practice or review tests for either the ACT or SAT.
For ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html
For SAT: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/prep_one.html
5. How can I find more information about the tests?
Visit the ACT website at www.actstudent.org or contact your guidance counselor at your school for a printed information packet, including the registration form. If you would like information mailed to you, contact ACT at 319-337-1701 (TTY) or 319-337-1270 (voice). For the SAT website, go to www.collegeboard.com.
6. When can I take the tests?
To register for the test, go to www.actstudent.org. Fill out a request form online for a registration packet. If you do not need accommodations, you may register online.
7. How much does it cost to take the tests?
The basic registration fee to take the ACT is $31. There is an additional $20 charge for late registrations. For a list of additional fees, go to http://www.actstudent.org/regist/actfees.html The SAT reasoning test is $45. There is an additional $23 charge for late registrations. For a list of additional fees, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/fees.html
8. Where can I take the tests?
Locations in your state vary depending on the test date. To find out where you can take the test, visit the ACT or SAT websites.
9. What if I need special accommodations such as an interpreter or more time to take the tests?
For the ACT test: You will be required to provide documentation to support a request for special accommodations for any of the three testing options listed below. Check the website for more specific information about the different documentation required for each option. The three options include:
1. National Center Testing #1
Choose this only if you can test at a regularly scheduled test center under standard time limits, but your disability requires accommodations at the center. Some accommodation examples include the need for a large-print test booklet, a wheelchair accessible room, seating near the front of the room, a sign language interpreter to sign the verbal instructions prior to test time, or a printed copy of spoken instructions. If you are approved to have an interpreter, you will be expected to find and schedule an interpreter. The interpreter cannot be a relative. ACT will either pay the interpreter or reimburse you for interpreting fees. If you are unable to find an interpreter, ACT will try to find one for you. If you choose this option, you must register by mail (not online or over the phone). When you register, you must clearly state the accommodations you are requesting and enclose written documentation from your school.
2. National Center Testing #2
Choose this option if you require additional time to take the test at a regularly scheduled test center and use either regular print or large-print booklets. You will be allowed up to five hours to take the test. To register for this option, you must register by mail, and an official from your school must complete the "Application for ACT Assessment Extended - Time National Testing" form.
3. Special Testing
This is a testing option for those who normally use more than 50% additional time for tests in school, require testing over multiple days, or use other test formats such as Braille or a reader. To select this option, do not complete the regular registration form. Instead, have an official at your school complete the "Request for ACT Assessment Special Testing" form.
For the SAT test, visit their website at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg/ssd.html to arrange accommodations.
10. How do I receive my score report or make sure that my test scores are sent to Gallaudet University?
On your ACT form, you will be asked for the school's code. Write in 0662 to have your results sent to Gallaudet University. Your official score report will also be mailed to you. If you prefer, you may also view your scores online.
11. What is Gallaudet's Institutional Code for the ACT and SAT?
For the ACT, Gallaudet's Code is 0662. For the SAT, Gallaudet's Code is 5240.
12. I am a transfer student. Do I still have to take the standardized test?
If you have more than 15 credits of English and math courses from another university, the Office of Admissions may consider waiving the ACT or SAT requirement; otherwise, all transfer students must submit either their previous ACT or SAT score or take the test as part of Gallaudet's application process. Contact the admissions counselor in your region for more information.
13. I am an international student. Can I take TOEFL instead?
The ACT and SAT are offered in most countries so international students must take one of the two tests.
