Testing
10th/11th Grade
PreACT
The PreACT is a multiple-choice assessment that provides 10th graders with short practice for the ACT test. Reporting offers a full view of student college and career readiness. The PreACT simulates the ACT testing experience within a shorter test window on all four ACT test subjects: English, math, reading and science.
Key benefits:
- Early practice for the ACT test
- PreACT score and predicted ACT score ranges
- Students may opt to share their information with colleges and scholarship agencies
- ACT Interest Inventory results provide students with a personalized view of interests with college and career alignment
PSAT
The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT. It is a multiple choice and short answer test comprised of evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW).
Juniors should take the PSAT to:
- predict their scores on the SAT in time to work on specific skills that may raise their scores on the actual SAT
- Khan Academy - a free online college and career planning tool
- enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions for college scholarships
We encourage students to take both the PreACT in 10th grade and PSAT in 11th grade because some students do better on one test over the other, and it gives them more practice for the actual ACT and SAT. Colleges accept scores from either test so it's to the student's advantage to take both.
11th/12th Grade
ASVAB
- helps students identify their interests, skills, and work-related values
- matches students' interest and skills with occupations
- students learn where and how to get information on different careers and develop career decision-making skills
College Entrance Tests
College entrance tests (SAT/ACT) are designed to measure a student's ability to do college-level work and are required by most four-year colleges. By having a standardized set of test scores for every student applying to a college, admissions counselors are able to compare students from different states, schools, and academic backgrounds.
For the most part, colleges do not base their admissions decisions solely on the results of the SAT or ACT scores. In fact, some colleges are now making the SATs and ACTs optional. Decisions are made based on transcript, recommendations, test scores, and, to a smaller extent, interviews, essays, and extracurricular activities. The weighing of these factors varies at each college, but the high school transcript is almost always the most important single factor considered.
Who takes what tests and when?
Juniors
ACT and/or SAT - in the spring of the junior year to provide additional information for college planning
SAT Subject Tests - if appropriate, in terms of courses taken and college requirements
Seniors
SAT - if required, in August, October, November, or December for admission to college if they were not taken in the junior year, or if junior year SAT scores are lower than the student thinks they should be (for college admission or scholarship qualification)
ACT - if required, in September, October, or December if not taken in junior year
SAT Subject Tests - if required, in October, November, December or January
Where do I register for the SAT/ACT?
Students should register for the tests online at www.collegeboard.org (SAT and Subject Tests) and www.actstudent.org (ACT) or pick up paper registration forms in the Student Success Center. It is the student's responsibility to have official scores sent to the colleges to which applications will be made, otherwise, if official scores are not required, the Student Success Center will forward them.
What are College Board Subject Tests?
A few colleges which require the SAT also require two or three SAT subject tests. Each test is one hour in length and is designed to measure a student's knowledge of a subject such as Chemistry or American History, and their ability to apply that knowledge. Scores are used by admissions officers to help them evaluate a student's accomplishment and promise in a particular subject area. Some colleges use the scores to place a student at the appropriate course level. Students should check with individual colleges to determine whether these subject tests are required and which ones.
The correct time for a student to take these tests is an individual decision. Generally, they should be taken near the end of a full year course (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics) or midway through the senior year in continuous subject matter areas (e.g., English Composition). Please note that you cannot take both the SAT and the SAT Subject Tests on the same date.
Test Taking Tips
- Read the Instruction Manual - Review the sample questions and familiarize yourself with the directions and the format of the test
- Arrive on time at your testing location - Bring photo ID, #2 pencils, and an acceptable calculator
- Do you best - Work quickly, but carefully, and follow directions. Don't spend too much time on any one question; it is better to come back to it later if you have time. Keep in mind that your test scores are not your entire record. They provide additional information to a college admissions officer, but they do not tell the entire story.
Testing with Accommodations
If a student wishes to test with special service either through the College Board or ACT, the student must fill out the appropriate eligibility forms in advance of the test date in order to be considered for special accommodations. You will need to provide supporting documentation. Forms may be obtained in the Student Success Center, or can be accessed online at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/students-with-disabilities (SAT) and http://www.actstudent.org/regist/disab/ (ACT).