Testing
The American College Test (ACT) is used by four-year colleges and universities for admission and college course placement purposes. It measures the skills necessary for college work in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science reasoning. The ACT is an optional test offered in September, October, December, February, April, and June. The deadline for registering for these tests is 5 weeks in advance of the test. Information regarding online registration is available in Student Services, students register online at www.actstudent.org. This website also has information about college planning and test preparation. It is recommended that students take the ACT in the spring of their junior year. This gives the student the opportunity to re-take the exam in the fall of their senior year if they choose. Either the ACT or the SAT is required for admissions to most four-year colleges and universities with 90% accepting the ACT for admission.
The COMPASS/ACCUPLACER/ALEKS test is computer based test often required by two-year and community colleges to evaluate academic skills in math, reading, and writing. The test is generally used as a placement exam to determine the appropriate college level courses for students. The test is offered at the institution in which the student wants to enroll. Students can check in Student Services for more information.
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is used for the National Merit Scholarship competition. It is a practice SAT test which measures verbal and mathematical reasoning. It is an optional test for students in grade 11. Students who have previously scored very high on the Iowa Assessments are encouraged to take this test and the test is open to all juniors. Sophomores may also take the test. The National Merit Scholarship is very competitive – students must score in the 99+ percentile to be identified as semi-finalists. Colleges and universities also use the PSAT for scholarship competitions. The PSAT will be administered during October and costs approximately $15.00. Students will be given the opportunity to sign up for this exam in the September. Exams MUST be paid for in advance.
Taken each May by students all over the world, the AP Exam is the final step you take after a year of hard work in an AP class. These standardized exams are designed to measure how well you’ve mastered the content and skills of the course — a successful score could even earn you credit and advanced placement in college. Students will be given the opportunity to sign up for this exam in the in March. Exams are ordered in March and MUST be paid for in advance.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is used by all branches of the military for job qualification. It measures general abilities in science, math, word knowledge, comprehension, and clerical tasks, as well as general knowledge of automobiles, mechanical and physical principals, and electricity. It also contains an interest inventory that can help students identify possible career interests. This test is optional for students in grades 11-12 and is free of charge. The ASVAB is administered by someone from the military and is offered at the High School in the fall or arranged by the student with a military recruiter.