What tests will I need to take in high school?

There are six standardized tests that you should consider taking while in high school. Whether or not you need some of these tests depends on your career plans after graduation:

PLAN (Preliminary ACT Test)

All Sophomores take the PLAN Test, which includes sections in English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning. This test is replacing the Terra Nova test as the district’s nationally normed reference test. In addition to providing students with a predicted ACT score, the PLAN also includes a career interest inventory to assist students in developing their career goals.

PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test)

This test is for college-bound juniors who want to compare their verbal and math skills/abilities with other college-bound juniors in the nation. Some sophomores also take this test for practice if they are enrolled in honors classes, particularly sophomore honors English. It is an optional test, but it is recommended for college-bound students. This test is also used to select National Merit Scholars, an award given only to the top 1% of graduating seniors in the nation. The fee for this test is $13.00.

ACT (American College Testing Program)

This is the college entrance exam used by all schools in Kansas and most state universities in the nation. It is the most important test you will take for college admission if you plan on going to an in-state college. Like the PLAN, it measures your skill levels in English, reading, math, and science reasoning. The Guidance Department recommends you take this once in the spring of your junior year and then at least one more time in the fall of your senior year. For more information, go to www.act.org

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

This is also a college entrance exam, but primarily schools on the East and West coast and highly competitive universities use it. Most schools will take either the ACT or SAT, so there is usually no reason to take both tests. Visit www.collegeboard.com for more information.

SAT II

These are the achievement tests that are required by the most competitive universities nationally. Schools that require achievement tests generally want student to take three tests: written language, math, and a third test in a subject chosen by the student.

It is important that students be aware of testing deadlines. These dates can be found on this web page under the calendar site. On the other hand, it does not help students to jump the gun and take college admission tests too soon. It is generally recommended that students wait until the spring of their junior year before they start taking the ACT or the SAT. That gives them more time to strengthen their skills in math, English, and reading.

If you click on to the Peterson's web site, you can find out which schools will take either the ACT or SAT and which schools also require three SAT II subject level tests. The Peterson's is also available in the Guidance Career Center. The counselors welcome students who want to sit down and discuss what tests would be best for their career plans. If you have questions, come on in and see your counselor.