Testing
Taking standardized tests is usually a difficult and stressful task. The benefits of knowing what to study, which tests to take, and how to use your results is worth all of the effort that you put into it.
General Test Taking Tips
- Read the instructions and each question carefully.
- Don’t rush.
- Answer the easy questions first.
- If you are not sure about an answer, eliminate the options you know are wrong, and then make an educated guess.
- Know if there are penalties for not answering a question.
- Review your answers if you have time.
- Mark your answers carefully. Fully erase marks when you need to.
| What is the PLAN (pre-ACT)? |
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The Test
- Is taken during the fall of your sophomore year
- Shows how well you might perform on the ACT
- Consists of English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning questions
- Examines your strengths, weaknesses, high school courses, and possible career and college options
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The Benefits
- Your results can be used to explore careers.
- You are provided with an estimated ACT score.
- You will become more aware of what educational areas you need to work on.
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| What is the PSAT (pre-SAT)? |
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The Test
- Is taken during your junior year
- Shows how you might perform on the SAT
- Consists of verbal, math problem-solving, and writing skill questions
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The Benefits
- The PSAT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). By scoring well, you can become eligible for college scholarships as well as NMSQT scholar recognition.
- Taking this test can place you on mailing lists to receive information from colleges that interest you.
- You can forecast your SAT scores.
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| What is the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) |
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The Test
- Designed to test your overall academic knowledge gained from many years of study
- The verbal section covers analysis, sentence structure, critical reading, analogies, and vocabulary.
- The math section covers arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
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The Benefits
- The SAT provides an alternate to the ACT. Usually students will score higher on one test than the other.
- Colleges of interest can receive your scores and send you information.
- By getting a good score, you increase your chances of being accepted to college and receiving scholarships.
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| What is the ACT (American College Testing Assessment)? |
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The Test
- Measures the knowledge, understanding, and skills that you have gained over many years
- Consists of English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning portions; similar to the PLAN test
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The Benefits
- The ACT provides an alternate to the SAT. Usually students will score higher on one test than the other.
- Colleges of interest can receive your scores and send you information.
- By getting a good score, you increase your chances of getting accepted to college and receiving scholarships
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| What is the SAT II (Subject Tests)? |
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The Test
- Consists of a one-hour test covering a specific topic:
English - Literature, Writing
History - US, World
Math - Level IC, Level IIC
Science - Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Language (Reading) - French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish
Language (Reading and Listening) - Chinese, Japanese, French German, Korean, Spanish, English Language Proficiency.
- Designed to test the depth of your knowledge of a particular subject.
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The Benefits
- Required by many colleges to demonstrate increased knowledge in a particular subject to show your readiness for college.
- Can determine placement in college courses.
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| What is the AP (Advanced Placement)? |
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The Tests
- Consists of a thorough examination in the following topics:
Art History
Biology
Calculus AB & BC
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
English
Environmental Science
European History
French
German Language
Government & Politics
Human Geography
Latin
Music Theory
Physics
Psychology
Spanish
Statistics
Studio Art
US History
World History
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The Benefits
- By scoring well on the AP tests, you can gain college credit from participating institutions.
- Scholar Awards are given to students who achieve a large amount of success with the AP program, and receive recognition from colleges.
- Even though the AP high school courses are a lot of work, they do pay off by saving you money and time later in life.
- AP courses and tests can prepare you for college-level academics.
- By participating in the AP program, you increase your chances of getting into a competitive college.
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Other Tests
- CLEP (College-Level Examination Program®)
An exam that allows you to receive college credit if you perform well enough
studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/testinginfo.jsp#content
- PASS (Proficiency-based Admission Standards System), CIM (Certificate of Initial Mastery), CAM (Certificate of Advanced Mastery)
Exams held in the state of Oregon to create higher standards for education and to prepare high school students for other exams
www.ode.state.or.us/cimcam/
www.ous.edu/pass/
- IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization)
An intensive program designed to create highly educated students who are aware of the affairs of the world. College credit is also available from some universities.
www.ibo.org
Helpful Links
PLAN Information
www.act.org/plan
PSAT Information
www.nationalmerit.org
SAT/SAT II Information
studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/testinginfo.jsp#content
ACT Information
www.act.org
AP Information
studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/testinginfo.jsp#content |
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