Testing

We have several tests to consider in education.  We currently utilize and prepare our students for the ACT, SAT, PSAT, SMI, SRI, EOC, and among others that will instrumentally measure their progress and give feedback for our instructors.

If you qualify for accommodations, please see Mrs. Ewing when you register for any of these tests. Here is some information on some of the tests. 

RESOURCES:

WATCH ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR ACT/SAT PREP COURSES AND BOOT CAMPS (CLUB Z)

CLASS 101 WEBSITE

ACT (American College Test)

This is the most commonly used college entrance exam in the Midwest.  Register at ACT Page - our school code is 263-285. 

ACT

OVERVIEW 

The ACT tests a student’s ability in the subjects of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.  Writing is also a section available, but is optional. Many Colleges and University’s require and ACT as part of their admission process.  Scores may also be used to acquire certain scholarships and leadership opportunities.  

Information courtesy of Prepscholar

ACT Information

ENGLISH:

  • Be aware of the writing style used in each passage.

  • Consider the elements of writing that are included in each underlined portion of the passage. Some questions will ask you to base your decision on some specific element of writing, such as the tone or emphasis the text should convey.

  • Be aware of questions with no underlined portions—that means you will be asked about a section of the passage or about the passage as a whole.

  • Examine each answer choice and determine how it differs from the others. Many of the questions in the test will involve more than one aspect of writing.

  • Determine the best answer. Read and consider all of the answer choices before you choose the one that best responds to the question.

  • Reread the sentence, using your selected answer.

MATHEMATICS

  • Read each question carefully to make sure you understand the type of answer required.

  • If you choose to use a calculator, be sure it is permitted, is working on test day, and has reliable batteries. Use your calculator wisely.

  • Solve the problem.

  • Locate your solution among the answer choices.

  • Make sure you answer the question asked.

  • Make sure your answer is reasonable.

  • Check your work.

READING

  • Read the passage(s) carefully.

  • Read and consider all of the answer choices before you choose the one that best responds to the question.

  • Refer to the passage(s) when answering the questions.

SCIENCE

  • Read the passage(s) carefully.

  • Refer to the scientific information in the passage when answering the question.

  • Read and consider all of the answer choices before you choose the one that best responds to the question.

  • Note conflicting viewpoints in some passages.

TEST DAY PREP:

Student must bring:

  • Printed copy of admission ticket

  • Acceptable photo identification

  • Sharpened No. 2 Pencils – no mechanical pencils or ink pens

  • Permitted Calculator – check ACT.org for acceptable calculators.

Eat a good dinner the night before, filled with protein.  Eat a good breakfast before the test.  Be early to the test center. Dress comfortable, in layers so that you are ready for various temperatures.  Bring a protein snack and water to have on breaks.  Relax! Breathe and stay focused. You are ready for this.

ACT SCORE RANGES (grockit.com)

These scores will put you in the top 10% of all test takers

  • ENGLISH: 29 – 36

  • MATH:  28 – 36

  • READING: 30 – 36

  • SCIENCE: 27 – 36

  • COMPOSITE: 28 – 36

These good ACT scores put you ahead of the pack (50%+), but won’t be as advantageous when applying to highly competitive programs

  • ENGLISH: 20 – 23

  • MATH:  20 – 23

  • READING: 21 – 28

  • SCIENCE: 21 – 25

  • COMPOSITE: 20 – 26

These scores will put you in a highly competitive place in admissions (top 25% of all test takers)

  • ENGLISH: 24 – 28

  • MATH:  24 – 27

  • READING: 25 – 29

  • SCIENCE: 24 – 26

  • COMPOSITE: 24 – 27

These scores may be enough to get into a wide variety of college programs, but will be below average compared to the testing population

  • ENGLISH: 19 or lower

  • MATH:  19 or lower

  • READING: 20 or lower

  • SCIENCE: 20 or lower

  • COMPOSITE: 19

SAT (Formerly the Scholastic Aptitude Test) 

This is a selective standard college admissions exam commonly used on the east and west coast.  All universities accept it, but it is more common on the coasts. 

SAT Logo

OVERVIEW

The SAT tests a student’s ability in the subjects of Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional SAT Essay.  Many selective schools, especially on each coast, require an SAT score for admission.  Scores may also be used to acquire certain scholarships and leadership opportunities.  Information provided by Prepscholar

SAT Information

SAT SCORE RANGES FOR THE NEW SAT (HTTP://SAT.IVGLOBAL.COM):

SAT SCORE RANGES FOR THE NEW SAT (HTTP://SAT.IVGLOBAL.COM)

TEST DAY PREP:

Student must bring:

  • Printed copy of admission ticket

  • Acceptable photo identification

  • Sharpened No. 2 Pencils – no mechanical pencils or ink pens

  • Permitted Calculator – check collegeboard.org for acceptable calculators.

Eat a good dinner the night before, filled with protein.  Eat a good breakfast before the test.  Be early to the test center. Dress comfortable, in layers so that you are ready for various temperatures.  Bring a protein snack and water to have on breaks.  Relax! Breathe and stay focused. You are ready for this.

PSAT/NMSQT AND PSAT 10 (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) 

OVERVIEW

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that is excellent practice for the SAT and the ACT.  It is also utilized in awarding National Merit Scholarships.  It is not typically sent to colleges for admission, but can be used as a tool for recruitment to some institutions and leadership programs. It is typically taken during the junior year, but sophomores may have the option to test if they would prefer to. 

SEE MRS. EWING FOR FALL TEST DATES\
The test is scored in two major areas, Evidence Based Reading and Mathematical Skills.

PSAT Logo

PSAT/NMSQT AND PSAT 10 (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

TEST CENTERS IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – Greenwood Laboratory School

FEES – $17.00

PSAT SCORE RANGES FOR THE NEW PSAT/NMSQT -

PSAT SCORE RANGES FOR THE NEW PSAT/NMSQT -

CAREER TESTING

THERE ARE SO MANY CAREER TESTS AVAILABLE.  THIS IS ONE THAT GIVES A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT THAT CAN BE VERY USEFUL: