Tests, tests, and more tests, oh my! T-2-4 Admission Exams Tests, tests, and more tests, oh my!

As you prepare for life after high school, you’ll encounter at least one (and probably more than one) of the following admission exams: PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Assessment Test SAT Reasoning Test ACT SAT Subject Tests (formerly the SAT II) Compass ASVAB Admissions requirements vary from school to organization. Today we will learn more about each of the tests.

Test: PSAT/NMSQT Description: Two 30-minute Reading sections; two 35- minute Math sections; one 35-minute Writing and Language section; 2 hours and 45 minutes total testing time. Total score ranges from 320-1520. Usually Taken: During both your sophomore and junior year, though there is now an 8th/9th PSAT others take sooner for practice. Tips and Strategies: If you do well on the PSAT (and meet additional academic requirements), you may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program (a nationally distributed merit-based scholarship). Only scores from the junior year are used to determine qualification for National Merit Program. For more information visit: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.h tm

Test: PSAT/NMSQT The PSAT isn’t a college admission test, however it is a good indicator of how you will do on the SAT test. As you learned when you received your PSAT scores in Seminar on February 16, you can link your PSAT to the Khan Academy website by either going through collegeboard.org or khanacademy.org and it will create a personalize SAT study plan for you. Coming up your Junior year: You will take the PSAT once more in October You will take the SAT during the school day in April. Let’s explore more about the SAT….

Test: SAT Reasoning Test Description: Comprised of a 65-minute Reading section, an 80-minute math section, a 35-minute Writing and Language section, and 50-minute optional Essay. (We highly recommend you complete the essay at least once because most colleges require it for admission.) Total score ranges from 400-1600. Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both, if you want to improve your score). Tips and Strategies: The new SAT no longer carries a penalty for guessing! In the past, your score was penalized if you got the question wrong. For more information visit: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/S ATI.html

Test: SAT Subject Tests Description: One-hour test that assesses mastery of a particular field of study. Up to three tests can be required for admissions. Some schools use the SAT II for course placement; others don’t require it at all. Tests are offered in five subject areas: English, Math, History, Science and Foreign Language. Scores are based on an 800-point scale. Usually Taken: Soon after you have finished the relevant course work (can be as early as freshman or sophomore year, depending on the school’s curriculum and the student’s progress). Tips and Strategies: Entrance requirements vary from college to college. Consult your guidance counselor or college admissions representative to determine which tests you should take. For more information visit: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII. html

SAT PRACTICE! Video Length 1:05

Test: ACT Description: Three-hour exam; 215 questions; measures achievement in English, math, reading and science. The ACT Plus includes a 30-minute writing test. Scores on each section are averaged to create a composite score. Perfect score is 36. Usually Taken: Spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year (or both, if you want to get a better score). Tips and Strategies: Your score is based on the number of correct answers ONLY. If you aren’t sure, take a guess – it can’t hurt you and it could help! Harder questions are worth the same amount as easy ones. Answer the easy questions first and leave the more time-consuming questions till the end. For more information visit: http://www.actstudent.org

A Look Inside the ACT Test Video Length 3:32

TEST: COMPASS Description: An untimed, computerized test that helps colleges evaluate students’ skills in Math, Reading, and Writing and place them into appropriate courses. There is generally no “passing score,” instead the scores indicate areas you are strong and areas in which you many need help. Part of the ACT tests, it is used by Community Colleges as part of their admission process. Usually Taken: Spring of your senior year after you have applied to a community college. Required for Community Colleges including SFCC or SCC and costs $30. Tips and Strategies: Check out http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and- services/act-compass/test-preparation.html to learn more or practice for your test.

But, what if I’m not planning to go to college? If you are going directly to work, you will need to have training to do your job. This may include on- the-job training as well as additional classes you need to take. Did you know that all employees of Starbucks have to go to “Starbucks University” before they can work in a store? Did you know that McDonalds also has their own school to train their employees? If you are going to enlist in the military, you will take the ASVAB test. We’ll explore this test next.

TEST: ASVAB Description: The most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world, the ASVAB is used to predict success in a wide variety of occupations. It is required for military enlistment. (See the next slide for subjects tested.) Usually Taken: As early as Junior year with a military recruiter. We offer the ASVAB test for seniors each year in October. Tips and Strategies: You don't have to go through any lengthy preparation to take the ASVAB. Getting a good night's rest and arriving early to take the test are the two most important steps. As with other tests, how hard you have studied and how much you have learned in school through the years will probably make the most difference in your results. For more information check out http://www.asvabprogram.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=overvie w.test.

TEST: ASVAB THE EIGHT ASVAB TEST AREAS ARE General Science A 25-item test measuring knowledge of life science, earth and space science, and physical science Arithmetic Reasoning A 30-item test measuring ability to solve basic arithmetic word problems Word Knowledge A 35-item test measuring ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms Paragraph Comprehension A 15-item test measuring ability to obtain information from written material Mathematics Knowledge A 25-item test measuring knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications Electronics Information A 20-item test measuring knowledge of electrical current, circuits, devices, and electronic systems Auto and Shop Information A 25-item test measuring knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices Mechanical Comprehension A 25-item test measuring knowledge of the principles of mechanical devices, structural support, and properties of materials

Test Tips and Preparation Come well rested. Arrive early. Eat a good breakfast. (These are long tests!) Bring with you: admission ticket (if applicable), approved calculator, at least two sharpened #2 pencils, and a picture ID. Take it seriously and do your best.

Studying and More Information Scroll back through the slides and click on the links listed for more information and to see/practice a few questions from the test!