The College Testing Program

PLAN TEST (Pre-ACT)
Traditionally, all freshmen take the PLAN Test during the last week of April. This provides a score that can predict what students will achieve on the ACT test; an interest inventory that can be used to explore career opportunities; a series of scores in English, reading, science and math that can be helpful in choosing classes for the following year and  a study-power assessment that measures a student's overall knowledge of effective study habits.  This is the first test to help students become familiar with the ACT format.

ACT-R (Retired ACT)
Given to all sophomore students during the last week of April.  Once again this test provides students the opportunity to experience the ACT and prepare for the PSAE.

PSAE/ACT
This test is given the last week in April to juniors.  It is a state mandated graduation requirement.  The PSAE (Prairie State Achievement Exam) includes three components: (1) the ACT Plus Writing, which includes the ACT battery of four multiple-choice tests (English, mathematics, reading, and science) and a 30-minute constructed-response writing test with a single prompt question; (2) an ISBE-developed science assessment, and (3) two WorkKeys assessments (Applied Mathematics and Reading for Information).  The WorkKeys Applied Mathematics assessment measures the skill people use when they apply mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques to work-related problems. The test questions require the examinee to set up and solve the types of problems and do the types of calculations that actually occur in the workplace.  The WorkKeys Reading for Information test measures the skill people use when they read and use written text in order to do a job.

PSAT/NMSQT:
This Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a practice test used to assist students in preparing for the SAT. The PSAT is administered to pre-registered eleventh graders on a nationally-set Saturday date in October.  Although colleges do not see a student's PSAT score, a student who does well on this exam and who meets other academic criteria may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

ACT:
This test is published by American College Testing and is designed to measure a student's academic achievement in English, math, reading, and science reasoning.  Colleges require students to take the ACT or SAT and submit their test scores to them when they apply for admission. The ACT is usually taken during the second semester of the junior year but may also be taken first semester of the senior year. A student may take this test as many times as they need to or are willing to pay the basic fee. Students can pick up registration packets in the Guidance Office; these packets are filled out and mailed by the student.

Click here for the latest ACT dates!

SAT I:

The Scholastic Aptitude Test measures a student's aptitude in mathematical reasoning, verbal comprehension and problem solving. Many highly selective colleges require students to take the SAT and to submit their scores when they apply for admission. Most students take the SAT during the second semester of their junior year, but they may also take it first semester of their senior year. A student may retake this test as many times as they need to or are willing to pay the basic fee. Registration packets are available in the Guidance Office; these packets are filled out and mailed by the student.

Click here for the latest SAT test dates!

SAT II:

The SAT II tests are achievement tests designed to measure the academic understanding a student has already acquired. They are offered in many areas of study including English, mathematics, science, history, and foreign language. Some selective colleges require students to take one or more SAT II tests when they apply for admission. Depending upon the college, SAT II tests may be used for admission or placement purposes. Registration packets are available in the Guidance Office; packets are filled out and mailed by the student.

Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations:

These exams are designed to test a student's knowledge in specific subject areas, cost approximately $83.00 each, and are administered in May to students who have pre-registered in March in their AP classrooms or through the Guidance Office. Many colleges and universities grant college credit to students who score 4 or 5 out of 5 on an exam. Because AP scores are not accepted by all colleges, students should check with their schools of choice before taking the exam. (Please see more specifics on AP exams under "AP Testing" on this web-site.)

CLEP:

The College Level Examination Program tests are achievement tests designed to test a student's knowledge in specific subject areas, cost approximately $54.00 each, and are administered at NCHS in April and at COD throughout the year. Some colleges do not accept CLEP credit, so it is important to check with your college of choice.

Sources for ACT/SAT Review