Sunday, 26 September 2010 13:42
Last Updated on Friday, 02 December 2011 15:29
Written by CJ Gilbert
High School Testing Options
There are several different kinds of High School Testing Options. Here is the breakdown...
This test is used as a determiner for the National Merit Scholarship. Colleges look at this as an early entrance qualifier.
The PSAT is a reasoning test. It can be taken in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. The 11th grade test is the only one used for the NMS. Earlier tests may be used by colleges as a qualification indicator, but may be considered practice tests.
This test is given once a year; all testing sites give it on the same date in October.
We do offer this test here in the office, but our seating is limited, so sign up early. There is a small fee for this test.
This is the minimum requirement for Grace Christian’s graduation. We require this test in the 8th and 11th grades, though they can be taken as early as 4th grade. It is an achievement test, testing what you know about English and Math. It can be taken multiple times, and is a good indicator of your knowledge. It is useful to take it every year or two just to help identify your weak spots.
The CAT is offered throughout the year in our office. It is usually taken in groups, but can be given individually for those students who are unavailable on our testing dates or are struggling to pass. We do not charge our students for this test. Those students living outside of our district may be mailed a test booklet. If you choose, you can order this test online, take it at home and have it graded by the supplying company. The cost for this averages about $35.
Similar to the CAT, the IOWA and Stanford tests are recognized standardized achievement tests. The IOWA test can be ordered online and administered at home. The Stanford test must be administered in a group setting and be administered by a “qualified” proctor. Both are graded and normed by the supplying company. Both are suitable substitutes for our testing requirements.
The SAT is a reasoning test. It evaluates how you think as much as what you know.
The ACT is an Achievement test. It evaluates your knowledge in Math, English and Science.
For those who are graduating with a College Preparatory Diploma from Grace Christian, one of these tests is required. It is also our preferred graduation requirement for students living outside of California. For those who may at sometime require financial aid, the SAT / ACT score will be used by the state in place of our GPA for CALGRANT qualifications. The SAT / ACT is also one of the requirements for UC college admissions.
The SAT and ACT are administered by the College Board (collegeboard.com) to 9th – 12th graders. There are several testing dates each year. These tests can be taken multiple times. A composite score consisting of the highest individual scores from all tests taken is what is sent to your requested colleges. There is a fee for each test taken; fee waivers are available for those with financial limitations.
It is my personal recommendation and belief that all students with at least a 2.75 GPA should take the SAT at least once. It is a good experience and an indicator of how you compare on the national level.
If you intend to attend a UC school, you will be required to take at least two SAT Subject tests. Other prominent colleges may require these as well. If you have an idea of what college you hope to attend, you should contact them about their specific requirements.
All of the core subjects including foreign languages have separate tests. The test subjects and dates can be found on collegeboard.org. The subject tests evaluate your knowledge of the subject chosen. You may decide which subject tests you take. There is a base fee for each test taken.
One of the best test preparations is to be a good student. There are, however many options for more intensive, specific test preparation. These range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It can be as simple as a computer program or as intensive as a full semester test prep class. Test prep materials can be found at your local book store, at collegeboard.com, through HSLDA, or on a quick web search. Grace Christian School offers a 12 hour test prep class multiple times during the year.
