Pre-College Testing
BVA's High School Code: 500-026
ACT - Grades 11/12
Website: Click here
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions, identify appropriate college course placements, and/or determine readiness for some ECCP/SCN courses in high school. Colleges and private donors may also use ACT scores when awarding scholarships.
The ACT is the dominant admissions test in Midwestern states, although it is accepted at most schools.
IMPORTANT: Although many colleges have temporarily moved toward "test optional" admissions decisions following Covid-19, we strongly encourage students to work closely with Ms. Westphal and/or college reps to discuss all options. ACT/SAT scores are used for more than admissions decisions.
Test sections include English, Math, Reading, and Science; there is also an optional Writing test (required for Wisconsin juniors). The ACT is timed. The score range is 1 to 36. The average composite score is ~21.
Wisconsin public school students are required to take the ACT during their junior year of high school. Details about the test, as well as test prep materials, are provided to students via Academic & Career Planning/advisory.
BVA's High School Code: 500-026
ACT Prep:
Please contact Ms. Westphal (Jessica.Westphal@bvaedu.org)
SAT - Grades 11/12
Website: Click here
The SAT is an entrance exam accepted by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.
The SAT is the dominant admissions test in the coastal states, although it is accepted at most schools.
IMPORTANT: Although many colleges have temporarily moved toward "test optional" admissions decisions following Covid-19, we strongly encourage students to work closely with Ms. Westphal and/or college reps to discuss all options. ACT/SAT scores are used for more than admissions decisions.
Test sections include Reading, Writing/Language, and Math; there is also an optional Essay test (check with your college of interest to see if they require it). The SAT is timed. The score range is 400 to 1600. The average overall score (nationally) was ~1050 last year.
BVA does not host the SAT for its students, so please refer to the SAT website for registration information. The SAT is offered in various locations on multiple dates throughout the year.
BVA's High School Code: 500-026
SAT Prep:
PSAT - Grades 10/11
Website: Click here
The PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT are both practice tests for the SAT, although it can also be used to prepare for the ACT. The PSAT 10 is for sophomores; the PSAT/NMSQT may be taken by sophomores and juniors, but if you earn a high enough score on the PSAT/NMSQT your JUNIOR year, you could qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
PSAT 10 (spring)
PSAT/NMSQT (October)
The PSAT/NMSQT includes a Reading and Writing section and a Math section. The PSAT is timed. Click here to access the Fall 2023 Official PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide.
BVA students who want to take the PSAT should contact a brick-and-mortar school to ask if it's possible to register with that school; this should be done as soon as possible in August or early September before the test as space is usually limited and there are registration deadlines. Click here for more information.
BVA's High School Code: 500-026
PSAT Prep:
ACCUPLACER - Grade 12
Website: Click here
The Accuplacer measures a student’s academic skill level in the areas of arithmetic; quantitative reasoning, algebra and statistics; reading comprehension and writing. It is used by many technical colleges to determine appropriate course/program placement.
Most Accuplacer testing occurs on technical college campuses. Please contact your college of interest for more information.
BVA's High School Code: 500-026
Accuplacer Prep:
AP - Grades 9-12
AP (Advanced Placement) gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they're still in high school and earn college credit and placement.
AP courses are available in disciplines such as the arts, English, history and social science, math and computer science, the sciences, and world languages and culture. You should choose an AP course based on what subjects you’re passionate about as well as what classes you do well in. Please work with your BVA advisor to find the right AP course(s) for you.
Not all colleges grant the same amount of credit for AP exam scores. Research college AP policies here.
BVA students who are interested in taking an AP exam to possibly earn college credit should contact a brick-and-mortar school to ask if it's possible to register with that school. You can get a list of local AP coordinators by contacting College Board at 888-225-5427 - this should be done in early September. The next step is to contact the school to request to register for the test - this should be done by early October, although some schools may have even earlier deadlines! When you find an AP coordinator able to administer your AP exam(s), he or she is responsible for ordering your exam materials, telling you when and where to report for the exams, and collecting the exam fees.
BVA's High School Code: 500-026
More Information:
CLEP - Grades 9-12
CLEP (the College-Level Examination Program) allows students to demonstrate their mastery of introductory college-level material and earn college credit. Students can earn credit for what they already know by getting qualifying scores on any of the 34 examinations. Not all colleges have the same CLEP policies—some colleges accept credit for a few exams, while others accept credit for all of them. Research college CLEP policies here.
The format of most questions is multiple choice. Other types of questions require students to fill in a numeric answer, to shade an answer option, or to order items correctly. Questions using these skills are called zone, shade, grid, scale, fraction, numeric entry, histogram, and order-match questions. Some of the exams also include required or optional essays. Language exams include a listening section.
CLEP testing sites are located throughout Wisconsin (and the country).
BVA's High School Code: 500-026
More Information: