Testing Information
An important part of the college application process is standardized test taking. Resources for test prep can be found at the bottom of this page.
Testing Information
Juniors Should take the PSAT in October
· This test is the qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
· Students must be a junior to be considered for National Merit Semi-Finalist competition.
Juniors take the SAT as part of required State testing in April
The M-Step test includes a full SAT test on the first day at no cost to students. Scores can be sent to colleges of their choice for no fee. It is encouraged to take advantage of these free score sends.
Freshmen and Sophomores will take the PSAT in April
The State of Michigan also announced the introduction of mandatory PSAT tests for both freshman and sophomores. Freshman will be taking the PSAT 8/9 while the sophomores will be taking the PSAT 10. These tests will be provided free of charge and given during school hours in April.
WHICH TEST SHOULD I TAKE?
Between the ACT & SAT, it can be confusing about which test to focus on or to prepare for as a student or parent. Students may perform better on one test or the other, so having results from both tests can be an advantage. Almost every college has no preference so you can submit one or both and not be at any kind of disadvantage. Students will all have the opportunity to take the SAT for free during state testing. It is recommended that juniors also sign up for one or two ACT tests. The state standards have been aligned to the ACT test for years. Most juniors who have been at Black River have been exposed to ACT-like assessments. Current juniors should be highly prepared for the ACT. These additional test opportunities are on Saturdays throughout the year. Check dates and sign up at www.actstudent.org. The ideal time for the test is in June at the conclusion of the junior year.
Seniors often repeat ACT testing one time in the fall of senior year to further improve their results.
MORE TESTING DATES FOR ACT/SAT
ACT WINTER/SPRING/SUMMER 2024 TEST DATES (link to ACT website for registration & more information HERE):
February
- Saturday, February 10 (Registration Deadline: January 5, Late Deadline: January 19)
April
- Saturday, April 13 (Registration Deadline: March 8, Late Deadline: March 22)
June
- Saturday, June 8 (Registration Deadline: May 3, Late Deadline: May 17)
July
- Saturday, July 13 (Registration Deadline: June 7, Late Deadline: June 21)
SAT WINTER/SPRING/SUMMER 2024 TEST DATES (link to SAT website for registration & more information HERE):
March
- Saturday, March 9 (Registration Deadline: February 23, Late Deadline: February 27)
May
- Saturday, May 4 (Registration Deadline: April 19, Late Deadline: April 23)
June
- Saturday, June 1 (Registration Deadline: May 16, Late Deadline: May 21)
TEST PREP AND FOCUS
The State of Michigan is providing free, personalized test prep for the new SAT through the Khan Academy. Parents can also set up accounts to interact with the provided services. If you or your students are interested or would like to get started, please visit:
https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
Parents can scroll down and create their own accounts on the site.
For interested families, there are also a variety of online and print resources for both the ACT and the new SAT. Visiting the testing agency websites (www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.com) are good places to start for online resources, while a visit to Amazon.com or a Barnes & Noble store can give you access to print materials.
More Involved Test Preparation:
If a student is really struggling with standardized test-taking, then a paid course in preparation may help. There are private companies that offer preparation for a fee - a good place to start is Sylvan Learning Centers - www.sylvanlearning.com/Grandville. Black River does not endorse any paid service - the information above is provided to you solely as a resource.
Additional local opportunities:
Nate Meyer (Math Department Chair) sometimes offers ACT Math prep by the hour both individually and in small groups for a fee. He offers it both during the school year and the summer. The fees have previously been (check with him for current rates): $30 per hour private, $20 per hour per person for groups up to 4. Also, his open math help time is free and can be used for ACT/SAT prep, but he also will be working on the math curriculum during that time with his own students. The bonus of scheduling tutoring is his full attention to just prep work.
Jake Andrews (husband of BR choir/drama teacher, Rachel Andrews) - offers tutoring through wyzant.com. He has done ACT/SAT prep for all subjects before. His contact information is:
Jake Andrews
269-967-4071
Wyzant.com - this website allows you to enter in your criteria for finding a tutor (which test, availability, location, etc) and matches you with possible tutors. Ratings and pay rate are included.