Testing Info

Why is the ACT so important?

Once upon a time, colleges believed that a student's ACT score was a good indicator for whether they would do well in college. That is still somewhat true, but today (with some thanks to the pandemic) colleges  also place a great deal of emphasis on GPA, extra-curricular activities, and leadership when deciding whether to admit students. The ACT score does still play a large part for colleges, however, when determining scholarship amounts. For example to receive the Board of Trustees scholarship from a Nebraska state college, a student must have an ACT score of 25. Students should research any colleges that they are interested in to see what the admission requirements are, and whether they might qualify for specific scholarships. In some cases, higher ACT scores can mean more scholarship dollars. And in some cases, specific programs require certain ACT scores.

When should students take the ACT?

All Juniors will take the ACT test at Hay Springs High School in the spring (usually March) as part of Nebraska's standardized testing for the 11th grade. It is not optional (and it is free). Students will register as a class prior to taking the state test. 

It would be a great idea for students to take the ACT on their own at least once before taking the standardized test at the school. To register for the ACT, go to act.org to create an account.  The ACT with writing costs $88 and without writing costs $63. There is a fee waiver available for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, so students need to ask for the waiver before registering for the test. Seniors can take the ACT right up until they graduate from high school, but should remember that many scholarships and admittance to some colleges depends on ACT scores, which are usually determined early in the spring. ACT test dates and locations are in the table below.

How can students prepare for the ACT?

Hay Springs students have "On to College" accounts that they can use to study. They need their username and password, and will need to ask for help if they can't log on. Mrs. Marx has ACT prep booklets available as well.  

What is the pre-ACT and who should take it?

Students will take the pre-ACT as Sophomores to give them an idea of which areas they may need to focus on when studying for the ACT. It is given during the regular school day at the high school some time around March.

What is the ASVAB and who should take it?

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test given to the Juniors. It is used to determine whether a person is qualified for specific branches of the military and shows which vocation that person might be most suited for. Even those people who are not interested in the military can benefit from seeing which areas they have the highest aptitude for. The Career Exploration Program portion of the ASVAB is a career assessment that gives students the opportunity to discover a variety of careers that they might be interested in.  The ASVAB Career Exploration Program site has a lot of information on careers and planning tools.  If you have taken the ASVAB (which you will as a Junior), you received a code that will allow you to use your scores in the process.  Haven't taken the ASVAB?  No worries, you can still get tons of information. 

What is the PSAT and who should take it?

The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT. Students are welcome to take the ACT or the SAT - most schools in our area prepare students for the ACT (such as our On to College program). The PSAT/NMSQT specifically is a test that can qualify high school Juniors for the National Merit Scholarship (a $2500 scholarship). The cost for the test will be $20 (this may change a little). Junior students need to let Mrs. Pinnt or Mrs. Marx know if they would like to take the test as it is optional.