Assessments Students Should Take

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS

Most colleges require students to take entrance exams as part of the admissions process. Those scores are used to predict academic success in college, place students in the proper classes, and determine scholarship eligibility. The two most common tests are the ACT and the SAT. The ACT tests knowledge in English, math, reading, and science. The SAT tests knowledge in reading, mathematics and writing. Students should prepare for these tests by taking practice tests, talking with their teachers, and using TCA (a test prep program provided by LCHS). Sample test questions are also available on the ACT and SAT websites. There are several reputable test prep programs. Kaplan, The Princeton Review, Khan Academy, Number2, and ACT Online Prep are a few of the top-rated programs. I recommend that students use the free programs first. ECTC also offers test prep classes. It is important to do your research to find the best fit.

The ACT is given to all juniors during school each spring. Before juniors take that test, they should create an ACT account. This will keep them from having to locate their ACT ID when they want to sign up for a Saturday test or send scores to colleges.

The ACT is given at LCHS according to the ACT schedule. If for some reason not enough students sign up, then you may be moved to another testing site. The LCHS test center code is 199330.

It is extremely important for students to read the information on the website in order to be prepared for their test day. Heather Blackwell is our ACT coordinator. If you have additional questions about your test day, please contact Mrs. Blackwell.

Most colleges do not require a score for ACT writing, so do not sign up for the writing portion unless you have been told otherwise. When prompted, please choose up to four organizations to receive your ACT scores for free. Athletes need to send their scores to the NAIA (code 9876) or NCAA (code 9999) as well as the college or university. Our ACT code or CEEB code is 181200.

Students who qualify may request a SAT waiver or an ACT waiver. Please fill out the counselor request form on the guidance office door, and place it in Mrs. Thomas' box. Waivers are limited to juniors and seniors. Students must also provide proof that they qualify. If you did not complete the household income form at registration, then you must do that first. It can take a few weeks to process the form, so do not wait until the last minute. If you qualify, Mrs. Thomas will give you a code to type in the payment box.

Students who need testing accommodations (as indicated in their 504 or IEP) must contact Ashley Carter to help with the process. Students must register for a test and indicate the need for accommodations BEFORE she can upload documents.

Use the links below to register for the ACT or SAT.

Dual Credit Placement Exams

Students interested in dual credit need to have a placement test on file. Most colleges will use the ACT. ECTC will use the ACT, the TABE, or the KYOTE tests for placement. Dual credit courses have minimum score requirements. Students who do not meet those requirements will not be permitted to take a dual credit course. Please click on the ECTC link to the right to see information about placement exams at ECTC.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is used to determine qualifications for job placement or enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. The ASVAB is administered by military personnel. A student is not obligated to enlist in the military because he/she took the ASVAB. Depending on the level of student interest, the ASVAB is given one or two times per school year. It is free and is administered in the LCHS Library Media Center. Sign-ups are announced through Remind and over the school intercom. For more information, please contact Mrs. Clarissa Thomas.

Before you take the ASVAB, please study. There are several websites that provide ASVAB practice for free. Refer to the Military Information Page for additional information.

PSAT

The PSAT is a test given to juniors each October. The test costs between $15 and $20. The PSAT is only given once each year and is the ONLY test juniors can take to qualify for scholarships and recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The test is also used to determine scholarship eligibility by some companies. Parents should check with their workplace to see if the test is required. Gates and UPS usually use this test. Students need to let Mrs. Thomas know in August if they want to take the test. Students who require accommodations need to let Mrs. Thomas know in May before the October test. Please stop by the counseling office to sign up.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS

LaRue County High School offers AP Calculus and AP World History. Students in those classes may sign up to take the AP exams. Many colleges/universities offer credit or placement based on AP scores. Students should check the AP Credit Policy Search if they have taken an AP exam or if they plan to take an AP exam. The AP exams are only given on specific days. Refer to the AP Exam Schedule for more information.

CLEP

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives students the opportunity to earn college credit. Students can sign up to take any of the 33 exams. To register, students should go to the CLEP Registration Page.