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Testing Information
Testing Information
For many post-secondary pathways, applicants must take some sort of test. This test, depending on your post-secondary path, may serve a variety of functions. It could:
Assess your interests, your skills, and your desire to perform in a certain job function or role
Assess the knowledge that you've gained over the course of your education
Determine if you're ready to take higher level courses and place you in those courses
Most, if not all, of the tests students might encounter as they undertake their post-secondary planning are standardized tests. A standardized test is one that is administered and scored in the same way for all of those who take it. Because of this consistency, it's believed that standardized tests allow institutions to fairly assess and evaluate which applicants have the skills to succeed in a given role, job, or type of learning.
On this page, we're hoping to provide students with information on some of the tests you might encounter as you are on the journey of your post-secondary planning. This section of the CCC Corner can also provide you some valuable resources for building your study skills, too! These skills can be used both while you're in HS and beyond!! Click the button below to be brought to our study skills resource page OR continue down the page for testing information related to different post-secondary paths.
Tests For 4 Year College: ACT & SAT
Tests For 4 Year College: ACT & SAT
The ACT and SAT function specifically to evaluate students that are interested in going to college. Because of the purpose they serve, they're commonly known as college entrance exams. We hope that you'll pull away from this section with information that can help you start to answer the following questions:
Do I even need to take the ACT or SAT?
Are there reasons other than college admittance that I might need to take the ACT or SAT?
If I choose to take a standardized college entrance exam, which one should I take?
What resources are available to help me study?
As always, a 1 on 1 conversation with a CCC Coordinator can take the decision-making around your specific plan to the next level! After getting the information you're looking for, schedule an appointment with Mr. Eric or Ms. Amanda!!
As always, a 1 on 1 conversation with a CCC Coordinator can take the decision-making around your specific plan to the next level! After getting the information you're looking for, schedule an appointment with Mr. Eric or Ms. Amanda!!
Interested in learning more about standardized tests? Click the links below to be taken to sites that offer the history of standardized tests.
ACT vs SAT
ACT vs SAT
In the past, certain colleges may have only take either ACT or SAT scores. Luckily for students, that's no longer the case. The majority of colleges across the country that are still taking standardized tests will take either ACT or SAT scores. Nowadays, choosing which standardized test to take really comes down to your personal preference and what's available near you! While there are many similarities between the two standardized tests, choosing which one you'll take may come down to:
how much time you want to commit to studying and how much time you want to commit to testing
which subject areas you're strongest in
what test do other students in your high school or region take
many colleges that take standardized test scores actually assess students' scores against the averages of other students that attend the same high school.
Check out the section below to compare some of the key similarities and differences of the ACT and SAT.
(much of the info captured in this section is from prepscholarsh.com. if you're looking for more detailed info, click here!)
Each year, MPS offers all Juniors the opportunity to take the ACT on-site, for free, at students' high school on the district-designated ACT 4 All Day. This year, ACT 4 All will take place Tuesday, April 18th.
Seniors interested in taking or retaking the the ACT, and Juniors that are interested in taking the ACT at a later time, will need to register for the test by making an account on ACT.org.
We strongly encourage students to make an appointment with a CCC Coordinator to talk through why you're taking the ACT. In the case of seniors, taking the ACT too late will not assist you in applying to colleges. If you're not sure, need help registering, or have questions make an appointment!
We strongly encourage students to make an appointment with a CCC Coordinator to talk through why you're taking the ACT. In the case of seniors, taking the ACT too late will not assist you in applying to colleges. If you're not sure, need help registering, or have questions make an appointment!
You can check out up-to-date test dates and find the link for ACT.org below.
Each year, our Counseling Department gives 10th graders the opportunity to take the Practice SAT, or PSAT.
After taking the PSAT, or doing another type of test prep, students interested in taking the SAT should make an account on Collegeboard.org and register to take the test at a nearby location during the spring of their Junior year, similar to the ACT. Students that are interested in improving their score should look to re-take the SAT during the fall and early winter of their Senior year.
We strongly encourage students to make an appointment with a CCC Coordinator to talk through why you're taking the SAT. In the case of seniors, taking the SAT too late will not assist you in applying to colleges. If you're not sure, need help registering, or have questions make an appointment!
We strongly encourage students to make an appointment with a CCC Coordinator to talk through why you're taking the SAT. In the case of seniors, taking the SAT too late will not assist you in applying to colleges. If you're not sure, need help registering, or have questions make an appointment!
You can check out up-to-date test dates and find the link for Collegeboard.org below
Which Colleges will take the ACT? Which Colleges will take the SAT
Which Colleges will take the ACT? Which Colleges will take the SAT
All 4 year colleges and universities in the US will accept either ACT scores or SAT scores. While some 2 Year Colleges will look at students' ACT and SAT scores for course placement, 2 Year schools in Minnesota commonly attended by MPS students do not require students to take either the ACT or SAT
In the past, it was commonly understood that SAT scores were favored by highly selective coastal schools, while the ACT was favored by schools throughout the interior of our country. This
What's tested on the ACT?
What's tested on the ACT?
The ACT is taken across 4 primary subject areas, with an optional Writing portion.
NOTE: Even though the writing portion is optional, we at the CCC strongly recommend taking the Writing portion of the exam if you have chosen to test, especially if it is your first time testing.The subject areas, the order they're taken in, and the number of questions in each are as follows:
English - 75 multiple choice questions
Math - 60 multiple choice questions
Reading - 40 multiple choice questions
Science - 40 multiple choice questions
Writing (optional)
What's tested on the SAT?
What's tested on the SAT?
The SAT is taken across 3 primary subject areas, with an optional Essay portion.
NOTE: Even though the writing portion is optional, we at the CCC strongly recommend taking the Writing portion of the exam if you have chosen to test, especially if it is your first time testing.Notice that the SAT differs from the ACT in having two math sections, one with a calculator and one without. There is no Science-specific subject test for the SAT.
The subject areas, the order they're taken in, and the number of questions in each are as follows:
Reading - 52 multiple choice questions
Writing and Language - 44 multiple choice questions
Math (No Calculator) 20 multiple choice questions
Math (Calculator) - 38 multiple choice questions
Essay (optional)
How long do I have to take the ACT?
How long do I have to take the ACT?
The ACT is a total of 3 hours and 35 mins with the Writing. Check out the breakdown of times for each subject area below:
English: 45 mins
Math: 60 mins
Reading: 35 mins
Science: 35 mins
Writing (optional): 40 mins
How long do I have to take the SAT?
How long do I have to take the SAT?
The SAT is a total of 3 hours and 50 mins with the Essay. Check out the breakdown of times for each subject area below:
Reading: 65 mins
Writing and Language: 35 mins
Math No Calculator: 25 mins
Math Calculator: 55 mins
Essay (optional): 50 mins
How's the ACT Scored?
How's the ACT Scored?
Total score range: 1-36
Each section uses a scale of 1-36. Your total score is the average of your four section scores.
The optional Writing section uses a scale of 2-12 and does not count toward your final score.
How's the SAT Scored?
How's the SAT Scored?
Total score range: 400-1600
The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections each use a scale of 200-800 and are combined for a total score.
The optional Essay uses three separate scales of 1-8 and does not count toward your final score.
This Year's ACT: Junior ACT 4 All
This Year's ACT: Junior ACT 4 All
Information on signing up for the SY21-22 ACT 4 All Day will be posted here when it becomes available! This year, ACT 4 All is projected to be on April 19th, 2022. Stay tuned for more details!
Test Optional: Do You Need to Take Either?
Test Optional: Do You Need to Take Either?
To test or not to test, that is the question...
To test or not to test, that is the question...
Since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, many colleges have chosen to have their admissions process become test-optional. For many colleges, this decision has been reached to...
create a more equitable admissions process for all students
acknowledge the complex history of how standardized tests have been used to evaluate students
limit barriers to entry for students that would succeed on-campus, but maybe aren't the strongest test takers
But what does "test-optional" actually mean? Well, while it's always a good idea to directly contact the admissions office of the schools to which you're applying to get answers, you can safely assume "test-optional" schools will do the following:
Test-optional schools will not require ACT or SAT scores to be submitted by students interested in attending the school. Your application will still be reviewed without the scores, and if you're admitted you can attend without ever needing to go back and take a standardized test!
Test-optional schools mean that submission of scores is just that, optional! If you have scores you're proud of, you can submit them!
Test-flexible schools allow students to submit scores from a variety of standardized tests, including AP and IB tests, as well as ACT or SAT scores.
Test-blind schools don't require ANY standardized test scores to be submitted for students that meet a certain threshold.
Test-optional schools will focus more on the GPA, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles applicants have held while in high school if you choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores
Check out the list of schools that are likely to be test optional for the 2022-2023 application period by clicking the button below!
Check out the list of schools that are likely to be test optional for the 2022-2023 application period by clicking the button below!
Test Optional: $omething to Note
Test Optional: $omething to Note
Some colleges might still have institutional scholarships tied to test-scores! Additionally, while all of your colleges you're applying to may be test-optional, some scholarships still require ACT or SAT scores in order to consider applicants.
For this reason, it's always in students best interest to:
Call the admissions office of a particular school and ask if any financial aid is tied to test scores.
Closely read the required criteria for each scholarship to see if requires students submit standardized test scores.
Additionally, while a school's regular application process may be test-optional, if you're interested in playing college sports, it may still be required that you submit standardized test-scores.
Again, calling the admissions office of a school and meeting with either Mr. Eric or Mr. Kong will help you get answers to these questions!
Again, calling the admissions office of a school and meeting with either Mr. Eric or Mr. Kong will help you get answers to these questions!
ACT & SAT: Test Prep Resources
ACT & SAT: Test Prep Resources
There are a number of different test prep materials, opportunities, and resources out in the world! Many of these resources can be found by doing a quick Google search and selecting the number of options available. However, many of these resources can be quite costly. While we do not deny that these resources can offer valuable increases to students' scores, the goal of this section is to compile FREE test prep resources that are available to students, either online or directly through RHS.
Students looking for ACT Test Prep materials provided by RHS should stop by material pick-up, in person at RHS between 9am and 2pm. Once we return to school in-person, ACT test prep materials will be distributed by the CCC.
MORE TO COME SOON
Tests For 2 Year College: ACCUPLACER
Tests For 2 Year College: ACCUPLACER
The ACCUPLACER is yet another standardized test taken by students interested in attending a college. However, unlike the ACT and the SAT, the ACCUPLACER is used exclusively by 2 Year Colleges. Because most 2 Year Colleges automatically admit interested applicants, the ACCUPLACER is not used to determine if a student is admitted to a college. Rather, the ACCUPLACER is used after a student has applied and been admitted to a 2 Year School to determine if that student is ready to take college level courses.
Think of the ACCUPLACER as a course placement exam, rather than a college entrance exam.
While scoring high on the ACCUPLACER won't net you scholarships or additional financial aid, higher scores will mean that you are ready for college level coursework, and you don't need to take developmental courses that will cost you money, but don't have credits towards you getting your Associate's.
Do you need to take the ACCUPLACER? Course Placement and Multiple Measures
Do you need to take the ACCUPLACER? Course Placement and Multiple Measures
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our local 2 Year Colleges have shifted away from the ACCUPLACER. Similarly to many 4 year colleges going test-optional, 2 year schools in the Minneapolis-St.Paul area may have chosen to remove the requirement of the ACCUPLACER for the following reasons:
Ensure students' safety by not having them test on-site in space where physical distancing isn't possible
Make the application process more equitable for more students
Use information that students already have to simplify the course placement process when students arrive on the campus of their 2 year college
While some colleges still require students take the ACCUPLACER, others use a placement system called Multiple Measures. Put simply, Multiple Measures uses information students already have to determine if they are a ready for college level courses as soon as they begin at a 2 Year School. Generally, Multiple Measures Course Placement process is looking for:
Strong GPA: This GPA may need to be in a specific subject area, OR it may need to be cumulative (the combined GPA of all of your HS courses), depending on the 2 Year College you're applying to
Strong Test Scores: If you took the MCA; ACT and/or SAT; or any AP or IB exams, and received a high enough score, schools using Multiple Measures will use these scores to determine your college readiness. Strong scores on any of the previously mentioned exams will allow students to by-pass the ACCUPLACER as they undergo the enrollment process of a 2 Year College
After completing the application for a 2 Year College, it's in your best interest to get in touch with your CCC Coordinators to determine if you need to take the ACCUPLACER! With your Coordinator (or independently) you can:
After completing the application for a 2 Year College, it's in your best interest to get in touch with your CCC Coordinators to determine if you need to take the ACCUPLACER! With your Coordinator (or independently) you can:
call the admissions office of a particular school OR
call the admissions office of a particular school OR
do a Google Search for "[School's Name] Course Placement"
do a Google Search for "[School's Name] Course Placement"
Determining if you need to take the ACCUPLACER is a key step in applying and enrolling at a 2 Year College.
Determining if you need to take the ACCUPLACER is a key step in applying and enrolling at a 2 Year College.
Taking the ACCUPLACER
Taking the ACCUPLACER
Let's say that your preferred 2 Year College does require you take the ACCUPLACER. You can be best prepared to tackle the ACCUPLACER by knowing what to expect.
In this section, we will do an overview of the subjects you'll find on the ACCUPLACER, and talk a bit about how local 2 Year Colleges use ACCUPLACER scores to place students.
What's on the ACCUPLACER?
What's on the ACCUPLACER?
There are multiple sections on the ACCUPLACER exam. Each section of the exam uses computer-adaptive technology, which means the questions you see are based on your skill level. Your response to each question determines the difficulty level of the next question, so it’s important to give each question as much thought as you can before selecting your answer. Learn about each section of the exam below, and what sort of questions you can expect in each subject area:
Arithmetic
Whole Number Operations
Fraction Operations
Decimal Operations
Percent
Number Comparisons and Equivalents
Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and, Statistics (QAS)
Rational Numbers
Ratio and Proportional Relationships
Exponents
Algebraic Expressions
Linear Equations
Linear Applications and Graphs
Probability Sets
Descriptive Statistics
Geometry Concepts
Advanced Algebra and Functions
Linear Applications and Graphs
Factoring
Quadratics
Functions
Radical and Rational Equations
Polynomial Equations
Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
Trigonometry
Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills
The Reading test looks your ability to derive meaning from texts and determine the meaning of words and phrases in different contexts. Readings on the test cover a range of content areas, writing styles, and text complexities.
A written essay (300 - 700 words). Test takers are scored on each of the six factors below:
Purpose and Focus: Can you present information in a unified way, clearly addressing the issue?
Organization and Structure: Can you order and connect ideas?
Development and Support: Can you develop and support ideas with evidence?
Sentence Variety and Style: Can you craft sentences and paragraphs demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure?
Mechanical Conventions: Can you express ideas using Standard Written English?
Critical Thinking: Can you communicate a point of view and demonstrate reasoned relationships among ideas?
How long is the ACCUPLACER?
How long is the ACCUPLACER?
The ACCUPLACER is untimed! You may work at your own pace through each section of the exam. However, it's important to note that test sites at different schools will vary. While you may not have a time limit for a given section of the test, you may have to test within a certain time window to ensure other students can use the test facilities. Check with the 2 year school you're hoping to test at, as they may allow you to resume the test if you don't finish during a given period.
How is the ACCUPLACER scored? What do my scores mean?
How is the ACCUPLACER scored? What do my scores mean?
ACCUPLACER QAS, Algebra, Reading tests each have a score range of 200–300.
WritePlacer essays have a score range of 1–8. Your essay score is based on several aspects of writing and how clearly and effectively you express your position.
Each 2 Year College interprets these scores a bit differently. If you're having trouble understanding what your scores mean, contact a CCC Coordinator and/or the 2 Year College you've tested at. As a rule of thumb, scores below a certain threshold will mean that you will either need to:
Retake the test or
enroll in developmental courses that will assist you in building the skills you need to take on more college-level classes.
ACCUPLACER Prep Resources
ACCUPLACER Prep Resources
MORE TO COME SOON
Tests For Military: ASVAB
Tests For Military: ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or the ASVAB, tests students knowledge of basic concepts and skills, and determines what branch and rank in the military you are eligible for.
There are three versions of the ASVAB, but here we will cover two in particular:
ASVAB at MET: MET stand fore Mobile Examination Test. The ASVAB at MET is used used just for military enlistment services and requires a student be referred by a recruiter, and tests on site. This is the pencil and paper version of the ASVAB and is administered in a way similar to the other standardized tests students may have been exposed to.
CAT-ASVAB: CAT stands for Computer Adaptive Test, and is the computer version of the ASVAB
Check out the section below for more info on the ASVAB. Click each text box to expand it and read the relevant info.
(much of the information in this section is pulled from Military.com)How will I take the ASVAB?
How will I take the ASVAB?
Depending on the option a student chooses, and the resources available at a given recruitment center, students will have the option to take the ASVAB as either a paper or computer-based version.
What's on the ASVAB
What's on the ASVAB
The test measures your knowledge in eight or nine areas, depending on the type of test you take and your recruitment center:
General Science - Life, earth, space and physical sciences
Paper version - 11 min for 25 questions / Computer version - 8 min for 16 questions
Arithmetic Reasoning - Ability to solve basic math and word problems
Paper version - 36 min for 30 questions / Computer version - 39 min for 16 questions
Word Knowledge - Ability to grasp the meaning of words through synonyms
Paper version - 11 min for 35 questions / Computer version -8 min for 16 questions
Paragraph Comprehension - Ability to understand written material
Paper version - 13 min for 15 questions / Computer version - 22 min for 11 questions
Mathematics - Math concepts and applications
Paper version - 24 min for 25 questions / Computer version - 20 min for 16 questions
Electronics - Electrical current, circuits, devices and electronic systems
Paper version - 9 min for 20 questions / Computer version - 8 min for 16 questions
Auto and Shop - Car maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop
Computer version only (auto) - 7 min for 11 questions
Computer version only (shop) - 6 min for 11 questions
Mechanical - Principles of mechanical devices, structural support, properties of materials
Paper version - 19 min for 25 questions / Computer version - 20 min for 16 questions
Assembling Objects
Paper version - 15 min for 25 questions / Computer version - 16 min for 16 questions
So, how long is the ASVAB?
So, how long is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is typically about 3 hours. But each version has slightly different timing.
Computer Version: 154 minutes for 145 questions
Paper Version: 149 minutes for 225 questions
Each version of the test, computer and paper, requires students complete each subject test in the allotted time period. On the computer version, answers cannot be changed once submitted. On the paper version, students can erase an answer they believe to be incorrect and then clearly bubble in the answer they desire. On both tests, it's always better to guess than leave an answer blank.
How is the ASVAB scored, and what do my scores mean?
How is the ASVAB scored, and what do my scores mean?
The ASVAB's scoring can be a bit confusing. There are three main categories of scores to pay attention to as they relate to your results: Standard scores, AFQT scores, and Composite scores.
Standard Scores (The scores of each subject area subtest)
The ASVAB subtests use a one to 100 score range. You are given multiple scores: a standard score for each of the subtests, an AFQT score and composite scores.
Armed Services Qualification Test (AFQT) Score
Your AFQT, or Armed Services Qualification Test, score specifically determines if you are eligible for enlistment in the military. Each branch of the military has a different minimum AFQT score requirement, listed below:
Air Force - 36
Army - 31
Minimum score of 50 to qualify for certain enlistment incentives
Marine Corps - 32
Navy - 35
Coast Guard - 40
The AFQT score is calculated by combining the standard scores (1 to 100) of four subject tests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Word Knowledge (WK)
Composite Scores
Composite scores help determine which military job is right for you Some composite scores are required for certain jobs and branches.
Composite scores are categorized in the following groups and associated with the following roles or careers:
Clerical (CL)
Combat (CO)
Electronics (EL)
Field Artillery (FA)
General Maintenance (GM)
General Technical (GT)
Mechanical Maintenance (MM)
Operators and Food (OF)
Surveillance and Communications (SC)
Skilled Technical (ST)
Tests For Apprenticeships: Skills Tests
Tests For Apprenticeships: Skills Tests
MORE TO COME SOON!!
MOST Apprenticeship programs require at minimum:
High school diploma or GED
Valid driver's license
legally eligible to work in the US
qualifying score on the entrance exam
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