ACT / PSAT / SAT
It is suggested that students take the ACT at least twice: the spring semester of the junior year and early in the fall semester of the senior year.
FREE ACT at SMNW is given to JUNIORS in February
Registration is OPEN for Junior FREE ACT in February 2024
Sign up using the Google Form link given to students and parents via email (sent November 7th).
Registration DEADLINE: December 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm
Juniors must register through Skyward! Click "Online Forms." Register in the student portal.
EXAM date is Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at SMNW (7:30 am-11:30 am)
REGISTER FOR THE ACT ($68 / ACT + Writing = $93)
REGISTER online for the ACT test. Click here to get started and to create a student account. *Remember you have to enroll at the specific website for each test.* If you are needing financial assistance, see your school counselor to see if you meet with testing waiver guidelines.
For help after you've already registered or for more information on why you should take the ACT, click here.
ACT TEST DATES
For the most accurate testing schedule, scroll past "additional information" on the ACT page.
PREPARE FOR THE ACT
Don't go into the ACT unprepared!
*Accommodations -- See your case manager several months in advance in order to get accommodations on the ACT.
RESEARCH ON TEST PREP
"Because the ACT tests what students learn in high school, the best way for them to prepare is to take core classes, study, and participate in class...ACT has shared the importance of rigorous coursework in preparing students to take the ACT test. Research shows that students in the graduating class of 2017 who completed a core curriculum achieved an average ACT Composite score of 22.1, while students who took less than the core curriculum had an average ACT Composite score of 18.9.
When students need additional support, test prep programs can help. Test prep can be used to familiarize students with the format and questions of the test, develop test taking strategies, and identify areas where additional learning is necessary. ACT test prep programs and resources include full-length practice tests, expert advice, and learning tools that achieve these ends." -- ACT Website, Scores
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSAT/NMSQT (FREE - Sophomores / $20+ - Juniors)
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test measures skills and knowledge that are essential for college readiness and success. The PSAT/NMSQT is administered on Super Test Day which is generally the second Wednesday in October.
Sophomores:
All sophomores have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT during October (National Test Day). There is no online registration or fee for sophomores.
Juniors:
Juniors can choose to take the PSAT/NMSQT ($) or take the Practice ACT. By taking the PSAT in the 11th grade, students may be eligible for scholarships, including the National Merit Scholarship Program.
The PSAT/NMSQT will be on National Test Day in October.
The fee for the PSAT is $20
Registration is online. www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/172771
Registration deadline is October 1.
A late fee will be charged from October 2-6.
Official site of the PSAT. Includes free practice tests and links to free Khan Academy test prep, along with options for fee-based study guides and online courses. Also provides tips and study strategies.
Juniors: Registration for Kaplan’s free PSAT Prep Live has begun. Highly-rated, expert instructors will review all the areas of the exam, streamed live online leading up to test day. Register now by visiting www.kaptest.com/psatpreplive
Highly rated and longstanding test prep company whose motto is "the right tools, personalized learning, and guaranteed results." Lots of options.
Test prep and tutoring assistance, along with information and advice about college admission.
Highly reviewed and one of the fastest-growing test prep companies in the U.S.
Highly rated professional tutoring.
Founded by two college graduates who had difficulty finding the test prep resources they wanted.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAT ($60)
Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school. At least half of all students take the SAT twice — in the spring as a junior and in the fall as a senior. Most students improve their score the second time they take the SAT. Colleges use the SAT for admission purposes. Check the colleges of your choice to see if they require the ACT or SAT.
For more information on the SAT, go to the College Board website: SAT
For free Khan Academy SAT test prep: click here