Testing
ACT
ACT
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 for SMNW JUNIORS in February
Registration is OPEN for February Junior FREE ACT
Junior ACT Registration (FREE) (emailed to students and parents)
Registration DEADLINE: December 6, 2024 at 11:59 pm
EXAM is Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at SMNW (7:30 am-11:30 am)
REGISTER
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
Scroll past "additional information" on the ACT page.
PREPARE FOR THE ACT
*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
October (National) Test Day
National Test Day is observed by all high schools across the United States. SMNW students will participate in various activities during National Test Day. Activities are subject to change, so please check regularly for the most current information.
Freshmen
All freshmen will take the Pre-ACT 8/9, with automatic registration and no cost to students.
During National Test week, freshmen will also complete the YouScience (Aptitude Test). This test is a 90-minute aptitude test that will give students valuable insight into their future. Using proprietary artificial intelligence, YouScience identified student aptitudes and links them to careers and educational pathways. This is the foundation for the required Individual Plan of Study ("IPS").
Sophomores
All sophomores will take either the Pre-ACT or the optional PSAT. Students are automatically registered for the Pre-ACT, which is provided free of charge. Those wishing to take the PSAT should start with their academic counselor.
Juniors
Juniors will follow a regular 7-period day unless they choose to take the junior PSAT. Depending on student performance, this exam can qualify students for National Merit Scholarship.
Juniors interested in taking the PSAT during National Test Day need to contact the PSAT coordinator, Zach Cash (zacharycash@smsd.org). Once registered, students will pay on Total Registration. The PSAT will be administered online beginning October 2024. PSAT NMSQ Information
PSAT Registration DEADLINE: September
The fee for the PSAT is $20
Pay here: www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/172771
Seniors
Seniors will follow a regular 7-period day.
PSAT / NMSQT
PSAT/NMSQT
JUNIOR NMSQT ($20)
Depending on student performance, this exam can qualify students for National Merit Scholarship.
NOTE on PSAT/NMSQT Scholarships: Many universities will offer National Merit Scholarship packages (see page 48) for students who qualify. These scholarships can stack with other scholarships.
On this PSAT Guide, look at page 40 for companies that offer National Merit scholarship packages for children of employees.
Juniors interested in taking the PSAT during National Test Day need to contact the PSAT coordinator, Zach Cash (zacharycash@smsd.org). Once registered, students will pay on Total Registration. The PSAT will be administered online in October 2024.
Register: www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/172771
DEADLINE: September 13, 2024
SOPHOMORE PSAT ($20)
All sophomores have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT during October (National Test Day). Please sign up with your academic counselor.
PREPARE FOR THE PSAT
College Board: 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
Kaplan Test Prep: Highly rated and longstanding test prep company whose motto is "the right tools, personalized learning, and guaranteed results." Lots of options.
The Princeton Review: Test prep and tutoring assistance, along with information and advice about college admission.
PowerScore: Highly reviewed and one of the fastest-growing test prep companies in the U.S.
Revolution Prep: Highly rated professional tutoring.
4 Tests: Founded by two college graduates who had difficulty finding the test prep resources they wanted.
SAT
SAT ($60) SAT Test Dates
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
PREPARE FOR THE SAT
For free Khan Academy SAT test prep: click here