The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is an optional test for students. It measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills that are important for success in college. It will measure knowledge and skills developed through years of study and classes and the ability to reason with facts and concepts rather than simply recall.
The PSAT/NMSQT allows for different benefits for the students as well that includes scholarship opportunities, ACT/SAT advantage, and feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 school and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. It is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. As an aptitude test, the ASVAB measures your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future success. The ASVAB also provides you with career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors whether you choose to go to college, vocational school, or a military career." (Military.com) Every Junior takes it, even if they are not interested in going into the Armed Forces.
We require that ALL juniors take the ASVAB as this is the inventory assessment that is given for them each year. The ASVAB test is the main aptitude test that is used throughout the nation due to how beneficial it is when helping our students decide what to do after they graduate. The data/test results will be sent to us as a school, the students, and the military. The only reason the military will use any of this information is if a student chooses to enlist then they have this information available. It is more for the student and our school so we can best prepare our students for life after high school.
The ACT and SAT are two different college admission tests. Most students in Iowa take the ACT, and all colleges accept either the ACT or SAT scores.
It is recommended that students take the ACT during the spring of their junior year, however, students may take the test any time. Many students take the ACT at the end of their sophomore year or beginning of their junior year as a practice test. The ACT and SAT can be retaken as many times as a student chooses, and colleges will always look at the student's best score.
Most four year public and private colleges require either an ACT or SAT score as par to their admission process. Community Colleges do not require these tests, but some do give scholarships based on student scores, so it may benegit any student to take the ACT or SAT.