Standardized Exams and Assessments

Preliminary SAT (PSAT)

The PSAT measures verbal and math reasoning skills as well as writing skills. Students benefit from practice in taking the test and can identify academic strengths and weaknesses while they have time to work to improve their scores. The PSAT is required for all 10th graders and 11th graders are allowed to retest if they choose to do so.  The testing takes place in the fall during the school day at no cost to the student. 11th-grade students can enter special scholarship competitions such as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

SAT

The SAT Reasoning Test measures critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Standardized test scores such as the SAT are often required as part of the college admissions process. Students are encouraged to sit for the SAT in 11th grade and may repeat the test two or more times. The SAT is given several times each year at local high schools. Students must register online approximately four weeks before the test date at www.collegeboard.com. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

American College Test (ACT)

The ACT measures academic achievement in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Students may elect to take the writing subtest (students should check with their colleges of interest to see if the writing test is required). Most colleges accept ACT and/or SAT scores for admission purposes. Registration materials and study guides are available in the school counseling office and online at www.actstudent.org. Students may find it advantageous to take both the ACT and SAT as colleges will generally utilize the best scores.

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP courses, taught by dedicated and committed high school teachers, lay the groundwork for students to succeed at the collegiate level. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in AP examinations. WPS will assume the cost of AP testing for all students who choose to take an AP exam.  AP exams are administered in May of each year on national test dates set by the AP Program. Students who wish to sit for an AP exam, but are not enrolled in the corresponding JHHS AP course should see the high school AP Coordinator at the start of the school year. Careful consideration should be given in selecting AP courses as they are designed for students who have mastered the basic skills and are able to learn independently. Completion of these courses, with acceptable AP exam scores, may lead to credit and/or advanced placement at colleges and universities.