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Amery High School Guidance Department
Testing Information
Most two and four-year colleges, and some technical schools, require some form of admission testing. Your scores, along with your high school grades and other achievements, are used in the admissions decision. Make sure to check with the institutions to which you are applying to see which tests are necessary. Juniors planning to attend college should take the ACT or SAT tests in the spring of their junior year. To meet admission deadlines, seniors who have not taken the ACT or SAT tests should do so on the first possible date given in October.
AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT): The ACT is a college entrance exam which is considered in the admissions process of all Wisconsin and most Midwestern 4-year colleges. Consult specific colleges/universities to verify which entrance exam they prefer. ACT scores are also used to determine NCAA eligibility.
The ACT is constructed to assess general educational development and ability to do college level work. The ACT consists of a battery of four academic tests covering subject matter in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning.
The four sub tests include:
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English: Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills
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Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry
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Reading: Social Studies/Sciences and Arts/Literature
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Science Reasoning: Data representation, Research Summaries, Conflicting Viewpoints
ACT offers an optional writing component to the ACT exam. The ACT Writing Test complements the English Test. The combined information from both tests tells postsecondary institutions about students' understanding of the conventions of standard written English and their ability to produce a direct sample of writing. Some colleges/universities require the writing portion of the ACT as part of the admission process. Some institutions in our area that require the writing portion are: UW-Madison, Marquette, UM-Twin Cities, UM-Duluth, UM-Crookston, and Carleton. To find out whether or not the college you wish to attend requires the writing portion visit the ACT website at www.act.org/aap/writing/index.html
COLLEGE BOARDS (CEEB'S): Many private colleges, particularly in the Eastern part of the country, require these tests. Tests include the SAT-I (Scholastic Aptitude Test), Test of Standard Written English (TSWE), SAT-II Subject Tests (formerly Achievement Tests), and English Composition Test with Essay (ECT).
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SAT I: A 2½-hour multiple-choice test composed of verbal and mathematical questions. College Board has a mandatory writing component on the SAT.
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TSWE: Thirty-minute test, which measures how well you understand and interpret what you read and the extent of your vocabulary. This test evaluates your ability to recognize the use of language essential to a finished piece of writing.
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SAT II: Each test is a one-hour multiple-choice test made up of questions that measure subjects appropriate for your major.
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SAT II Subject Tests: Subject tests are in the areas of: English, history and social studies, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, and physics.)
TEST REGISTRATION: A limited amount of paper test registration materials for the ACT, SAT I, and SAT II are available in the Guidance Office. Complete the registration materials and send them to ACT or SAT in the envelopes provided or register online at www.actstudent.org for the ACT or www.collegeboard.com/?student for the SAT I & II. Since you must submit your registration well in advance, make sure that you are aware of the specific testing deadlines. Online registration is the preferred method of registration.
Admissions Test Dates Schedule for ACT and SAT-I and SAT-II Tests:
(Our high school code number is 500-045, which must be used on test registration materials.)
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ACT Test Dates |
Registration Deadline |
Late Fee Registration Dates |
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September 10, 2011
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August 12, 2011
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August 13 – 26, 2011
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October 22, 2011
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September 16, 2011
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September 17 – 30, 2011
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December 10, 2011
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November 4, 2011
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November 5 – 18, 2011
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February 11, 2012*
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January 13, 2012
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January 14 – 20, 2012
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April 14, 2012
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March 9, 2012
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March 10 – 23, 2012
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June 9, 2012
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May 4, 2012
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May 5 – 18, 2012
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SAT Tests Offered |
Test Dates |
Registration By Date |
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SAT I and SAT Subject Tests
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October 1, 2011
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September 9, 2011
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SAT I and SAT Subject Tests
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November 5, 2011
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October 7, 2011
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SAT I and SAT Subject Tests
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December 3, 2011
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November 8, 2011
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SAT I and SAT Subject Tests
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January 28, 2012
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December 30, 2011
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SAT I Only
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March 10, 2012
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February 10, 2012
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SAT I and SAT Subject Tests
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May 5, 2012
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April 6, 2012
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SAT I and SAT Subject Tests
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June 2, 2012
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May 8, 2012
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TEST FEES: The current registration fee for the ACT only is $33.00. The total fee for the ACT with the optional writing test is $48.00. Fee for SAT-I is $47.00 and SAT II subject tests are $31-$42 each. There are limited paper registration materials in Guidance Office. Students are responsible for mailing the test application forms themselves and for meeting all test registration deadline dates. Students are encouraged to simply complete registration materials online as that is the preferred method.
Tips for Test Day:
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Get plenty of rest the night before the test.
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If you feel nervous before beginning, try to relax by taking a few deep breaths.
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Maintain confidence in your abilities and plan to do your best.
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Read and listen carefully to all instructions and ask questions if there is something you don't understand.
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Focus your attention entirely on your work.
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Position your answer sheet next to your test booklet so you can mark your answers quicklyand accurately.
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Before answering each question, read it completely, as well as all the possible responses.
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When you are unsure of an answer, choose the one you think is best and go on to the nextquestion. Be sure to answer every question.
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Pace yourself throughout the test by occasionally checking the time.
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If you complete the test before your time is up, reread the questions and check your answers.
Helpful Hints for English, Reading, and Science Reasoning Sections:
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Review English grammar and usage, as well as punctuation, parts of speech, sentence structure and word parts.
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Don't rush your selection. Consider all the answers to make the best choice.
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Use the context of nearby words to figure our unknown words.
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Pace yourself. You have roughly (actually slightly less than ) 1/2 minute for each question.
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Examine each underlined portion with care. It will suggest what is being sought from you by its context in the passage that the question refers to.
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Choose the best answer possible, using the process of elimination to narrow your choices.
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After you've made your choice, mentally substitute your answer into the underlined portion to see if it seems correct.
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If you don't know the meaning of a word, try to recall if you've ever heard it in an expression. The context of the expression may suggest the meaning of the word.
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Beware of obvious answers! They may be there only to mislead you.
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You should base your answers to the questions solely on what is stated or implied in the passages.
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Carefully read any introductory text.
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Skip questions you don't know. Return to them after answering other easier questions.
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First and last sentences of each paragraph are critical.
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Read the passages before reading the questions.
ACT sample test questions can be found at:
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Assessment Battery)
The ASVAB test is only given in Amery if at least 25 students sign up to take it. Students interested in taking the ASVAB should contact one of the counselors or a military recruiter for the branch in which they are interested. Recruiters for each branch of the military visit AHS throughout the year. ASVAB sub-tests include: Academic Ability-Verbal and Math; Occupational Composites-Mechanical and Crafts, Business and Clerical, Electronics and Electrical, Health and Technology .The ASVAB is an excellent career and vocational test and is typically offered at AHS in February or March.
PSAT (Preliminary SAT Test)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
Juniors may be interested in taking the PSAT (preliminary SAT test)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This test acts as a practice test to the SAT and is the only test you can take to enter into the National Merit Scholarship Competition. For more information about the test, please talk with the Guidance Counselors. The next PSAT is scheduled for October 12, 2011 during 1st and 2nd blocks in the library. The cost of the test is $14.00, exact change required or checks payable to Amery School District.
PLAN Test (Pre-ACT) *SOPHOMORES ONLY*
The PLAN test is a powerful predictor of success on the ACT (the college entrance exam taken junior or senior year), an early indicator of college readiness, and a tool to help students explore careers that match their interests. The PLAN is not a required test. The next PLAN test is scheduled for December 7, 2011. For more information about this exam visit www.act.org/plan.
The PLAN test is essentially a pre-ACT test that students may take. The PLAN indicates how students will likely perform on the ACT. Participants will take tests in the areas of English, math, reading, and science. In addition, participants will also complete an interest inventory, and answer questions regarding future educational plans. The results from the PLAN test will be published in an individual report for the student, and a booklet explaining the results will also be provided. The cost of the test is $11.25, exact change required or checks payable to Amery School District.
AP Exams & CLEP Exams: What are They?
About AP: Through AP Exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities. This is an opportunity you have as a high school student. AP exams are provided onsite at Amery High School; however, students are responsible for the cost of the exams. Exams usually take place in the late spring, typically May of the given school year. The Amery High School AP exam coordinator is Shawn Doerfler, Principal.
Why Participate? With 37 courses and exams across 22 subject areas, AP offers something for everyone. The only requirements are a strong curiosity about the subject you plan to study and the willingness to work hard. Here are just a few reasons to sign up for AP exams:
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Gain the edge in college preparation
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Get a head start on college-level work.
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Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
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Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work.
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Stand out in the college admissions process
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Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
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Study subjects in greater depth and detail.
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Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself.
About CLEP: Shorten your path to a college degree — with CLEP! The College-Level Examination Program® or CLEP provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. There are 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams. CLEP exams are not offered at Amery High School, students should take CLEP exams at the college they will be attending after graduation. As not all colleges accept CLEP credit, you should check with the college or university you plan to attend for complete details.
Why take CLEP exams? By taking one or more CLEP exams in your strong subjects, you will…
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Save time. Depending on your college's CLEP policy, a satisfactory score on a CLEP exam can earn you from 3 to 12 college credits.
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Save money. The cost of a CLEP exam is $77, a fraction of the tuition and fees for the corresponding course.
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Make college more interesting. Skip general introductory courses and move on to more advanced classes, or explore new and challenging academic areas.
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Graduate on time. CLEP can help you to the finish line if you're a few credits shy of graduation
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Satisfy a proficiency requirement. Demonstrate your ability in college math or a foreign language.
How to Get Started: Find out if your college accepts CLEP. Use the CLEP college search and talk to your admissions office, test center, or academic advisor. For more information about AP exams and CLEP exams, visit www.collegeboard.com/testing/. As always, be certain to check with the college you plan to attend to find out if they accept AP and CLEP exam credits, and also how those credits are accepted.
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