Testing & Assessment
Testing Information
PSAT/NMSQT
Upcoming Dates:
October 23, 2024
Please review the following document for information on the upcoming PSAT, including a link to register.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
The PSAT/NMSQT measures:
- Critical reading skills
- Math problem-solving skills
- Writing skills
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are to:
- Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
- See how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
- Enter the competition for scholarships from NMSC (grade 11).
- Help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
- Receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service.
More information about the PSAT can be found here.
How to prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT:
SAT
Upcoming Assessments:
SAT Test Date | Registration Deadline |
October 5, 2024* | September 20, 2024 |
November 2, 2024 | October 18, 2024 |
December 7, 2024 | November 22, 2024 |
March 8, 2025 | February 21, 2025 |
May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 |
June 7, 2025* | May 22, 2025 |
*Test administered at Manchester Valley High School
What are the SAT's?
The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions.
Taking the SAT is the first step in finding the right college for you — the place where you can further develop your skills and pursue your passions. But SAT scores are just one of many factors that colleges consider when making their admission decisions. High school grades are also very important. In fact, the combination of high school grades and SAT scores is the best predictor of your academic success in college. (Taken from www.collegeboard.org)
SAT Information and Registration
Preparing for the SAT:
- Students can take a practice SAT test and receive individualized practice through Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
- Varsity Learning Tools’ SAT resources
ASVAB
Upcoming Test Dates:
November 15, 2024
Registration for the ASVAB will be forthcoming.
What is the ASVAB?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students. Taking the ASVAB does not commit you to entering the military. It is open to 10-12th graders and can be taken more than once. Once taken, possible scholarships are available.
Preparing for the ASVAB:
Military.com - http://www.military.com/ASVAB - This free resource is provided by Monster Worldwide, a company focused on helping people research and improve their careers. There are three short ASVAB practice tests and three full-length tests available. Additionally, users may find information on what the ASVAB is, what scores are desirable by various military branches, and in depth information on all military branches. There is a link for students to contact recruiters too.
ACT
Upcoming Dates:
Please check the ACT website for information on test dates. Please note that MVHS is not a testing site for the ACT.
What is the ACT?
Created by ACT Inc., the ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The idea (in theory, at least) is to provide colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. The weight placed on ACT scores varies from school to school. Other important factors that schools consider in their admissions decisions are your high school GPA, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, interviews and personal essays. For more specific information on the importance of ACT scores at the schools you're interested in, contact the admissions offices directly. (Taken from The Princeton Review.)