College Entrance and Placement Testing

Most colleges and universities require results of standardized college entrance exams to be submitted as part of the application process. Schools also ask prospective students to take placement tests to determine level of proficiency in various subjects.  Some schools also grant college credit and/or placement to students obtaining high scores on certain exams.  Standardized national tests are summarized below.

PSAT/NMSQT

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a practice test for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) and the first step in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship Program.  This instrument also identifies outstanding Black and Hispanic students for scholarship purposes.  It is offered in October of sophomore and  junior year.  This is not a college admissions test.

Act Assessment

The ACT is America's most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.  The ACT Writing Test will provide information to complement that already provided by the ACT English Test. The combined results from both tests will provide information about students' understanding of the conventions of standard written English and their ability to produce a direct sample of writing.  Students who register to take the ACT Assessment should decide whether to include the Writing Test based on the requirements of the institutions to which they are applying.  Junior students take the ACT as part of the Prairie State Achievement Exam.  The PSAE is mandatory for graduation.  It is also recommended that students take the national ACT in April of their junior year.  Registration materials are available in the Guidance Services Office.  A variety of preparation courses and seminars exist to help students prepare for the ACT.  Any student that wishes to participate in collegiate sports MUST take the ACT on a national test date. For information, or to register for the ACT online, you may go to www.act.org

SAT

SAT Reasoning Test

The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200—800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.

For more online sample questions and preparation materials, visit the SAT Preparation Center.

SAT Question Types

The SAT includes a Critical Reading, Math, and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content.

The Unscored Section

In addition, there is one 25-minute unscored section, known as the variable or equating section. This unscored section may be either a critical reading, math, or writing multiple-choice section. This unscored section does not count toward the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the test.

Test Order

The 25-minute essay will always be the first section of the SAT, and the 10-minute multiple-choice writing section will always be the final section. The remaining six 25-minute sections can appear in any order, as can the two 20-minute sections. Test takers sitting next to each other in the same testing session may have test books with entirely different sections.

Advanced Placement Tests (AP)

These are three-hour comprehensive examinations given in May in various subject areas.  Participants are enrolled in a specific course in their high school to prepare for these tests.  Students scoring well in these tests may receive college credit and/or placement in the corresponding academic discipline.  Registration and testing are handled directly through the associated class.

Compass Test

The Compass Test is an English and math placement exam for certain community or junior colleges.  Students can take the Compass test at the college when they visit the campus.  LTHS also offers the Compass Test on campus.  Contact the Guidance Services office for more information.