| | While there seems to be a great deal of emphasis on college entrance exams,
they are only one of the many factors colleges look at in making their final
decisions. Most colleges report that grades in college prep courses are the
most important factor in college admission. Some of these tests are used in
the admission process as indications of academic potential; some are used
for educational placement; others are designed as preliminary opportunities
to develop good test-taking skills. Many students choose to retake some of
these tests to enhance their scores. Be sure to find out which exams are
required by the colleges you are considering. The state testing does not
include writing so if your schools require the writing (mostly more selctive
colleges) you will need to take the ACT on a national test date. Be sure to
register well in advance of the test as locations close to BMHS are
sometimes limited. The following descriptions may be helpful in
understanding more about college admission testing.
PLAN: The PLAN is a comprehensive assessment designed to help tenth graders
make academic and college plans, as well as practice for the ACT. BMHS
sophomores need to register in the guidance office by October 1st to take
the test in October 15th. The PLAN consists of a battery of four tests
of educational development, (2) an interest inventory, (3) a study skills
assessment, and (4) a questionnaire about students' educational and career
plans, background, and special educational needs.
PSAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT): The PSAT measures
critical reading, quantitative (math), and writing ability, and offers
practice for the SAT. It is administered to interested juniors
in October 15th. If you wish to be considered for the National Merit
Scholarship and recognition, you must take the PSAT during your junior year.
Students can register in the Guidance office by October 1st. It is a
practice test that is not seen by the colleges.
ACT: The ACT is achievement oriented college admissions test, measuring
acquired skills and knowledge in English, math, reading, and science
reasoning. It is currently administered free of charge to all juniors at
Battle Mountain High School in April, and is administered nationally on
other dates as well. Like the SAT, it is required of applicants by many
colleges and sponsors of scholarship programs. Most colleges accept either
the SAT or the ACT. All colleges in the US accept that state testing
results. We recommend that you take the test on a national test dates as
well. We recommend that you retake it, if necessary, in the fall of your
senior year especially if you scores below the college level (Reading below
17, Math below 18 and English below 17).
No need to register for BMHS ACT on April 23rd. We will register you at
school! Upcoming national test dates are: October 27th, December 8th,
February 9th, April 12th at Vail Mt. School or
EVHS and June 14th at BMHS.
http://www.actstudent.org
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| | SAT: The SAT measures critical reading, quantitative (math), and writing
ability. It is administered periodically during the year at BMHS, CMC, VMS
and other test centers throughout the United States and is required by many
colleges and sponsors of scholarship programs. It is recommend that you take
the SAT in the spring of your junior year and retake it, if necessary, in
the fall of your senior year.
SAT Subject Tests (SAT IIS): The SAT Subject Tests measure your knowledge
and skills in a particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge.
Subject tests fall into five general areas: English, history and social
studies, mathematics, science, and foreign languages. Some colleges, such as
the University of California system, require particular subject tests. We
recommend that you check individual college requirements for SAT Subject
Tests and plan appropriate times to take these tests. For example, if you
are studying for an AP Biology test, it may be advantageous for you to take
the SAT Subject Tests in Biology around the same time. You can take up to
three SAT IIs on a given test date and not on the same date as an SAT.
Register early to get your choice of test sites before they fill.
http://www.collegeboard.com
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| | Extended Time SAT or ACT is available for approved students with documented
learning disabilities or on a 504 plan. Students may apply for an extended
time administration of either test. Students who may benefit from or qualify
for this option should check with their counselor for information well in
advance of test registration deadlines.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Some colleges require the
TOEFL of students whose first or native language is not English. This test,
either alone or in combination with the ACT and/or SAT, will give colleges
information needed to make admission decisions.
Registration Forms are available in the Guidance office. We recommend that
you register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.com and the ACT online
at www.actstudent.org.
Test scores are returned approximately four weeks after a test date. You
will receive your SAT, SAT Subject Test, and ACT scores in the mail. Also,
students can now receive their SAT scores via the phone or online two weeks
after taking the tests. Your test scores are recorded on your BMHS files so
that we can send scores with your transcripts when you apply to colleges.
Some colleges required that they receive the scores directly from the test
company. You can order those scores sent online. Colleges usually use the
highest set or combined set of test scores.
Test preparation information is available in the BMHS Guidance office
through a variety of resources: SAT, SAT Subject Test, and ACT guidebooks
which give sample tests; test prep software for the PSAT, ACT, and SAT.
BMHS is now offering ACT prep classes as an elective course for seniors in
the fall and juniors in the spring.
Information is also available on outside test prep programs such as
Princeton Review is available online or through the guidance office.
http://www.review.com
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