Testing Programs at Sebastian River High School

PSAT Sign Ups begin on Monday 9/13 in the Guidance Office. This is for 9-11th graders. The cost is $15. Test will be given 10/13. See Mrs. Christophersen to sign up.

ACT - (American College Testing Program). Many colleges require ACT scores for admission purposes. The ACT assessment covers the following subject areas: English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Natural Science. It is recommended that you take the test near the end of your junior year or early in your senior year if you plan to go to college. The ACT is recommended by Indian River Community College.

SAT I - (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Like the ACT, many colleges require SAT scores as part of their admissions requirements. The SAT covers three parts: verbal, mathematics, and a test of standard written English. Students who plan to attend college are encouraged to take the test at the end of the junior year or early in the senior year.

SAT II - (Subject Tests). Subject tests are used by some colleges for placement. These tests are usually required by the more selective colleges. If this is an option being considered, a planning session with a counselor is strongly recommended. Since these tests are offered in several subject areas, a student should consider testing at the completion of the course.

PSAT/NMSQT - (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This test, offered only in October, is usually taken by students during their junior year and measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. College-bound juniors are encouraged to take this test and compete for the National Merit Scholarship. This test will serve to familiarize students with the college entrance tests and will provide much-needed feedback regarding their academic abilities as compared with other college-bound students.

CLEP - (College Level Examination Program). The CLEP is another testing program of the College Board. It is intended to provide the opportunity for individuals who have acquired certain knowledge outside the traditional classroom to earn college credit by examination. Locally this testing program is available through area community colleges. Before participating in this program, the student should check his/her prospective college's policy regarding the granting of CLEP credit.

AP - (Advanced Placement Program). Advanced Placement is another alternative program of the College Board which encourages high schools to provide challenging courses for students, and provides examinations to help the colleges recognize candidates' qualifications for advanced placement and college credit. Students should check the policies of prospective colleges.

ASVAB - (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). This test is a multiple aptitude battery developed to yield results that are useful to both schools and the military. Schools use ASVAB test results to provide educational and career counseling for students.

FCAT - This test is administered to all students grades 3-10. Ninth graders are tested on reading and math; the test in the tenth grade measures problem solving and thinking skills in the areas of reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Students in the class of 2003 and thereafter must pass the FCAT in order to graduate. Students who have not passed the test by the end of the 11 th grade, excluding special diploma students, will not qualify forsenior privileges until they pass the test.

CPT - (College Placement Test). This test assesses the student's readiness to do college work. It is also used for placement in English and math classes by IRCC for students taking dual enrollment courses. A passing score is required on the CPT for the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award. The CPT is given by IRCC. See your counselor to register for the test.

DAR —(Diagnostic Assessment of Reading). This test is used to assess Reading proficiency for FCAT level one and two students.

SRI —(Scholastic Reading Inventory). A reading comprehension test for grades 9-12 that assess students' reading levels and helps teachers match readers to text, adjust instruction to student's needs, and track students' reading growth over time.