What about Testing?
Tests and quizzes are available everywhere you turn. Some are informal and online, and can help your student narrow down what they would be good at when they finish High School, and some are rigorous and will help them get scholarships and into college. Here is an overview of the myriad of tests and quizzes that are available to your student to help them achieve their college and career goals.
Business as Usual
High school and college prep go hand in hand. There are many tests available that your student can take in order to help them get into college. The tests are given at specific times during the year, and must be signed up for in advance. There are different tests to choose from. No matter which one(s) your family chooses, it is important to prepare your student for them, in order to help them achieve the best results possible and to eliminate the stress involved. Testing can be very stressful and adequately preparing your student for them is a key to success. Scoring well on these tests is the secret to scholarships and entering your programs of choice in many colleges.
Test Prep
There are many resources available to help your student prepare for the tests they will take. These range from online practice tests, to books, to people who provide services to teach your student strategies to use for the tests. Pricing can range from free for some of the online tests to being quite expensive. Don’t be intimidated if you have a small budget, you can get test prep books from the library, or even pick up these books used. There are free practice tests available on the most of the official websites as well as number2.com and Khan Academy.
Tests that are Available
There are many test available, each with their own test dates and necessary prep. See below for a list of tests, when they should be taken, and links to more information.
Career Tests
These are friendly tests to help your student get an idea of career paths that they are likely to be interested in. These are not formal tests, but will serve your student well to help them start to think about what they are naturally drawn to and which fields they will find the most rewarding.
https://www.truity.com/view/tests/personality-career
https://www.yourfreecareertest.com/career-tests/
https://www.aptitude-test.com/free-aptitude-test/mixed-aptitude-test/
PSAT/NMSQT
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test
Sophomore/Junior Years
https://parents.collegeboard.org/college-board-programs/psat-nmsqt
https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/interior.aspx?sid=1758&gid=2&pgid=424
ACT-American College Testing
Spring Junior Year
Fall Senior Year
https://www.princetonreview.com/college/act-information
SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test
Spring Junior Year
Fall Senior Year
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat
What is the SAT Test? https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-information
CLT-Classic Learning Test
Junior & Senior Years
What ist the CLT? https://www.cltexam.com/products
CLT10-Classic Learning Test
Sophomore/Junior Years
https://www.cltexam.com/products/clt10
CLT8-Classic Learning Test
8th Graders who are college bound
https://www.cltexam.com/products/clt
Accuplacer
The Accuplacer test is used by colleges to asses college readiness and appropriate placement for courses. High School students participating in dual enrollment courses will have to take this test.
What is the Accuplacer? https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org
Free practice tests: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students/prepare-for-accuplacer/whats-on-tests
ASVAB-Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
This test is taken prior to enlistment into the Military, to determine enlistment eligibility and subsequent job qualification for placement and any enlistment bonuses. This can also be a good vocational test to see what careers will suit your student. Online free practice tests are available.
What is the ASVAB? https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
Free practice tests: https://www.4tests.com/asvab