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Summary of Testing at Herriman High School

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U.S. Civics Test

  • Generally given in middle school but needs to be passed by 12th grade

  • Taken online, proctored by a Social Studies teacher, no fee

  • No set window—can be taken at any time and as many times as necessary to pass

  • Benefit—Required for graduation

 

WIDA

  • 10th, 11th, 12th grade students that are English Language Learners

  • Given in January (however new students are given a Screener test in the fall)

  • Taken online, no fee

  • Benefit—Scores allow students classroom accommodations

  • Scores can also be used to request test accommodations:

  • --Utah Aspire-all but the English test can be taken in Spanish

  • --ACT-students can use a dictionary and have extended time

 

AAPPL

  • Foreign language proficiency test

  • Can be taken with any level of foreign language

  • Has 3 components—reading, writing and speaking

  • Taken online in their class, no fee

  • Benefits—Students can earn a Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma

  • Students can see their progress as they learn a new language

 

PSAT / NMSQT

  • 11th grade students

  • Taken in October

  • Students pay to test ($18)

  • Benefits—One of the largest Scholarship in the U.S.

  • Eligibility for National Merit Scholarship Program

  • The score report shows strengths and weaknesses

 

Pre-ACT

  • 10th grade students only

  • Taken in November

  • Includes 4 tests taken in one sitting (no school that day for 11th and 12th grade students)

  • No fee, paid for by the school

  • Benefits—Score report shows a predictive ACT score

  • Report also shows weakness, suggestions for classes to take​

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Utah Aspire 

  • 10th grade only

  • Given in the spring ( March – May)

  • ACT style—includes timed tests in English, Reading, Math and Science

  • Taken online in their class, no fee

  • Scores are used as part of the school grade

  • 95% school participation is required

  • Benefits—Provides a second opportunity to practice for the ACT

  • Proficient scores can be used to replace a final test or project in the class it was taken

 

ACT—State test

  • 11th grade students only- taken at the high school

  • Given in March

  • No fee—paid for by the State of Utah

  • Four paper tests given in one sitting

  • Accommodations can be requested for students that are ELL or have IEPs and 504s

  • No school that day for 10th and 12th grade students

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ACT—National Test

  • Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students

  • Testing months—September, October, December, February, April, June, July

  • Tests are on a Saturday and students must travel to the testing school

  • Students register and pay online- ACT.org

  • Current fee $60 (without writing)

 

Benefits of Taking the ACT

  • It is the most widely used and accepted test for college admission (predicts academic success)

  • A high score can offset a low GPA

  • Students can send scores to 4 colleges for free

  • Allows superscoring—taking the top score for each subject test when taken multiple times

  • ACT provides multiple opportunities for college success (FAFSA checklist, college and career readiness, virtual and in-person workshops)

  • Scores can be used for college course placement and academic advisement. 

  • High scores may allow students to skip GE classes leading to faster graduation and saving $

  • Report includes planning tools for selection of a college major

  • Scores increase access to scholarship and loan opportunities

  • There is a direct relationship between taking the ACT and college attendance

  • ACT includes a science portion, SAT does not.  The science score can be used on a resume when applying for STEM jobs

  • Provides test taking experience useful in college

  • It also helps high schools evaluate their programs for weaknesses

 

Test Prep Opportunities

  • After school sessions, by subject, provided before both state and national test dates

  • Many teachers incorporate practice tests and test taking skills in their classes

 

Online Free Practice Tests

 

 

 

 

Official ACT Prep Guides are avaialbe in the library

ACT vs. SAT

  • Most colleges and universities accept both the SAT and ACT, but Utah colleges prefer the ACT, although all of the schools will accept scores from both the ACT and SAT. 
     

  • The tests are fairly similar in the types of questions, although the SAT focuses more on vocabulary and critical reasoning. It also doesn't include a science section.  Another difference between the two exams is the math section of the ACT is more advanced than the SAT.
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  • Both tests determine your college readiness with regards to college level learning. 
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  • Colleges use the scores from either exam to qualify applicants for Merit Scholarships and course level placement.

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ACT

To register for the ACT, go to:  www.act.org   
​Use HHS School Code:  450-126

Test Fees:

ACT No Writing $55

ACT Plus Writing $70

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There is a $35 late fee for Late Registration

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Why take the ACT?

The American College Test (ACT) is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States. It is based on the information you are learning in High School. The information you provide when you register, along with your ACT results, can help you plan for life after high school.

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What you need to know before you register:

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Two test options are available to you:

1. The ACT (no writing), which is made up of four multiple-choice tests in English, Math, Reading   

   and Science. Most colleges are not requiring the writing portion.

 

The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas:

  •    English (Usage/Mechanics; Rhetorical Skills)

  •    Mathematics (Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra,  Geometry,  Plane       Geometry, Trigonometry)

  •    Reading (Social Studies/Sciences, Arts/Literature)

  •    Science Reasoning (Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics)

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2. The ACT Plus Writing, which includes the four multiple-choice tests plus a 30-minute Writing  (most schools in Utah are not requiring the Writing portion of the ACT for admission or scholarship consideration)

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SAT​

To register for the SAT, go to: www.collegereadiness.collegeboard.org
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Use HHS School Code:  450-126

Test Fees:

SAT No Writing $52

SAT Plus Writing $68

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There is a $30 late fee for Late Registration

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Why take the SAT?

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The SAT is the nations’ most widely used college admission test. More than two million students take the SAT every year in over 170 countries. It is what most colleges use to get to know you better. It helps them understand how you think, solve problems and communicate.

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The SAT tests students’ knowledge of subjects that are necessary for college success: reading, writing, and mathematics. The SAT assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college, skills that students learned in high school. The SAT is required for admission to most colleges throughout the country.

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Practice & Study

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High Performance Tutoring is proud to offer WEEKLY SAT/ACT Workshops via Zoom. These are ideal for students who have never taken the tests or are unsure how to study for the tests. We discuss essential concepts, testing strategies, and study techniques that are proven to lead to higher scores. EVERYONE IS WELCOME to attend these workshops and no registration is required. 

For more details visit the website at https://www.highperformancetutoring.com/Free-ACT-SAT-Prep-Workshops.php

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