Testing Information

Students interested in attending college, receiving scholarships, joining the military, etc. will need to take tests. Most colleges require you to send score reports to colleges directly from the testing companies (College Board for SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests, or ACT program). Test scores are NOT sent from Delano High School; they must be requested directly from the testing center. Check the application instructions for each of your colleges to determine if they have a test report requirement.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS:

ACT Test: The ACT (American College Test) is a 3-hour multiple choice examination which measures academic achievement in 4 curriculum areas: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. It includes an optional 30 minute writing test. The scoring method for the ACT is based on the total correct answers which means there is no guessing penalty. English, Reading and Science scores are converted to scaled scores between 1-36. The writing test is scored separate with range from 2-12. Most students take the ACT test during their junior or senior year of high school and this test is offered at Delano H.S. on a Saturday in December and June. The basic registration fee of $32 for 2009-2010 includes score reports for 4 college choices. ACT Assessment Plus Writing is $47 and late registration fee is $21. Many colleges in the South and Midwest require students to submit ACT scores when they apply for admission. Not all coleges require a Writing Test. Check with the colleges you are considering or go to www.actstudent.org for a list of institutions that require or recommend the writing test. Students may take the test more than once to improve their scores. For 2009-2010 school year the test is given at Delano High School Dec 12 (registration deadline Nov 6) and June 12 (registration deadline May 7). ACT is given other dates at area centers. See the Counselor and www.act.org for more information.

SAT Tests: The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) includes a Reasoning Test and a Subject Test and is normally taken during student's junior or senior year of high school. The SAT Reasoning Test is a longer versoin of the PSAT. It is a 3 hour and 45 minute test consisting of Writing, Math, and Reading sections. Scoring for the SAT is based on total number of correct answers minus a guessing penalty for incorrect answers. Raw scores are converted to scaled scores between 200-800 for a possible combined score of 2400. The SAT is administered on six national test dates in October, November, December, January, March, May and June. This exam is not offered at Delano H.S. but is available at area schools. The SAT Subject Test are hour-long exams in 20 subject areas including mathematics, US world languages, literature, and the sciences that the students can self-select. REveiw college requirements to ensure they are taking the the appropriate tests. Most colleges in the midwest request the ACT Test rather than the SAT. If you are applying to colleges on the East and West coasts they may request a SAT test score for admission. Registration packets are available in the high school office or you may register online. We recommend online registration because it's faster and you know when you register if your test site is open or closed. To register online or more information, go to www.collegeboard.com .

AP (Advanced Placement) Testing: The Advanced Placement Program gives students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while still in high school. Delano High School offers several AP courses at the high school. Depending on your scores on the AP tests, you may be able to receive college credit and advance your academic standing. There is a small charge for taking these tests. For more information see your counselor or http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html.

PRE COLLEGE EXAMS:

PSAT/NMSQT: The PSAT is a Pre-SAT and stands for the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. PSAT is a practice test that helps students prepare for the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and is usually given to 10th and 11th graders in mid October at Delano H.S. Most colleges do not see a student's PSAT test scores. Students that do well on this test and meet other academic performance criteria may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Test results are returned to students in December. For more information see College Board - PSAT at: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html or National Merit Scholarship Program at http://www.nationalmerit.org or see the high school counselor.

PLAN Test: The PLAN is a Pre-ACT test usually given in October to all sophomores. The PLAN provides practise for the ACT, which students may choose to take in their junior or senior year. PLAN tests students in English (usage mechanics and rhetorical skills), math (pre-algebra/algebra and geometry), reading and science. In addition to predicted results for the actual ACT, studnets receive career/future planning information based on their responses to an interest inventory. Students will receive personalized PLAN test results that can help you make plans and decisions over their reamining years in high school. See the Counselor and www.act.org for more information.

MILITARY ENTRANCE EXAM:

Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB): ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense.
It is required of students interested in attending the military. Any Junior or Senior may take the test without military obligation. For practise tests and more information see http://www.military.com/ .