College Entrance Exams

ACT

The ACT (American College Test) test measures knowledge and skills acquired during high school. It includes questions in English, math, reading and science reasoning. 

The majority of colleges and universities across the United States accept the ACT as the college entrance exam. It is important to check with specific college/univerisity that you are planning to apply to regarding their recommendation on which college entrance exam to take.

There are additional fees for late registration, standby testing, changing test centers or test dates, and for additional services and products. Additional information and testing dates for the current year are available online.

Students interested in taking the ACT are encouraged to sign up for the exam in the spring of their junior year or fall of senior year.

ACT Test Prep

ASVAB

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense.

Start now by taking our practice ASVAB test. These tests will give you an idea of how you'll score, and identify areas that need improvement. Then use our suggested resources and ASVAB study guides to learn how to prepare for the ASVAB test.

How Important is the ASVAB Test?
Your scores in four critical areas -- Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge (see below) -- count towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score determines whether you're qualified to enlist in the U.S. military.

Your scores in the other areas of the ASVAB will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses. A high score will improve your chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus you want.

Scoring high on the ASVAB will require study and concentration. Don't skimp on preparing for this test. It's your future. Get the most out of it.

ASVAB Test Prep

PSAT

The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) measures a student’s ability to do college work. The PSAT is a short form of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and measures math reasoning and reading and writing skills and includes multiple choice and fill-in response questions. 

All sophomore students in West Ada are required to take the PSAT.  However, it is recommended that you take the PSAT as a junior as well. For students who are enrolled in honors courses, it is recommended to take the PSAT as a junior because it is the qualifying test for scholarship competition such as the National Merit Scholarship.

The PSAT is not used for college admissions.  More information can also be found about PSAT on the College Board website page.

PSAT Score Results

How to Access PSAT Scores

  • Go to https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home and login with your College Board account or create one. If you do not have an account, students need to create the account with their email address not a parent email address.

    The Access Code is: 130387

Benefits after accessing PSAT Scores

  • Connect with scholarship programs

    • Create a free personalized SAT practice plan on Khan Academy

    • Discover potenital college majors and careers for free using Career Finder with RoadTrip Nation

PSAT Score Resources

SAT

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a measure of critical thinking skills and assesses how well you analyze and solve problems. Each edition of the SAT includes critical reading, math, and a writing section. 

It is recommended that you take the SAT in the spring of your junior year or the fall of your senior year. 

Beginning spring 2012 the Idaho State Board is offering FREE SAT exams for all juniors enrolled in a public school in the state of Idaho.

Some out of state colleges or universities may prefer the SAT over the ACT for admissions. Check with the individual schools you are interested in to find out their preference on college entrance exams.

To prepare to take the SAT exam many students sign up for the PSAT their sophomore or junior year. 

More information can be found on the SAT website.

SAT Test Prep