Testing Information
Most two and four-year colleges, and some technical schools, require some form of admission testing. Your scores, along with your high school grades and other achievements, are used in the admissions decision. Make sure to check with the institutions to which you are applying to see which tests are necessary.
PSAT (Preliminary SAT Test)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
The PSAT (preliminary SAT test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Exam) will take place at Amery High School in October, and the cost of the exam is approximately $18.00. This test acts as a practice for the SAT and is the only test you can take to enter into the National Merit Scholarship Competition. This test also provides information on how you might score on AP exams. Sophomores may take this exam as practice before junior year, but their scores do not count in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Because there are limited testing spots, priority is given to junior students. If a limited number of students register to take the exam, AHS reserves the right to not offer the exam in person, but will provide students with information on alternative testing opportunities. Learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT):
The ACT is a college entrance exam which is considered in the admissions process of most Midwestern 4-year colleges. Consult specific colleges/universities to verify which entrance exam they prefer. ACT scores may also be used to determine NCAA eligibility. The state of Wisconsin requires juniors to take the ACT with writing exam in the spring of their junior year.
The ACT is constructed to assess general educational development and ability to do college level work. The ACT consists of a battery of four academic multiple choice tests covering subject matter in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. The four sub tests include:
1. English
The English test is a 75-question, 45-minute exam that measures your ability to make decisions to revise and edit short texts and essays in different genres.
2. Mathematics
The mathematics test is a 60-question, 60-minute exam, designed to measure the mathematical skills you have typically acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12.
3. Reading
The reading test is a 40-question, 35-minute exam, that measures your ability to read closely, reason logically about texts using evidence, and integrate information from multiple resources.
4. Science Reasoning
The science test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences and physics.
Optional Writing Test
The writing test is a 40-minute essay test with one writing prompt that measures writing skills taught in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses. Some colleges/universities may require the writing portion of the ACT as part of the admission process.
Students wishing to take the ACT exam outside of the required school exam in spring need to register on their own in advance.
SAT TEST
Some colleges may prefer the SAT over the ACT, in particular, colleges in the Eastern part of the country. Students are responsible for checking individual school admissions requirements. If a student is unsure of the required test for their selected college, they should seek help from their school counselor or check the specific website of the college/university in question to see what test is required.
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Assessment Battery)
The ASVAB test is only given in Amery if at least 25 students sign up to take it. Students interested in taking the ASVAB should contact one of the counselors or a military recruiter for the branch in which they are interested. Recruiters for each branch of the military visit AHS throughout the year. ASVAB sub-tests include: Academic Ability-Verbal and Math; Occupational Composites-Mechanical and Crafts, Business and Clerical, Electronics and Electrical, Health and Technology .The ASVAB is an excellent career and vocational test and is typically offered at AHS in February or March.
AP Exams & CLEP Exams:
Through AP exams, you have the opportunity to earn college credit, or advanced standing, at most of the nation's colleges and universities while still in high school. AP exams are provided onsite at Amery High School typically in May; however, students are responsible for the cost of the exams and must sign up to take them, the current exam fee is $94. The AHS AP exam coordinator is the Amery High School Principal.
Why Participate? : With 37 courses and exams across 22 subject areas, AP offers something for everyone. The only requirements are a strong curiosity about the subject you plan to study and the willingness to work hard.
Shorten your path to a college degree with CLEP! The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through exams in undergraduate college courses. There are 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams. CLEP exams are not offered at AHS, students should take CLEP exams at the college they will be attending after graduation. Not all colleges accept CLEP credit, you should check with the college or university you plan to attend for complete details. Learn more about CLEP exams.
Why take CLEP exams?
- Save time. Depending on your college's CLEP policy, a satisfactory score on a CLEP exam can earn you from 3 to 12 college credits.
- Save money. The cost of a CLEP exam is $93, a fraction of the tuition and fees for the corresponding course.
- Satisfy a proficiency requirement. Demonstrate your ability in a general ed, college math or a foreign language for example.
Acceptance of Advanced Placement Examinations in the UW System
All UW System institutions must grant credit for scores of 3 and above on all College Board Advanced Placement examinations. However, each individual UW campus has the right to determine in what way AP credits will be applied. Access an up-to-date list of how AP exam credits will transfer to any UW school and then click on the name of the UW campus you plan to attend.
Acceptance of Advanced Placement Examinations in the University of Minnesota System
If you have scored a three or higher, you can earn credits at the University of Minnesota. Furthermore, you can use your Advanced Placement exams to fulfill liberal education requirements. Liberal education requirements are courses or categories of courses that all college students must complete for graduation from the U of M. Access an up-to-date list of how your AP exam credits will transfer to the University of Minnesota system.
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