Understanding Testing
Testing
Morris Community High School offers a variety of testing throughout the year. The following document outlines the different tests.
EXPLORE test Grade 8
The EXPLORE test measures skills and abilities in English, math, reading and science. This test is used for placement of classes in high school.
Who takes the test
All 8th grade students at Shabbona Junior High School, Saratoga Grade School, Nettle Creek Grade School, and Immaculate Conception School.
Where and when is the test offered
The EXPLORE test is administered in October to all eighth graders during the school day.
Cost and testing time of the EXPLORE test
Students take the test at no charge.
How to register
All eighth graders are automatically registered to take the EXPLORE test.
Preparing for the test
Student should be well rested for the test day and closely follow all directions. It is important that they carefully answer each questions and review all their answers if time permits.
If the test is missed
If a student is absent on a day the EXPLORE is administered, the student will not receive scores for the areas tested on that day.
Number of times the test can be taken
The EXPLORE test is offered once each year for eighth grade students only.
How scores are received
Scores are distributed through the grade the school. The high school guidance counselors keep copies of the student report.
PLAN test Grade 10
The Purpose of the PLAN test
The PLAN test measures skills and abilities in English, math, reading and science. This test includes an interest inventory that is a useful tool in career exploration. An estimated ACT score will appear on the student score report. This score is an estimate of educational development. The PLAN results are not part of a studentâs permanent record.
Who takes the test
All sophomores at MCHS take the PLAN test.
When and where the test is offered
The PLAN test is administered in October to all MCHS sophomores during the school day.
Cost and testing time of the PLAN test
The fee is paid by MCHS. Students take the test at no charge.
How to register
All sophomores are automatically registered to take the PLAN test.
Preparing for the test
Student should be well rested for the test day and closely follow all directions. It is important that they carefully answer each questions and review all their answers if time permits.
If the test is missed
If a student is absent on a day the PLAN is administered, the student will not receive scores for the areas tested on that day.
Number of times the test can be taken
The PLAN test is offered once each year for sophomores only.
How scores are received
Scores are sent to the school. The counselor will give the students their results. The guidance counselors keep copies of the student report.
PSAE Grade 11
The purpose of the PSAE
The Prairie State Achievement Examination tests students in reading, writing, math, science and social science skills. This test measures studentsâ progress toward meeting the Illinois Learning Standards and recognizes the achievement of individual students who receive a Prairie Sate Achievement Award for excellent performance. A portion of the PSAT will be a Statetesting date ACT exam. This is considered a regular ACT and students have the option to use the scores for college admission.
Who takes the test
All juniors take the PSAE. It is a condition of graduation.
When and where the test is offered
The PSAE is administered during two school days in late April.
Cost and testing time of the PSAE
The PSAE is offered at no cost to the student. The total testing time is approximately 8 hours between the two days.
How to register
Students do not need to register to take the PSAE.
Preparing for the test
The curriculum at MCHS is in alignment with the Illinois Learning Standards. Students may also take advantage of ACT preparation courses. See you counselor for more information on these courses.
If the test is missed
If any portion of either day is missed, the student will make up the entire day in May.
How scores are received
PSAE scores will be sent to the school and recorded on studentsâ transcripts. Scores for the ACT component will be sent directly to the studentsâ home. Counselors will receive copies of the PSAE and ACT score reports.
Other resources
Visit the Illinois State Board of Education web site at www.isbe.state.il.us for more information about the PSAE and the Illinois Learning Standards.
ACT taken grades 11 & 12
The purpose of the ACT test
The American College Testing test measures a studentâs skills in English, math, reading and science. The scores in the four areas are combined to calculate a composite score. These scores are often used to determine a studentâs acceptance into college and to grant scholarships. The information in this section refers to the National ACT test dates. The State ACT is offered in conjunction with the PSAE. ACT has now introduced an optional writing component to the exam. The writing score will be an additional score and is not combined in the composite score. Some universities may require this score while others may just recommend. Contact the specific university to see if they require the writing exam or it is available on the ACT website at www.actstudent.org
Who takes the test
Any student who is considering going to college should take the ACT. ACT recommends taking the test second semester of the studentâs junior year. Under special circumstances, sophomores may be able to take the ACT.
When and where the test is offered
The ACT test is offered at MCHS on a Saturday morning in September. The test is offered at other schools including Joliet Junior College during the months of October, December, February, and April and June. For exact dates, pick up an ACT registration packet from your counselor or the ACT website at www.actstudent.org
Cost and testing time of the ACT test
The ACT is $31 if the student registers by the regular deadline. After that deadline, the fee is increased. The total cost with the writing component is $46. The ACT takes approximately four hours.
How to register
Simply pick up an ACT registration packet from your counselor. The booklet in the packet explains how to fill out the registration sheet. Students can also register online at www.actstudent.org which is recommended. The high school code for Morris Community High School is 142990.
Preparing for the test
ACT offers information on their website. Many students use preparation materials bought at a bookstore. For information on classes available in the area, contact your counselor.
If the test is missed
If a student must miss the test, ACT has guidelines on how to document the absence. The test can be taken the next time it is offered. A test date change fee will be assessed by ACT.
Number of times the test can be taken
The test can be taken each time it is offered. All scores will appear on the studentâs transcript. If a student requests that ACT sends a report to a college. ACT will release only the scores from specified test dates.
How scores are received
Scores are sent to both home and school about four weeks after the test. You can receive your scores earlier for an additional charge by requesting when you register online.
PSAT Grade 11
The purpose of the PSAT
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test measures a studentâs skills in verbal, math, and writing skills. These scores are used for qualifying for the National merit Scholarships. Scores be used for predicting a score on the SAT.
Who takes the test
Juniors may sign up to take the test at MCHS. Students will be notified of their National Merit standing when scored are reported.
When and where the test is offered
The PSAT is offered on a Tuesday and Saturday in October. MCHS usually administers the test on the Tuesday test date. Area schools may offer the Saturday test registration must be made in advance.
Cost and testing time of the PSAT
The charge is around $15.00. The test is comprised of two 25-minute verbal tests, two 25-minute math tests, and one 30-minute writing test. The entire test takes two hours and 10 minutes and students will be tested during the school day.
Preparing for the test
The College Board provides preparation information on their web site: www.collegeboard.com. There are a variety of test preparation books available.
If the test is missed
Students who miss the Tuesday and Saturday test date may not retake the PSAT.
Number of times the test can be taken
Students can only take the PSAT once their junior year.
How scores are received
Scores are sent to the school and students will receive a copy of their school through their counselor. A copy is kept with the guidance counselor.
Illinois Consumer Education Proficiency Exam Test Grades 9 â 12
The purpose of the ICEPET
Successful performance on the proficiency test exempts students from the consumer education requirement. The test covers concepts that affect fundamental decisions about personal affairs, such as installment purchasing, budgeting and comparison-shopping.
Who takes the test
Any student in grades 9 through 12 who has not taken the consumer education class. Students are allow to test only once per year but are able to take the test each year if desired.
Where and when it is offered
The test is offered once in the fall and winter during the school day.
Cost and testing time
The test is no charge and is given in the morning of the test date.
How to register
Students will register in the guidance office. Space is limited. Registration dates will be posted on the school announcements.
Preparing for the test
Upon registering in the guidance office, students will receive a study guide.
SAT Grades 11 and 12
The purpose of the SAT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test is published by the College Board and measures a studentâs math and verbal reasoning skills. Colleges use the scores to compare students regardless of the high school curricula.
Who takes the test
Students who are planning to attend an East or West coast college should take the SAT. To find out what other colleges prefer the SAT, see your counselor. Schools that use the SAT test may require both the Reasoning Test (SAT I) and Subject Tests (SAT II). You may also contact the college directly.
When and where the test is offered
MCHS does not offer the SAT test, but registration packets are available from your counselor. Several schools will offer the test in October, November, December, January, April, May and June. You can also register online at www.collegeboard.com
Cost and testing time of the SAT test
The cost of the SAT Reasoning is around $45.00. Each of the SAT Subject tests is around $20.00. (Prices are subject to change.) The SAT Reasoning takes three hours and each SAT Subject tests take about one hour to complete.
How to register
Registration packets are available in the Student Services office. You can also register online at www.collegeboard.org. The school code for MCHS is 142990.
Preparing for the test
Information on SAT prep classes and test preparation material can be found on their website at www.collegeboard.org.
Advanced Placement
The Purpose of the Advance Placement (AP) test
The Advanced Placement program enables students to pursue college-level student while in high school. Based on the studentâs performance on the rigorous AP Exams, students can earn credit for college.
Who takes the test
Students who have enrolled in the Advanced Placement courses offered at MCHS.
When and where the test is offered
Each exam is offered at a specific date and time each May during the school day. Testing begins at 8:00 am for some test and 1:00 for others. A complete list of test dates and times are located on the College Board web site: www.collegeboard.com
Cost and testing time
The fee for each exam is approximately $84.00 (price subject to change). Each test takes two or three hours to complete.
Preparing for the exam
The instructor of each AP course will work with the class to prepare the student for the AP exam. There are a variety of publications available for test preparation. The College Board offers items available to purchase online at www.collegboard.com.
How to register
Students will register for the AP exam in February during their AP course. Students will be asked to list the college they would want their score to be reported.
If the test is missed
Only under extreme situations can a test be made up. Approval through the College Board will alternative testing be permitted. A cost of $40.00 may incur for the alternative testing.
Number of times can be taken
An AP exam can be taken each time it is offered (Once a year in May). The grade report will include grades for all AP exams including the repeats of the same subject exam
How the scores are received
Grade reports will be sent home in July. A copy will be sent to the requested college. A copy will be sent for the counselor to keep on file. If you want a copy of your grade report sent to a second college or if a college was not requested, an additional fee is charged. There are three ways the request can be made:
(1) Call (609) 771-7300, an additional charge will be added for the telephone request. (2) complete the right half of the AP report and send it to the address in option 3. (3) Send a letter with the studentâs name, sex, birth date, AP number, the year(s) the exam were taken, and the name, city and state of the college(s) to the following address: AP Exams, P.O. Box 6671, Princeton, NJ 08541-6671.
Compass Test through Joliet Junior College
The Compass Test is a reading, writing and math placement exam for Joliet Junior College.
Who takes the test
Seniors who plan on attending Joliet Junior College full time or students who plan on taking an English or math class at JJC.
When and where the test if offered
Student can take the Compass Test at JJC when they visit the campus. Students with disabilities can make arrangements through the STARS program for accommodations.
Cost and testing time of the Compass test
The first Compass test is free and to retake the test is $10.00 (prices subject to change) The Compass test takes approximately three hours to complete.
Other resources
For more information, visit www.jjc.cc.il.us or call JJCâs Office of Admissions at (815)729-9020 ext. 2231.
What student can do to maximize their performance on standardized tests:
- Get a good night of sleep the evening before the test.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast. Most testing centers forbid any food or drink in the room and only provide a short break.
- Relax. Remember the ACT and SAT can always be retaken. Colleges understand that many students take these exams two or three times.
- Read all instructions carefully before the test begins. Donât waste test time reading them at a later time.
- Pace yourself. Most people have enough time to answer all of the questions. Answer the âeasyâ questions first and then go back and answer the more difficult ones.
- There is a big difference between guessing on the ACT and the SAT: For the ACT, your scores are based on the number of correct questions you have, so it is to your advantage to answer every question. For the SAT, you donât have to answer each question correctly to receive a good score. If you have no idea of an answer, perhaps you should not answer the question and move on. On the other hand, if you can eliminate an answer or two, your chances of being correct just increased, and you may wish to answer the question.
- If you make a mistake, erase completely. Extra marks on your answer sheet will most likely affect your scores.
- Review your work if you finish early to see if you missed any questions or double marked an answer. Some test have penalties if you work on a different section, either a past test or future one, so donât do it. Your score will be voided and you wonât get your money back.
- Check or the following websites for test preparation resources:
The external websites listed below are not controlled by MCHS and are subject to change at any time. Their inclusion with the district website does not in any way reflect the policies of MCHS. These links are made on good faith that the people in control of them have only the best of intentions.
