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TYPES OF TESTS:

 
PSAT 10 (Preliminary SAT/Practice Test): 
The preliminary/practice SAT is typically administered nationally in the spring to all sophomores and is merely for practice before their junior year. There will be more information on this during the spring semester. Students become familiar with the type of questions found on the SAT. Registration is done through MVHS.
 
PSAT/NMSQT(Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test):
The preliminary/practice SAT is typically administered nationally in October to all juniors. There will be more information on this during the fall semester. Students become familiar with the type of questions found on the SAT. Junior year scores can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Registration is done through MVHS. It is highly recommended that juniors take this test to see what areas they should focus on when studying for the SAT.  Visit www.collegeboard.com for more details.
 
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test):
As many have heard, COVID has impacted the college admission testing requirements for nearly all colleges. The UC's are test-blind from 2021 and beyond and the CSU's will also be test blind for the 2022 admission cycle. Please do your research on what each college's admission requirements will be. Here is a list of test-optional schools. Typically, Juniors will take this exam in the spring and will have multiple opportunities to retake the test throughout the beginning of their senior year through the College Board. This is a 3 hour, 45 minute test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Register online and visit www.collegeboard.org to practice to access a free practice test and sample questions. 
 
SAT Essay: College Board has decided to discontinue with the SAT Essay portion of the test. Please click here for more information. 
 
SAT Subject Tests: College Board has also decided to discontinue with the SAT Subject Tests for college admission. 
 
ACT - The ACT® test is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning. www.act.org As with the SAT, the ACT remains the same for admission requirements and the UC's are test-blind from 2021 and beyond and the CSU's will also be test blind for the 2022 admission cycle.
 
Advanced Placement (AP) courses/AP Exam - are designed by and follow guidelines required by The College Board.  Refer to their website for detailed information. These courses are considered to be above the high school level.  Students taking these courses receive a weighted (5.0 scale) grade and may take the AP exam in the spring.  Students may receive college credit for such courses depending on their score on the AP exam.  www.collegeboard.com
 
CAASPP/EAP - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress/Early Assessment Program – helps students determine their readiness to take college level English and math courses before attending a California State University (CSU), or one of the participating California Community Colleges (CCC).
 
ELM/EPT - The California State University (CSU) requires you to take the English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam prior to enrollment in the CSU. Your scores will determine which Math and English courses you should take to begin your career at CSU. You may be exempt from taking the EPT or ELM based on your scores earned on other appropriate tests such as the CSU's Early Assessment Program (EAP) tests in English and Mathematics, the SAT®, ACT®, or Advanced Placement® (AP). This site will determine if you are exempt as part of the registration process.  www.ept-elm.ets.org/CSU
 
 
 
10th Grade
AP Exam in May
11th Grade
 
AP Exam in May
Take Official SAT or ACT with if completing Algebra 2 or higher math (late winter/spring depending on math course the student is currently taking)
CAASPP/EAP testing in Spring
12th Grade
Take Official SAT or ACT (between August – Dec.) – be aware of specific college testing deadlines (Nov./Dec.)
AP Exam in May
Community College Math/English Assessments in March/April
CSU - EPT (English Placement Test) & ELM (Entry Level Mathematics Exam) - Spring
UC - AWPE (Analytical Writing Placement Exam) – May (if needed)