Several nationally recognized tests are administered during the year. Students will be notified of deadlines and all other information concerning testing. This information also will be posted in the Guidance Office and published in the Daily Bulletin, as well as in periodic Guidance Newsletters. Some tests, such as the SAT and ACT, are normally administered on Saturdays.
School Test Code:
The School Test Code for SHAPE American High School for ACT, PSAT/NMSQT, AP, SAT, and SAT II is 574020.
The Scholastic Aptitude Test(SAT 1)
The SAT measures verbal and mathematical abilities of students with emphasis on reasoning ability rather than remembered facts. Scores received can be use by the student in evaluating the student's chances for college success. This is taken by seniors and juniors applying for college admission. The cost is announced well ahead of time by the Guidance Office. Further information about the test can be found on The College Board's website.
Achievement Test(SAT2)
The Achievement Tests attempt to measure students' knowledge of specific subjects and ability to solve problems related to those subjects. One-hour achievement tests are offered in a variety of subjects. Most of these test are offered numerous times throughout the year; information for the tests (including cost) are found on The College Board's website. These SAT II tests should not be confused with the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations given in May after the completion of a year's AP course.
ACT:
The ACT consists of one hour tests designed to measure students' ability in English, mathematics, social studies, and natural sciences, and is usually taken early or midway in the senior year. Juniors applying for early admission may want to take the ACT late in their junior year. Further information about specific dates, times, and locations will be provided to the students by the Guidance Office. Further information about the ACT can be found on the ACT website.
Advanced Placement
Examinations: The Advanced Placement Examinations are offered for every Advanced Placement course. The examinations are given in May each year and span approximately three weeks. Exact dates, locations, and costs will be announced by the Guidance Office. Further information about the Advanced Placement Examinations can be found on the The College Board's website.
PSAT/NMSQT:
The PSAT/NMSQT is a combination of the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and the Preliminary Scholarship Aptitude Test. This test is offered in October and is usually taken by Juniors and other interested students. The NMSQT is used as a screening test for the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Outstanding Negro Students and the National Merit Scholarship Program. The College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) is responsible for the test and results. Further information about the PSAT/NMSQT can be found on The College Board's website.
DODDS Standardized Testing:
SHAPE American High School uses a variety of standardized tests, both to profile instructional strengths and weaknesses and to make comparisons with national norms. Those tests include:
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The Terra Nova is given to students in grades 7-11 during March. The Terra Nova results become a part of the student's permanent record and are used as one measure when considering placement in advanced, support, or special classes.
- The Balanced Assessments for Mathematics (BAM) is given to all 8th and 10th graders during May. The BAM is used to evaluate the school's Mathematics curriculum.
- The Communication Arts Assessment is given to all 8th and 10th graders during May. The test is used to evaluate the school's Language Arts curriculum.
- The End of Year Algebra I Assessment is given to all Algebra I students in late May/early June. The test is used to evaluate the school's Algebra I curriculum.
- The National Association Education Program test (the "Nation's Report Card") is given to all 8th graders annually in February. The report card is not individualized, it shows how well our 8th graders do in comparison with the rest of the Nation's students. The results are published annually by The Stars and Stripes.
ASVAB:
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is administered once per year to assist students in identifying their vocational interests. The Guidance Office announces in a timely manner the date and location of the test. The ASVAB test date, time, and location will be announced by the Guidance Office. Further information about the ASVAB and be found at The ASVAB Program. Apractice exam is available from Test Prep Review .