College & Career Planning

 All SPASH juniors will take The ACT® Plus Writing on Wednesday, March 10, 2027 at SPASH.

The ACT® Plus Writing consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science; and a 40-minute essay test that measures writing skills. Test scores are college reportable. 

Students wishing to register for additional ACT tests can do so, for a fee.  

Register for additional ACT tests.

ACT Prep-Methodize

• Methodize is an online resource designed to help students prepare for the ACT.  It is a self-paced program that students can access anytime 24/7.  Students can login and complete as little or as much as they are able.
• Students can access Methodize through Clever.
• Program Highlights include:
  • Short evaluation tests (10-15 minutes max) that will project-specific subject and composite ACT score
  • 2 full-length practice tests with a practice test at the beginning so students can evaluate their progress
  • Option to take 20 weeks of lessons with four modules per week
  • Review packets for each subject area: English, reading, math, science and writing that can be printed
  • Specific lessons within each subject
  • Explanations for incorrect answers in various forms
  • Additional resources for students such as study guides, review packets, sample essay prompts and additional math questions and answers

Additional ACT Prep

ACT Academy  

SAT Reasoning Test

This contains Critical Reading, Writing, and Math and an optional essay test.  The SAT is taken more frequently as an admissions test by students outside the Midwest, especially on the East and West coasts.  Universities will often accept the ACT or the SAT.  Please check each school's admissions site for specific requirements.

SAT Subject Tests

You should also consider whether the colleges that you’re interested in require or recommend Subject Tests. Some colleges will grant an exemption from or credit for a freshman course requirement if a student does well on a particular SAT Subject Test.  Some colleges and universities require one or more Subject Tests along with the SAT. You may use the same registration form to register for both tests.  We would advise that you check with the campus you plan on applying to for specific admission requirements. 

If your school requires SAT Subject Tests, are you wondering which test to take?  There are 20 Subject Tests across five general subject areas: history, mathematics, science, English and foreign languages. The SAT Subject Tests that you take should be based on your interests and academic strengths. The tests are a great way to indicate interest in specific majors or programs of study (e.g., engineering, pre-med, cultural studies).

Click the link to register online for the SAT Reasoning or Subject Tests and to get additional information about preparing for these tests.

PSAT

The PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in the United States. It is typically taken by high school students in grades 10 and 11. 

Key Points:

• Purpose:

  • College Readiness: The PSAT is designed to help students assess their college readiness and identify areas where they may need to improve. 
  • Scholarship Eligibility: It serves as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, offering a chance for students to earn scholarships and recognition.  
  • SAT Practice: The PSAT format and content are similar to the SAT, making it valuable practice for the college admissions test
     

• Format:

  • Reading Test: Measures your ability to understand and interpret complex texts.  
  • Writing and Language Test: Assesses your skills in grammar, usage, and rhetorical strategies.  
  • Math Test (No Calculator): Tests your knowledge of mathematical concepts and problem-solving abilities without the use of a calculator.
  • Math Test (Calculator): Evaluates your ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems using a calculator.
     

• Scoring:

  • The PSAT uses a scaled scoring system, with scores ranging from 160 to 780 for each section (Reading and Writing, Math).
  • A Selection Index score is calculated by combining the Reading and Writing score with the Math score. This index is used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarships.
     

• National Merit Scholarship Program:

  • Students who score high enough on the PSAT/NMSQT may be recognized as Commended Students, Semifinalists, or Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
  • Finalists have the opportunity to compete for various scholarships offered by corporations, businesses, and institutions.

PSAT Student Guide 

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the most widely administered aptitude test in the United States.  About 900,000 students in approximately 14,000 schools take the ASVAB annually.  The ASVAB is called an aptitude battery because its results are used to predict the ability to learn skills – specifically skills required for different work.  No military items are included and the test is based on research to help predict success in a wide range of different jobs. The ASVAB consists of ten tests: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Numerical Operations, Coding Speed, Auto and Shop Information, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension, and Electronics Information.  The test has 334 items administered in a 2 ½ hour session. The results help focus student interest and aptitude for careers – both military and civilian.  Scores on each test are provided as well as scores clustered around Verbal Skills, Math Skills, and Science/Technical Skills.  There are numerous resources available on line to assist in studying for the ASVAB. 

 Resources for the ASVAB include:
1) Military ASVAB
2) Asvab Test
3) Learning Express Library- click on link through our district website and Family Resources
3) Books in the SPASH library which can be checked out
4) Military Recruiters

 The ASVAB is available to all students.  It is administered at SPASH in November or December each year. Sign up in the Counseling Office or see your counselor or a military recruiter for more information.