Tests

Need help preparing for SAT/ACT tests? The Career Center has schedules for test prep courses. The U of O, LCC, Kaplan, Sylvan and test prep instructors have fliers with information about upcoming classes. All prep classes incur some cost. Come by to see which class sounds right for you. Click on the links following each description below to find the websites with more complete information about the tests, including testing schedules.

2008 AP & IB Exam Schedule (click to open/download pdf)

AP Tests (Advanced Placement) offer students an opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities, usually after taking a yearlong AP course with a focus on AP-level work. SEHS administers AP tests for courses offered at South: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, French Language, French Literature, American History, European History, Spanish Language, Physics, Psychology, and additionally, Music Theory and Macroeconomics and Microeconomics.  Scores range from 1-5, and are reported in July. Colleges vary in policies granting credit, ranging from granting a full year, or a semester of credit to no credit, or introductory course exemption. Students should check with colleges for individual AP credit policies. Tests are given in May.

ASVAB Test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) measures basic skills and vocational aptitude. Administered by the military, but without obligation. No charge. It is a great career exploration tool for all students, regardless of post high school plans.

ACT Test (American College Test) is a national college entrance exam accepted by most 4-year colleges. It is a curriculum-based test with sections of reading, English, math and science reasoning. A new writing segment is optional, but most colleges require it. Test scores range from 1-36, with a composite score included. Seniors should test by fall. See schedule for six test dates throughout the year. For test and registration dates visit the Career Center or visit www.act.org.

IB Exams (International Baccalaureate) are written and graded internationally. Students may opt to take individual certificate tests or the full diploma, six tests (two after junior year, four in senior year). Similar to AP in opportunity to earn college credit or advanced standing, the tests are offered in Literature, History, Biology, Chemistry, Math Studies, Math Methods, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Economics, and Visual Arts. Scores range from 1-7, and are sent out in July. As with the AP, colleges vary in policies granting credit, ranging from a full year or semester to course exemption. Some also credit for Theory of Knowledge and/or the full diploma. Students should check with colleges for individual credit policies. Tests are given in May.

PLAN Test, a "pre-ACT" test, helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years. It helps to focus attention on both career preparation and improving academic achievement. At South Eugene, the PLAN test is given to all Sophomores on Test Day on October 17.

PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.) is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT measures: critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. At South Eugene the PSAT is given to all Juniors on Test Day on October 17.

SAT Reasoning Test (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a national college entrance exam accepted by a majority and required by many 4-year colleges, it is partly aptitude-based. The new SAT includes three segments: math (through Algebra II), critical reading, and a new writing section. Test scores range 200-800 for each test, with a combined possible score of 2400. Seniors should test by fall. See schedule for seven test dates throughout the year. For test and registration dates visit the Career Center or visit www.collegeboard.com.

SAT Subject Tests are one-hour tests designed to test a student’s depth of knowledge in core subjects. They are given on the same test dates, but cannot be taken the same day as the SAT Reasoning Test. Some colleges use Subject Test scores for admission and/or course placement. Selective colleges often require them for admission and want to see three in different subject areas. Check with colleges for their specific requirements. Visit www.collegeboard.com for test dates.