Testing

Most post-secondary options include some type of testing as a part of the process. The tabs below explore different types of testing, what path requires each, and resources to learn more about each as well.

Regardless of the path a student chooses and test they may be required to complete, all students are highly encouraged to study and prepare to the fullest.

Please note: Students with a disability may qualify for accommodations for college entrance or placement exams, such as the Accuplacer/ACT/SAT. For details, talk to the student's case manager or school counselor. You can find more information on accommodations at on the ACT website and the CollegeBoard website.

Accuplacer Testing

The Accuplacer is a placement exam developed by the CollegeBoard that is used to accurately and appropriately place students into courses. The exam tests students on their English, Reading, and Math skills. The assessment is multiple choice and is not timed. Students are encouraged to take the test very seriously.

The Accuplacer is widely used at community and technical colleges, although some four-year colleges and universities may use sections of the exam as well. Students who have met specific benchmark scores on the ACT may use those scores for placement purposes in place of the Accuplacer. Typically, those scores are an 18 in English, 21 in Reading, and 22 in Math, but students should check with their specific college to confirm those scores.

Inver Hills Community College will visit Simley to offer any student who has applied to their school the opportunity to take the Accuplacer.

Students are encouraged to study for the Accuplacer. There are many resources available but a great place to start is the CollegeBoard site. The site provides more information about what to expect on the exam as well as practice materials, including access to the web-based Accuplacer app.

ACT & SAT Testing

Any student planning to attend a four-year college or university will need to take either the ACT or SAT. Students planning on attending a technical or community college can also use their ACT or SAT scores for placement purposes.

Simley students are all offered the ACT for FREE in the spring of their junior year, which is the optimal time to complete the exam. Students are welcome to take the SAT as well; both tests are accepted across the country, although the majority of students in the Midwest choose to take the ACT.

Most students will take the exam more than one time and all colleges will always take your highest score, so it is worth it to retest. Students do not need to register to take the test at school; however, they will need to register and pay for any additional testing they choose to complete. Students can register for additional testing at www.actstudent.org.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program created by the CollegeBoard that gives students a chance to take intro-level college courses while in high school with the potential to earn college credit. AP courses provide rigor and college-level academics for students who want to challenge themselves. Just by enrolling in an AP course and having early exposure to college-level coursework, a student is more likely to show success once in college.

Simley offers dozens of different AP courses, and each course runs the entirety of the school year. Students can earn college credit if they receive a specified score on an AP exam, which take place each year in May. Registration for AP exams takes place in late January through an online platform called Total Registration. Please check back for more details.

Learn more about the AP program

AP Exam Registration

AP exams take place in May; however, per the College Board, students must register for exams by November 5. If you order an exam after this date, you will be charged an additional $40 late fee.

There are two steps to registration and both must be completed in order for your exam to be ordered.

You must create (or login to) their College Board MyAP account: https://myap.collegeboard.org/login
You must order and pay for your exam in Infinite Campus, through the Parent Portal.

**If parents are having trouble logging into the Parent Portal, they should email parent.portal@isd199.org.

Both steps must be completed and your exam paid for by November 5.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The test is required for any person planning to enlist in any branch of the military.

The test can be taken at any Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). In addition, Simley offers the exam in the fall and the spring as a part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Scores are not released to the military; however, students can sign a form to have their scores released to whichever branch they choose.

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is an excellent way for all students, even those not interested in the military, to match their interests and strengths with potential occupations. It is available to students in grades 10-12.

Learn more about the ASVAB

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)

PSAT Test

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is a test developed by the CollegeBoard that is a pre-SAT but may also serve as a good precursor for the ACT. It is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), used to identify National Merit Scholars and award scholarships.

The test is only offered once per year and is optional. Only the scores from junior year are used as NMSQT scores; however, the exam is open to freshmen and sophomores as well. Scores are not used in college admissions, although the test does offer students good practice as well as a real, high-stakes testing environment that may support them in future testing situations.

Learn more about the PSAT

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