High School Standardized Test FAQ!

Q: What standardized tests should I be taking in high school?  

Click here to find out which test is appropriate for your grade level!

Q: What is the ACT?

The ACT® college readiness assessment is a curriculum- and standards-based educational and career planning tool that assesses students' academic readiness for college. The ACT is one of the exams used by colleges for admittance. The ACT test is a college entrance exam that is primarily accepted by colleges/universities in the Midwest.

At SHHS, we encourage our students to take the ACT during the second semester of their Junior year, allowing time for the student to take as many appropriate classes in math, English and science to prepare for the exam.

In order to assist our students to reach their highest potential on the exam, we offer a distinct online, interactive ACT preparation program at no cost called Method Test Prep. The Method Test Prep mini-lessons stress the ACT testing format familiarization. This course is online, interactive and available for student use 24/7. Students can access this program on the links on the Test Preparation page. In addition, we encourage our students to see the Test Preparation page listing additional resources.

Q: How is an ACT score important to paying for college?

Click here to find out how much money your ACT score can earn you according to recent research regarding ACT composite scores in relationship to scholarship dollars for local area colleges and universities.

Important ACT Dates:

The Spring Hill High School Code for Registration is 172810

For additional ACT prep help and to register for the ACT, please go to: www.actstudent.org. You will find a great deal of valuable prep information as well as information about scholarships.

Q: Can I take the ACT for free?

The ACT Program Fee-Waiver Service is designed to help students from whom test fees represent obstacles on the road to college.

High school juniors and seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories who cannot afford to pay the test fees can request fee waivers through their school counselors.

The waivers cover the basic test fees for ACT. Each qualifying student is eligible for two fee waivers. A fee waiver may qualify you for application fee waivers at many colleges. See your counselor for more information or to find out if you qualify.

Q: What is the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)?

The SAT test is a college entrance exam that is primarily accepted by colleges/universities on the East and West Coasts as well as more selective admissions colleges/universities.

Please visit www.collegeboard.com for registration and more information.

Q: Can I take the SAT for free?

The SAT Program Fee-Waiver Service is designed to help students from whom test fees represent obstacles on the road to college.

High school juniors and seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories who cannot afford to pay the test fees can request fee waivers through their school counselors.

The waivers cover the basic test fees for SAT or Subject Tests, as well as either the Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or the Student Answer Service (SAS). A fee waiver may qualify you for application fee waivers at many colleges. See your counselor for more information or to find out if you qualify.

Note: Fee waivers cannot be used for late registration.

TEST PREP HINTS

We encourage every student to spend adequate time preparing to take the ACT or SAT. These are not tests in which a student can simply sit down and take without understanding the testing format and content. SHHS provides the following information to assist in preparing for the tests. 

METHOD TEST PREP course - SHHS students are highly encouraged to utilize the Method Test Prep course. It is an interactive, web-based program of instruction that allows students to practice and prepare for the ACT exam. The site is available to all SHHS students at no cost. Students can access the site at any time and from any location that has internet connectivity. 

Test Prep Sites:

Mometrix Test Preparation - Free test prep site for SAT and ACT

Vocab Ahead Videos - Build vocabulary for ACT, SAT, or GRE words

ACT Academy - ACT Academy™ is a free online learning tool and test practice program designed to help you get the best score possible on the ACT test, and well on your way to college and career success. 

Princeton Review - How will you score? Find out by taking one of our free practice tests. Take the test in person or online. You’ll get a detailed score report that analyzes your strengths and weaknesses and gives you an action plan for improvement.

Learning Express Library - Click on College Prep Center
You need a Kansas Library Card to access this site. Stop by the library to get a card if you do not have one.

Study Point - StudyPoint focuses exclusively on one-to-one, private tutoring. Our proprietary programs provide your child with a highly personalized tutoring experience that tailors instruction to your child's key strengths and weaknesses. Lessons move at your child's pace, and provide a safe environment for asking questions on difficult material.

ACT BLITZ: 10 Rules for 2 Extra Points - An online ACT Prep Workshop for Students

Prep Factory - An interactive test prep site

Khan Academy - Get personalized practice recommendations for the skills you'll need for the SAT, plus eight official practice exams from College Board.

4 tests--free practice exams

Kap Test - Study with a team of ACT prep teachers ready to answer your questions. 9 out of 10 Kaplan students get into one or more of their top-choice colleges

ACT/SAT Help Books:

Kaplan SAT and PSAT 2004 $32

Master the ACT Assessment 2004 (Book and CD) $29.95

How to Prepare for the ACT (Book and CD) $14.95

ACT Prep Books available in the SHHS library. 

METHOD TEST PREP LOG IN

Method Test Prep is an interactive, web-based program of instruction that allows students to practice and prepare for the ACT exam. The site is available to all SHHS students at no cost. Students can access the site at any time and from any location that has internet connectivity. Modules are designed in 15 minute daily lessons that cover all content areas and provide immediate feedback for student understanding through audio, video or printed reviews. Students not only learn specific content for the ACT but, just as importantly, also learn how to take timed portions of the test, how to prepare for specific reading requirements and vocabulary. Students can track their progress through easy pull down menus that show their completed coursework and plan further coursework with up to 20 hours of instruction. Students can even create flashcards for use or download content specific study packets for review. 

To access Method Test Prep students must log into the Xello site. They should select Method Test Prep on the lower right hand of the screen. Students may check with their counselors for their appropriate log in information.