On Wednesday, October 14th PSAT and Pre-ACT Testing will take place for all BHS 10th and 11th grade students in the morning.
Pre-ACT
Who takes the Pre-ACT?
BHS students in tenth grade are taking the Pre-ACT.
When is the Pre-ACT being given?
Wednesday morning, October 14, we are administering tests. Tenth grade students are taking the Pre-ACT and eleventh grade students are taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Breakfast is available from 7:30AM-8AM. Students are to arrive no later than 7:50AM. Testing starts at 8:05 and will end by 12:00PM.
What is the Pre-ACT?
This is a pen and paper standardized multiple-choice assessment. The PreACT simulates the ACT testing experience within a shorter test window on all four ACT test subjects: English, math, reading and science.
Why are students taking the Pre-ACT?
This standardized test helps us to gauge total school performance and helps students to prepare for the experience of taking the ACT. This test provides information regarding their future performance on the college entrance exam (ACT). More information can be found here: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/preact.html
This test has no direct implication on college admissions.The scores are not shared with colleges. They are tools to monitor where we are as a learning community as well as to prepare students for future learning and testing.
Are calculators required for the Pre-ACT?
Calculators are not required for the test. Many students do not use them. We do not supply them. ACT advises that calculators “are allowed but not required” on the math section. Only certain calculators are allowable. Here’s the up to date info:
http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf
No INTERNET capable devices are allowed.
How do we best prepare for the Pre-ACT?
The long term preparation for standardized assessments in English, math, reading and science begins in kindergarten and continues throughout school. The Pre-ACTs are a precursor to the ACT. Information on additional preparation for the ACT assessments can be found here:http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html
The best short term prep is a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. We suggest that students bring sharpened no. 2 pencils (mechanical pencils and ink pens are not allowed). We will have pencils available for use.
Results?
By the end of January, BHS will receive Pre-ACT results and will make them available to parents/guardians.
PSAT/NMSQT
Who takes the PSAT/NMSQT?
BHS students in eleventh grade are taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
When is the PSAT/NMSQT being given?
Wednesday, October 16, we are administering tests in the morning. Eleventh grade students are taking the PSAT/NMSQT and tenth grade students are taking the Pre-ACT. Breakfast is available from 7:30AM-8AM. Students are to arrive no later than 7:50AM. Testing starts at 8:05 and will end by 11:25AM. All other students (grades 9 and 12) are expected to arrive to start classes in the afternoon at 12:30PM. Lunch will be available starting at 11:30AM. All students that are not taking tests and enrolled in a BTC program are expected to attend their tech class as usual.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
This is a pen and paper standardized assessment. The PSAT has two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. There is no essay component. This test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
Why are students taking the PSAT/NMSQT?
This standardized test helps us to gauge total school performance and helps students to prepare for the experience of taking the SAT. Millions of US students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year. The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scores are also used in consideration of other scholarships outlined here: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scholarships-and-recognition/scholarship-partners-programs
The PSAT/NMSQT prepare students for the SAT and also help us to gauge total school performance.
More information can be found here: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10
Additionally, after taking the PSAT/NMSQT, students may access focused support from Khan Academy based on their results. Information can be found here: https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
This test has no direct implication on college admissions.The scores are not shared with colleges. They are tools to monitor where we are as a learning community as well as to prepare students for future learning and testing.
Are calculators required for the PSAT/NMSQT?
Calculators are not required for the test. Many students do not use them. We do not supply them.
They are permitted on a section of the PSAT but not necessary. Allowed are:
- Graphing calculator (most models permitted; see Official Student Guide for list: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/official-student-guide-psat-nmsqt-2017.pdf)
- Scientific calculator
- Four-function calculator (not recommended)
No INTERNET capable devices are allowed.
How do we best prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT?
The long term preparation for standardized assessments in Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing begins in kindergarten and continues throughout school. The PSAT/NMSQT is a precursor to the SAT.
The best short term prep is a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. We suggest that students bring sharpened no. 2 pencils (mechanical pencils and ink pens are not allowed). We will have pencils available for use.
Results?
By the end of January, BHS will receive PSAT results and will make them available to parents/guardians.
