Testing Information

The standardized testing program for students provides an annual assessment of each student’s progress. The tests used in these evaluations are: The ACT Aspire - Grade 9 and Grade 10
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) – Grade 10 and Grade 11
You In addition to the above tests, the school may elect to administer personality profile and spiritual gift tests.

Juniors and seniors are urged to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and/or the American College Test (ACT) at least two times before January of their senior year.

All testing results are available and distributed to the parents. Parents and students usually are invited to a conference to discuss the PLAN and the PSAT results, to help students prepare for the College Board exams (SAT and ACT).

Which tests to take

The FCS college counselor recommends that students take both the SAT and the ACT. The SAT Subject Test is a battery of tests that are required for admissions to certain schools. Because students do not have a final application list until sometime in their senior year, it is recommended that students take certain SAT Subject tests. Although it is the student’s responsibility to register to take the SAT/ACT, the PSAT is provided to all 10th & 11th grade FCS students free of charge. In addition, 11th grade students have an opportunity to take the ACT during a school day every Spring.

When to take the SAT/ACT

FCS recommends that students begin to take the ACT & SAT in the winter/spring of the junior year. It is recommended that students take the ACT and/or the SAT at least two to three times during their junior and senior years. Please keep in mind the individual student's schedule and obligations that may prohibit him/her from preparing appropriately before each test.

Test Prep Courses

Below is a list of test preparation programs. It is the student’s responsibility to investigate the programs before investing the money. The list below does not constitute an endorsement of the program.

SAT

The Student Assessment Test is a multiple-choice test that measures the english/critical reading and mathematical reasoning abilities that students develop over the years. It is the students’ responsibility to contact Educational Testing Service (ETS) to request that their scores are sent to specified colleges/universities. Students may request that the results of the SAT are sent to certain institutions when registering for the test, when taking the test, or within nine days after the test date by going online to www.collegeboard.org.

SAT Subject Tests

These tests measure the student’s knowledge or skills in a particular subject and the ability to apply that knowledge. There are 20 Subject tests offered. Each test lasts one-hour in duration and all tests consist entirely of multiple choice questions. The results are used for admissions and course placement. Each student is responsible for determining the specific requirements of the college/university under consideration.

When to take the SAT Subject Tests – Juniors should take Subject Tests in the spring. Students should take note that they are allowed to register for up to three subject tests in one sitting. Students may not register to take the SAT and any number of Subject tests on the same testing date. Students have the option of taking the Subject Tests again in the senior year based on the scores received the first time around or due to the specific college requirements.

ACT

The American College Test is a curriculum-based test and is considered to be an acceptable alternative to the SAT and SAT Subject tests. The test dates and locations are different from the SAT. Students may register online (www.act.org). The ACT tests academic skills in the following areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. The test is based on and oriented toward core curricula typical of secondary schools. Students are encouraged to take the optional writing section offered.

Special Accommodations

If a student requires special accommodations for standardized tests, he or she must discuss this with the FCS Director of Edison Program. Students must have an updated psychological evaluation on file with FCS in order to be eligible for these special accommodations. See the FCS Director of Edison Program for the required paperwork.

PSAT/NMSQT

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is administered to all 10th & 11th grade FCS students. The test is given to 10th graders as practice and to 11th graders for the purposes of qualifying for the National Merit programs. Colleges will not receive the PSAT scores.

AP

Students taking an AP class at FCS will take the AP exam each May. These will be billed individually per course. Advanced Placement Test results do not appear on the FCS transcript. Students may request to have the scores sent to colleges at www.collegeboard.org. (Usually to one college, during the summer after graduation.)

Reporting Scores

The best time to request that the results are sent to colleges is at the time a student registers for the test! Otherwise this critical step is easily forgotten or put off. If the student decides not to use Score Choice, schools will automatically receive the entire history of SAT / SAT Subject tests. Students should still feel comfortable sending all scores, since most colleges consider a student’s best score. When registering, do not forget to include FCS’s CEEB code (112627) on the application materials.