Test Information

Mariemont High School code:   363-205

Test Dates

ACT

SAT I

PSAT

Given during the school day, the PSAT will be administered on October 15, 2002.  Students must pay the test fee prior to the test date.  In 2003, the PSAT will probably be at a comparable date in October.  It is always offered on Tuesdays at Mariemont.  Some schools offer it on the previous Saturday instead.

PLAN

The PLAN test is scheduled each year some time during October or November.  Please check with the Guidance Office for the current year's date.  The test is given during the school day and is required of all sophomores.  The cost is under $10.00 for the PLAN.

PSAT/NMSQT

(Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test)/

(National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

Recommended as a valuable practice testing experience, the PSAT/NMSQT is offered to college-bound juniors on a Tuesday morning in October.  Students pay the fee of $8.50 and experience a shortened version of the SAT I.

Scores are reported within a range of 20-80 for each section of verbal, math, and writing skills.  They can be related to actual SAT I scores by adding a zero to each score (the SAT I ranges from 200-800).

Students will receive their actual test booklet when they get their scores.  Their score report shows correct and incorrect answers, enabling students to learn from the questions they missed.  Score reports are sent through the high school and will be distributed during December.

The three scores are added together to form a "selection index" which is used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to identify those students with high scores.  The top .5% of the scorers in each state are named National Merit Semi-finalists and are invited to compete for scholarship money.  This is a very prestigious recognition.  Mariemont usually has one or two semi-finalists, and has had as many as four.  Corporations and universities sponsor the scholarships.

PLAN

(Practice ACT Test)

The PLAN test is the ACT practice opportunity for sophomores.  It acts as a reliable predictor for a later ACT score.  In addition, it has a career planning component that enables a young student to have career interests measured.

The academic portions are identical to the ACT, in style and format, but with fewer questions.  The entire PLAN Test takes over 3 hrs. to administer.  The test is given during the school day and is generally required of every tenth-grade student.  The school district pays for the test fee through career education funds.

The PLAN score reports are returned within 6 weeks and are distributed to students through small group sessions.

Test Preparation

Even the test publishers tell us that the best preparation for any college admission test is the consistent daily school involvement students have.  The harder students work on day-to-day assignments and projects, the better their chances for a higher score.

Nevertheless, many people wish to have some review and preparation in order to maximize their scores. Here are a few suggestions to get some preparation:

1.  Check out the Princeton Review's "Three Down-and-Dirty Tips for the SAT."

2.  ACT has a set of sample questions on their web site (www.act.org).

3.  SAT sample questions and free diagnostic mini-test can be found on the College Board web site (www.collegeboard.com).  Also check out the SAT Question of the Day.

4.  Lamplighter (in Terrace Park) provides a nice, personalized service with convenience and effectiveness.  Call them at 831-6341.

     KAPLAN offers excellent comprehensive test preparation classes at their location in Norwood and at various neighboring district school buildings.  Contact Kristine Pasto at 513-458-5091 or email her at kristine_pasto@kaplan.com

5.  There are numerous printed materials with sample tests, hints, test-taking tips, and more.  Either borrow them from the Guidance Office or check them out of the school library or the public library.  They can also be purchased at area bookstores.

6.  Sample tests and hints, provided from the test publishers free of charge, are distributed to students when they request registration materials from the Guidance Office.

7.  Using PLAN and PSAT score reports are another good way to prepare.  The actual test is returned to the student and the score reports include correct answers.  Students can go back through the test learning from mistakes.  (Lamplighter uses these practice tests as a starting point when working with students.)

8.  An example of an  Internet test prep site is TestU.com that provides ACT and SAT test prep, including a sample test and a 60 hour/10 week course, a cost of about $50.00.  There are probably others--they crop up often.  Look, also, at the Princeton Review site (www.review.com)

Special Testing for students with disabilities

Both the College Board (publishers of PSAT, SAT I, and SAT II) and the ACT (publishers of PLAN and ACT) have procedures to enable students with documented disabilities to take the tests with accommodations.

If a student is educated with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) at school, or if a professional has identified a disability after a thorough educational evaluation, that student may request a special testing application form.  Dave Jones, Counselor, is the Case Manager for all students in the High School who have documented disabilities.  Parents and students are encouraged to meet with him in order to properly complete the paperwork for special testing.

The ACT offers a choice of testing center testing with extended time, or special testing at the high school with virtually unlimited extended time.

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