Testing

Testing, although not always fun, is an important aspect of high school and college preparation. Throughout one's high school career, there will be several times when standardized testing is required. Prospective colleges/universities are interested in students who take a challenging course load, maintain a high grade point average, and score well on standardized testing. Students need to check with their prospective colleges/universities to determine the appropriate entrance exams and what constitutes a competitive score. It is important to thoroughly prepare. Registration and preparation booklets may be obtained in the Counseling Department. Fee waivers are available if the cost of these tests will cause a hardship.

ACCUPLACER
The ACCUPLACER test is required for Central Arizona College (CAC) admissions, course placement, and dual enrollment. Tests are administered in the fall and spring semesters, and help identify your knowledge, strength, and needs in Math, Reading, and Writing. Along with information about your academic background, goals, and interests, the results help you choose courses that match your skill level and give you the best opportunities for success.
 
ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT, or the SAT, is required for college admissions and is usually taken as a junior or senior. The test is divided into four subject areas; English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. There is an optional writing test available for those students wishing to showcase their writing skills. Registration materials are available in the Counseling Department or registration can be completed. Fee waivers are available for qualified students. MHP Code = 030-024
 
ACT Aspire
The Counseling Department recommends that college-bound 10th graders take the ACT Aspire Test. It is good preparation for the ACT Assessment Test which is used for college admissions. The ACT Aspire provides information for educational and career planning. Each participating student receives a report that identifies academic strengths and weaknesses, and helps students explore career interests.
 
AIMS Science
AIMS (Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards) Science is a Standards-Based Assessment that measures student proficiency of the Arizona Academic Content Standard in Science. It meets federal requirements for student assessment. It is administered in the spring to students in Grades 4, 8, 9, and 10.
 

AP (Advanced Placement)
Students who take an AP class are expected to take the AP Exam. The subjects are based on particular AP classes selected and are taken during the first two weeks in May. Students may earn college credit depending on their score and the college/university policy. Tests are scored 1-5 and 3 is considered as passing.
 

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
The ASVAB is given in the winter for juniors and seniors. Taking this test does NOT enlist you in the military, but will give you valuable career interest and aptitude insight about yourself. This test is voluntary and free for both juniors and seniors.

 
PSAT/NMSQT
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Mission Heights recommends that college-bound 10th and 11th grade students take the PSAT Test. The top scoring one half of one percent of the 11th grade students taking the PSAT can qualify for National Merit Scholarships. Eleventh (11th) grade African American students may request entry to the National Achievement Program (over 700 Achievement Scholarship awards) when they take the PSAT. Not only is the PSAT good practice for the SAT, it is also used as a determining factor for AP potential and can be used to compare a student’s academic skills with other college-bound students. The PSAT Test is offered in October. Fee waivers are available for qualified students.

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
The SAT, or the ACT, is required for college admission and is usually taken as a junior or senior. This test consists of three (3) areas: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and a Writing Test. Registration materials are available in the Counseling Department or registration can be completed online at www.collegeboard.com. This website also offers a FREE practice test and a daily practice question. Fee waivers are available for qualified students. MHP Code = 030-024

Testing Resources

ACCUPLACER
ACT
ACT Practice Test
ACT Scores
ACT Test Dates
AIMS Science
AP|College Board
AzMERIT
BrightStorm
ePrep
Free Test Online
HowToStudy
Huntington Learning Center
Kaplan
Khan Academy
Number2
Peterson's
PowerScore
Princeton Review
PSAT/NMSQT
SAT
SAT Practice Test
SAT Scores
SAT Test Dates
Study Guides & Strategies
Test Prep Review
TestTakingTips

 

ACT (Juniors and Seniors)

The ACT® contains multiple-choice tests in four areas: English, mathematics, reading and science. ACT's writing test is optional and will not affect your composite score.
FALL: Not offered at MHP in the fall. To sign up, go to act.org and find a testing date and location that works best for you.
SPRING: ALL JUNIORS will take this test in place of the AZ Merit.
COST: (No Writing): $39.50. Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register). ACT Plus Writing: $56.50. Includes the same as above.
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For more information and practice test: The ACT - Solutions for College and Career Readiness | ACT

SAT (Juniors and Seniors)

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The SAT is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test created and administered by the College Board. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important SAT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school. Overall, the higher you score on the SAT and/or ACT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.  

 

 

PSAT (Sophomores and Juniors)

The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT is a great primer for the SAT, and even the ACT, but it’s more than just a trial run. PSAT scores are used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships.