Counseling Department -
Testing

Contents

• Overview
• College Entrance Exams - ACT & SATs
• Maryland Functional Tests
• Maryland High School Assessments (HSA)
• Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)
• Testing for Special Needs Students
• Tests for College Credit (AP, IB, CLEP)
• Tests for English Proficiency
• Tutoring and SAT Preparation Courses

The B-CC Final Exam schedule and related information can be found at Final Exams webpage.

Test dates or link to test schedules are found within the test description topic below.

Overview

The Testing Bulletin was mailed to parents in August. It contains information specifically relating to testing programs available to students at B-CC for the school year.

There are several types of tests taken in conjunction with the college application process.

•    Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)
•    College Entrance Examinations (ACT and SATs)
•    Tests for college credit
•    Test for graduation and to assess the school
•    Other Tests (English language proficiency, etc.)

The tests are described below.

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Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)

PSAT 2008:
Test date: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

All ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders will be given the PSAT in all MCPS high schools. No registration is necessary. The PSAT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for eleventh graders. It is also the National Achievement Program Qualifying Test for African-American students, and the National Hispanic Achievement Program Qualifying Test. The State of Maryland uses the PSAT of eleventh graders as one of its criteria in determining the finalists in the Distinguished Scholar Achievement Program. The results of the PSAT are not sent to colleges, and the test is designed to be a no-risk exposure to the SATs.

The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a two hour and ten minute version of the SAT that measures reading, writing, and mathematical abilities important in college work. It is administered only once during the school year and consists of 3 parts: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing.
I.   Critical Reading: Two 25 minute sections
II.  Mathematics: Two 25 minute sections
III. Writing: One 30 minute section .

The test provides an excellent practice for students preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test. Scores on the PSAT can be used in predicting what a student will do on the SAT Reasoning Test. In order to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, the National Achievement Scholarship Program and the National Hispanic Scholar Awards Program, the PSAT must be taken in the Junior year.

Seniors do not take the test (their school day starts after lunch on PSAT test day). If senior students arrive early, or other students arrive after testing has begun, they will be directed to the designated study hall in the cafeteria.

Students are not allowed to talk, bring outside reading materials, or bring food or drinks (not even water) into the testing room. Students may use four function, scientific or graphing calculators for the math portions only. Student and their families should expect results in the mail from the College Board 6-8 weeks from the test date.

Students should
• Get a good night's rest before the test
• Follow the directions exactly as they are given
• Mark the answer sheet carefully
• Bring ID (school ID is fine), a calculator and #2 pencils

For more information on the PSAT or National Merit Scholarship programs, go to the following web sites:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
http://www.nationalmerit.org/

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College Entrance Exams

Two college entrance exams are used for admission, placement and scholarships: the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). It is recommended that college-bound students check requirements of individual colleges to determine the tests necessary for admission. Registration forms are available in the Career Center and online. The Counseling Department's PowerPoint presentation "The ABC's of the SAT's" (and the ACT) can be viewed here on this website. The SAT testing preparation information is listed at the end of this section.

The College Board administers the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, AP (Advanced Placement Tests), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and CLEP (College Level Examination Program). Contact your counselor for fee waiver information. You can register for tests on-line. See http://www.collegeboard.org/

SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT Reasoning Test is a three-hour test, primarily multiple choice, that measure verbal and mathematical abilities. The student can mail the registration form directly to the Educational Testing Service (ETS) with the appropriate fee in a pre-addressed envelope available from the College/Career Center and/or Guidance Office or register online at http://www.collegeboard.com/. The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and Columbia Union College in Takoma Park offer Sunday testing for religious reasons.

SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests are given in a number of academic areas and are used by some colleges for admission and placement purposes. Students may take up to three tests in one session, but they may not take the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests on the same day. Students should check the testing calendar for the dates each test is offered. It is recommended that SAT Subject Tests be taken following the completion of the highest level courses. Please note that most colleges do not require SAT Subject Tests.

2008-2009 SAT & Subject Tests Schedule:

* held at B-CC

SAT Testing at B-CC High School
B-CC High School is a test center for some, but not all SAT tests. The SAT test dates and test sites can be found at: http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_code/codeSearchSatTest.jsp

ACT Assessment®
ACT Assessment Plus Writing
The ACT Assessment® is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The ACT Assessment Plus Writing includes a 30 minute Writing Test. See http://www.act.org/aap/index.html

Starting in 2005, choose either of the two test options–ACT Assessment or ACT Assessment Plus Writing. Not all colleges and universities require a Writing Test. Check with the colleges you are considering, or go to www.actstudent.org for a list of institutions that require or recommend the Writing Test.

The ACT Assessment is administered on six national test dates, in September, October, December, February, April, and June. The basic registration fee includes score reports for four college choices. The 2007-2008 ACT Assessment fee is $30, ACT Assessment Plus Writing is $44.50, and Late Registration fee is $19. Please go to http://www.actstudent.org/regist/actfees.html for a complete listing of fees and updates.

2008-2009 ACT Assessment Tests Schedule

B-CC is not a test center. See the ACT Test Center Locations and search on Maryland for test locations.

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Tests for College Credit

AP (Advanced Placement Tests)
Students may be tested in 37 courses in 22 subject areas. If successful in the test, the student may be given college credit in that subject. Tests are graded on the following five-point scale: 5 extremely well-qualified; 4 well-qualified; 3 qualified; 2 possibly qualified; 1 no recommendation. All colleges who subscribe to the AP Program recognize grade 5 for credit in that subject; nearly all colleges recognize grade 4; most colleges recognize grade 3; and some colleges recognize grade 2. Check with individual colleges to see what grades are acceptable.

Contact your AP Coordinator to register for the exams. Registration forms are handed out by AP teachers in their classes. Additional forms can be picked up in the main office and in Room C102, on Edline, or downloaded and printed here. The fee for 2008 is $84 per exam. Please bring form and check, payable to B-CC HS, to Room C102 during the registration period. For any questions please come to Room C102 and see Ms. Gauthier or email her.

The College Board’s AP student site (www.collegeboard.com/apstudents) features the most current information on AP courses and exams, and includes Course Descriptions that can be downloaded, sample exam questions, and a section that answers frequently asked questions. For more information: call 1-888-225-5427 or download the Bulletin for AP Students and Parents (pdf). For exam schedule and fees, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/cal.html

See the B-CC AP page for more information on AP courses and for examination dates.

International Baccalaureate (IB)
Students successfully completing IB course work, and receiving a score of four through seven on a Higher Level examination in a specific content may be considered for credit and/or placement on a subject by subject basis in accordance with the policy of the institution of higher learning.

See the B-CC High School IB page for more information and examination schedule

CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
The CLEP is designed to waive courses and grant college-level credit by examination. Tests are given at the University of Maryland, College Park. For application information call (301) 314-7688 or go to http://www.counseling.umd.edu/testing.html. Tests are given also at various locations in Montgomery county. See http://www.collegeboard.com/clep and click on Testing Centers for a list of locations in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

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Tests for English Proficiency

TOEFL (Test of English As a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is designed to determine the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. These students may take the TOEFL in addition to the SAT I or ACT. Students call (301) 718-9893 (Bethesda) or (301) 314-0319 (College Park) to schedule a convenient testing time at least six weeks in advance of the desired testing date. TOEFL is a computer-based test. Information bulletins are available in the Career Center and the Counseling Office or by calling 1-800-GO TOEFL, or by visiting the website at http://www.toefl.org

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Testing for Special Needs Students

Special testing accommodations for SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, PSAT, AP and ACT are available to students who have documented learning disabilities. SATs Center Testing is for students who normally receive up to 50 percent extended time for school-based tests and can use a regular or large type test book. SATs School Testing is appropriate only for students with disabilities who CANNOT test at a national center and who normally receive more than 50 percent extended time on school-based test. Both types of accommodations will be offered for every SAT. REMINDER: It is the student's responsibility to meet with his/her counselor in early September to discuss testing arrangements.
See the ETS Special Needs Hotline - 609-771-7137. See http://www.collegeboard.com/disable/students/html/indx000.html for more information.

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Tutoring and SAT Preparation Courses

"The ABC's of SAT's" - a PowerPoint presentation prepared by B-CC's Counseling Department.

As part of the MCPS/College Board partnership, student participation in The Official SAT Online Course™ is prepaid for all MCPS high school students. Gain access with a registration card that you can obtain from your school's SAT coordinator, college/career center coordinator, SAT Prep teacher, or guidance office.
In-depth test coverage helps students fully understand the SAT's math, critical reading, and writing sections. The online course features
• Interactive instruction organized into 18 lessons
• Personalized score reports
• 6 practice tests and hundreds of practice questions
• Explanations of answers

For more information on this free SAT course, please go to http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/hsi/SAT_page.shtm

B-CC offers a class in SAT Preparation. The course requires the student to have successfully completed Algebra 1 & Geometry.
See the B-CC Course Registration Guide for a more detailed description.

SAT Prep classes, offered through MCPS' Adult Education Program for the past 25 years, are not administered by Montgomey College, effective July 1, 2006. These classes meet after school, evenings, or Saturday mornings at various MCPS high schools.
This 32-hour course may help students achieve a score that better reflects their knowledge and abilities by teaching test format and proven test-taking strategies, reviewing some test content, and raising test taking confidence levels. For 2008, the cost of $260 for county residents includes the materials fee. Please note that this fee does not cover registration for the SAT itself.

Information on dates, locations, and registration procedure may be obtained in the Career Center and at http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/ce/satprep.html .

MCPS also offers SAT Prep Classes during the summer school sessions at various summer school sites and online. Classes are offered usually in both Sessions 1 and II for preparation for the fall SATs. Go to MCPS Summer School website http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/extendedhours/summerschool/index.shtm to find information on registration, dates, schedule, costs, and schools where these classes are offered. Registration can be done by mail, in person, via fax, or online. Low income tuition available to qualified Montgomery Couty residents. Verification of total family income is required. Attach copies of W-2 form(s) and/or public assistance award letter or Independence Card with registration.

Other commercial firms offer SAT preparation courses and tutoring service as well. The Counseling Office has six notebooks filled with tutors and tutoring services: Educational Services (SAT/ACT; Study Skills; etc), English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, and Psychologists
These notebooks are available anytime during school hours. Most have contact people as well as flyers explaining their individual programs. Please note that B-CC HS does not endorse any of the private tutors or companies.

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Maryland High School Assessment (HSA) Tests

Maryland High School Assessments (HSA) are rigorous end-of-course tests in Algebra 1/Data Analysis, Biology, English 10, and NSL Government. These assessments are a key component of the Maryland Assessment Program. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has designed the tests to measure student achievement and school performance.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2009 (entered Grade 9 in 2005), a student must pass the Maryland High School Assessments for Algebra 1, Biology, English 10, and National, State, and Local Government. Graduating classes of 2007 and 2008 must take the tests, but are not required to pass.

Detailed information on the HSA is available on the MCPS HSAs website:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/hsa/

There is a link there to HSA Prep Online where students will find hundreds of practice questions with helpful tips and explanations written by MCPS teachers on ALL 4 subjects: Algebra, Biology, English and NSL.

For answers to frequently asked questions on the HSAs, go to:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/hsa/faq.shtm

The testing calendar for Maryland State Assessments in School Years 2007-2008 through 2009-2010 is available at
http://hsaexam.org/img/CD%20Content/TestCalendar.pdf

2009 HSA Test Schedule

Tests begin at 7:25am. Please be prompt.

School Schedule During HSA Week

HSA Testing 7:25 am-11:00 am
Lunch         11:00 am-11:30 am
Classes       11:35 am-  2:10 pm
    Class 1:  11:35 am-12:20 pm
    Class 2:  12:25 pm-  1:10 pm
    Class 3:    1:15 pm-  1:40 pm
    Class 4:    1:45 pm-  2:10 pm

ALL students must attend classes from 11:35 am - 2:10 pm
Only students taking an HSA must report from 7:25-11:00 am

However, buses will run on the normal schedule all five days. All students have the option to arrive on time each day and attend supervised study hall until lunch begins at 10:30a.m.

Note: Make-up HSAs are usually given in January the year following the regular HSAs. Students who need to take these make-up tests are contacted by letter before the test dates. A normal bell schedule is on during the week of the make-up tests.

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Maryland Functional Tests

In August 2003, the Maryland State Board of Education decided to terminate the Maryland Functional Testing Program. The graduating class of 2004 is the last class of students required to pass the Maryland Functional Tests to earn a diploma. The State Board ended the Functional Testing program so that schools can focus on preparing students for the Maryland High School Assessments.

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Questions? Contact your Counselor.

More information on College and Career Standardized Testing can be found at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/careercenter/standardizedtesting.shtm