Testing Information
Contents
Test dates or link to test schedules are found within the test description topic below.
Overview
There are several types of tests taken in conjunction with the college application process.
The tests are described below.
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)
PSAT:
Test date: Usually the second Wednesday of October(nationally)
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT
®. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
The PSAT/NMSQT measures:
- Critical reading skills
- Math problem-solving skills
- Writing Skills
You have developed these skills over many years, both in and out of school. This test doesn't require you to recall specific facts from your classes.
The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are to:
- Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
- See how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
- Enter the competition for scholarships from NMSC (grade 11).
- Help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
- Receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service.
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 scores 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 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/
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). Almost every college accepts either test. Check with the colleges that your are applying to as some schools no longer require the SAT or ACT.
Registration forms are available in the College & Career Center and online.
The SAT testing preparation information is listed at the end of this section. MCPS also offers a free online SAT/ACT prep class.
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 and forty-five minute test, primarily multiple choice, that measure verbal and mathematical abilities. Register online at http://www.collegeboard.com/.
SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT TEST?
SAT TEST DATES: 2011-12
November 5 @ B-CC
December 3@ B-CC
January 28@ B-CC
March 10@B-CC
May 5@B-CC
June 2
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.
B-CC HS is the site for some of the test dates.*
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
SHOULD YOU TAKE THE ACT 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.
ACT TEST DATES: 2011-12
December 10@ B-CC
February 11@ B-CC
April 14@ B-CC
June 9 @ B-CC
Tests for College Credit
AP (Advanced Placement Tests)
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 (Patricia Mertens @ B-CC High School)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 or the Counseling office. The fee is between $80-$90 per exam. Please bring form and check, payable to B-CC HS, to the main office, the Counseling office or C 302 during the registration period.
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. For exam schedule and fees, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/cal.html .
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 IB/AP exam 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.
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. 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
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.
Tutoring and SAT Preparation Courses
SAT Prep Information
“Should you take the SAT or the ACT?”
Free Online SAT Prep Course for MCPS Students
The Triumph College Admissions Online Study Guide for SAT and the TCA Online Study Guide for ACT are free online tools available to help you prepare for taking the PSAT, SAT, or ACT. You may use these study guides at any time. Use the study guides to learn more about the test, review specific skills, take practice quizzes, and track your progress.
Within the Triumph Online Study Guide, you will also find FinalPrep for the SAT and ACT, online sessions designed for preparation the week before the test. FinalPrep helps you to review the structure, format, skills, and test-taking tips you need before you take the test.
Click on the link to your school's TCA Online Study Guide website (at left). This will bring you to the Online Study Guide where you can log in.
Log into the Student Study Guide Homepage
- Enter your MCPS 6 digit Student ID # as the username (Note: If you don’t know your MCPS Student ID #, go to your school’s office and ask them to look it up for you.)
- Enter your MCPS 6 digit Student ID # as the password
- Click the “login” button
Select a Test Preparation Option
- SAT Study Guide
- PSAT Study Guide
- ACT Study Guide
- FinalPrep for the SAT
- FinalPrep for the ACT
Once you are in your selected test preparation option, begin with the overview and complete the steps as directed.
If you are completing a study guide, plan to spend a minimum of ten hours to get the most out of the guide. FinalPrep will take between 2 and 2 ½ hours. You do not have to complete either program in one sitting. Break up the work and pace yourself.
For more information on this free SAT course, please go to http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/hsi/SAT_page.shtm
B-CC Class on SAT Preparation
B-CC offers a course in SAT Preparation. The course requires the student to have successfully completed Algebra 1 & Geometry.
Montgomery College SAT Prep Classes
SAT Prep classes, offered through MCPS' Adult Education Program for the past 25 years, are not administered by Montgomey College. 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 2011, the cost of $275 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 Summer SAT Prep Classes
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 Tutoring Services and SAT Courses
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.
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.
A student must pass the Maryland High School Assessments for Algebra 1, Biology, English 10, and National, State, and Local Government. Detailed information on the HSA is available on the MCPS HSAs website:
MCPS countywide testing takes place during school hours. The High School Assessment* schedule for 2011-2012 is as follows:
|
FALL
|
WINTER
|
SPRING
|
Government
|
finished
|
January 9, 2012
|
May 21, 2012
|
English
|
finished
|
January 10, 2012
|
May 22, 2012
|
Biology
|
finished
|
January 11, 2012
|
May 23, 2012
|
Algebra
|
finished
|
January 12, 2012
|
May 24, 2012
|
*Students must meet the HSA requirement in order to graduate
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 Year will be available at
http://hsaexam.org/img/CD%20Content/TestCalendar.pdf
HSA SCHEDULE 2011
At B-CC HSA testing will occur during the week of May 16th – 19th.
All tests will be administered online. The majority of the students will be testing in the morning, however there will be other students testing in the afternoon as well. Go to the MCPS website to see the schedule of HSAs for B-CC. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/hsa/
This page was updated October 25, 2011.