Testing

Testing: Contact your VGC for more details.

Spring 2015 AIMS testing is scheduled as follows:  

• AIMS Writing: Monday February 23, 2015
  

• AIMS Reading: Tuesday February 24, 2015
  

• AIMS Math: Wednesday February 25, 2015

Spring AIMS is only for Juniors and Seniors who have not passed one or more of the subject areas listed above, or those that wish to re-take for a higher score. Science, Math and English testing will be later in the year for Middle School, Freshmen and Sophomores. 

Please note; there will be NO make-up days this year.  The dates above are your ONLY opportunity to test. 

NOTE: Arizona Department of Education requires students to pass the Reading, Writing and Math AIMS test in order to graduate from high school.

Practice AIMS tests: https://www.ideal.azed.gov/p/aims 

ACT Question of the day: http://www.actstudent.org/qotd/

PSAT:  www.collegeboard.org  High School Code: #030666

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 measures:  Critical reading skills, Math problem-solving skills, Writing skills

SAT:   www.collegeboard.org   High School Code #030666

Nearly every college in America accepts the SAT or SAT Subject Tests as a part of its admissions process. That's why more than two million students take the SAT every year.

ACT:  www.act.org    High School Code #030666

The ACT^® test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.

Top 10 SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips

Brought to you by the American School Counselor Association

1. Be Equipped
On the night before the test you should gather everything you'll need: the admission ticket, a valid form of photo identification, several #2 pencils, a calculator with fresh batteries (for the SAT only), a watch, and a high-energy snack.

2. Don't Cram
You've worked hard. The best thing to do the evening before the test is to get a good night's sleep. You've covered the content and you've perfected the skills. Now it's time to get in test mode -- calm, rested, confident, and ready.

3. Dress in Layers
The climate in test centers can vary from sauna-like to frigid. Be prepared for both extremes and everything in-between. You need to be comfortable to do your best.

4. Arrive Early
You may want to scope out your test location before test day to ensure that you know where you're going. Getting to the test should be the least of your concerns.

5. Don't Spend too Much Time on One Question
Each question is worth the same number of points. If a question is confusing or too time-consuming, don't lose your cool. Instead, move on to greener pastures. You can come back to hard questions if you have time at the end of a section.

6. Don't Look for Unscored Questions/Sections
The experimental section on the SAT is well-camouflaged. Sometimes the ACT contains experimental questions that are scattered throughout the sections. Do your best on every question--that way, you're covered.

7. Keep Track of Where You Are in a Section
On the SAT, obvious answer choices early in a set may be correct. Obvious choices near the end of a set are often booby traps.

8. Guess Aggressively
If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess randomly. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then make an educated guess from the remaining options. Remember, if you can eliminate even one answer choice then it pays to guess on the SAT. On the ACT, students aren't penalized for guessing. Only the correct answers count toward their score, so it is better to guess than leave a blank.

9. Be Careful Filling in the Answer Grid
Make sure you're filling in answers next to the right numbers.

10. Relax
Your attitude and outlook are crucial to your test-day performance. Be confident.