ACT
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. The purpose of the ACT test 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. All Utah High School Students will have the opportunity to take the ACT for free the spring of their 11th grade year. The test will be administered at school, during the school day. The test can be taken again, for a fee. Register at act.org.
FREE ACT Study Resources
Shmoop Website
Free for all Utah students with the Magic Word: ASPEN
Prep Factory Website
Free, interactive test prep for teachers and students.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Student Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
This is a preliminary or short version of the SAT. It may be taken by juniors each October. The scores are used for the National Merit scholarships. Students register for the PSAT in the Career Center. It is also great practice for the ACT.
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
The ASVAB is an excellent aptitude test administered free of charge to students in their junior year. In addition to traditional tests of academic, verbal and math skills, it assesses vocational aptitudes in word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, general science, auto & shop information, mechanical comprehension, electronics information, numerical operation, and coding speed. A career planning booklet that accompanies the results helps students match their interests, abilities, and priorities to compatible occupations, both civilian and military. There is no obligation to the military for taking this test.
College Placement Test
The College Placement Test is used by colleges and concurrent enrollment for placement in English and Math courses. The CPT is offered in the Career Center each May for concurrent enrollment courses the following school year. You must be registered with Salt Lake Community College before taking the College Placement Test.