Standardized Testing

Students are responsible for determining which tests they should take and properly registering to take them. Registration can be done online or by completing an application which can be found in the HFA Guidance Office. Students are responsible for releasing and sending test scores.

Recommended Testing Schedule

October of freshman and sophomore year	PSAT
November of sophomore year	PLAN
October of junior year	PSAT/NMSQT
Spring of junior year	First SAT I
Spring of junior year	First ACT
March-June of junior year	SAT IIs
October-November of senior year	Retake SAT I & ACT
May	AP Tests, Gateway Tests

PLAN – Preliminary ACT

An achievement test that measures knowledge gained in the classroom, the PLAN is given during the sophomore year. The results of this test provide an estimate of how the student will score on the ACT and an idea of the subject areas that require more attention.

PSAT - Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Administered during October of each year, the PSAT is divided into three parts – critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing. The PSAT is designed to predict student scores on the SAT I. PSAT scores range from 20-80. (SAT equivalency scores can be determined by multiplying the PSAT two-digit score by 10.) All students at Hume-Fogg are required to take the PSAT their freshman, sophomore and junior year.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses the PSAT as the initial screening process for identifying students for its scholarship and recognition competitions. Depending on the student's selection index score (the sum of the verbal, math and writing scores), a student may be recognized as a Commended Student or may be identified as a Semi-Finalist to then be invited to compete for Finalist.

ACT - American College Testing Program (www.actstudent.org)

The ACT is an achievement test that measures knowledge, understanding and skills that you have acquired. The test consists of four subtests - English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. Students receive five scores for the ACT, subtest scores and a composite score. ACT scores range from 1 to 36. Some colleges will accept the ACT in place of the required SAT I and SAT II. Check college literature for details.

SAT I - Reasoning Test (www.collegeboard.com)

The SAT I Reasoning Test measures writing, critical reading, and mathematical reasoning ability, knowledge that has developed over time. The scores for each section of the test range from 200 to 800. Many schools will honor the highest combined test score, so taking the test more than once can be to the student's advantage.

SAT II - Subject Tests (www.collegeboard.com)

The SAT II Subject Tests are each one hour long and a student may take as many as three on one testing date. (This test may not be taken on the same day as the SAT I.) SAT II subject tests allow colleges to assess a student's ability in specific subject areas. Many colleges require that students submit as many as three SAT II Subject Tests along with their SAT I Reasoning Test scores.

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

The purpose of the TOEFL is to test the English proficiency of students whose native language is not English. Consult the registration packet or website, www.toefl.org, for test center locations.

Releasing Test Scores

It is the student's responsibility to release test scores to HFA and send them to the college or university to which the student has applied.

Scores released to HFA will be placed on the student's permanent record and when requested, mailed to colleges as a part of the transcript. Many colleges, however, require that the test scores be sent directly from the testing center. Students can release score reports and request additional scores electronically, by mail or phone. For directions, consult the website for each respective test.