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Entrance Exams

College Entrance Exams

  • Although most colleges are "test optional", meaning that you may submit a score, but you do not need to... Some colleges are starting to require a test score.
  • Some schools are "test blind", meaning that a school will not consider a test score.
  • If a college accepts a test score, they will accept either the SAT or ACT. You may want to consider taking both and/or researching which test is better for you.

Why take a college entrance exam?

  • Scores can enhance a candidate's applications.
  • Scores can mean automatic acceptance to some colleges. 
  • Scores can improve access to scholarship dollars.
  • Scores can decrease the need for college placement exams after being admitted to a college.

When should a score be submitted?

  • Make the decision for each college separately.
  • Know if the college will consider a test score.
  • Share if the applicant's score is at least within the middle 50% of student scores accepted to that college.

ACT

  • Plan to have earned the score you are happy with by October of your senior year.
  • Test dates can be found here. The high school is a testing center for most national test dates.
  • All tests need to be registered for at act.org with the exception of a spring test offered only to juniors during a school day at the high school. 
  • The ACT covers 5 sections: English, Reading, Math, Science (optional), Writing (optional).
  • The test is available in both a digital and paper format depending on the test site. 
  • The new ACT is 2 hours 5 minutes.
  • ACT Test Prep
  • The new enhanced ACT

SAT

PSAT

  • Pre SAT: gives students an opportunity to experience a test which is nearly identical to the SAT.
  • Offered to 11th grade students in the fall during a school day at the high school. 
  • Top 11th grade scores nationwide qualify students for National Merit Scholarships.
  • Students are encouraged to take the test to see how prepared they are for post secondary education and to identify learning areas that they can improve upon.
  • PSAT Test Prep

Need a Fee Waiver?

Contact an school Assistant Principal.

Other Entrance Exams

Accuplacer

  • A placement test used by two year colleges to determine college readiness in Reading, Writing, and/or Math.
  • The test is also used by many union apprenticeship programs.
  • Each two year college in MN has their own Accuplacer requirements. Check in with the college you are interested in attending.

ASVAB

  • Required test to enter any branch of the military.
  • Plays a very large role in determining the job you will be assigned and trained for once you enlist.
  • A free testing opportunity for anyone seeking career aptitude and interest information.  
  • Offered 1-2 times per year after school at the high school.