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ACT:  This standardized test used for admissions by colleges 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.  Scores for each section are averaged to create a composite score.  A perfect score on the ACT Assessment is 36.  Contact your high school counselor for test dates, locations, and study materials to familiarize yourself with test content and questions, or call the ACT information line at (310) 337-1000

ACT Prep Via Learning Express (through SD State Library)
    To access Learning Express Library provided by the South Dakota State library for the following steps:

PLAN: The PLAN is a pre-ACT test taken by tenth-graders to help students estimate how well they will do on the ACT. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.  Talk to your high school counselor for more information or call the PLAN information line at (319) 337-1029

SAT:   The SAT is one of two standardized tests used by colleges as part of their admissions criteria.  The SAT I is a three-hour exam that measures verbal and math reasoning skills used for admission.  Scores on each section range from 200-800 points.  The SAT II consists of more than 20 subject areas, or achievement tests designed to measure subject-area knowledge.  Contact your high school counselor for test dates, locations, and study guides, or call Educational Testing Service for general SAT information at (609) 771-7600.

PSAT:  The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) is a two-part, exam that is very similar to the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test).  The PSAT consists of two 25-minute verbal sections, two 25-minute math sections, and one 30-minute writing skills section.  Most people take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year in high school.  Some students take it their during their sophomore year.  Scores on the PSAT are used to determine National Merit Scholars, students who qualify for merit-based scholarships distributed throughout the United States.  Talk to your high school counselor for more information or call the PSAT information line at (609) 771-7070.

ASVAB:  This test is for those interested in being in any part of the US Military.  These tests have to be scheduled through the guidance counselor or through the military recruiter in their area.  This test has no additional cost to the student.

CLEP:  These tests are for those students who want to test out of certain college level classes.  Students can obtain credit for passing a college-level examination.  Contact the admissions office of the college you are attending to get more information.  These tests can be taken by seniors.

GED:  This test is for those students who didn't graduate from high school and want to earn a diploma or certificate that resembles a high school diploma.

TOEFL: This test is for foreign exchange students.  It is used as an eligibility test in order for foreign exchange students to get into a United States college.