St. Teresa Catholic High School

In October, St. Teresa administers the PLAN test, an innovative comprehensive assessment program by ACT that gives tenth-graders an edge in planning and preparing for the post-high school years. PLAN measures basic academic skill development in the key subject areas of English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning. Measurement of these skills early in the educational process will enable students, with the help of parents, counselors, and teachers, to better use their high school experience as preparation for post-secondary training and education.

PLAN can also assist students in preparing for the ACT Assessment, the national college entrance-testing program that is completed by high school juniors and seniors.

The "plus" component of PLAN identifies career interests and relates these to educational and training requirements. Knowledge of effective study skills is measured. Students are also given the opportunity to indicate areas of special concern in which they need assistance.

Once score reports have been received, an interpretive session will focus on the PLAN Student Report and discuss the meaning and uses of PLAN results. This comprehensive information will help parents offer informed and knowledgeable support and assistance to tenth-graders during a critical planning and decision-making phase of their high school experience.

PSAT/NMSQT

On the same day in October that tenth-graders take the PLAN test, juniors at St. Teresa have the opportunity to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), which is also used as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT).

Before the test, students will receive the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin that contains a description of the test sample questions with explanation of correct answers, test-taking strategies, and a practice test that the students can take and score.

The EXPANDED PSAT/NMSQT continues to measure verbal and mathematical reasoning skills that are important for success in college. Verbal and math question types have not changed, although there are fewer of each.
Addition of a writing skills component focuses attention on the need for students also to develop effective communication skills. The new section of multiple-choice writing skills questions asks students to identify sentence errors, improve sentences and improve paragraphs.
Students receive three scores on the 20�80 PSAT/NMSQT scale: verbal, math, and writing skills. They also receive a Selection Index, which is the sum of these three scores.
The PSAT/NMSQT score report includes estimates of scores students can expect to receive on the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the SAT II Writing Test.

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE. ; The test provides students and schools with information about the extent to which students have acquired verbal, mathematical and writing skills that they will need to do well in college courses.
PRACTICING FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS. The test enables students to experience the same kinds of questions under similar circumstances and to estimate the scores they can expect on required admissions tests such as the SAT I and the SAT II.
SELECTING A COLLEGE. The test enables students to identify colleges that offer programs at an appropriate level of challenge and to be contacted by colleges that seek qualified applicants.
FINANCING A COLLEGE EDUCATION. The test enables students to enter competitions for national scholarships and to receive financial aid information from colleges.
NMSC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS. The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test students take to enter scholarship programs conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

PLAN Test

PSAT/NMSQT