Standardized Tests

Test Descriptions

PLAN: On the same day as the PSAT is given for high school juniors, the high school will offer a PLAN assessment for all Hingham High School sophomores. Given on a voluntary basis, the PLAN is a four-hour comprehensive 10th grade assessment program—a "practice" ACT. Academic tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning; an interest inventory; a study skills assessment; and a student information section comprise the PLAN program. The comprehensiveness of PLAN enables counselors and teachers to assist 10th graders with academic and career planning during a critical phase of their high school education. Prior to the exam, counselors will review with all sophomores the registration deadlines and fees. Counselors will distribute this information at the end of September.

PSAT / NMSQT: The PSAT/NMSQT is a national test, which is administered by all high schools in October. The PSAT is divided into three sections, Critical Reading, Math and Writing Skills and takes approximately three hours to complete. College bound juniors should take the PSAT for a number of reasons: 1) It is good practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and gives students an indicator of how they will score on the SAT Reasoning Test. 2) Students can see how they compare to other college bound juniors. The PSAT must be taken if a student wants to be considered for a National Merit Scholarship. The selection of National Merit Scholars is done on the basis of scores obtained on the PSAT. All juniors planning post-secondary education are strongly encouraged to take the test. Following the exam, students can go to PSAT Extra to get explanations for all the test questions, extra preparation for the SAT and a career, major and college exploration tool.

MCAS Massachusetts state law requires that students earn a Competency Determination as a condition for high school graduation. Beginning with the Class of 2003, the Competency Determination will be awarded to students who pass the grade ten MCAS English language arts and mathematics tests. If your child needs additional chances to pass mathematics or English language arts , he or she will be able to take the tests four more times before the end of twelfth grade, and will have additional opportunities after high school as well. Students who perform very well on the MCAS and in other academic areas may receive a prestigious Certificate of Mastery from the Commonwealth and qualify to receive free tuition at Massachusetts’ state colleges. View the 2004-2005 MCAS Calendar.

SAT Reasoning Test: May or June of Junior Year. The SAT Reasoning Test is comprised of three sections, Critical Reading, Math and Writing. Scores range from 200 to 800 for each section. The highest possible combined score is 2400. Since there is a slight penalty for each wrong answer, a student should leave a question unanswered if he or she has no idea what the answer is. If one or more answer choices can be eliminated, however, the student should make an “educated” guess. Students should take the SAT Reasoning Test once in junior year (May or June) and if necessary, once in senior year (October or November). To register for the SAT Reasoning Test or for more information, go to the College Board website.

Check for colleges and universities where SATs and/or ACTs are optional.

SAT Subject Tests: May or June of Junior Year. The SAT Subject Tests are tests which some of the more competitive schools require. The SAT Subject Tests test a student’s knowledge in individual subject areas: English, math, science, history, and world languages. There are 18 subject tests offered. Students generally choose two or three. Students should check to see if any of the colleges they are considering require the SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement. Students should see their counselors for registration forms and additional information. To register for the SAT Subject Tests or for more information, click here.

Check out a list of colleges and universities that require SAT Subject Tests.

ACT Assessment: May or June of Junior Year. The ACT Assessment, or "A-C-T" as it is commonly called, is a national college admission examination that consists of tests in English, reading, mathematics, and science, as well as an optional writing section. ACT results are accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and universities. Unlike the SATs, the ACT Assessment is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what you have learned in your high school courses in English, mathematics, and science. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with the traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content.

It is important to know the testing requirements at the colleges to which you apply. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of registration deadlines and in the senior year to have test scores sent directly to colleges from the testing service. This can be done when registering and later by filling out a card available in the School Counseling Office.

Students can also conduct business with the SAT program by phone. You must release to the colleges any SAT Subject Test scores that you have withheld at the time of testing if you want these scores to be part of your application. You can release and transmit scores by sending to ETS the release form in the registration booklet or by using the SCORES by phone option. And finally, students may register on-line.