TESTING

The School District of the City of Royal Oak provides a variety of testing opportunities within the school fro a variety of purposes.  The most common testing instruments used in the high school setting are the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP), Stanford Achievement, and the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT).  These tests are used for student planning and placement.

The District also provides the opportunity for students to take advanced placement tests, and college admissions and aptitude tests.  While there is fee for these tests, the counselors will provide testing information and interpretation.

 10^th Grade 

In the words of the ACT website, “PLAN” helps 10^th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success.  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.

As a “pre-ACT” test, PLAN is a powerful predictor of success on the ACT Assessment.

11^th Grade

In the fall of the 11^th grade, students have the opportunity to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).  The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading math problem-solving and writing skills.  The PSAT/NMSQT gives practice for the SAT.  It also provides and opportunity to qualify for scholarships and recognition programs.  While the PSAT may be taken in the 10^th grade for practice, students must take the test in October of their Junior year to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

In the spring of the Junior year, students begin to college admissions testing process.  The two primary admissions tests are the ACT and the SAT.  The ACT is a test of academic achievement which is the qualifying test for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship.  The SAT is an aptitude test which predicts success in college and is required for potential National Merit finalists.  Most colleges will accept either or both tests and generally will consider the test with the highest score.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an alternative admissions test recommended for students whose native language is not English.

Test Preparation

Since these tests are important criteria in the college admission process, students are strongly encouraged to practice and prepare for these tests.  ACT and SAT provide fee-based workshops and software programs are available for students who want additional preparation.

Contact your counselor for further information.

 12^th Grade 

Students can retake the ACT and the SAT to improve their scores.  Colleges will consider the highest scores of all tests taken.

Advanced Placement tests are given in May of the year the AP class is taken.  These fee-based tests allow the student the potential to waive college course requirements or even earn college credit based upon their scores.  Most students take these tests after the completion of an AP class, however this is not a requirement.

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program in the United States today, helping students of all ages earn college degrees by getting credit for what they already know.  By receiving a satisfactory score, you can earn from 3 to 12 college credits toward your college degree for each CLEP you take, depending on the exam subject ranging from business to science.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multi-aptitude test that helps students identify different abilities.  These scores can qualify an individual for certain jobs and training in the Armed Forces.  This test is free of charge.  This test can be taken in either your Junior or Senior year.  See your counselor for further information.