Guest Blog Spotlight: Ms. Grace Morris, School Counselor

        At Prep, students are exposed to standardized testing as early as freshman year.  In 9th grade, students take the EXPLORE and in 10th grade, the PLAN, both precursors to the ACT. This year, the ACT was offered to all juniors, who can eventually use this test date score in his application process, should he wish to do so. 

        Typically, the same process is available to students in regards to the SAT. Freshman and sophomore take the PSAT, giving students exposure to the SAT format. This year, however, because of the new changes being developed for the SAT (to be released Spring 2016, for current sophomores), sophomores did not take the PSAT as it would not reflect these changes. It is expected that Juniors will take the PSAT, which will reflect and prepare students for the launching of the new SAT version in the Spring of 2016. 

        Through this exposure, along with discussions in group guidance classes comparing the differences between the ACT and the SAT and individual discussions with parents and counselors, students are well informed to make an educated decision about a personal testing plan for the college application process. Students are encouraged to become familiar with testing requirements for their prospective colleges and to begin testing during the spring of junior year.