The following information is intended to provide a brief overview of the tests offered or recommended by Plainfield South High School.  As of this writing, the information being provided is accurate and is subject to change.  Exact test dates and registration deadlines are available in the Student Services office and will be announced during daily announcements.  Deadlines are necessary to prepare for testing and are designated by Plainfield South to establish a roster in a timely manner for the purposes of hiring proctors, reserving space for testing and in order to purchase materials needed to administer the exams.

If you have questions concerning the tests described, please call the Student Services Department at Plainfield South High School, 815-439-5540.

ACT (Grades 11 & 12)	SAT (Grades 11 & 12)	EXPLORE (Grades  9)	PLAN (Grade 10)
PSAT (Grades 10 & 11)	PSAE (Grade 11)	WORK KEYS (Grade 11)	ASVAB (Grades 11 & 12)
AP EXAMS (Grades 11 & 12)	WORKPLACE SKILLS (Grade 12)	COMPASS TEST (Grade 12)	TEST DATES

What is the purpose of the ACT?
The ACT measures a student’s skills in English, math, reading and science.  These scores are often used to determine a student’s acceptance into college and for grant scholarship applications.  The information in this section refers to National ACT dates.  The State ACT is offered in conjunction with the PSAE.

Who takes the ACT test?
Any student who is considering going to college should take the ACT.  ACT recommends taking the test during the second semester of the student’s junior year.  Under special circumstances, sophomores may be able to take the ACT.  Contact the Student Services Department for details.

When and where is the test offered?
The ACT is offered at PSHS on a Saturday morning in October, December, April and June.  The test is offered at other area schools during the months of September and February.  For exact dates, pick up an ACT registration packet from the Student Services office.

What is the cost and testing time of the ACT?
The ACT exam fee is $29 when the student registers by the regular deadline.  After that deadline, the exam fee is $29+$18.  (Prices are subject to change.)  The ACT takes approximately four hours to complete.

How does the student register to take the test?
Simply pick up an ACT registration packet from Student Services.  The booklet in the packet explains how to fill out the registration sheet.  Students can also register online at www.actstudent.org Plainfield South High School’s code is 143-496.

How does the student prepare for this test?
Plainfield South High School offers an ACT Prep Class during second semester.  Juniors will receive information about this prep class in their English classes.  For more information on other classes offered in the Plainfield area, call the Student Services office.  ACT also offers a CD-ROM package that includes retired tests.

What if the test is missed?
If a student must miss the test, ACT has guidelines on how to document the absence.  The test can be taken the next time it is offered.  ACT will assess a test date change fee.

How many times can the test be taken?
The test can be taken each time it is offered.  All scores will appear on the student’s transcript.  If a student requests that ACT send a report to a college, ACT will release only the scores from specified test dates.

How are scores received?
Scores are sent to both home and school two to four weeks after the test date.

Other sources of information.
Go to www.actstudent.org for more information, to request additional scores or to register online.

NOTE:
Athletes who are anticipating collegiate athletic participation, should consider taking the ACT test on the national test date in April.   The NCAA Clearinghouse accepts the national test dates.

What is the purpose of the SAT?
The SAT measures a student’s math and verbal reasoning skills.  Colleges use the scores to compare students regardless of the high school curricula.

Who takes the test?
Students who are planning to attend an East or West coast college should take the SAT.  To find out what other colleges prefer the SAT, stop by the Student Services office.  School that use the SAT may require both the Reasoning Test (SAT I) and Subject Tests (SAT II.)  You may want to contact the college directly.

When and where is the test offered?
Plainfield South High School does not offer the SAT, but registration packets are available in the Student Services office.  Other local schools may offer the test in October, November, December, January, April, May and June.

What is the cost and testing time of the SAT test?
The cost of the SAT I is $24.  Each of the SAT II tests ranges from $6 to $11 and require an additional $13 reporting fee.  (Prices are subject to change.)  The SAT I takes three hours and each SAT II takes one hour to complete.

How does the student register to take this test?
Registration packets are available in the Student Services office.  The student can also register online at www.collegeboard.org.
Plainfield South’s school code is 143-146.

How does the student prepare for this test?
Information on SAT prep classes and test preparation material can be found on their website at www.collegeboard.org

What if the student misses the test?
If a student must miss a test, the SAT packet explains the absence guidelines.  The test can be taken the next time it is offered.

How many times can the test be taken?
The test can be taken each time it is offered.  All scores will appear on the student’s transcript.

How are scores received?
Scores are sent to both home and school approximately three weeks after the test date.

Are there other sources of information?
Students can go to www.collegeboard.org for more information or to register online.
 
 

What is the purpose of the EXPLORE test?
EXPLORE is administered to incoming ninth graders to provide information from which academic growth can be evaluated.  This assessment helps students make decisions concerning high school classes and develop career goals.
The content of EXPLORE is consistent with the PLAN and the ACT assessments.  EXPLORE includes achievement tests
in English, math, reading and science reasoning.

Who takes this test?
The EXPLORE test is offered in early December to 8th grade students who plan to enroll at Plainfield South High School or Plainfield High School.  The test will also be offered in September to any 9th grade student who has not previously taken the EXPLORE test.

When and where is the test offered?
EXPLORE is administered on a Saturday in early December at both Plainfield South and Plainfield High School.

What is the cost and testing time?
EXPLORE is administered at no cost.  The assessment takes approximately two hours to complete.  Students who are interested in being considered for Honors English placement will need to take an English writing sample assessment and will be asked to stay an additional hour after the basic EXPLORE test.  The writing sample is taken in the Auditorium.

How does the student register for the EXPLORE test?
Eighth grade students who are currently enrolled in a District 202 middle school are automatically registered for this assessment.

How does the students prepare to take the EXPLORE test?
Students need to get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast.

What if a student misses the test?
Parents are asked to make the necessary arrangements to have their students take the EXPLORE test on the date it is administered.  However, if that is not possible, a make-up EXPLORE test date will be scheduled in March.

Can the EXPLORE test be taken more than once?
No.

How are scores received?
Scores are sent to the student’s middle school.  The student report may be mailed home or given to the students at school.  Copies of the student report are kept in the student’s file in the Student Services office and the student’s counselor will also have a copy on file.  The score report includes an estimated PLAN composite score.

Are there other sources of information?
Go to www.act.org for more information about EXPLORE.
 
 

What is the purpose of the PLAN test?
The PLAN test measures skills and abilities in English, math, reading and science.  The test is a useful tool in career exploration.  Results from the PLAN test can help a student correlate their interests and abilities with the World of Work Map that is included with the score report.  An estimated ACT score will appear on the student score report.

Who takes the PLAN test?
All sophomores at Plainfield South High School take the PLAN test.

When and where is the test offered?
The PLAN test is taken in October on the fall Institute Day.

What is the cost of the PLAN test?
Students take the test at no cost.

How do you register to take this test?
All sophomores enrolled at PSHS are automatically registered.

How does the student prepare for the test?
Students should be well rested for the test day and eat a nutritious breakfast.  Students should closely follow directions and it is important that each question is answered carefully.  If time permits students should review their answers.

What if the student misses the test?
If a student is absent on the date the test is administered, the student will be tested on the make-up day.

How often is the test offered?
The PLAN test is offered once each year for sophomores only.

How are scores received?
Scores are sent to the school.  The student report may be mailed home or given to the student at school.  The counselor keeps copies of the student report.

Are there other resources available?
Go to www.act.org for more information.

What is the purpose of the PSAT?
The Preliminary SAT measures student skills in English, math, reading and science.  These scores may be used to determine a student’s acceptance into college and eligibility for grant scholarships.  The PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for juniors.

Who takes the test?
Sophomores and juniors who plan on going to college should take the PSAT.  The test is practice for sophomores and is the NMSQT for juniors.  Juniors will be notified of their National Merit standing when scores are reported.

When and where is the test offered?
The PSAT is offered on a Tuesday and on a Saturday in October.  PSHS usually administers the test on the Tuesday date.  Students who have a school related conflict might take the test at another school on the Saturday test day with prior permission from the Student Services office.

What is the cost and testing time for the PSAT?
The PSAT cost is $15.  Checks should be made payable to Plainfield South High School.  The College Board makes fee waivers available to schools for juniors from low-income families who cannot afford the test fee.  Students should see their counselor for more information about fee waivers.

How does the student register for the PSAT?
Registration is handled through the Student Services office.  Announcements will be made in the fall when registration forms become available.

What if the student misses the test?
If a sophomore misses the PSAT, the student may take the test the following year.  Juniors who miss both dates that the test is offered may not retake the PSAT.

How many times can the test be taken?
Students can only take the PSAT once during their sophomore year and once during their junior year.

How are scores received?
Scores are sent to both the home and school.  The guidance counselor keeps a copy of the score report and all scores appear on the transcript.

Are there other sources for information?
Go to www.collegeboard.org form more information on the PSAT.

What is the purpose of the PSAE?
The Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) tests students in reading, writing, math, science and social science skills and is required by the state of Illinois for a high school diploma.  This test measures students’ progress toward meeting the Illinois Learning Standards and recognizes the achievement of individual students who receive a Prairie State Achievement Award for excellent performance.  A portion of the PSAE will be a State testing date ACT assessment.  This is considered a regular ACT and students have the option to use the scores for college admission.  (Note to student athletes:  NCAA Clearinghouse is the exception.  Only National testing date ACT scores are accepted.  See ACT section.)

Who takes the test?
Juniors take the PSAE.  Juniors with disabilities may take an alternate assessment as specified in their IEP.

When and where is the test offered?
The PSAE is administered during two school days in late April.

What is the cost and testing time of the PSAE?
The PSAE is offered at no cost to the student.  The total testing time is approximately 8 hours.

How does the student register to take the PSAE?
Students do not need to register to take the PSAE.

How does the student prepare for the test?
The curriculum at PSHS is in alignment with the Illinois Learning Standards.  Mastering the skills set by the state is the best way for students to prepare for the PSAE.  All juniors will receive a study guide.  PSHS also offers an ACT Prep Class during second semester.  Juniors will receive information about this prep class in their English classes at the beginning of second semester.  For more information on other classes offered in the Plainfield are, visit the Student Services office.  ACT also offers a CD-ROM package that includes retired tests.  The PSHS Media Center and www.act.org have information about the CD-ROM.

What if the test is missed?
If any portion of either day is missed, the student will make up that entire day in May.

How many times can the test be taken?
Students may retake the exam once in October of their senior year if they feel that they would be able to score higher on the PSAE.

How are scores received?
PSAE scores will be sent to the school and recorded on students’ transcripts.  Scores for the ACT component will be sent directly to the students’ homes in June.  Counselors will receive copies of the PSAE and ACT score reports.

Are there other resources for information?
Visit the Illinois State Board of Education web site at www.isbe.state.il.us for more information about the PSAE and the Illinois Learning Standards.

What is the purpose of WORK KEYS?
Work Keys measures skills that are required in the workplace.  These skills include applied math, applied technology, listening, locating information, reading for information, teamwork and writing.  Students can use their results from Work Keys to identify careers for which they are qualified and to show employers their abilities.

Who take this test?
All juniors will automatically take Work Keys as part of the PSAE.

When and where is the test offered?
Word Keys will be administered to all juniors during the school day in April along with the PSAE at PSHS.

What is the cost of the Work Keys?
The Work Keys assessment is offered at not cost.

How does the student register to take this test?
Students do not need to register for Work Keys.

How does  the student prepare for the test?
The Work Keys assessment measures basic skills that students cannot study or memorize for taking the test.  Sample questions are available at www.act.org

What if the test is missed?
If any portion of the day is missed, the student will make up that entire day in May.

How many times can the test be taken?
Students may retake the exam once in October of their senior year if they feel that they would be able to score higher on the Work Keys portion of the PSAE.

How are scores received?
Work Keys scores are part of the PSAE score report.  Scores are sent to the school.  The student report may be mailed home or given to students at school. Guidance counselors have a copy of the student report.

Is there another source for information?
Go to www.act.org for more information about Work Keys.

What is the purpose of the ASVAB?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery helps students identify and understand their interests, abilities and preferences.  Students can then match careers with their personal characteristics.  The test can also be used to determine eligibility for military service.

Who takes the test?
Juniors or seniors who are interested in military service or who would like to do more career exploration may take the ASVAB.

When and where is the test offered?
The ASVAB is offered at least once each year through PSHS.  The test is also administered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at local military branches.  Call the Student Services office or the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command at 1-800-323-0513 for more information.

What is the cost and testing time of the ASVAB?
The test is offered by the Department of Defense at no charge.  The test takes approximately three hours.

How does the student register for the test?
Students can register for the ASVAB by contacting a local military branch or the Student Services office.

How does the student prepare for the test?
As with all tests, a good night’s sleep as well as eating a nutritious breakfast will help increase awareness and concentration.

What if the test is missed?
Contact a local military branch for information about when the next test will be offered.

How many times can the test be taken?
ASVAB scores are valid for up to two years.  Students may retake the test only under certain circumstances.  Contact the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command at 1-800-323-0513 for guidelines on retaking the ASVAB.

How are the scores received?
Scores will be sent to the school.  Students and counselors will receive copies of the score report.  With the student’s permission, scores may also be sent to the local military branch.

Is there another source for information?
Go to http://todaysmilitary.com/ns/t5_ns_howtodecide.php?seo=overtureq1 for more information.

What is the purpose of the AP Exams?
The Advanced Placement exams are offered to students enrolled in the following areas of study:
AP English, AP Calculus, AP US History, AP Psychology, AP Biology, AP Statistics, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Biology, Advanced Physics, Studio Art, and Foreign Languages.  (Limited Subject Areas)   It is recommended that students sitting for the exams should have taken an AP course, however; students not enrolled in a course may sit for the exam as well.  Students may be able to use their AP exam scores to earn college credit.  Detailed information about minimum scores and college participation is available from the Student Services office or from the College Board Web Site at www.collegeboard.org/ap

Who takes this test?
Juniors and seniors will have an opportunity to take the AP exam.

When and where is the test offered?
PSHS offers the AP exams during school hours in May.

What is the cost of this test?
The cost of each test depends on a set price (approximately $82 per test) determined by the College Board each year.  The testing time varies for each exam.

Who takes this test?
Juniors and seniors will have an opportunity to take the AP exam.

How does a student register?
Students enrolled in advanced placement classes will be provided with registration information.  Information is also available through the Student Services office.

How does a student  prepare for this test?
The curricula of the AP classes at PSHS correlate with the material on the AP exams.

What if the test is missed?
There are no make up days for the AP exams and the fee is non-refundable.

How are the scores received?
Students receive AP scores in July.  They are mailed directly to the student.

What is the purpose of the Workplace Skills Assessment?
The Illinois State Board of Education uses the Workplace Skills Assessment to test skills that have been identified by employers as being critical to the success of every worker.  These skills include communication, adapting and coping with change, problem solving and critical thinking, work ethics, technological literacy and teamwork.  Scores will be used to determine which skills need to be strengthened in the curriculum.

Who takes this test?
The test may be administered to seniors.

When and where is the test offered?
The Workplace Skills Assessment will be given during the school day at PSHS in November.

What is the cost and testing time of the Workplace Skills Assessment?
The test is offered at no cost to the student and approximately 50 minutes are required to complete the test.

How does a student  register?
Students do not need to register.  All students who are enrolled in senior level vocational courses will take the Workplace Skills Assessment.

What if the test is missed?
Students do not make up this test.

How are scores received?
Scores will be sent to the school. Students and counselors will receive copies of the score report.

Are there other resources for information?
Visit the Illinois State Board of Education website at www.isbe.state.il.us for more information about the Workplace Skills Assessment.

What is the purpose of the Compass Test?
The Compass Test is an English and math placement exam for Joliet Junior College and other selected Illinois universities.

Who takes the test?
Seniors who plan to attend Joliet Junior College full-time must take the Compass Test.  Seniors who plan to attend selected state of Illinois universities may take the Compass Test at JJC.

When and where is the test offered?
Students can take the Compass Test at JJC when they visit the campus.  Contact the Student Services office for more information.

What is the cost and testing time of the Compass Test?
The first Compass Test is free and a retake costs $15.  (Prices subject to change.)   The Compass Test takes approximately three hours to complete.  Price for the state of Illinois universities Compass Test may vary.

Are there other resources for information?
For more information, visit www.jjc.cc.il.us or call JJC Office of Admissions at 815-729-9020, ext. 2231.