Standarized Tests

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE TESTS?! AND WHEN?!

This overview of the testing program is to help you plan when your children should be taking the tests and why we feel these are the best times. Any questions, see your child's counselor!

Grade 9:

The DAT would be given to students in grade 9 because of it's connections to developing four year plans and career goals. Counselor's would meet with students (through classes) to review the career/interest inventory and four year academic plans.

Grade 10:

PLAN (October) While many schools administer the PLAN to grade 9 or 10 students, it's the counselors opinion the test is most appopriate for students in grade 10. We believe this because:

• The test is normed for grade 10 students.
• The test is able to predict future ACT scores (cannot do this for grade 9 students).
• The career interest inventory is more appropriate for grade 10 students as it will give them ample time to experience the test and discover personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Note: DAT, PSAT and PLAN - given concurrently to avoid classroom disruption.
• Note: The DAT give to 9th graders. Required of all students.
• Note: The PLAN given to 10th graders. Required of all students.
• Note: The PSAT given to 11th graders. Required of all students. Students in grade 10 could take the PSAT on a case by case basis. (Look at the PLAN in more detail)

Grade 11:

PSAT(October) The students that are planning on going to Australia, New Zealand, UK, U.S.A. and Canada should all take the PSAT in their Junior year. Since all of these countries will use the SAT I as part of the qualifying data, it is to the student's advantage to PRACTICE it at least once. Often students that are aiming at non-North American locations wait until the last minute in their final year to take the SAT I. They are usually unfamiliar with the format of the test and then do not have a score that is usable. If they take the PSAT they will be able to predict their scores and in fact do something about a score with which they are not satisfied. (Read more about the PSAT).

SAT I: (Semester 2- January, May or June) By the time the students get their PSAT scores back, review their test booklets and register for an SAT I, it will be semester 2. It is good to take the SAT I once in their Junior year to provide a sample of how they will do. Some students score well enough to not need to take the test again. Many see this as the time to perfect their timing, and reduce anxiety for future testing dates. Remember that many universities will take the highest verbal and highest math scores from different test dates so taking the test more than once can be helpful. (Read more about the SAT).

SAT II: (Semester 2- usually May or June) Students are often asked to show proficiency inspecific subject areas. They can do this with SAT II's. For example a student taking Chemistry,Math Analysis or Pre-Calculus and US History, may want to take the corresponding SAT II Subject Tests in June: Chemistry, Math I or IIC, and American History. This gives them a head start for their testing portfolio and makes their Senior year testing schedule less hectic. (Read more about the SAT).

ACT: (Semester 2 - April) Students planning on going to the US to study should do the ACT. The ACT is another college entrance examination. The format is different from the SAT I, but is widely used throughout the US as a valid university entrance test. FDR is a testing site and this test is offered four times per year (although it's offered only once per year at FDR currently). (Read more about the ACT).

TOEFL: (Semester 2- usually March or April) For most FDR students the TOEFL is a formality. We suggest students take it early, get it over with and then don't have it to worry about during their Senior year. Check the FDR Community Activities Calendar to see when the most convenient, least stressful time for the test is for your child. Remember it can also be taken during the summer months but we don't suggest this as a rule unless you know you will be in one place during a majority of the vacation time. (Read more about the TOEFL).

Grade 12:

SAT I (October and November) Seniors should have at least one SAT I in their files. This is best done earlier in the year so that results can be evaluated and if a student needs to take it again they can. (Read more about the SAT).

SAT II: (November or December) Seniors should review what their university application require. These test dates allow a student fill in any missing tests that they were not ready for in the previous year. Remember that students that have already taken an AP do not need to duplicate the subject with an SAT II, however if they are enrolled in an AP or IB course, they might want to take the SAT II as an interim measure to show proficiency until the AP and IB scores are available. Often the AP and IB scores arrive too late to be helpful in the admissions process. (Read more about the SAT).

ACT: (Semester 1, October or December) Seniors have the option of taking the ACT again. It is best to take this test early in the senior year so the results can be evaluated and used in the admissions process. (Read more about the ACT).

TOEFL: (Semester 1) All students that need the TOEFL should finish this during the first semester. Remember this applies to all students going to a country where English is the language of instruction. It also applies to many of our Japanese students returning to Japan to universities. If the student's country (as defined by passport) is not an English speaking country, (such as: Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada or the US) the student should schedule a TOEFL. This includes Malaysian citizens! (Read more about the TOEFL).

AP: (May) Once again, if a student is enrolled in an AP course, they are required to take the exam. (Read More about AP)

IB: (May) Students enrolled in an IB course, whether they are full Diploma or only certificate students, will be required to take these exams. (Read more about IB)