STANDARDIZED TESTING

The Guidance Department coordinates a number of standardized testing opportunities throughout the high school years. These tests include the state-mandated High School Proficiency Test (HSPT), soon to be called the HSPA, and scholarship qualifying tests such as the PSAT/NMSQT. Advanced Placement tests are administered each May. The goals of the testing program are to enable the student to analyze his/her potential; to provide the administration and faculty with data to analyze and modify curriculum; and to provide colleges and scholarship services with test data required for admissions/selection purposes. The Guidance office will provide registration materials for national testing programs. As a test center for SAT I and SAT II, students are tested on designated Saturday dates. While not a test center for the ACTs or TOEFL, registration materials for these tests are available through the Guidance Office.

HIGH SCHOOL PROFICIENCY TEST/ASSESSMENT (HSPT/HSPA)
The HSPT measures abilities in reading, mathematics and writing skills. To be eligible for a New Jersey high school diploma, students must pass all sections of the test. Eighth grade students will be given the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA). If a student does not meet district minimum standards on the eighth grade test, a program of remediation will be developed for that individual. Students new to the district, without previous HSPT/HSPA scores, will be tested based on their grade level according to state guidelines. HSPT/HSPA score reports will be mailed to parents.

COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING

Most colleges and many technical schools require standardized test scores as one part of the data needed to consider a student for admission. Information on privately sponsored and community sponsored review courses for these tests is available in the Guidance Office. The following tests are among those used by colleges for admission, placement and/or scholarship consideration.

PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST (PSAT/NMSQT)
This test administered in October is a multiple-choice test with a student response section measuring verbal, writing and mathematical abilities that are related to success in college. It is designed to provide an early measurement of a student's aptitude for college level study; to provide test-taking experience; and to identify outstanding students who may then compete for National Merit Scholarships. This test is recommended for all college-bound juniors. High achieving sophomores often take this test for practice purposes. Only juniors are eligible for National Merit consideration. Registration for juniors is arranged through the Guidance Office

SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST (SAT I)
This test measures verbal and mathematical aptitude for college-level work, and the scores are utilized by many colleges as part of the data necessary to determine admission. As a major test center for the area, Kinnelon offers the SAT I/SAT II on several test dates. Juniors are encouraged to take SATs in the spring (March or April, May and June) and again as seniors (October, November or December). Students may take the SAT I or II several times. Early decision candidates and those applying to the Miliary Academies and for ROTC scholarships should take one SAT I and one set of SAT IIs (if required) in the junior year. These tests may be taken again early in the senior year. Careful planning is recommended to insure that the student has met all of the testing requirements as prescribed by institutional guidelines. Classified students who are eligible for untimed or extended time testing as indicated in their IEPs must pick up special registration materials through the guidance office at least eight weeks prior to the test date.

SAT II
Many highly selective colleges require up to three SAT II tests in specific subject areas; Writing and Math Level I or II are most commonly required. It is the responsibility of the student to determine which tests, if any, are required by the college. Most SAT IIs are given on the same dates as the SAT Is with the exception of the April date, which is an SAT I date only. Normally the SAT IIs are taken when the student is best prepared. This may be at the end of the junior year or early in the senior year. All SAT II tests should be completed by January of the senior year.

AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (ACT)
Some colleges, particularly those located in the Mid-West, West, and South use this test battery for admission purposes. The test is divided into four areas: verbal, mathematics, humanities and sciences. The ACT has gained popularity in the East and may be accepted instead of the SAT I. While the ACT is not given at Kinnelon High School, registration materials are available through the Guidance Office.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTS (AP)
Students may elect to take the AP tests in specific subject matter areas; they are given in May each year. Some colleges accept scores of 5, 4, or 3 for advanced placement or course replacement. Check college catalogues for specific requirements. The AP courses prepare students to take these tests. Students register for these tests in the Kinnelon High School offices.

TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (TOEFL)
TOEFL registration materials are available on request in Guidance for students whose native language is not English. Colleges often use the TOEFL for admissions purposes and for placement.

REGISTRATION FOR TESTING
Deadlines are traditionally five weeks prior to the exams. Late fees can get costly, so plan well. All materials are available in Guidance.

1. Kinnelon High School Code Number 310667 (needed for PSATs, SATs, ACTs, APs, TOEFLs and many college applications).
2. Students should check with their colleges to determine the specific tests needed for admissions.
3. Depending on the student's selection of major, additional testing may be required. Example: National League of Nursing Test/National Architecture Exam.
4. Once a student has been accepted to college, tests of basic skills and/or placement tests may be required. The institution notifies the student of those requirements and test dates.

SUMMER SCHOOL
If a student elects to take courses in summer school to make up a failed course, to improve a grade, to seek enrichment, or to take a course for full credit, the approval of the guidance counselor is necessary for acceptance of the course for placement on the student's transcript. In the spring the Guidance Department has applications available for local summer school programs.

TRANSCRIPTS
Colleges and some employers require an official copy of the student's educational and testing record, which is called a transcript. An official copy of the transcript is one which bears the school seal and is mailed to the designated school or employer. Student copies are labeled as "unofficial" if hand carried or used as biographical data. All requests for transcripts should be made in writing and should specify the college, address and deadline date. A return postcard will be sent with each transcript and will be kept on file for one school year.

VIDEO LIBRARY
An extensive video tape collection of post-secondary institutions is available in the high school library. The videos are available to students and parents on request. For a complete listing, contact the Librarian.

MORRIS COUNTY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
The Guidance Department arranges for a recruitment assembly and the processing of applications for admission to the Morris County School of Technology. (Counselor will assist with registration procedures.)