Standardized Testing

Test	Who?	What?	When?	Where?	Why?	How?
ACT American College TestingProgram, ACT Educational ServicesDivision	Recommended for juniors and seniors.	ACT measures how much students have learned in English, math, reading and science.	Offered multiple times throughout the year. Typically taken in spring. (See Testing Calendar)	Locations off campus.	Many colleges and universities require scores from either ACT or SAT I for college entrance.	Register for ACT at www.act.org or in the Counseling Resource Center at TPHS.$Fee required.*
AP Advanced Placement Program tests, sponsored by the College Board.	Primarily juniors and seniors in classes designated as AP classes.	AP classes give students a chance to try college-level work in high school. Many colleges will give course credit or advanced placement based on a qualifying score on an AP exam.	Primarily offered in the spring. (See Testing Calendar)	Within the corresponding classrooms, at Torrey Pines.	A score of 4 or better on any math and any science exam may qualify student for a Governor’s Scholarship.	Registration packets in Counseling Resource Center, or online, and/or in classrooms. $Fee required.*
CAHSEE California High School Exit Exam (formerly HSEE)	All sophomores, beginning with the class of 2006, and any grade thereafter until student passes.	Based on California’s statewide Academic content standards, it tests language arts and mathematics.	Typically conducted in the spring. (See Testing Calendar) Next year will be offered multiple times.	In assigned classrooms at Torrey Pines.	Public school students must pass the CAHSEE before receiving their high school diplomas.	Registration and fees are not required.
PLAN Sponsored by ACT.	Recommended for sophomores and juniors.	A series of achievement tests in core subjects and emphasis on career exploration.	Offered on a Saturday in the fall. (See Testing Calendar)	In assigned classrooms at TPHS this year.	Preparation for the ACT exam, as well as targeting career interests.	Complete registration form that is posted on www.tphs.net before the exam.

Test	Who?	What?	When?	Where?	Why?	How?
PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, sponsored by the College Board.	Primarily intended for grades 10 and 11.	PSAT measures ability to learn, including verbal reasoning, critical reading, and math problem solving skills. (See SAT I below)	Offered on a Saturday in the fall, usually in October. (See Testing Calendar)	In assigned classrooms at TPHS this year.	Recommended as practice for the SAT test. In junior year scores are used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarships.	Complete Registration form in Readiness Days packet or posted on www.tphs.net
SAT I Scholastic Assessment Test I, Educational Testing Service, College Board	Typically taken by students in spring of their junior year.	SAT I measures ability to learn, including verbal reasoning, critical reading, and math problem solving skills.	Offered seven times during the year. (See Testing Calendar) Cannot take SAT I and II on same date.	Check Counseling Bulletin and TPHS website to determine test locations.	Many colleges and universities require either SAT I or ACT scores for entrance.	Pick up registration packet in the Counseling Resource Center or go to collegeboard.com. Fee required.*
SAT II Scholastic Assessment Test II, Educational Testing Service, College Board.	Typically taken by students in spring of their junior year.	SAT II measures knowledge in 19 different subject areas, 3 taken on one test date.	Offered multiple times during the year. (See Testing Calendar) Cannot take SAT I and II on same date.	Check Counseling Bulletin and TPHS website to determine test locations.	Many colleges and universities require SAT II scores for entrance.	Pick up registration packet in the Counseling Resource Center, or go to www. collegeboard. com/school. Check registration book for subject fees.*
STAR Standardized Testing and Reporting Program, State of California. STAR is based on the California Content Standards (CCS)	All students in grades 2-11.	Tests student skills in mathematics and language arts, science and social science. STAR school results are a major factor in determining the school’s API.	Once a year, between mid-March and mid-May. Results are mailed to parents in mid-July. (See Testing Calendar.)	Administered in the classroom at Torrey Pines.	High scoring students may be eligible for Governor’s Scholarships. STAR scores are also included on students’ transcripts.	Registration and fees are not required. All students are tested within their classrooms at school-designated times.

*Fee waivers may be available based on financial need. Contact your counselor for information.