Various tests are given to Moultonborough Academy students on a required or voluntary basis. Tests required by the District include the NWEA math & reading tests, and the NECAP. These are used to assess the district as a whole and to allow parents to see how their students are doing individually and in comparison with state norms . Voluntary tests such as the ASVAB may help students assess careers. interests, and aptitudes. Others (PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP) relate to college admission or placement.
College Prepartory Testing
PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test): Offered ONCE each year in October (usually on a Saturday -- check the Important Dates page for specific test registration dates) to students in grades 10 and 11. This two+ hour test measures critical reading and mathematical reasoning abilities and writing skills; it also serves as important practice for the SAT reasoning test. It is recommended that all sophomores and juniors who are considering a 4-year college take this test both years. Juniors who score particularly high may be eligible for scholarship opportunities through the NMSQT. In December, scores, as well as each student's test booklet, will be sent home with students. Explanation of results
will have been shared with each student and they are printed on the reverse side of the score report. If you have any further questions, please call Mrs. Chapman (476-5517). SAT: The SAT is a four hour test, primarily multiple-choice, that measures critical reading, writing and mathematical reasoning abilities. Most colleges require test scores as part of the admission process. These tests are NOT given at Moultonborough Academy. Students need to register in advance (and by the required dates) and choose available
testing sites in the area. The tests can be taken more than once and it is recommended that students take the SAT test for the first time in the spring of junior year. More information, as well as registration, is available at the College Board web site. If your child receives services for and IEP or 504 plan, please look at: Educational Testing Service Office of Disability : This site will explain the policies, accommodations, registration procedures, documentation required, and additional information for students with disabilities who wish to take the PSAT, SAT, or AP Exams.
SAT Subject Tests: The SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, mostly multiple-choice, tests in specific subjects, such as Chemistry, Biology, World History, American History, Literature, Math and Modern Languages. These tests measure knowledge of particular subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge. Many competitive colleges require or recommend one or more of these tests for admission or placement purposes. When to take a SAT Subject Test varies and students should speak with guidance and their teacher in that discipline to plan for the best date. Because it can be beneficial to take the test at the completion of the course, students may want to test in January or June.
ACT: This is a 3.5 hour test that measures the skills students have gained in their academic courses. Subjects tested include reading, writing, math and science. Most colleges will accept ACT or SAT scores interchangeably. Some students find this test suits their abilities better than the SAT, so students are encouraged to learn about both tests. More information is available on the ACT web site.
AP (Advanced Placement Tests): Students enrolled in an AP course at Moultonborough Academy (AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, AP US History, AP Calculus AB, or AP Environmental Science) must take the AP exam in May to have the AP status reflected on their transcript. Students in AP courses will be given an information booklet to bring home to parents in early winter. Students who take AP courses online or prepare for a test independently may speak with Mrs. Chapman about ordering an exam. Each test costs approximately $87 dollars and fee waivers are available for students who receive free & reduced lunch or meet other financial criteria. Depending on how well a
student scores (scores range from 1 - 5), individual colleges may give the student college credit or advanced standing. The AP policies for various colleges are listed on the College Board web site. Advanced Placement (AP) Program This web site provides course descriptions, test schedules and practice questions.
Moultonborough Academy Testing
NECAP (New england Common Assessment Program): This state-mandated test is administered to all students in grades seven, eight and eleven in the fall. The areas covered currently include: English language arts and mathematics (and science for juniors in the spring). Students will respond to both multiple-choice questions and open-response questions which require them to generate and explain their answers. Results will be mailed home and are reported in terms of four proficiency levels (Substantially Below Proficient, Partially Proficient, Proficient, and Proficient with Distinction) which describe in words what students at each level know and are able to do.
NWEA MAP (Northwest Evaluation Association's Measures of Academic Progress): Administered to students in grades 7-10 in hte aeras of reading, language usage and mathematices. test questions are tied to the NH Grade Level Expectations and are administered on computers. Tests will be given in the fall and spring of each year and used to monitor students' progress.
Military Testing
ASVAB: The Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery is a free three-hour test offered and administered by the Military. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who are considering a career in the military or who wish for some further assistance in selecting a career path may opt to take this test. If we have 10 or more students at Moultonborough Academy who wish to take this test, it will be offered at the Academy. Otherwise, students need
to check with a military recruiter or see Mrs. Chapman to find a place where they might take this test.
Test Prep Options
There are many opportunities to help prepare you for one of the college admissions tests. These options have come across my desk, so feel free to call me with questions!
Taking the PSAT is one of the best ways to prepare for the SAT. When scores become available, students also receive their test book and a password to online study guides to help them overcome weaknesses on the test. The PSAT is offered at MA in October each year and every sophomore and junior is encouraged to sign up.
Laconia Adult Education offers an SAT Prep course each semester. The cost is $95 and includes a study book. It is co-taught by Laconia High School math and English teachers. It runs for 7 weeks, one night per week from 6-9pm. Sessions typically begin in September and March. For more information, contact Peggy Selig at 524-5712.
College Board Online - The College Board (who creates the SAT) has free practice sections and a free full-length test on their web site. They also have an on-line course for $69.95. Using their PSAT results, students can link to practice sections selected to target their deficits.
VLACS (The Virtual Learning Academy Charter School) has a .5 credit SAT Prep course free of charge for all NH high school students. They require that students have completed Algebra 1 and are enrolled in Geometry at the time of enrolling. Moultonborough Academy students who wish to pursue this option can be scheduled into the ILC (Independent Learning Center) in order to access a computer.
The Khan Academy math tutorial web site includes a wide variety of free math tutorials that align with the first edition of the College Board SAT study book. The study book is available in the MA library as well as on line through Amazon for $4 or $5.
The Sylvan Learning Center in Concord has a variety of SAT Prep options. They offer a 30-hour class that meets weekly that covers 3 practice tests in a small group format. The cost is $995. They also offer a 20-hour version that covers 2 practice tests and has more scheduling flexibility. The cost for that option is also $995. They offer individual instruction at the rate of $75 per hour. The Sylvan Express class is a four-hour class over one or two sessions with flexible
scheduling for $199. They offer an eight-hour version that includes more test-taking strategies and practice sessions in math, writing, and reading for $399. And they also have SAT and ACT prep classes on-line for $250.
Kaplan - Kaplan is often thought of as one of the kingpins of career and college preparation. This graphical web site will get you the preparation information for virtually any standardized test. Links will provide practice questions.
In addition to information found on the web, booklets are available in the Guidance Office to register for the SAT, ACT or SAT Subject test. A practice SAT (with answer key) is available in one book; sample SAT Subject test questions are available in another booklet, and the registration booklet covers hints and tips as well as the testing schedule. A full length ACT practice test is also available.
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