College and Career Readiness Assessments

There are several assessments available to high school students designed to help them further their education after graduation. Below is a list of tests and may be beneficial:

American College Testing (ACT)

The American College Testing (ACT) is a test that many colleges use to make admission decisions. It covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. There is also an optional direct writing test. JMHS does not host this test, but there are several educational institutions in the area that offer it. It is another option to the SAT.

Advance Placement (AP)

AP tests determine whether a person is capable of working at the college level in the subject tested. Students can receive college credit if they score high enough on an AP exam. JMHS offers many AP courses as part of the curriculum and students have the option of taking the test for that subject. The decision to test must be made by the November deadline and in most cases students will be reimbursed by FCPS for any test with a score of 3 or higher.

Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholars Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

FCPS offers the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/ National Merit Scholars Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) each year in October to all 10^th and 11^th grade students. The school pays the test fee for all students who turn in a registration form by the posted deadline. The PSAT is an excellent opportunity for students to understand and practice the requirements of the SAT which is a critical reasoning exam often used as criteria for college admission. Students who participate in the October administration of the PSAT receive a detailed, electronic Student Score Report in December. The Student’s Score Report provides students with a comprehensive skill analysis of their performance and gives them a code to access Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/sat) for personalized practice plans.

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

FCPS hosts the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) five times a year at James Monroe High School on nationally scheduled testing days in October, November, December, March and May. It is a test that many colleges use to make admission decisions. It is another option to the ACT. Students register for the test at Collegeboard.org and should report to JMHS at 7:30 AM. All students are required to bring their testing registration ticket, a photo ID and an approved calculator. Additional equipment may be required for the subject and listening tests. See the registration guide on Collegeboard.org for more information.