ACT/ACT Prep, PSAT/NMSQT

The ACT is typically recommended to be taken in the spring of a student's junior year.  If a student has completed through Algebra II they should have the knowledge needed for the math section of the ACT. Students can take the ACT up to twelve times but usually it is taken two to three times.  Students who take the ACT more than once generally see their score increase.  All juniors will get to participate in a FREE ACT in March.  They do not need to register online for this FREE March test.  All other ACT tests taken should be registered for online https://www.act.org/  
 
The ACT is required for admission to most of the Utah colleges and universities.  The ACT assists 11th and 12th graders in the transition from high school to post-secondary education by providing information that can be used for admission, scholarships, course placement, advising, and planning.  The highest composite score will be accepted by any college, regardless of date sequence.

It is a good recommendation to practice for the ACT.  One of the biggest issues for students taking the ACT is timing.  They run out of time.  The more they do practice tests the better they get.  There are a number of different ways a student can do this. 

PREPARATION

• Take multiple practice tests – can find online or use ACT Prep Books
• U of U: https://continue.utah.edu/youth/high-school-test-prep
• BYU:  https://actprep.byu.edu/home
• ACT Strategies:  Elna Gentry, 801-673-4974, elnagentry@gmail.com
• Shmoop ACT Prep (Free):  Go to any of your DSD canvas classes, click the Shmoop for Schools link at the bottom of the page and you will be logged in automatically.
• https://kaplan.com/
• collegefastlane.com
• https://www.march2success.com/
• https://www.ktsutah.org/resources

PSAT:  Preliminary National Merit Scholar Test (10th Graders)

This is the same test that juniors will be taking to compete in the National Merit Scholar Competition.  Historically students who become National Merit Scholars took the test for practice during their sophomore year.  The PSAT will be given at BHS each year in October.  To register for this test you can pay in the business office.  The cost for this test is $20. 

NMSQT:  National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test (11th Graders)

National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test.  This test is for juniors competing against other students across the United States to be named as a National Merit Scholar.  The NMSQT will be given at BHS each year in October.  To register for this test pay in the business office.  The cost for this test is $20. 

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10

SAT and SAT II Subtests:

These tests may be required by some colleges/universities outside of Utah.  It is always good to check with the school that you plan on attending to see what their requirements are.  

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat