Educational Planning/ Testing
By Brent Grotz
It is not too soon for you to begin the process of planning your future. Even though graduation, college, or a full-time job may seem far off, you should not wait until your senior year to start planning.
The following tests will assist you in getting the information necessary to make good decisions about your future.
The PLAN Test - Grade 10
All 10th graders are required to take the PLAN test. The PLAN test evaluates students in four key areas: 1) current academic achievement, 2) personal interests, 3) study skills, and 4) goal setting.
The PLAN test is given in the fall semester.
2008-09 PLAN Test Schedule
The sophomore class is divided into 4 groups alphabetically and testing takes place according to the following schedule. All PLAN testing takes place in the High School Media Center. When not involved in a test session, the remaining sophomores attend their regularly scheduled classes.
| SESSION | STUDENTS | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| 1 | TBA | November 3 | Periods 1-4* | High School Media Center |
| 2 | TBA | November 3 | Periods 5-7* | |
| 3 | TBA | November 5 | Periods 1-4* | |
| 4 | TBA | November 5 | Periods 5-7* |
*Note: If students finish early, they will report to their regularly scheduled class.
ACT-- AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST ($32)
All colleges and universities require incoming freshman to take one of two entrance examinations, the ACT or SAT. Most schools in Nebraska prefer the ACT; however, they will often accept either.
This test is given five to six times a year. (See test schedule below.) Registration packets are available in the guidance office and students are asked to mail these on their own. You may also register on line at www.actstudent.org. The cost of registration is $32.
Special testing accommodations may be made for students with disabilities. Consult the ACT's Special Services web page or discuss your special needs with your counselor.
ACT PLUS Writing ($47)
This is a option that has been added to the ACT test. Some colleges are requiring this test. Students will need to check with their intended college or university to see if they need to take the ACT PLUS. Students can also check the College Handbook in the guidance office for college requirements.
See the ACT Test Schedule below for test dates.
2009-10 ACT/ ACT PLUS Test Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Fee Dates* |
| October 24, 2009 | September 18 | Sept. 19 - Oct. 2 |
| December 12, 2009 | November 6 | November 7-20 |
| February 6, 2010 | January 5 | January 6-15 |
| April 10, 2010 | March 5 | Mar. 6 - March 19 |
| June 12, 2010 | May 7 | May 8-21 |
*Note: A late fee of $21 will apply if you register past deadline. Consult your ACT Registration packet or the ACT web site for additional information on fees.
| YHS SCHOOL
CODE |
| 282-590 (needed for registration) |
SAT--SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST ($45)
This test is usually required for students planning to attend a college on either coast or in the Southwest. A writing section is included in to new SAT test. It is not optional like the ACT writing assessment. Like the ACT, the SAT is given several times a year. We encourage juniors to take this or the ACT test on the April or June test dates. Juniors may not be far enough along in math or science to recommend taking the test earlier.
For registration procedure and dates come to the guidance office or check out the website at SAT web site.
PSAT/ NMQT-- PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST / NATIONAL MERIT QUALIFYING TEST ($13.50)
| PSAT /NMQT
TEST DATE |
Registration Deadline |
| Wednesday, October 14 | October 9 |
This test is offered to selected 10th and 11th Grade students. The PSAT/ NMQT measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that are important to doing college work. It gives a forecast of SAT scores and helps to identify National Merit Scholarship winners.
If you would like to take the PSAT/NMSQT, sign up in the guidance office and pay the registration fee. The guidance office will provide a copy of the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT to help you prepare for test day.
ASVAB--ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY (No Fee)
| Test Date |
| Tuesday, December 1 |
Offered to grades 10-12, this test was developed to motivate students to learn more about themselves and the occupations that they might find rewarding.
The program can help the student see how their interests, abilities and personal preferences match civilian and military career opportunities.
