National Tests
Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSG)
Requirement
Passing the AHSGE is required in order for a student to receive a high school diploma.
Subjects Tested
- Reading
Students will read articles, poems, editorials, and essays and answer questions to show they understand what they read. - Language
Grammar skills, using correct sentence structure and organizing information for writing - Math
Approximately 75 percent of the math section will be Algebra 1 with the remaining 25 percent covering pre-geometry. - Science
Approximately 70 percent biology and 30 percent physical science - Social Studies
Focuses on United States History
Attempts
Students will have at least five chances to take the AHSGE: Once as a sophomores (as a "pre-test"), once as juniors and three times as seniors. The test will be administered by subject area over a five day period and is not a timed test. Most students should be completed within 90 minutes on each subject test. Once a student passes a subtest they do not have to take it again. Those who do not pass on the first attempt take the subtest again at the next administration until they pass each section.
Dates
The State Department of Education determines test dates. The assessment is given 4 times each year to students in grades 9-12.
Preperation
Test Preparation Tips | Mock Test | Testing Dates
Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)
Requirement
The PSAT is not required for high school graduation. The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
Subjects
PSAT Reasoning Tests measure a student's ability to analyze and solve problems. (Critcal Reading, Math Problem-Solving, Writing.)
Scheduling
The SAT is typically taken by juniors. Students choosing to take the SAT need to see their high school counselor and need to visit the SAT website at www.collegeboard.com to find out about registration information, including: test dates, registration costs, registration deadlines, and tests locations.
Preperation
CollegeBoard Preparation Center
College Entrance Tests (What's the difference between the ACT and SAT?)
ACT
Requirement:
The ACT is not required for high school graduation. These tests serve as measures of students’ preparation for academic coursework beyond high school. ACT assessment results are used by postsecondary institutions across the nation for admissions, academic advising, course placement, and scholarship decisions.
Subjects: The ACT Assessment comprises four curriculum-based achievement tests designed to assess critical reasoning and higher-order thinking skills in English, mathematics, reading and science.
Scheduling:
Students choosing to take the ACT need to see their high school counselor and need to visit the ACT website at www.act.org to find out about registration information, including: test dates, registration costs, registration deadlines, and test locations.
Requirement:
The ACT is not required for high school graduation. These tests serve as measures of students’ preparation for academic coursework beyond high school. ACT assessment results are used by postsecondary institutions across the nation for admissions, academic advising, course placement, and scholarship decisions.
Subjects:
The ACT Assessment comprises four curriculum-based achievement tests designed to assess critical reasoning and higher-order thinking skills in English, mathematics, reading and science.
Scheduling:
Students choosing to take the ACT need to see their high school counselor and need to visit the ACT website at www.act.org to find out about registration information, including: test dates, registration costs, registration deadlines, and test locations.
Preperation
ACT Test Prep | Testing Dates | Why go to college?
SAT
Requirement:
The SAT is not required for high school graduation. Scores on the SAT help colleges predict a student's ability to succeed along with other criteria like high school GPA. Students need to contact the college they plan to attend to determine if SAT Subject Tests are required in addition to SAT Reasoning Test.
Subjects:
SAT Reasoning Tests (SAT I) measure a student's ability to analyze and solve problems. (Reading, Math, Writing.)
SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) measure a student's knowledge and skills in a particular subject and their ability to apply that knowledge. (English, History and Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Languages.)
Scheduling:
The SAT is typically taken by juniors and seniors. Students choosing to take the SAT need to see their high school counselor and need to visit the SAT website at www.collegeboard.com to find out about registration information, including: test dates, registration costs, registration deadlines, and tests locations.
Preperation
SAT Official Question of the Day | CollegeBoard Preparation Center | Testing Dates