As we’re entering the last quarter of our school year, there are many events and tests to prepare and watch for as the deadlines rapidly approach. Such tests like the ACT, SAT, and AP are coming up and still available to register if you’re interested, as well as senior college registrations. For everyone, the fourth quarter is stress and test related combined, but don't worry! Here are some things students need to be aware of and things you can do to prepare!
SAT / ACT:
The SAT and ACT tests are coming up and it’s not too late to apply! Although the ACT deadline for registering here on campus is already gone, you still have until April 5th to register for the SAT test, which is also available on campus.
Here are all the tests that will be available on campus:
ACT: April 13th, 2019
SAT: May 4th, 2019 (April 5th registration deadline)
To apply, go to the test websites and register online for the test date you would like to take. Before you register, if you’re on free or reduced lunch you can get a fee waiver by talking to Mrs. V.
ACT registration: actstudent.org
SAT registration: sat.collegeboard.org
Currently, Mrs. Righter is offering a SAT Boot Camp on campus to help prepare, practice and give students strategies for taking the SAT test. It's after school for six weeks, from 4-6pm, on campus in room 607. If you would like to register, you can fill out this form here:
AP TESTS:
Any students that are currently taking AP classes are aware of the AP tests that are coming up soon in May, and are currently preparing to take it. The tests will be hosted on campus starting at 8AM and are generally 2-3 hours long.
Here are all the test dates for upcoming AP tests upcoming in May:
AP Government: May 6th, 2019
AP Literature (12th): May 8th, 2019
APUSH: May 10th, 2019
AP Art: May 14th, 2019
AP Calculus AB: May 14th, 2019
AP Language (11th): May 15th, 2019
AP MacroEconomics: May 15th, 2019
AP Statistics: May 16th, 2019
All the test dates for the AP tests, along with other information available on their website, is available below:
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/exam-dates-and-fees
While the AP test is optional, it is also recommended so you can get college credits for the class. Remember if you’re on free or reduced lunch, you can visit Mrs. V to get a free waiver before registering.
Some AP teachers are providing free preparation and review nights before taking the test in a matter of weeks. If you’re interested, you should talk to your teachers to see if they are offering or have some available advice for students. Remember to work hard and be prepared for the test date!
If you would like to find out how long the tests are and get some general advice, here are some resources:
SENIORS:
As many tests come up senior deadlines are rapidly approaching as well. When it comes to college, there are two different registrations to sign up and commit to: The local community college and the four year college registrations.
Local community college deadline: April 26th, 2019
Four-year college deadline: May 1st, 2019
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If you're signing up to any colleges after high school, don't forget to sign up before the deadlines!
JUNIORS:
The CAASPP is an annual test for juniors which focuses on English and Math assessments which are about seven to eight hours long, however, luckily for Minarets, the test will be split up among a week instead of eight hours straight. The test is estimated to take about seven and a half hours total for students, however many students have finished early in previous years.
Minarets will be hosting the test on the following days:
April 8th-April 12th
For more information and resources:
FRESHMAN / SOPHOMORES:
As juniors and seniors approach deadlines and tests, freshman and sophomores will also be facing with finals of their own. Finals at Minarets are project based, meaning that instead of sitting down and doing a long test, you will be creating and presenting. It varies from teacher to teacher, but you should still prepare and get your assignments in before the end of the fourth quarter. It's your last opportunity to raise your grade before the end of the year, so be sure to keep that in check!
As we have covered before, managing your time and keeping up on your grades is essential, especially since we're nearing the end of the year. Many big projects will be covering things you've done before in the year, so be sure to pay attention in class so you don't miss out on anything crucial.
Speaking of big final projects, the PBE is a freshman - sophomore presentation that happens every year near the end of the year that demonstrates what students have learned in a professional manner. Students will create their presentation with an analysis of their favorite projects, things they've learned, and what they want to happen next year. More information will be provided to students later in the year, however, it's not too late to start asking questions like: "What is my favorite English project I've done?" and "What would I like to improve on and learn next year?".
Although the fourth quarter is filled with big, scary tests and registrations, it's all do-able if you put the effort, study, and work into it. In the end, all the hard-work will all be worth it as you enter your next year of highschool, or graduate and move on to do really successful things. As our Mustang motto goes, "Go Big, Go Pro, and Go Now!"