•  

    Testing Photo

    7th Grade

    M-STEP (April/May)
    ​

    8th Grade

    PSAT 8 (April)

    M-STEP (April/May)

    Advanced Placement Tests (optional—May)
    ​

    9th Grade

    PSAT 9 (April)

    Advanced Placement Tests (optional—May)
    ​

    10th Grade

    PSAT 10 (April)

    Advanced Placement Tests (optional—May)
    ​

    11th Grade

    PSAT/NMSQT (optional—October)

    M-STEP (April/May)

    SAT (April)

    WorkKeys (April)

    Advanced Placement Tests (optional—May)
    ​

    12th Grade

    Advanced Placement Tests (optional—May)
    ​

    Test Descriptions
    ​

    M-STEP - Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress

    The M-STEP is a 21st Century online test designed to gauge how well students are mastering state standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be prepared to enter the workplace, career education training, and college.
    ​

    Advanced Placement Exams

    The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) offers college-level study in a wide range of subjects and allows students scoring highly enough to earn college credit.  AP courses stress deep learning, critical thinking, and the application of knowledge.
    ​

    PSAT/NMSQT

    PSAT is a standardized test administered by the College Board which measures college readiness.  Its sections include Evidence Based Reading and Writing and Math.  It is co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program.  Additional details about the National Merit Scholarship Program can be found below.
    ​
    MME

    The Michigan Merit Examination (MME) assesses students in grade 11 and eligible students in grade 12 based on Michigan high school standards. It is administered each spring, and consists of three components:

    • College Board SAT
    • WorkKeys® job skills assessments in reading, mathematics, and locating information
    • Michigan-developed Science and Social Studies M-STEP

    WorkKeys

    This assessment measures foundational skills required for success in the workplace, and the workplace skills that can affect job performance. WorkKeys measures job skills in the areas of reading, mathematics, and locating information.

     
    SAT

    The SAT is a standardized college readiness test administered by the College Board. There are two main sections:  1) Reading and Writing and 2) Math.  The Reading and Writing Section scores range from 200–800.  Math Section scores range from 200–800.  Total score on the SAT ranges from 400–1600.  SAT Essays receive three scores (Reading, Analysis, and Writing) ranging from 2–8 each.

    ACT

    The ACT is a standardized college readiness test which contains four multiple-choice tests—English, mathematics, reading, and science—and an optional writing test. These tests are designed to measure skills that are most important for success in post-secondary education and that are acquired in secondary education. The score range for each of the four multiple-choice tests is 1–36. The composite score is the average of the four test scores rounded to the nearest whole number.

    Michigan and SAT Suite of Assessments 

    Michigan's implementation of the PSAT 8/9 for 8th and 9th graders, PSAT 10 for 10th graders, and SAT with Essay


    Michigan Student Assessment Information 

    SAT Suite of Assessment Student Guides 
    ​

    SAT versus ACT
    Although Michigan has become an SAT state—meaning the standardized test included in the MME is now the SAT, it is important to remember that colleges requiring an admission test will accept either the ACT or the SAT.  Students are generally advised to take the SAT and ACT at least one time each.  Students can determine which test they perform better on, then use that one when applying for colleges.  Score data shows that it is beneficial to take the college test of choice at least twice.

    How Many Times Should Students Take the Test?

    While juniors take the SAT at no cost to families during the school day as part of the Michigan Merit Exam, it is strongly recommended that students take the SAT at least one other time outside of school.  Many students test at school in April and take a weekend test during the fall of their senior year.  Whether students choose the SAT or the ACT, score data for both tests shows that it is beneficial to re-test since higher scores improve chances for scholarships and improve the likelihood of admission at some colleges.  Below are details including test dates and costs for students taking a weekend test.


    ​SAT weekend test dates

    ACT weekend test dates
    ​

    Practice for SAT Suite of Assessments 

    Full-Length Practice Test Quick Start Guide 

    Study with Khan Academy 

    Focus on Skills with the Student Question Bank 

    Practice with Confidence 

    Tips for Reducing Test Anxiety 

    National Merit Scholarship Program

    The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)—a test which serves as an initial screening of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

    National Merit Scholarship Program

    Testing Fee Waivers

    Students who qualify for Free or Reduced lunch also qualify for fee waivers that can help to save money during the application process.  To find out if you qualify for Free or Reduced lunch, complete the Education Benefits Form

    SAT Fee Waivers
    Covers the registration fee for up to two SATs, with or without the SAT Essay.  Also covers the registration fee for up to two SAT Subject Test administrations (take up to three individual SAT Subject Tests on a single test day).

    ACT Fee Waivers

    ACT Fee Waivers cover the registration fee for either the ACT (no writing) or the ACT with writing. Eligible students may use a maximum of TWO separate ACT Fee Waivers.

    Advanced Placement Test Financial Assistance

    Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch may be eligible for a reduced cost for AP exams, apply at Education Benefits Form​

    Viewing and Sending Test Scores

    M-STEP Guide to Parent Reports 

    ​Understanding Your Digital SAT Score Report 

    Viewing SAT Scores

    Sending SAT Scores to Colleges

    Sending ACT Test Scores

    Viewing and Sending Advanced Placement Test Scores