Lower School and Middle School Standardized Testing
	Standardized testing provides a valuable profile of our school’s curriculum and performance as compared to other independent schools across the nation and aids faculty in developing programs tailored to the needs of St. Andrew’s students. The CTP IV test (Comprehensive Testing Program, 4th revision) is administered to second through fourth graders. This test, developed by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), is administered to students in grades 3-8.

	Upper School Standardized Testing
	Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) on a national test date in mid-October. The PSAT serves as a practice SAT Reasoning Test, as well as the National Merit Semifinalist Qualifying Test (thus the full abbreviation of PSAT/NMSQT). The PSAT has three sections: critical reading, mathematical, and writing skills. Scores on each range from 20 to 80 (similar to the 200-800 scale of the SAT). Also in the fall, freshmen take the EXPLORE, and sophomores take the PLAN, which assists students in preparing for the ACT.

	SAT Reasoning Test and Subject Tests
	St. Andrew’s students are strongly urged to take both the SAT Reasoning Test and ACT to assure that they are afforded an array of college choices and opportunities. These tests typically are taken during the second semester of the junior year and the first semester of the senior year. The SAT Reasoning Test is one of the primary assessment tests administered nationally. It is generally acknowledged to be a major factor in the admissions process at most colleges and universities. Published by the College Board, it measures critical reading, mathematical, and writing skills. Sub scores on each section range from 200 to 800, yielding a combined total score of between 600 and 2400. Score reports also include an essay sub-score for the timed writing sample. All St. Andrew’s students should take the SAT Reasoning Test once during the junior year and are strongly encouraged to take it again in the fall of the senior year. Currently, St. Andrew’s is the official SAT testing center for the Jackson metropolitan area; however, students must register with the national office. Students are encouraged to register online at www.collegeboard.com. A limited supply of paper registration forms will be available in the St. Andrew’s College Counseling office. SAT Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests in specific areas. Unlike the SAT Reasoning Test, which measures general abilities, Subject Tests measure the student’s knowledge of particular subjects and his or her ability to apply that knowledge. Tests in 14 areas are available. Each test is scored on an 800-point scale just like SAT Reasoning Test components. Students may register for one, two, or three subject tests on the same day. However, a student cannot take the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT Reasoning Test on the same day. Again, students can register online or secure paper registration forms from the College Counseling office. St. Andrew’s students are encouraged but not required to take SAT Subject Tests. Students should be aware that some colleges require one or more of these tests for admission or placement purposes. Some require specific combinations of tests; others permit students to choose. Students must check the requirements of the colleges in which they are interested and/or discuss subject area tests with the College Counselor or the teacher of that subject area.

	ACT
	The American College Test (ACT) is an assessment tool that measures student aptitude in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. The sub-scores from these tests are averaged to yield a composite score, which ranges from 1 to 36. An optional essay section was added in 2005. Students are responsible for researching which of the colleges to which they are applying prefer or require the ACT with essay. Currently, no college or university in Mississippi requires the ACT essay. All St. Andrew’s students should take the ACT during the junior year (usually in the spring). Students may wish to retake the ACT in the fall of the senior year. Not a school-administered test, the ACT registration forms are available from the College Counseling office or students can register online at www.act.org. ST. ANDREW’S CEEB (COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD) CODE FOR SAT AND ACT IS 251-424.

	Advanced Placement Courses
	The Advanced Placement Program of The College Board enables students to complete college level studies during secondary school, thus serving as an academic bridge that helps smooth the transition from secondary school to college. College Board member institutions determine AP program policies. Some colleges give credit for the successful completion of AP courses and examinations in selected subjects; others do not. Beyond the practical advantages of college placement or credit, AP courses offer secondary school students a singular opportunity to develop their strengths. By giving students the opportunity to experience the academic rigors of a college course, AP courses foster self-motivation, confidence, responsibility and self-reliance. Participation in one or more AP courses is dependent upon a student’s prior academic record, teacher recommendations, and student interest. No more than three (3) AP courses in a student’s junior year and three courses in a student’s senior year is advised. Following completion of an AP course, the student is required to take an AP examination on the subject covered. The College Board sets a fee for the examination; this fee is the student’s responsibility. AP examinations are administered each May at St. Andrew’s and take a maximum of three hours. A committee of secondary school and college faculty members prepares each AP examination. The examinations are structured to accurately measure the depth of the student’s knowledge and comprehension. Each examination includes multiple-choice questions and a free-response section that consists of analytical essays or complex problems.