Academic Testing
All Maryland public school students participate in the Maryland School Assessments (MSA) in grades 3 through 8. These tests measure achievement in reading, math, and science (science in grades 5 and 8 only) and meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Students' scores are reported on a numerical scale and identified as Basic, Proficient, or Advanced. Score reports are sent home to parents or guardians. Parents of children who score Basic should contact the school to learn about ways to help their child improve his or her skills at home and opportunities for summer learning.
Maryland also requires students to pass High School Assessments (HSA) in English, Algebra/Data Analysis, and Biology in order to receive a high school diploma. These exams are taken at the end of courses, usually in ninth or tenth grade. Passing an HSA on the first attempt allows students to progress more quickly to advanced courses in high school. Washington County Technical High School reviews students' HSA results when considering applications for admission.
Washington County Public Schools students take the PSAT/NMSQT, a preliminary SAT, in tenth and eleventh grades. The PSAT is administered during the school day in October at no cost to families. Students do not need to sign up; they are automatically registered by their schools. Attendance on PSAT day is important, as there are no make up dates for this exam. As a result of taking the test, students receive a score report and free access to My College Quickstart, an online program with individualized resources that can be used to identify skills needing improvement, practice for the SAT, and explore colleges and careers. Students have the option of signing up for Student Search Service, a free resource that allows colleges, scholarship organizations and nonprofit educational organizations to send them admissions and financial aid information. The PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for juniors. Those who score high enough are automatically entered into competition for the prestigious National Merit Scholarships.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate examinations provide the opportunity for students to earn college credits while in high school. The College Board offers AP testing information and preparation on its website, and the IB site includes samples of previous years’ assessments.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future occupational success in the military. Interested students should contact their school counselor for more information about taking the ASVAB.
Use this spreadsheet of entrance scores and deadlines for popular colleges to determine your target score and application deadlines. Make sure you have your application and testing completed before the financial aid deadline to qualify for grants and scholarships.
Maryland also requires students to pass High School Assessments (HSA) in English, Algebra/Data Analysis, and Biology in order to receive a high school diploma. These exams are taken at the end of courses, usually in ninth or tenth grade. Passing an HSA on the first attempt allows students to progress more quickly to advanced courses in high school. Washington County Technical High School reviews students' HSA results when considering applications for admission.
Washington County Public Schools students take the PSAT/NMSQT, a preliminary SAT, in tenth and eleventh grades. The PSAT is administered during the school day in October at no cost to families. Students do not need to sign up; they are automatically registered by their schools. Attendance on PSAT day is important, as there are no make up dates for this exam. As a result of taking the test, students receive a score report and free access to My College Quickstart, an online program with individualized resources that can be used to identify skills needing improvement, practice for the SAT, and explore colleges and careers. Students have the option of signing up for Student Search Service, a free resource that allows colleges, scholarship organizations and nonprofit educational organizations to send them admissions and financial aid information. The PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for juniors. Those who score high enough are automatically entered into competition for the prestigious National Merit Scholarships.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate examinations provide the opportunity for students to earn college credits while in high school. The College Board offers AP testing information and preparation on its website, and the IB site includes samples of previous years’ assessments.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future occupational success in the military. Interested students should contact their school counselor for more information about taking the ASVAB.
Use this spreadsheet of entrance scores and deadlines for popular colleges to determine your target score and application deadlines. Make sure you have your application and testing completed before the financial aid deadline to qualify for grants and scholarships.
