Testing
Byron High School Testing Dates
| TEST | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| PSAT (online) | October 13, 2026 | 8:00am |
|
ASVAB (online) |
December 11, 2026 | 8:30am |
| Accuplacer (online) | April 7, 2027 | 9am |
| ACT (online) | April 7, 2027 | 8am |
| AP Biology (online) | May 3, 2027 | 12pm |
| AP Statistics (online) | May 11, 2027 | 12pm |
| AP Environmental Science (online) | May 13, 2027 | 12pm |
Byron High School's testing code is 240365
For more detailed information about these (and other) tests, please click on the options below.
Accuplacer
What is the Accuplacer Test?
The Accuplacer is a computerized, self-paced, multiple-choice test that measures a student's reading, writing, and math skills. Many two year colleges (ex: RCTC) use the Accuplacer as a placement test to help students understand their academic readiness and to determine which college courses they should take, specifically for English and math course placement. This test takes less than 2 hours to complete. The academic advisers and counselors at your college or technical school will use your ACCUPLACER test results along with information about your academic background, goals, and interests to help you take courses that match your skill level and give you the best opportunities for success.
How much does it cost to take the Accuplacer?
The Accuplacer is offered to BHS students for FREE. There is no fee to take this test.
How do I sign up for the Accuplacer?
Each year the Counseling Office will send out sign up directions to juniors/families.
How can I practice?
ACCUPLACER interactive online tools are available to help you sharpen your skills.
ACT
What is it?
The ACT test is a national college admission test that consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics and reading. The ACT is primarily used for students planning on applying to 4-year colleges or universities. The ACT (English, math and reading) takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete, including a short break. The science and writing tests are both optional to take and both take 40 minutes to take. This school year the ACT test at BHS will be digital (online) and students will take the online ACT on their school issued device. The ACT test at BHS will consist of the ACT (English, reading and math plus the optional Science. Thus, the test will take a little less that 3 hours to complete. More specific test content information can be found on the ACT website: www.actstudent.org
How much does the ACT cost when administered at BHS?
The cost of the ACT at BHS is TBD. Families are responsible for covering the cost of this test. Families can pay for the test on Infinite Campus after they have signed up.
How do I sign up for the ACT test at BHS?
Counselors will email students/families a google form each year to sign up. Families will use Infinite Campus to make the test fee payment. Reach out to your counselor about financial assistance, if needed.
Registering for National ACT Test Dates
Students register for the national ACT tests at actstudent.org. When registering for the ACT, please keep in mind that it can take about 30 minutes. The first step in the registration process is creating a username and password. Make sure you use a personal email and write this information down for future reference. Byron's CEEB code is 240365. It is important that the student register for the test as there are questions that only the student will be able to answer. It may also be helpful to have a transcript handy to answer the questions about classes taken and grades earned. If you have questions regarding registration you can contact ACT at 319-337-1270.
Sending Your Scores
You can request ACT scores be sent by going to actstudent.org to request official scores be sent (there will be a fee). If you have questions regarding score reports please call ACT at 319-337-1313.
Test Dates/Fees
ACT test dates, registration deadlines and fees can be found here.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are college-level tests that measure a student's understanding of specific subjects. Students can take AP exams in high school to potentially earn college credit.
Each college makes their own decisions about granting credit for AP courses. However, it is our experience that students who earn AP exam grades of 3 or above (on a scale of 1-5) are generally considered to be qualified to receive college credit. Often this enables students to take extra electives in college, complete college earlier or take a lighter load one semester.
Please use the following link to research the AP credit policies for the universities and colleges of your choice: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/getting-credit-placement/search-policies
AP Test Dates
Click here for the AP exam dates and times.
AP Test Fees
This year the cost of each AP exam is $66. Students are responsible for bringing payment to their AP teacher. If cost is an issue please reach out to me for further assistance.
ASVAB
What is the ASVAB test?
ASVAB stands for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This is a multiple-choice test that helps you identify which careers would be best for you. It tests a student’s aptitude in four areas: verbal, math, science and technical, and spatial reasoning. Find more information on the ASVAB website. Students do not have to be considering the military to take. Open to all and no commitments to the military if you decide to take it.
How much does it cost and how do I sign up?
The cost for the ASVAB test is free. Each year the counselors will send out sign up directions to students/families.
*Important note: The ASVAB test is open to students in grades 10-12. Students can take both the ASVAB and the ACCUPLACER or the ACT since the ASVAB test is on a different date than the Accuplacer and ACT tests.
PSAT
Byron High School will administer the PSAT/NMSQT exam annually in October for any sophomore or junior interested in signing up. This is an OPTIONAL exam. Juniors who take it and score well have the opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The exam will be administered during the school day during Blocks 1 and 2. The PSAT/NMSQT is offered by the College Board in a digital only format. Additional information regarding exam day details will be shared in late September.
Sign up for the PSAT occurs in the fall. The cost of the exam is $20.
Following are some common questions to help you determine if your student should take this exam this fall.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT exam?
Every October, about 1.6 million juniors across the country take the PSAT/NMSQT exam. High School juniors take this exam in hopes of qualifying as a National Merit Semi-finalist in this national scholarship competition.
The basic entry requirements for National Merit Semifinalists include:
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earning a PSAT score in the top 1% of all test takers nationally.
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attending high school in the U.S. and being enrolled as a high school junior and making progress towards graduation.
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having plans to enroll in a full-time college starting the fall following high school graduation. In other words, you can’t postpone college to spend a year abroad, work full-time, and so on.
Is the PSAT/NMSQT a practice exam for the SAT?
No. The PSAT/NMSQT is not a practice SAT exam for students. This exam is the qualifying exam for the highly competitive National Merit Scholarship Program.
What is the cut score to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program?
The cut score varies each year, however, the top 1% (usually about 13,000-16,000 students nationally) are identified as National Merit Semifinalists. Semifinalists may go on to apply for Finalist status and potentially win scholarship money.
- In 2022, the national cut-score was 207 and the cut-score for the state of MN was 216.
- In 2022, approximately 270 Minnesota students were named as semi-finalists.
- The top 3-4% of scores are named Commended Scholars. They are not able to move forward in the scholarship competition.
Do I have to take the SAT if I am identified as a Semi-Finalist?
Yes, if you want to move on in the competition.
How should I prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT exam?
There are several test preparation companies that have invested many hours into a comprehensive understanding of the College Board’s transition to the digital PSAT/NMSQT.
One overview that provides quite a bit of insight is available at Compass Prep. College Board also has a dedicated page [refer to the PSAT/NMSQT heading] with additional information and practice links. Khan Academy has also released an initial set of practice materials.
How long will the exam take?
The digital exam is shorter than the paper/pencil version of the test. The exam time is 2 hours. In addition, plan for an additional 30 minutes for administration related tasks (seating, distribution and collection of materials, etc).
SAT
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions that is focused on you applying your knowledge and skills with a focus on vocabulary. The test is intended to compare students regarding their readiness for college. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities. The SAT has a range score from 600 to 2400. It contains two sections, which includes Mathematics, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, plus an optional Essay.
SAT Subject Tests are used to measure students' knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, and their ability to apply that knowledge. The subject tests are closely linked to the high school curriculum. Subject Tests give students an additional opportunity to distinguish themselves and showcase their skills in a particular subject area, and demonstrate their mastery of particular subjects. Colleges use these tests as a common and objective scale for evaluating a student's mastery of specific content areas. These tests indicate a student's readiness to take college level courses in specific subject areas. Some colleges require or recommend SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT Test.
The SAT score is only one factor colleges consider in admissions, and most indicate that they see high school achievement as a more important predictor of college success.
Most students at Byron High School take the ACT as their college entrance exam.
Registering
Students register for the SAT at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration. Before you register make sure you have a photo ready to upload that meets the requirements and a form of payment.
Sending Your Scores
You can request SAT scores be sent by going to collegeboard.org to request official scores be sent (there will be a fee). If you have questions regarding score reports please call SAT 866-756-7346. The CollegeBoard offers a feature called "Score Choice." Score Choice gives you the option to choose which scores (by test date for the SAT and by individual test for SAT Subject Tests™) you send to colleges, in accordance with an institution's stated score-use practice.
Test Prep Resources
Accuplacer
Preview of ACCUPLACER and Sample Test Questions
Study Guide Zone
Aims Community College Study Guide List
Varsity Tutors Practice Test
ACT
Kaplan Free Test Prep - ACT Half-Length Practice Test, ACT Pop Quiz, ACT ? of the Day
Advanced Placement (AP)
AP Daily: Practice Sessions: These video series focus on free-response and multiple-choice questions, led by experienced AP teachers.
AP Classroom: This platform provides access to AP Daily videos, assignments from teachers, and assignment results.
Knowt, Quizlet, Fiveable: These platforms offer a range of free resources, including practice questions, flashcards, and study guides for various AP subjects.
Bluebook: The Bluebook app, available from College Board, provides access to practice tests and a way to familiarize yourself with the digital testing environment.
Study.com: Offers practice tests that mirror the AP testing experience and provide feedback on areas of strength and weakness.
The Princeton Review: Provides free AP practice tests and strategy sessions with expert instructors.
ASVAB
2020-2021 pdf version of ASVAB for Dummies
PSAT
Kaplan Test Prep: Offers free practice quizzes and resources for the PSAT.
Princeton Review: Provides a free full-length digital PSAT practice test.
Varsity Tutors: Offers free PSAT practice tests.
Test Innovators: Provides a self-paced platform with a full-length practice test, performance insights, and answer explanations.
SAT
College Board's Bluebook App: The official source for the digital SAT, offering full-length practice tests and a test preview with sample questions.
Khan Academy: Provides free, personalized practice based on diagnostic tests, full-length practice tests, and video tutorials.
Test Prep Review: Offers practice tests for various standardized tests, including the SAT.
The Princeton Review: Provides both in-person and online practice SAT exams.
Kaplan: Offers a free SAT Turbo Test, a shortened version of the SAT, and other free resources.
Varsity Tutors: Provides practice materials like flashcards and a "Question of the Day".
SparkNotes SAT Prep: Offers free SAT prep resources.
Powerscore.com: Another resource for SAT prep.