PSAE – The Prairie State Achievement Examination is a state-mandated test as well as a graduation requirement, that will be given to all junior students.  The test assesses student progress toward meeting the Illinois learning standards in three subjects: reading, mathematics, and science.  The tests for these subjects are constructed using three components: (1) Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)-developed test materials, (2) the Act Assessment, and (3) two Work Keys Assessments developed by ACT.  The exam will be given on April 22nd and April 23rd.

ACT - The American College Test is by far the most widely used college entrance test.  If you plan on attending a 4-year University in the Midwest, you will probably need to take this test.  We recommend juniors first take the test in April.  Juniors are also required to take the ACT along with the Prairie State Exam in April.  It is offered at various sites six Saturdays a year.  Lincoln-Way East is a test site on April 4^th.  For other test dates, please see your counselor.  Registration is done directly with ACT at www.actstudent.org and the basic registration fee is $31.00.

PSAT - Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test  is given to juniors and sophomores as a practice for taking the SAT.  It also determines for junior students, those who may qualify as National Merit Semifinalists, as well as some corporate scholarship winners.  This test is only given once in October.  The PSAT will be given at Lincoln-Way East on October 18^th during the school day.  There is a $13.00 charge for sophomores, free for juniors.  Students may register for this test in the PPS office from September 19^th.

SAT I:  Reasoning Test - The SAT I: Reasoning test, a college admissions test measuring verbal and mathematics ability, is used primarily by East Coast, West Coast, and highly selective schools.  It is offered seven Saturdays throughout the year for juniors and seniors.  Registration is done directly with SAT.

SAT II:  Subject Tests - Some colleges require tests in particular subjects.  Check with your college(s) of interest to see specifically which, if any, of the SAT II tests they require for admissions.  The SAT II: Subject Tests are one hour long and are offered on five of the SAT dates during the year.  A maximum of three may be taken on the same date.  Registration is done directly with SAT and there is a charge for each of the tests.

AP - Advanced Placement Tests.  The tests are offered to qualified students who want to earn college credit.  The Educational Testing Service offers these exams on our campus in May.  In order to be properly qualified for an AP test, enrollment in that subject’s AP class here at Lincoln-Way East is strongly recommended.  There is a charge for each test taken.

ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is provided free of charge to juniors and seniors on December 3rd during the school day.  This test helps to assess aptitude and to predict performance in academic and occupational areas.  It allows one to make tentative career choices.  All students and not just those selecting a military career should consider this test.

COMPASS – The COMPASS is an entrance test only for students contemplating enrollment at Joliet Junior College.  For more information on the COMPASS test, please click here

See your counselor if you have any further questions.