Sophomores are encouraged to sign up to take the PLAN test and consider the PSAT; both will be given at Niskayuna High School. There is an $20 fee per test; and sign up is in the NHS Counseling Center. 

Students often ask, "Do I have to take the PSAT and the PLAN tests?

While you don't have to take them, we HIGHLY recommend that you do.  Here's why:  The tests are quite different and provide different measures of your strengths and weaknesses. PSAT prepares you to take the SATs; PLAN prepares you to take the ACTs.  Until you know which of these tests will be required by the colleges you apply to, your best plan is to prepare by taking both of them.  Some colleges require the SATs, some the ACTs, and some will take either.

PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship programs. It measure three areas:  critical reading skills, math problem solving skills and writing skills.  Number one reason to take the it is to receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses in these skills areas.  Then you know where to focus when preparing for the SATs.  In fact, the kinds of questions and directions on the PSAT are very similar to those on the SAT.  You can also see how your performance might compare with others applying to colleges you are interested in.  And, you can begin to receive information from colleges if you check "YES" to Student Search Service when applying.  For more information on the PSAT/NMSQT visit the College Board website (click here).

How about the PLAN test? (Visit the ACT/PLAN website for more information - click here)

The PLAN test includes tests in four curriculum areas: English, Math, Reading, and Science. This is different from the PSATs and SATs, which measure skill areas. But, like the PSAT, your PLAN scores can show you where your strengths and weaknesses are.  And, it is a good predictor of what your future ACT score might be.  The Student Score Report also provides personalized career information on specific career fields you can investigate further.

What tests to take and how to do your best on them is part of the conversation you need to have with your school counselor.  If you have questions or would like more information, please stop down in the Counseling Center and make an appointment to see your counselor. The counselors have a clipboard outside their office door where you can sign up to see them.  Or, email your counselor.  Email addresses are on our homepage (click here!)