Standardized Testing

Advanced Placement (AP) Classes

Sahuaro is proud to offer eleven different Advanced Placement (AP) classes. These AP classes are very rigorous and utilize a standard curriculum which is considered college level work. Students in these classes are required to take the AP exam at the end of the year, and may receive college credit depending on their score and college choice. AP scores range from 1-5. Colleges grant varied levels of credit depending on the score. Usually only scores of 3 or better are granted credit. Colleges look favorably towards admitting students who have challenged themselves with the rigor of AP classes. There is also a strong correlation between the number of AP classes a student takes in high school and their success in college.  AP exams are administered by College Board and information about them is available on the College Board website www.collegeboard.com.

PSAT

We encourage all college bound sophomores and juniors to take this test. It is good practice for the SAT test and if students perform well on it as juniors, they can qualify for National Merit Scholarships.  The PSAT is offered at Sahuaro in October of each year.

In order to understand how to interpret your PSAT score report, visit:  http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/counselors/psat/ppt/understanding-results-PSAT-NMSQT.ppt

SAT & ACT

The SAT and the ACT are both exams that are used for college admissions and placement into four-year colleges. You can conveniently register for the exams using the following websites:

ü SAT - www.collegeboard.com

ü ACT - www.actstudent.org

Both web sites are full of information to help students plan for college admissions, search schools, and even practice for the exams. Arizona universities will accept scores from either test. If a student plans to attend a college or university outside of Arizona they should check with that school to determine which test they require. SAT II Subject Tests are required by some out-of-state schools. Again, students need to check with the schools to determine their requirements. Prep-classes are offered and advertised in our Guidance Center and as a list below.

For test dates please see the SHS Curriculum Guide

Test Preparatory Classes
**Sahuaro High School does not endorse any test preparation resources. It is entirely up to you to search out and determine whether or not you choose to use them. See the Counseling Department for any test preparation information or classes for a courtesy list.