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- Freshman Year (9th) – Start Here!
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- GPS High School Course Descriptions & Catalog
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- Student Resources for Success
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College & Career Events / Counseling Office Contacts
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- Testing Information
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- Testing Information
COVID-19 Updates
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Many universities around the country may have test-optional for admissions and merit scholarship consideration for admission. To check a school's updates on admissions, visits, and testing, check out the NACAC College Admissions Status Update.
ACT Updates| CollegeBoard/SAT Updates
Talk to your counselor for how this may impact you and for more information.
Upcoming Testing Information
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October 24, 2023
7:15 AM - 12:15 PM PSAT/NMSQT GR 10 - All High Schools
School Site Testing Codes
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Each High School has an assigned school code that you will use when taking any college placement exam (ACT/PSAT/SAT).CVHS -- 030696
DRHS -- 030424
GCA -- 030132GGA -- 030796
GHS -- 030140
HHS -- 030141
MHS -- 030157
PSAT/NMSQT Testing Information
Using Your PSAT Results
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The best way to study for the SAT is by using your PSAT results from October to focus specifically on the particular areas you need to improve. Your PSAT results can provide you a personalized study plan if you link them with Khan Academy – the official test prep site for College Board. In addition, you can read about and take the practice SAT tests on the CollegeBoard website.
Sign up for the ACT and/or SAT
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How do I sign up?
Please Note: ALL 12th grade GPS students had the opportunity to take one ACT test on March 1, 2022 at their high school without outside registration or fees.
GPS will administer ACT (No Writing) to 11th grade students in Cohort 2024 on April 4, 2023 (computer-based).
If you'd like to take an additional ACT test outside of the Junior Year GPS date register below directly with ACT.
What if I can’t afford the fee? Don’t worry, there are waivers available to those with financial need. See your counselor for further information about your situation and what you qualify for.
Please Note: Do you qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch? If so, you may be able to claim your SAT Fee Waivers through your College Board account or learn about ACT Fee Waiver Program.
Do I need to take both tests? The answer to that is mostly dependent upon the university you plan to attend, but you can explore all of the exams here. It never hurts you to take both. Not sure which exam is right for you? Here's a checklist to compare your strengths and help you decide.
Studying
You should not just roll out of bed on the Saturday morning of the exam and "give it your best shot".
These tests require preparation.
For online resources, Khan Academy is the official study guide for the SAT, and there are similar free platform to help you prepare for the ACT. Outside companies also offer test prep courses for a fee that will cover the content of the exams plus test-taking strategies. You can find information for these offerings in your counseling office and career center.
ACT® Testing & Information
- GPS Offers one free test in the Spring for 11th graders. The ACT is taken by high school students and college-bound individuals. The score results are used by colleges for admission, course placement.
- Free ACT Test Prep
- Free Practice ACT Test
- ACT Fee Waiver Program
- ACT/SAT Test Prep - GPS Community Education Enrichment
- ACT High School Student Timeline
- National ACT Testing Dates & Information
- More About the ACT
SAT® Testing & Information
- The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities as part on their admissions decisions. The SAT is a product of the College Board.
- SAT Test Dates and Deadlines
- SAT Fee Waiver Information
- ACT/SAT Test Prep - GPS Community Education Enrichment
- SAT - Inside the Test
- Free SAT Practice
- Understanding your SAT Scores
Testing FAQs
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Send Your Test Scores
Remember, many colleges and scholarships will also want a copy of your Test Scores (SAT, AP, and ACT).
Visit the College Board (SAT scores and AP scores) and/or ACT (ACT scores) websites to request your test scores be sent directly to the University/Scholarship Committee.
Should I Take the Test More Than Once?
Check with the college/university you are applying to. Do they accept only the first test? Do they accept the best score for any test? Do they average all of the tests?
These are good questions to ask the University's Admissions Department.
In-State: If you are going to an Arizona University – Arizona State University (ASU), Univeristy of Arizona (U of A), or Northern Arizona University (NAU) – they will accept the BEST test score. This means you could take it 3 times, and they will only look at the best test score.
Many merit-based Scholarships are based on a student's GPA, class rank, and test score. Increasing your test score by a few points can increase your merit-based scholarship by THOUSANDS of dollars.
Some students may find that they do better on one test over the other. A general rule could be to take both tests and then retake the one you do the best on- after studying, of course.
Don't Forget Your Picture
Students must now upload a picture of themselves and bring a printed admission ticket to their test center. Read the instructions carefully on the ACT and SAT websites so you are admitted to the test.