Testing

The Counseling Office coordinates a wide variety of standardized testing for students in grades 9-12. These exams are created, distributed, scored, and reported by third-party entities, but the office provides for the administration of the tests. Counselors and office staff can assist students with navigating the process of registering for a test. The office also publicizes registration deadlines and exam dates: click below for the current year testing calendar.

Current School Year Testing Calendar

Learn more about each of these tests below. The title of each exam, when clicked, will take you to the website for the exam.

Advanced Placement (AP)

North Pocono offers over 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, each of which culminates with an exam. Students performing above a certain threshold are eligible for college credit at many colleges and universities in the United States (each college and university has its own policy governing how and under what circumstances AP credits are awarded). The exams are given annually in May at North Pocono High School during the school day. Students must apply to take the exams and a fee is charged by CollegeBoard, who owns and manages the AP exams. Fee waivers are available under certain circumstances; school counselors can assist students seeking fee waivers.

American College Testing (ACT)

The ACT is an alternative college entrance exam to the SAT. Though not as popular as the SAT, it is widely accepted by colleges and universities (students should ensure colleges and universities in which they are interested accept the ACT before registering for the exam). Some students who have struggled with the SAT find that the ACT provides a better reflection of their ability to succeed in collegiate learning.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the United States Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training. Students are given the opportunity to take the ASVAB at no cost and with no commitment to military service. The ASVAB also provides an interest assessment and planning tools to help young adults explore career field entry requirements and various career paths, both military and civilian. 

High school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 can participate in the ASVAB. Students in 11th grade and beyond receive valid scores for enlistment. Speak to your school counselor about scheduling an exam.

Keystone Exams

Originally conceived as a high school exit exam, Keystone Exams are standardized tests furnished by taxpayer dollars through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Since the introduction of the Keystone Exams, the date on which they will become mandatory for students to graduate has been moved by PDE numerous times. Presently, they have no bearing on graduation and parents may opt their students out of taking Keystone Exams. However, PDE, in an effort to show that the millions spent on the exams has not been fruitless, now punishes school districts and taxpayers by rating school districts lower when parents opt their children out of the exams. There are currently three Keystone Exams, which are taken by students in the spring of the year when they take each class: Algebra I, Biology, and English 9. The exams require no registration, have no testing fee, and are given during the school day.

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that 11th graders (and some 10th graders) take in October. Like the SAT, it measures the knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and math students learn in the classroom—the same knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and career. It is truly a practice opportunity for the SAT. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior, students may meet the requirements to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.  Students sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT at their school—not online.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test. It assesses the knowledge and skills students learn in the classroom—the same skills that are key to success in college and career. The test is typically administered two-three times a year at North Pocono, but up to seven times in other locations. Students must register online at CollegeBoard. There is a fee associated with the exam. The school counseling office can assist students who qualify with applying for a fee waiver, as well as assisting with the registration process.