Testing, although not always fun, is an important aspect of high school and college preparation. Throughout one's high school career, there will be several times when standardized testing is required. Prospective colleges/universities are interested in students who take a challenging course load, maintain a high grade point average, and score well on standarized testing. Students need to check with their prospective colleges/universities to determine the appropriate entrance exams and what constitutes a competitive score. It is important to thoroughly prepare. Registration and preparation booklets may be obtained in the Counseling Department. Free testing practice is available at the Casa Grande City Library and online. Fee waivers are available if the cost of these tests will cause a harship.
The ACCUPLACER test is required for Central Arizona College (CAC) admissions, course placement, and dual enrollment. Tests are administered in the fall and spring semesters, and help identify your knowledge, strength, and needs in Math, Reading, and Writing. Along with information about your academic background, goals, and interests, the results help you choose courses that match your skill level and give you the best opportunities for success.
ACT (American College Testing)The ACT, or the SAT, is required for college admissions and is usually taken as a junior or senior. The test is divided into four subject areas; English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. There is an optional writing test available for those students wishing to showcase their writing skills. Registration materials are available in the Counseling Department or registration can be completed online at
www.actstudent.org. Fee waivers are available for qualified students. CGUHS Code = 030-040
ACT AspireThe Counseling Department recommends that college-bound 10th graders take the ACT Aspire Test. It is good preparation for the ACT Assessment Test which is used for college admissions. The ACT Aspire provides information for educational and career planning. Each participating student receives a report that identifies academic strengths and weaknesses, and helps students explore career interests.
AIMS ScienceAIMS (Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards) Science is a Standards-Based Assessment that measures student proficiency of the Arizona Academic Content Standard in Science. It meets federal requirements for student assessment. It is administered in the spring to students in Grades 4, 8, 9, and 10.
AP (Advanced Placement) Students who take an AP class are expected to take the AP Exam. The subjects are based on particular AP classes selected and are taken during the first two weeks in May. Students may earn college credit depending on their score and the college/university policy. Tests are scored 1-5 and 3 is considered as passing.
The AzMERIT is required for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. These exams will be aligned to Arizona’s English Language Arts and Mathematics standards. Standards are the expectations of what every child should be able to do at each grade level. Students will test for about seven (7) hours across multiple days during April.
CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test)The Gifted Department offers the CogAT as an evaluation instrument for identifying students who are eligible for gifted education services. This test is organized into three separate batteries: Verbal, Quantitative, and Non-Verbal. Referral for this test may be received by students, teachers, and parents. This test is administered at each site in the fall. Any student who has not been tested within the last 12 months may take the test.
The Counseling Department recommends that college-bound 10th and 11th grade students take the PSAT Test. The top scoring one half of one percent of the 11th grade students taking the PSAT can qualify for National Merit Scholarships. Eleventh (11th) grade African American students may request entry to the National Achievement Program (over 700 Achievement Scholarship awards) when they take the PSAT. Not only is the PSAT good practice for the SAT, it is also used as a determining factor for AP potential and can be used to compare a student’s academic skills with other college-bound students. The PSAT Test is offered in October. Fee waivers are available for qualified students.
The SAT, or the ACT, is required for college admission and is usually taken as a junior or senior. This test consists of three (3) areas: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and a Writing Test. Registration materials are available in the Counseling Department or registration can be completed online at
www.collegeboard.com. This website also offers a FREE practice test and a daily practice question. Fee waivers are available for qualified students. CGUHS Code = 030-040