Assessments
Assessments at Arvada West High School
PSAT 9
- Date: April 19
- Location: Arvada West High School
All freshmen in Colorado are required to take the PSAT 9 exam. This year’s test will be held at Arvada West on April 15. Students must report to school no later than 7:45 a.m. on the morning of testing. Seating and room assignments will be posted approximately a week before the exam. Students can expect to be done by approximately 11:45 a.m. Lunches will not be served that day. Please note that classes will not be held that day.
Testing format
Section |
Length |
Questions |
---|---|---|
Pre-administration activities |
Approximately. 30 minutes |
N/A |
Reading |
60 minutes |
47 (reading and vocabulary in context) |
Writing and Language |
35 minutes |
44 (grammar and usage) |
Math (no calculator – 25 minutes; with calculator – 45 minutes) |
70 minutes |
48 (Heart of algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, passport to advanced math, additional topics geometry, trigonometry and precalculus) |
College Board important notes
- The test focuses on the knowledge, skills and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success.
- Greater emphasis is placed on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone and impact.
- Please note that the PSAT 10 does not enter students into the PSAT/NMSQT Scholarship Competition. Current sophomores will have the opportunity to enroll in the PSAT/NMSQT exam in the fall of their junior year.
Test day
What to bring
- Photo identification (valid driver’s license or school IDs are acceptable)
- Two no. 2 pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- An approved calculator
What not to bring
Reading materials, electronic devices, pens or highlighters, scratch paper, food or beverages other than water are not allowed.
What to wear
Dress comfortably and wear layers.
How to prepare
Khan Academy offers PSAT 9 practice questions, a practice test and information for reviewing material.
Test refusal
The PSAT test is preparation for the SAT test that will be required as a junior and can be used for college admissions. It is worthwhile practice and will help students know how to study for the SAT in the future.
All students are expected to take the test unless Arvada West hears from parents or guardians that they are refusing the exam for their child. Please let the school know ASAP if that is the case so we can plan accordingly.
PSAT 10
- Date: April 18th
- Location: Arvada West High School
All sophomores in Colorado are required to take the PSAT 10 exam. It will be held at Arvada West High School on April 14. Students must report to school no later than 7:45 a.m. on the morning of testing. Seating and room assignments will be posted approximately a week before the exam. Students can expect to be done by approximately 11:45 a.m. Lunches will not be served that day. Please note that classes will not be held that day.
Testing format
Section |
Length |
Questions |
---|---|---|
Pre-administration activities |
Approximately 30 minutes |
N/A |
Reading |
60 minutes |
47 (reading and vocabulary in Context) |
Writing and Language |
35 minutes |
44 (grammar and usage) |
Math (no calculator – 25 minutes; with calculator – 45 minutes) |
70 minutes |
48 (Heart of algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, passport to advanced math, additional topics geometry, trigonometry and precalculus) |
College Board important notes
- The test focuses on the knowledge, skills and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success.
- Greater emphasis is placed on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone and impact.
- Please note that the PSAT 10 does not enter students into the PSAT/NMSQT Scholarship Competition. Current sophomores will have the opportunity to enroll in the PSAT/NMSQT exam in the fall of their junior year.
Test day
What to bring
- Photo identification (valid driver’s license or school IDs are acceptable)
- Two no. 2 pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- An approved calculator
What not to bring
Reading materials, electronic devices, pens or highlighters, scratch paper, food or beverages other than water are not allowed.
What to wear
Dress comfortably and wear layers.
How to prepare
Access practice questions, a practice test, and information for reviewing material from Khan Academy.
PSAT 10 scores
Because there’s no penalty for guessing, your raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly. Raw scores are converted to scores on a scale of 160 to 760 using a process called equating. Equating adjusts for slight differences in difficulty between various versions of the test (such as versions taken on different days).
Read more about how to interpret your scores and learn about college readiness benchmarks.
Test refusal
The PSAT test is preparation for the SAT test that will be required as a junior and can be used for college admissions. It is worthwhile practice and will help students know how to study for the SAT in the future.
All students are expected to take the test unless Arvada West hears from parents or guardians that they are refusing the exam for their child. Please let the school know ASAP if that is the case so we can plan accordingly.
SAT 11
All Colorado juniors will take the state-mandated SAT assessment.
SAT Frequently Asked Questions
Students can view their scores online beginning in May by going to studentscores.collegeboard.org to view scores or create an account. Make sure to use full, legal name when creating an account in order for the system to find your scores.
The SAT score range is from 400 to 1600. There are two sections: Reading/Writing and Math worth 800 points each to make up the 1600 total score. The test is 154 total questions in 180 minutes.
Format
Section |
Length |
Number of Questions |
Additional Information |
---|---|---|---|
Reading |
65 minutes |
52 questions |
|
10-minute break |
|||
Writing and Language |
35 minutes |
44 questions |
|
Mathematics– no calculator |
25 minutes |
20 questions |
|
Five-minute Break |
|||
Mathematics– Calculator (see calculator policy) |
55 minutes |
38 questions |
|
Depart for the day if you are not taking the Writing section, otherwise you will get a quick break. |
|||
Optional Writing Section |
50 minutes |
Student will write one essay |
|
Test information
Reading test
Reading comprehension is important. Students should be able to read and understand what they are reading. There will be five passages to read.
- Practice by summarizing what you read
- Annotate passages by underlining names, dates, and figures
- Be in the habit of critically thinking about and summarizing your readings
- Reading passages will be history- and science-related.
Writing test
- Slow down – most mistakes made on the writing portion can be avoided by using the full time for this section.
- Sound out sentences to trust your inner voice and instincts to identify and correct mistakes.
- Questions will focus on word choice, combining sentences, sentence organization, repetition and irrelevancy, rhetorical strategy, misplaced modifiers, data interpretation, punctuation, pronouns, verb tense and form and prepositions.
Math test
- This section is about problem-solving and data analysis, including ratios, percentages and proportional reasoning.
- Heart of Algebra focuses on linear equations and systems, and key powers of abstraction.
- Passport to Advanced Math will focus on more complex equations and manipulation.
- All questions will be able to be solved without a calculator, even on the calculator section. See the calculator policy.
- Focus on the process and work through difficult questions by using a step-by-step approach.
- Note: there are no science and history sections, but you will see both subjects a lot throughout the entire test. Math questions may be science-related, and some of the reading passages will be about history.
There is no penalty for guessing – answer every question!
How to prepare
Here are a few ways to prepare to take the SAT test. These are optional and at the cost of the family.
- Official SAT practice, including full-length practice tests, short quizzes, and practice questions can be accessed through Khan Academy.
- Arvada West High School works with a company called College Drive for test prep.
- Scholastic Pursuits offers tutors and SAT prep classes for a fee.
- Kaplan Test Prep also offers SAT test prep options.
Scores
SAT Scores |
|
---|---|
Maximum Score |
800 per section or 1600 total |
Minimum Score |
200 per section or 400 total |
Median Score |
500 per section or 1000 total |
75th percentile |
590 per section or 1180 total |
95th percentile |
700 per section or 1400 total |
Retaking the test
All Colorado juniors are given the opportunity to take the SAT one time for free. However, students are welcome to retake the test on their own to improve their scores. To register for another test, sign up at sat.org/register. Use the Arvada West School Code: 060-057 when registering.
Test day
What to bring
- Photo identification (valid driver’s license or school IDs are acceptable)
- Two no. 2 pencils (no mechanical pencils)
- An approved calculator (see the calculator policy)
- Snacks for the break and water
What not to bring
Don’t bring reading materials, electronic devices, pens/highlighters, scratch paper, or beverages other than water.
What to wear
Dress comfortably and wear layers.
Test refusal
All students are expected to take the SAT unless Arvada West hears from parents or guardians that they are refusing the exam for their child. Please let Michael Sena (michael.sena@jeffco.k12.co.us) know ASAP if that is the case so we can plan accordingly.
The above information was collected from collegedrive.com and khanacademy.com.
Advanced Placement Exams
AP 2023 testing schedule
Testing will primarily be held at Red Rocks Community College, 10280 W. 55th Ave., Arvada, CO 80002.
Tests on May 4-9 will be held at Arvada West; room assignments will be provided closer to the date.
United States History
European History
Art and Design (deadline to submit portfolios is 6 p.m. MT)
Date |
Morning – 7:45 a.m. |
Afternoon – 11:45 a.m. |
---|---|---|
Monday, May 1 |
U.S. Government and Politics |
Chemistry |
Tuesday, May 2 |
Environmental Science |
|
Wednesday, May 3 |
English Literature and Composition (12th) |
Computer Science A |
Thursday, May 4 |
Human Geography |
Seminar |
Friday, May 5 |
United States History |
|
Monday, May 8 |
Calculus AB/BC |
Computer Science Principles |
Tuesday, May 9 |
English Language and Composition (11th) |
|
Wednesday, May 10th |
Spanish Language and Culture |
Biology |
Thursday, May 11 |
World History: Modern |
Physics 1 – Algebra Based |
Friday, May 12 |
Music Theory |
Physics 2 – Algebra Based |
The cost for taking each exam is $96 (AP Seminar and Research are $145). This cost was included in school fees at the beginning of the year. Check with the financial office first to see if the fee has been paid.
- Students are required to pay the entire amount for the test prior to taking the exam.
- Fees can be paid through Jeffco Connect-Fee Payment or in the financial office.
- Check (made out to Arvada West High School), credit card and cash are accepted.
- Students with financial need or who are on free or reduced-price lunch should see Mrs. Stanton.
Before exam day
Prior to exam day you must read through the terms and conditions at cb.org/apexamterms and accept in writing on exam day.
AP Exam Policies and Guidelines found at https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-policies-guidelines
Exam day
What to bring
- No. 2 wood pencils
- Black or blue ink pens
- Approved calculator (if needed)
- Water bottle
- Dress in layers
What not to bring
Do not bring any electronic devices, including phones or smartwatches.
Test Prep
SAT test prep
- Free test prep from Khan Academy and the College Board
- Fee-based test prep classes:
PSAT Test Prep
Arvada West test prep presentations
Assessments in Jeffco
Assessments inform instruction and monitor student progress. Assessments should:
- Add value to the student learning experience.
- Engage families in supporting their students.
- Help identify strengths, interests and opportunities for growth for all students.
A collection of assessment results can be used to help set goals, identify priorities and inform equity of access to grade-level learning.
Individual schools determine which additional assessments will support their specific student population’s learning. Each school will select specific dates within the district-provided assessment windows.
Some assessments are required by federal or state law; see information regarding state assessment participation. Families can refuse participation in state assessments for their students. Contact your student's school if you have questions about test refusals.
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