Since over 90% of Rice students go on to four-year colleges, we would like to take this opportunity to explain the standardized, college entrance exams that are offered at Rice during the 2004-05 school year.

PLAN (all sophomores) Fall Date TBA
The PLAN combines a standardized achievement test with a career interest inventory.  This test is designed to help students, parents and educators assess both academic success and future plans.  The PLAN also serves as a practice test for the ACT.  The PLAN takes place every fall at Rice and requires no advance registration.  Students will need to bring a check made out to Rice the week before the test.  Please look for more details and the specific date of the test in future newsletters.

PSAT (all juniors) Wednesday, October 13
The PSAT is a standardized reasoning exam.  This test is the practice test for the SAT and the only qualifying test for the National Merit Scholar Scholarship.  The PSAT takes place at Rice and requires no advanced registration.  Students will need to bring a check made out to Rice the week before the test.  Specific instructions for the day of the test and a study bulletin will come home two weeks before the exam.

Fall SAT (recommended for seniors) October 9, November 6, December 4, January 22
The SAT is one of the two college entrance exams, which can be used for admission into selective colleges.  These SAT dates are recommended for seniors who are taking their second SAT and/or for seniors taking SAT II's.  Check the colleges to which you are applying to see if they require or recommend SAT II's.  You may register on-line at www.collegeboard.com or pick up a registration form in the guidance office.

Spring SAT (juniors) New SAT begins - March 12, May 7, June 4
After receiving and examining PSAT results in December, we recommend that all juniors take their first SAT on one of these dates.  May is the typical junior SAT test date. 

ACT October 23, December 11, February 12, April 9, June 11
The ACT is one of the two college entrance exams accepted by selective colleges.  As with the SAT, we suggest that all juniors take the exam in the spring and then take it again in the fall if they wish to improve their scores.  The ACT is offered at a number of area high schools.  Registration forms are available in the guidance office and must be filled out and mailed in advance.

Advanced Placement Exams (for students enrolled in AP courses) - May
The AP exams are three-hour standardized exams administered to students who have completed an AP course at Rice.  Students may be granted college credit depending on the result of their AP exam.  Students enrolled in AP courses sign up for these exams through their AP teacher in April.  A check for the exam(s) is due on May 1st.

Please note that if you qualify for extended time on any of the above standardized exams, you must apply for that status at the start of the school year.  This new procedure is done through your guidance counselor.  We also have fee waivers for all of these tests for families who qualify.  Rice is a testing site for all SAT test dates.  If you are not assigned to Rice, and would like to be, please see your guidance counselor.

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Thanks,

Tresa Pickup
Advancement Office
Rice High School

862-6521 ext. 235