Testing & Assessment
Timberline offers a variety of testing opportunities to students.
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- SAT/ACT Admissions Tests
- Preliminary SAT (PSAT)
- Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Advanced Placement (AP)
October–November students register and pay for exams.
Registration Steps
- Registering on the College Board website
- Paying test fee online through the NTPS payment portal
Important Note
Late exams may be ordered between after the registration deadline in November before full closure of registration in March, however, there will be a $40 late fee for each test ordered.
If you have any questions, please contact Marie Ratcliff at mratcliff@nthurston.k12.wa.us.
SAT/ACT Admissions Tests
Information on each admissions test is available on their website. Note: Washington State public colleges and universities no longer require the ACT/SAT for admission, but check with the college or university you are applying to for information on their admissions requirements (especially out-of-state).
Preliminary SAT (PSAT)
The PSAT/NMSQT is a test that helps to prepare you for the SAT. It also is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship when taken in the junior year.
Many colleges/universities are no longer requiring the SAT/ACT as part of the application process. You will want to check with the school you are interested in applying to for verification of what is needed.
- When: Usually annually in October
- Cost: Juniors - free; Sophomores - $18 (pay in the payment portal and take your receipt to Ms. Garraway to get on the list)
- How to sign up: Talk to Mrs. Garraway in the counseling center to get on the test list and receive a study guide. Space is limited, so sign up early to reserve a seat!
Understanding your PSAT Scores
CollegeBoard presentations on understanding your PSAT scores:
- 9th and 10th Grade students slide deck
- 11th and 12th Grad students slide deck
Advantages of taking the PSAT
- Excellent practice for the SAT
- On-line access to scores, which are useful to study for the SAT
- National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (scholarship opportunities)
- My College QuickStart - a free personalized college and career planning kit based on test scores.
Helpful PSAT Links
- Quickstart: https://quickstart.collegeboard.org/posweb/login.jsp
- Prepping: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html
- Why the PSAT? http://www.princetonreview.com/nmsqt.aspx
- Kaplan PSAT prep: http://www.kaptest.com/College/PSAT/index.html
- Princeton Review: http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Practice-Edition-College-Preparation/dp/0307945693
- Barron’s: http://www.amazon.com/Barrons-PSAT-NMSQT-16th-Edition/dp/0764147951
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test battery which helps students identify their skills and competencies. It is recognized as one of the best career/vocational tests in the nation. This test is just one part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Students are given the opportunity and directions to complete the entire program when they attend their test score interpretation session two to three weeks after taking the test. The results help students match up their skills, competencies and interests with career opportunities. It is also required for those students interested in enlisting in the Armed Forces. Students are in no way obligated to the Military by taking the ASVAB. The ASVAB is administered twice a year.
ASVAB test prep
- https://www.asvabprogram.com
- March2Success for test prep that will help prepare you to take ASVAB, SAT and ACT.
- For information and test preparation: http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
- For additional help with math preparation: http://www.purplemath.com
- Practice ASVAB test: http://asvabpracticetestonline.com