College Entrance Exams

Missouri colleges prefer students to submit an ACT score upon applying for admission. The SAT may be required by out-of-state colleges. It is recommended that students planning to attend a vocational, two-year, or 4-year college take the ACT or
SAT during the spring of their junior year. Students may take tests on any of the nationally scheduled dates and may retest as often as they choose. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for test results to be returned. Students should check the college or university website for current admissions requirements. ACT review materials are available for the visually impaired.

Test registration forms and information about which test colleges prefer is available in the guidance office. Students may register by mail or online. (Joplin High School CEEB code is 261585)

Students preparing for an admissions test should:

• Select high school courses that include the recommended core curriculum.
• Study the current and descriptive preparation materials, including the practice test, published by ACT or SAT available free of charge in the registration packet.
• Explore the test preparation materials available in the school and public libraries and in bookstores.
• Consider taking Academics Plus; a one semester class designed to prepare students for the ACT and SAT.

Academic & Career Planning Assessments

PLAN Test: The PLAN test is given in the Fall. This test covers the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. Results provide students with an early indication of their educational progress in view of the educational and career options they are considering after high school. An interest inventory and study power assessment is also an important part of the results. Sophomores take the test as part of the nominations process for the Missouri Scholars Academy and as practice for the ACT.

PSAT: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is given in the Fall at Joplin High School. Sophomores take the test as part of the nomination process for the Missouri Scholars Academy and as practice for the junior year when they may enter the National Merit Scholarship competition. Juniors interested in the competition must take the PSAT to be considered. Sophomores and Juniors can take the PSAT as practice for the SAT.