Standardized Testing

Declan Murphy named as a National Merit Semifinalist

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We are proud to announce that Declan Murphy has been named a Semifinalist in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. This prestigious honor recognizes Declan as one of the top scorers for the Class of 2027 and is a significant step toward the National Merit Scholarship competition.  Congratulations to Declan and his family!

 

PSAT/NMSQT

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The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) tests will be given at Assumption High School on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:45 a.m. If you have a student who is interested in taking the PSAT test, please have your student stop in Student Services to register and pay the $18.00 fee by Tuesday, September 15, 2026. (Checks can be made out to Scott County Catholic Schools.)

WHAT IS THE PSAT?

The PSAT is a test given once a year in October. Many students take the PSAT, not only as preparation to take other standardized testing including the SAT, which is widely used as a criterion for college admissions, but also, as juniors, to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. The PSAT has sections covering Reading and Writing, Vocabulary, and Math. The Reading and Writing, and Vocabulary sections measure a student’s potential success with college and career readiness in literacy. The Math section measures math fluency, understanding, and ability to apply concepts, skills, and practices.

Though it is only the scores from the PSAT taken in your junior year that are considered for the National Merit Scholarship competition, some students will take the PSAT as sophomores for practice with standardized testing. The selection process starts with the choosing of National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists and Commended Scholars. Cutoffs vary from state to state but typically Semi-Finalists score in the top one percent of students in their state and Commended Scholars between the top one to four percent.

For more information on the PSAT, click on the following link. https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt

Click here for PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

 

 

ZAPS – ACT Prep

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Online Strategy Webinars – Register Now

With ZAPS® ACT strategy webinars, your child can participate in the same, top-quality ACT test preparation as a ZAPS ACT strategy seminar without leaving home.

Your student will learn:

  • The directions for each ACT question type to save time during the test
  • What to expect of the types of questions and difficulty level
  • How to use partial knowledge to gain points
  • Effective time management techniques
  • Specific techniques, strategies, and ACT study tips for each subtest
  • A plan for writing a high-scoring essay on any topic
  • How to effectively use study time in the days leading up to the test

You can expect your student’s instructor to be helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. ZAPS instructors are ACT test specialists, thoroughly trained in the ACT.

Your student will receive:

  • ZAPPING the ACT Study Guide, a comprehensive resource filled with all these benefits, and more:
    • ACT test tips and strategies
    • An extensive grammar review
    • Clear, concise instruction on how to score your best on the Enhanced Writing Test
    • Practice essay prompts and a Writer’s Checklist
    • A comprehensive mathematics review
    • Story problem strategies
    • Detailed answer explanations
    • An individual study plan for the days leading up to the test
  • Four ZAPPING the ACT Workout booklets, with six shortened practice tests each in English, Math, Reading, and Science for a total of 24 practice tests.

Requirements

For best results, your student will need the following:

  • A computer with high-speed Internet connection (Note: The recorded webinar cannot be viewed on a tablet or phone.)
  • A quiet location
  • A headset (extremely helpful, but optional)
  • A pen or pencil
  • A calculator (for the math section)
  • ZAPPING the ACT Study Guide and Workout booklets (be sure to sign up at least 5 business days prior to the webinar to receive materials on time)

Helpful, live customer service and tech support will be provided.

Recorded Webinars – Buy Now

If your student can’t attend a live webinar, a recorded webinar is a great solution. The webinar recording is available for viewing for one full year from the date of purchase.