EXPLORE AND PLAN
The EXPLORE (taken in the 8th grade), the PLAN (taken in 10th grade), and the ACT (taken in the 11th grade) are all three products that work together to help students, teachers, and parents determine where students are on the path to becoming academically-college ready. Students answer questions on English, mathematics, reading, and science (writing is also tested on the ACT). These tests are specific to grade level and are intended to project the likely path assuming no changes in course taking, effort, or study habits. This allows students to make adjustments in their study and learning based on the results. These tests also highlight and encourage career exploration. The ACT test is typically used for college admissions purposes. All three of these ACT based tests are offered once, at no cost, to students in NC Public Schools.
Students take these tests in November and scores are reported in January. Students receive score reports that are distributed at school including information about how to interpret the reports. For more information please see the following online resources.
Understanding your EXPLORE results
Understanding your PLAN results
The EXPLORE (taken in the 8th grade), the PLAN (taken in 10th grade), and the ACT (taken in the 11th grade) are all three products that work together to help students, teachers, and parents determine where students are on the path to becoming academically-college ready. Students answer questions on English, mathematics, reading, and science (writing is also tested on the ACT). These tests are specific to grade level and are intended to project the likely path assuming no changes in course taking, effort, or study habits. This allows students to make adjustments in their study and learning based on the results. These tests also highlight and encourage career exploration. The ACT test is typically used for college admissions purposes. All three of these ACT based tests are offered once, at no cost, to students in NC Public Schools.
Students take these tests in November and scores are reported in January. Students receive score reports that are distributed at school including information about how to interpret the reports. For more information please see the following online resources.
Understanding your EXPLORE results
Understanding your PLAN results
The PSAT and the SAT are achievement tests that determine how well students have mastered academic concepts and knowledge in the areas of language, mathematics, and writing. They offer some predictive information regarding potential success in college as well as career interest and planning information. The PSAT is taken by all students in the 10th grade and is offered at no cost to NC Public School Students, in that grade level. Students may pay to take the test again in their 11th grade year if they want to be considered for inclusion in the NMSQT Scholarship Program but it is not required. The PSAT helps students see how well they might do on the SAT which is a test typically used for college admissions. Students do have to pay for the SAT test though fee assistance is available for qualifying students. The SAT is not required.
Students take these tests in November and scores are reported in January. Students receive score reports that are distributed at school including information about how to interpret the reports. For more information please see the following online resources.
Understanding your PSAT results and other college planning tools from The College Board
Students take these tests in November and scores are reported in January. Students receive score reports that are distributed at school including information about how to interpret the reports. For more information please see the following online resources.
Understanding your PSAT results and other college planning tools from The College Board