Halls High School
TESTING

Gateway Tests (Required)
Students must pass the state Gateway exams in Algebra I, Biology I, and English II in order to earn a high school diploma.  Exams will be given at the end of the semester in which the student takes the course.  Students will retake any failed Gateway tests each semester until they are successful in passing the test.  Tutoring and additional help is available for students who have not passed the Gateway tests.  Students should see his or her counselor for additional information.

Additional Tests (Optional)
Fall of 10th grade - PLAN, a practice ACT (American College Test) for sophomores to predict ability to do college work. Tests areas of English, math, science reasoning and social studies and also includes an interest inventory. This test will be administered only once in November determined by the PLAN.
Fall of 11th grade - PSAT, a practice SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) for juniors to predict ability to do college work. Honors level sophomores may take the PSAT.  Tests areas are English and math. High scorers compete in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This test will be administered only once in October as determined by PSAT.  Students register and pay in advance.
Spring of 11/12 grade -Advanced Placement Tests (provided by the College Board) provide an opportunity for students to earn college credit based on their test scores. Colleges may award a certain number of credit hours in a subject area. Testing occurs in May during the national testing window. Students are required to register and pay for these exams. Individual universities determine the hours of credit earned based on test scores.

College Entrance Exams
Both the ACT (American College Test) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) are given at local sites in the Knoxville area. A one-time voucher is available to pay for either the ACT or SAT test.  Students register by picking up applications in the counseling center and mailing the registration and fees (or voucher) directly to the testing company or apply on-line.  
Students can have test scores sent directly to the colleges considering their application by completing the appropriate section of the ACT/SAT registration form. If a parent signs the Release of Test Score Form and submit it with their child’s college applications, an unofficial testing record will be sent from the Counseling Center to a college.