In early April, Howell High School will be buzzing with activity as students will participate in the much-anticipated “Test Fest” week. This annual event is a substantial milestone for many students, especially juniors who face the SAT.

The SAT, the standardized test that is used for college admissions in the United States, is almost upon Howell High. Students were assigned rooms based on their last names in the Freshman Campus, ensuring an organized and smooth testing process. This arrangement aimed to reduce anxiety and create a conducive environment for students to perform their best.

“It’s important to note that, like the SAT has changed within recent years, so they’ve intentionally made it so that it’s less bulky in the way that it asks questions,” English teacher Mrs. Valerie Wininger said. 

Scores from the SAT play a crucial role in college admissions, serving as a key criterion for many institutions. A high SAT score can significantly increase a student’s chances of being admitted to their chosen college or university. 

Furthermore, in Michigan, a high SAT score can open doors to various scholarships, significantly reducing the financial burden of higher education. Scholarships such as the Michigan Competitive Scholarship, the Michigan Promise Scholarship, and others specifically target students with exemplary SAT scores, making this test even more significant. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also recognition of academic excellence and potential.

“I felt like the PSAT helped me to acknowledge the specifics of each section in the test. It made me less nervous and a little more confident,” senior Cailean Staurt said.

To ensure students are well-prepared, Howell High School incorporates the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) into “Test Fest” week. The juniors are at the Freshman Campus taking the SAT. Sophomores and freshmen gather at the high school’s Main Campus to take the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, which serve as practice tests for the SAT. The senior class gets to have a break for a few days after enduring the “Test Fest” for years. The PSAT helps students familiarize themselves with the test format, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence for the SAT.

“This is a quiz, so it’s broken down into the four basic categories. So, you’ve got basic algebra skills, stats and probability, geometry, trig, and problem-solving,” Math Intervention Specialist Ms. Laura Park said.

In addition to the SAT and PSAT, the NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) assessments play a vital role in the academic journey of HHS students. The NWEA tests, which measure academic progress in subjects such as math, reading, and language usage, are administered multiple times throughout the school year. These assessments provide educators with valuable student growth and proficiency data, allowing for targeted instruction and intervention. 

“I remember doing NWEA in middle school and I didn’t mind it. It was actually kind of fun looking back and I wasn’t stressing at all. I miss it honestly,” senior Andre Windom said.

The importance of the NWEA lies in its ability to inform teaching strategies, improve student outcomes, and ensure that each student is on track to meet academic standards. While the state funds the initial SAT test for juniors, retaking the SAT comes with additional costs. The fee for each retake can be a financial consideration for families, though, in Michigan, fee waivers are available for qualifying students. Retaking the SAT can be a strategic move to improve scores, thus enhancing college admission expectations and scholarship opportunities.

As “Test Fest” week is coming up, Howell High School students emerge better prepared and more informed about their academic futures. The highlighting of standardized testing features the school’s commitment to guiding students toward college readiness and success.

“I wasn’t too worried about the SAT. I felt prepared enough based on how I studied. For the incoming kids, I would just say don’t stress about it so much. Enjoy your time, and don’t get yourself worked up about it,” senior Abby Highlen said.