Testing
Required Tests
ALL THESE TESTS LISTED BELOW ARE ADMINISTERED AT
ZIMMERMAN HIGH SCHOOL
2024-2025
Parents/Guardians of High School Students,
This school year your student(s) will be completing the state-mandated Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). The MCA's are criterion-referenced tests which are based on the Minnesota Academic Standards. All students in grades 10 and 11 will be assessed on their knowledge and skills in the areas of math and reading. In addition, all grade 10 biology students, and 10th grade students enrolled in our Principles of Biomedical Science classes will also participate in the MCA science test.
The MCA's are administered to students online. Please ensure that your student(s) fully charge their chromebook. Students also need to bring a set of headphones/earbuds (Not Bluetooth) so they can listen to the test. We also strongly encourage daily attendance to ensure your student(s) are able to complete their testing.
Building Schedule:
MCA Reading (Grade 10) April 15 & 16 2025
MCA Math (Grade 11) April 22 & 23 2025
MCA Science (Grade 10 Biology & Principles of Biomedical Science Classes)
April 29 & 30 2025
As a district, we are proud of our students' academic performance and the MCA's are just one indicator of that success. Results from the MCA's are used to evaluate our curriculum to ensure that our students are career and college ready. Resources to prepare your child for the MCA's can be found on the district's website under the Services tab > Student Services > Research & Planning. In addition, your student's teacher will be providing them with information to help them do their best on their tests.
Please feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions or concerns regarding testing dates.
| TESTS | WHEN | WHAT IS IT? | WHO TAKES IT? | WHY TAKE IT? |
| *Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Test Reading |
10th graders will be taking the Reading MCA in their English class April 15 & 16 2025 |
Evaluation of student competence in application of processes and concepts of the state graduation standards. |
Reading – 10th graders |
Identify district and school strengths and weaknesses |
| *Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Test Math | 11th graders will take the Math MCA during their Math class April 22 & 23 2025 | Evaluation of student competence in application of processes and concepts of the state graduation standards. | Math – 11th graders |
Identify district and school strengths and weaknesses |
| ACT Test (no writing section) |
Tuesday April 8th 2025; only for 11th graders. Test will be taken during the school day and is optional. No pre-registration is required. For additional testing opportunities you can test on Saturdays in Sept, Oct, Dec, February, April, and June. For Saturday test dates and to register and pay go to actstudent.org. On Saturday Feb. 8th 2025 we will be offering the ACT Test that you have to register and pay for. |
College-entrance exam based on learned skills and problem solving. Subjects are: English/Reading/Math/Science. Writing is Optional; most colleges don't require the Writing section. |
11th graders, students aren't required to take the ACT for High School Graduation |
1. Helps determine which colleges a student is accepted to. 2. Qualify for various scholarships. |
| *Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Test (Science) |
Students will be testing April 29 & 30 2025 |
Evaluation of student competence in application of concepts and processes of the graduation standards. |
Science- For students enrolled in Biology, AP Biology, and Biomed Sciences |
Identify individual learning strengths and weaknesses |
|
*Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Test (Middle School Reading and Math) |
MCA Reading- April 8-10 2025 (Grades 6-8) MCA Math- April 22-24 2025 (Grades 6-8) |
Evaluation of student competence in application of concepts and processes of the graduation standards. |
Grades 6-8 |
Identify individual learning strengths and weaknesses |
| *Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Test (Science for 8th grade) |
MCA Science- April 29-30 2025 (Grade 8 Only) |
Evaluation of student competence in application of concepts and processes of the graduation standards. |
Grade 8 |
Identify individual learning strengths and weaknesses |
*Tests also used by District Staff to evaluate curriculum
Optional Tests
ALL REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION* 2020-2021
| TESTS | WHEN, WHERE, & COST | WHAT IS IT? | WHO TAKES IT? | WHY TAKE IT? |
| *ASVAB | Date to be determined, at 7:30am, Free | Armed Services Placement Test | 11th & 12th graders |
1. Explore vocational interests and aptitudes. 2. Determine armed services training opportunities and placement. |
| *PSAT/ NMSQT |
To be determined 7:30 am – 11:30 am Cost is $17.00 |
The PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a test that is recommended to students who traditionally have high test scores. Students need to get a very high score on this test to have a chance at qualifying to be a National Merit Scholar. |
10th & 11th graders |
1. Qualify for National Merit Scholarship (only 11th graders) 2. Practice/Predict SAT Scores |
| *ACT |
Offered at various testing centers every 6 weeks on Saturdays in Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, April, June. On Saturday Feb. 8th 2025 we will be offering the ACT Test that you have to register and pay for on actstudent.org |
College-entrance exam to determine acceptance into a particular college. Subjects are: English/Reading/Math/Science and the Writing section is optional. For Saturday test dates and to register and pay go to actstudent.org |
Recommended for second semester Juniors and also Seniors |
1. Helps determine which colleges a student is accepted to. 2. Qualify for various scholarships. |
| *SAT | Offered at various testing centers in Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, March, May, June | College entrance test based on verbal reasoning and math | Recommended for seniors and second semester juniors primarily interested in East/West coast colleges |
1. Helps determine which colleges a student qualifies for. 2. Qualify for various scholarships. |
| SAT Subject Tests | Offered at various testing centers in Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, April, May, June |
Individual subject matter tests; required by a few select colleges. Writing/Literature, American History, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, World Languages |
A few students interested in select east/west coast colleges; grades 10-12. Students are advised to take tests close to completion of related class. |
1. Prove competency in a specific area. 2. Used by some colleges for class placement. |
| AP TESTS | To be determined |
College Board AP Exams: Chemistry, English Language and Composition, English Lit and Composition, Calculus AB, US History, Biology, World History, Statistics, Human Geography |
Any 9th through 12th grade student who is currently taking an AP class |
1. AP exam grades (if sufficiently high) could earn you credit, placement or both at thousands of colleges and universities. 2. AP exams prepare you to take college-level exams and to measure your level of college-preparedness with students around the country. |
*Space is limited. Pre-registration and payment by a cut-off date – generally 3-5 weeks before test administration since tests have to be ordered and shipped.
*Either the ACT or SAT is required for admission to a four year college. Most colleges in MN prefer students do the ACT Test. Both tests include optional writing tests required by a few 4-year colleges.