College Tests
PreACT 8/9 The PreACT 8/9 is a required test for all WCA freshmen and helps identify areas for improvement in preparation for college entrance exams.
PreACT Like the PreACT 8/9, the PreACT is also a preparatory test for the ACT. All WCA sophomores are required to take the PreACT and participate in practice sessions provided by WCA faculty prior to test administration. Students taking the PreACT and ACT at WCA also benefit from online preparatory programs and materials offered to students and used by faculty during practice sessions.
American College Test (ACT) As a requirement for graduation, all juniors at WCA must take the ACT (American College Test), which is the most widely used college entrance test in the United States. WCA’s average composite scores regularly exceed state and national average scores.
*PSAT/NMSQT The primary purpose of this test—typically taken in the fall of the junior year—is to give students the opportunity to qualify as National Merit Scholars (NMS). Exceptionally high scores qualify students for consideration in the NMS program. An added benefit is exposure to other scholarship programs.
*Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Virtually all colleges in the U.S. accept both ACT and SAT scores; therefore, we do not require students to take the SAT. Some students may benefit by taking both tests. Resources are available for those students electing to take the SAT.
*Indicates that WCA does not currently offer these tests. As interest changes, they may become available at WCA in the future.
Standardized Tests
STAR Reading Test Created by Renaissance Learning, STAR Reading Test is a standardized, norm-referenced reading assessment that enables WCA faculty and administration to determine students’ reading ability and to support them on their journey to becoming skilled readers. Students in grades 9-10 take the STAR Reading Test several times annually (at least twice) so that teachers and administration can measure their reading growth and plan strategically. Test results alert teachers and administration to learning hurdles students may be facing that result from reading difficulties. Reading ability affects all subject areas and is a strong predictor of future academic success. Additionally, the results direct students to select independent reading materials that will help them continue to grow as readers.
IOWA Achievement Tests WCA students take IOWA Achievement Tests annually in the spring as a measure of their academic progress. According to Riverside Insights, the producer of IOWA Assessments, these tests “are rigorous, norms-referenced measures of what students have learned.” Not only do the IOWA Assessments act as an individual measure for student achievement, but they also help WCA plan strategically for future academic improvement. Each year WCA faculty and administration review the test results and augment curriculum and instruction to strengthen any areas of weakness. Parents receive a copy of their student’s results so that they too can gauge performance and address any concerns with teachers and principals.
GPA Calculations
Grade Point Averages are calculated on 4.0 scales with .33 pt added and deducted for plus and minus grades. The .33 addition is not given for an A+ because the state does not allow more than a .5 addition for Honors or 1.0 addition for AP/Dual Enrollment.
Grading Scale/GPA Equivalents (Beginning with the class of 2019):
Grade Gen Honors AP/DC
A+ 98-100 4.00 4.50 5.00
A 93-97 4.00 4.50 5.00
A- 90-92 3.67 4.17 4.67
B+ 87-89 3.33 3.83 4.33
B 83-86 3.00 3.50 4.0
B- 80-82 2.67 3.17 3.67
C+ 77-79 2.33 2.83 3.33
C 73-76 2.00 2.50 3.0
C- 70-72 1.67 2.17 2.67
D+ 67-69 1.33 1.83 2.33
D 63-66 1.00 1.50 2.0
D- 60-62 0.67 1.17 1.67
F 0-59 0.00 0.00 0.00
