For approximately four hours, students who signed up to take the PLAN Test assembled in the Peoples Church (PC) Gym, Nov. 9. The exam took place from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

The PLAN Test provides students with the preparation needed to pinpoint a career path they wish to pursue. According to the PLAN website, a firm foundation is laid down for the participants of this test in order to help them in future academics and careers.

This exam serves as a practice trial for the ACT, which helps the students measure their academic growth. The scores received from the test help pupils make sure they take the right courses throughout the rest of their high school careers to prepare them for college.

The evaluation consists of four multiple-choice sections: English, math, science and reading. Like the ACT, there is no penalty for guessing on any question throughout the test. These scores are then used to let students know which subjects is their weakest and which is their strongest.

Since this was optional, some students decided not to take part in the test. Sophomore Hannah Avila decided the PLAN was not as important as her classes, which she chose to attend instead.

“This test is not like the PSAT which helps me prepare for the SAT,” Avila said. “It doesn’t really mean that much to me. The PLAN Test helps you figure out which career path is good for you, but I already have an idea of what I want to do after high school. So I know the courses I need to be taking in order to reach my goal.”

Academic Adviser Molly Sargent encourages students to take the PLAN Test in preparation for later tests such as the ACT and SAT. The test is free so why not take it, she said.

“Every time you take a practice standardized test the better you get at it,” Sargent said. “The more prepared you are, the more you know what to expect. The more practice you have in timing yourself the better you’ll do on the test when it really counts. It may be boring, but it’s extremely worth it.”

Elora Hargis, 14′, who is not quite sure of what her plans are for her future, took the PLAN Test in anticipation for the ACT as well as the SAT.

“I took it to get extra practice for the ACT as well as the SAT,” Hargis said. “It helps my overall test taking skills as well as helping me figure out what I want to do with my future and possible career.”

This assessment will be offered again next year during the Fall of 2012. For more information on standardized tests, read the Oct. 12 article, BRIEF: PSAT evaluates student ability.