Why take it?
Before you start getting worked up over the idea of yet another standardized test, the first thing that you should know is that the PLAN is designed to help you, and your results won't affect your grades or your transcripts. It will help you focus your test prep time and get you going in the right direction so you can put your time between now and college graduation to the best possible use.
Get the lay of the land
Wouldn't it be a relief to know ahead of time if your chances of acing the ACT are good? The academic assessment portion of the PLAN mimics that of the ACT by measuring your skills in English, Math, Reading, and Science. It takes about two hours to complete this portion, much like it would on the actual ACT. While this may seem like a bummer of a way to spend a Saturday morning, it's an investment of time in your future and is time well spent.
Get to know yourself
The PLAN is much more than an academic precursor to the ACT. The assessment also includes the UNIACT Interest Inventory, an interests and skills inventory that matches you with broad career fields which may be best suited for you. Since most fifteen and sixteen year olds probably aren't yet set on "what they want to do when they grow up," the UNIACT provides a great starting place for exploring where you might want to go.
Hooking you up
The PLAN is also a college and financial aid planning tool. It includes the Educational Opportunity Service (EOS), a resource that looks at your academic profile and interests inventory and then matches you with colleges that may interest you, as well as with scholarships you may want to apply for.
The PLAN is an all-purpose instrument designed to help you plan for your future, not just another benchmark of your high school years. Make sure you use the opportunity during your sophomore year to take it and to gather valuable information about your potential for future greatness.
Article complements of Peterson's. Learn more tips about testing college entrance exams and take a free practice tests by clicking here.