Glendora High School Testing Program
Throughout the course of a student's career at GHS, he/she will have the opportunity to take a variety of tests, recognized at the state and national level. These tests: Advanced Placement, California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), PSAT, SAT and STAR (CST) test the knowledge that the student has learned over the course of his/her academic career. Students who receive outstanding scores are recognized if the below criteria are met.
California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)
The state of California provides students, age sixteen and older, or second semester sophomores, the opportunity to pass a comprehensive proficiency examination. Students passing this test and receiving the approval of their parents are no longer required to attend high school. Passing of this test permits a student to enroll in a community college and those other colleges that recognize this test certificate. Details are available from your counselor and the Guidance/Career Center.
Advanced Placement (AP)
The AP exams are given in the early part of May. Students who are enrolled in AP classes are encouraged to take the exam for their respective class. In addition to earning college credit, students have the ability to receive a variety of honors.
AP SCHOLAR - is granted to students receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams on full year courses.
AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR - is granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams on full year courses.
AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION - is granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams on full year courses.
AP STATE SCHOLAR - is granted to the one female and one male student with the highest average grade (at least 3.5) on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on the greatest number of exams. The minimum requirement is a grade of 3 or higher on three exams on full year courses.
NATIONAL AP SCHOLAR - is granted to students in the U.S. who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams on full year courses.
CAHSEE
A state mandated California High School Exit Exam will be administered to all students.
All students must pass the CAHSEE in both Language Arts and Mathematics in order to receive a diploma.
The students will have several opportunities to take the CAHSEE during the course of their high school career, the first being during the spring of their sophomore year.
Students who do not pass the CAHSEE the first time will be given an opportunity to take it again. Remediation classes will also be available.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT is administered twice nationally in October. At GHS it is offered one of the two designated days. Students of junior standing or below can take this test.
Letters of Commendation
Commended students will be named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score. This score varies from year to year, but is always very high - usually above the 96th percentile of college bound juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT. Students will be honored with Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding ability and potential for academic success in college. Some Commended Students will be candidates for Special Scholarships offered by corporate sponsors.
National Merit Scholars
National Merit Scholars are selected from the finalists who will be named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index Score. This score varies from year to year, but is always higher than that of the Commended Students - usually above the 99.5 percentile of college bound juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT. Merit Scholars are chosen on the basis of their abiiti4s, skills, and accomplishments. The selection process involves evaluating substantial amounts of information and scholarship winners are those judged to have the greatest potential for success in rigorous college studies. The student's academic record, scores on the PSAT and SAT I, essay about attainment, interests and goals, demonstrated leadership in significant activities and contributions to the school and community are all given consideration.
Star
The STAR test is state mandated. It is administered in the spring to the 9th through 11th grade students. GHS' ranking within the state of California is based on the results of this test. Students are tested in English, math, social studies and science. The tests are standard based.
