Testing
Important Testing Announcement
As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things for our students. One of the major changes is to college applications and the use of standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) in this process.
While our Arizona public universities have been “test-optional” (students could choose to submit scores but weren’t required to do so) for many years, most of their scholarship programs and Honors Colleges were not. This has changed for the Class of 2021 and SAT/ACT scores are no longer required for these programs either. Here are some useful links to school-specific information:
- ASU Scholarship Estimator | test scores no longer required
- ASU Barrett Honors College | ”test blind” - will not use scores even if submitted
- NAU Scholarships | test scores never needed for Lumberjack; no longer needed for others.
- NAU Honors College | GPA, essay and resume listed as requirements
- U Arizona Scholarships | test scores removed from chart
- U Arizona Honors College | test scores “not considered”
For students applying out-of-state, the overwhelming majority of college admission offices and scholarship organizations have also removed their testing requirement. Instead, higher education institutions are sending the following message: if you happen to already have a test score from Spring 2020 that you think is a good representation of your ability, send it. If not, or if you have been unable to test, please do not risk yours or anyone else’s health to take an exam for us.
As a result, students without test scores will not be penalized, disadvantaged or have additional requirements to complete their applications. The list of colleges in this category can be found here. Please contact the appropriate admissions office directly if you have questions.
Testing at THS
Welcome to testing at Tempe High School! Learn more about AZMerit, the SAT and other exams through the links below.
AIMS & AZMerit
AzMERIT
Click on the button below for resources for student and families, sample tests and the Arizona Academic Standards.
AIMS
Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards Alternate (AIMS A), administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), measures what students know and are able to do in the content area of Science as presented in the Arizona Alternate Academic Standards.
For more information on testing details, visit www.azed.gov/assessment/aims-a/
AP Testing
Learn more about the AP Exam Program through the links below:
AP Testing Links
- Advanced Placement Program - AP website
- About the AP Exam - AP website
- Course Equivalency Guide ASU, NAU, UA - AZ Transfer website
- Find colleges and universities with AP credit policy information - AP website
- AP Testing Dates 2025 - AP website
- AP Calculator Policy - AP website
- AP Digital Exams (New for 2025) - AP website