We currently use the Differential Aptitude Test (5th Edition) for assessing 9th grade student's academic abilities and interests; it is published by Harcourt, Brace & Company. The DAT is produced by The Psychological Corporation (1990) and has several parts:

Verbal Reasoning measures the ability to see relationships among words. The test consists of analogies, each of which has two words missing-the first word in the first relationship and the second word in the second relationship. Rather than focusing on vocabulary recognition, these analogies assess the ability to infer the relationship between the first pair of words and apply the relationship to the second pair of words, so that the last two words are related to each other in the same way as the first two words. Good test achievers may predict success in business, law, education, journalism and the sciences. (40 items/25 minutes)

Numerical Reasoning measures the ability to perform mathematical tasks. In order to ensure that reasoning rather than computational facility is stressed, the computation level of many of the problems is well below grade level of students for whom the test is intended. Good test achievers may predict success in mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering plus occupational success in bookkeeping, carpentry, laboratory work and toolmaking.(40 items/30 minutes)

Scholastic Aptitude (Verbal Reasoning+Numerical Reasoning) is a combination of two scores and it measures ability to learn from books and teachers in mastering school subjects.

Abstract Reasoning assesses how well students can reason with geometric figures or designs, and is a nonverbal measure of reasoning ability. Good test achievers may predict success in automobile repair, computer programming, drafting and mathematics.(40 items/20 minutes)

Mechanical Reasoning measures the ability to understand basic mechanical principles of machinery, tools and motion. Each item consists of a pictorially presented mechanical situation and a simply worded question. Items represent principles that involve reasoning rather than special knowledge. Good test achievers may predict success as a carpenter, electrician, engineer, machine operator or any job where repair and operation of complex devices is involved. (60 items/25 minutes)

Space Relations measures the ability to visualize a three-dimensional object from a two-dimensional pattern, and to visualize how this object would look if rotated in space. Each problem shows one pattern, followed by four three-dimensional figures. Students are to choose the one figure that can be made from the pattern. Good test achievers may predict success in architecture, art, carpentry, clothing design, dentistry and drafting. (50 items/25 minutes)

Spelling measures how well students can spell common English words based upon phonetic and structural principles. The words are presented in a four-option item format that includes three correctly spelled words and one misspelled word. In this way, a 40-item test actually tests 160 words. The misspelled words reflect the most plausible and commonly made errors identified by a major research study. Good test achievers are skilled in basic skills necessary in many academic and vocational pursuits. (40 items/10 minutes)

Language Usage measures the ability to detect errors in grammar, punctuation and capitalization. The test consists of sentences that are divided into four parts. Students must choose whether one part has an error in punctuation, capitalization or grammar or whether it is correct as written. It is an important skill for most jobs requiring a college degree. Good test achievers may predict success as editors, librarians, secretaries, teachers and writers. (40 items/15 minutes)

Perceptual Speed and Accuracy measures the ability to compare and mark written lists quickly and accurately. The test items do not call for reasoning skills; rather, the emphasis is on speed. Good test achievers may predict success in clerical tasks such as filing or coding plus many technical/scientific jobs involving data. (Part 1 & 2-100 items/3 minutes)

CAREER INTEREST INVENTORY-150 job/activity statements translate interests into 15 occupational groups: (30 minutes)
Agriculture-working with plants and/or animals (Farmer, Forest Ranger, Gardener, Horse Trainer) Health Services-provide a variety of services to the sick, injured or disabled (Nurse, Doctor, Physical Therapist, Veterinarian) Management-help establish goals, direct operations and control activities within an organization (Accountant, Banker, Manager) Clerical Services-prepare/store records and data plus operate office machines (Bookkeeper, Cashier, Clerk, Secretary, Typist), Customer Services-guard or clean buildings, prepare/serve food, cut/style hair, etc. (Cook, Flight attendant, Police Officer), Sales-buying/selling products or services (Fund raiser, Real Estate agent, Insurance Agent), Fine Arts-use special skills in creative arts/entertainment (Artist, Editor, Journalist, Musician, Photographer, Singer, Writer), Mathematics and Science-do research, observe things, do experiments (Chemist, Computer, Scientist, Engineer), Educational Services-help people learn (College Professor, Librarian, Museum Worker, Teacher), Social Science-concerned about the social needs of people (Counselor, Historian, Social Worker, Psychologist), Legal Services-advise people about legal matters (Attorney, Judge, Paralegal), Benchwork-use handtools to make and/or repair small products (Jewelry Repair, Locksmith, Video Repair), Building Trades-skilled work (Bricklayer, Carpenter, Plumber, Painter, Roofer, Welder), Machine Operation-use/operate machines working with metal, paper or wood (Band Saw Operator, Furnace Operator, Press Operator) and Transportation-operate vehicles like trucks, buses, tractors (Ambulance Driver, Service Station Attendant, Truck Driver).