Standardized Tests

The PSAT is taken in October of your sophomore and junior years as a warm up. These results are not submitted to the colleges. The scores from your junior year are reported to each student and their test booklet is returned for the purpose of review. In addition to assisting students in preparing for the SAT Reasoning Test, the score is useful in initiating the college selection process. The scores from your junior year are also used for qualifying for the National Merit Scholarships.

The SAT is a three hour exam measuring students’ critical reading and math abilities. It is recommended that students take this exam in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year. 

 

The ACT contains four tests that measure academic achievement or academic development in the areas of English, math, reading and science reasoning. A multiple choice test, the ACT is scored on the basis of 0 (low) to 36 (high), and its scores are recorded in the four categories. In addition, there is a composite score from the four subscores. 

 

• Since most colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT, it is suggested that students take both exams.

• Check colleges for specific SAT/ACT requirements (due to pandemic, some are optional)

• Allow adequate time:   
  • Registration – register as early as possible to secure a seat at the most convenient location. 
  • Reporting – it takes two to four weeks for scores to be received by the colleges. 

• Students must log on to College Board and/or ACT to send test scores directly to each college. 

• It is recommended that Early Decision or Early Action applicants take the SAT and/or ACT exam no later than October of senior year.

• Allow two test dates for the SAT or ACT; one in the spring of junior year and one in the fall of senior year.  Only one exam may be necessary if scores are satisfactory. 

Exams are three hours in length and are based on college level courses taken in high school. Tests are given once a year during the month of May.  Exams administered include:

American History, Art (History or Studio), Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English (Language or Literature), European History, French (Language or Literature), German Language, Government and Politics, Latin, Mathematics/Calculus (AB or BC), Music (Listening/Literature or Theory), Physics, and Spanish (Language or Literature). 

AP Exams may be used for college credit or college placement.

The TOEFL test is the most widely respected English-language test in the world, recognized by more than 9,000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, the U.K., and the United States. Students who demonstrate limited English language proficiency may use the TOEFL in support of other standardized test scores.