Standardized Testing
- PSAT
- Schools begin administering PSATs, the practice version of the SAT, as early as eighth grade. If your child is two classes above grade level in math (i.e. taking Honor’s Geometry in Eigth grade), for example, the opportunity to take the PSAT at their local high schools will likely be offered to them.
- There is no essay option on the PSAT.
- When your child gets to high school, they can register to take the PSAT – which will be funded and administered by the school. This will take place on a school day and likely result in a modified class schedule for the rest of the day. These testing dates are often listed on your school’s website.
- If you score well on the PSAT, you will automatically qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The cutoff score varies from year to year and depends on your state of residence.
- Schools begin administering PSATs, the practice version of the SAT, as early as eighth grade. If your child is two classes above grade level in math (i.e. taking Honor’s Geometry in Eigth grade), for example, the opportunity to take the PSAT at their local high schools will likely be offered to them.
- SAT
- Issued by College Board, a non-profit organization that provides college planning and testing resources for the SAT, one of the most common college assessments.
- The SAT is scored out of a total of 1600 – divided into two sections (Reading & Writing and Math)
- Register on time via collegeboard.com. High Schools will often have local test dates listed on their websites.
- Fees depend on whether you take the exam with or without the essay portion. There is also the option to get your fees waived depending on your socio-economic status.
- For students with learning disabilities, you can set up accommodation here.
- Issued by College Board, a non-profit organization that provides college planning and testing resources for the SAT, one of the most common college assessments.
- SAT Subject Tests (SAT2)
- Students take these exams to demonstrate advanced skill in a particular subject area. Depending on the program you are applying to, your school may require a certain subject test.
- There is a baseline registration fee for each test date. This does not pay for any of the assessments themselves. There is an additional fee per assessment. We recommend taking multiple assessments in one day – so you only have to pay the registration fee once.
- Find a complete list of subject tests here.
- Students take these exams to demonstrate advanced skill in a particular subject area. Depending on the program you are applying to, your school may require a certain subject test.
- ACT
- The ACT, administered by an educational non-profit of the same name, is the other of two standardized college assessments most commonly accepted by universities.
- Unlike the SAT, test scores are scaled and range from 1-36. There are five sections: reading, writing, math, science and the essay (optional).
- Fees also depend on registration time and whether you choose to take it with or without the essay. If you cannot afford the test fee, please contact your high school counselor for a waiver. You can receive a maximum of two.
- To request accommodation for learning disabilities or non-native english speakers, visit this page.
- The ACT, administered by an educational non-profit of the same name, is the other of two standardized college assessments most commonly accepted by universities.
Here’s how to start preparing!