• STANDARDIZED TESTS 

     
    ACT
    The ACT is offered 6 times a year. It is a 2 hour and 55 minute multiple choice test that covers five subject areas including: English, math, reading, science reasoning, Reading and STEM. The composite score is the average of math, science, English, and reading. There is an optional writing section that is an additional 40 minutes. The ACT is a curriculum based test. Most schools will accept either the ACT or SAT. The top score is a 36.

    ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS

    AP exams are given in May and are taken with the corresponding AP course. Scores range from 1-5 with 5 being the highest. Each colleges has their own policies and guidelines for accepting scores for credit. AP Test registration is usually held in March. Information will be distributed in AP classes.

    PSAT/NMSQT

    The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is administered to the sophomores and juniors in October at no charge to the parents. This is meant to be a practice test and scores are not sent to the colleges. As juniors this assessment is also used as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Juniors achieving a certain score may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The assessment is broken into two sections Math and Evidenced Based Reading. The assessment is scored on a scale of 320-1520 with each individual test section being scored from 160-760. Any freshman interested in taking this assessment should see their counselor.

    SAT

    The SAT is a reasoning test that lasts 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay section. The test revolves around evidenced based reading and math. The test is offered 7 times a year. Scores can range from 200-800 in each section with a total possible score of 1600. Some colleges will “superscore” or take the highest individual content test scores even if they were from different administrations.

    • SAT Information from CollegeBoard
    • SAT Concordance Table:  these tables allow students to compare their old SAT and redesigned SAT scores, as well as SAT and ACT scores to see which are highest
      • Compass Prep has developed a summarized, easy-to-read version of the concordance charts to help you determine whether the Redesigned SAT or ACT is right for you.

    SAT SUBJECT TESTS

    These are one hour subject tests which cover a wide variety of subject areas. These tests are offered 6 times a year with the exception of the Language with Listening tests which are only offered once. Not all colleges require SAT Subject Tests, and some only recommend them. Students do not need to take them if the colleges they are applying to do not require them.

    TOEFL

    The Test of English as a Foreign Language is for non- native speakers who have been in the United States a few years and who find the SAT 1 does not accurately reflect their abilities. The TOEFL is used to assess the ability to read college level text instead of the finer points of the English language.

    •  TOEFL:  Test of English as a Foreign Language

    SENDING SCORES TO COLLEGES

    Students are responsible for sending test scores directly from the testing agency. Students can either designate a recipient at the time of the registration or after they receive their scores. College Board offers “score choice” which allows students to send the score from one specific test sitting. Talk to your counselor to see if this is right for you.

    ACCOMMODATIONS

    Exams can be taken with extended time and accommodations for those students who qualify with an IEP or 504 plan. Very specific guidelines and deadlines are provided by the testing agency. See your counselor for additional information. We encourage students to apply for accommodations as early as the spring of freshman year.

    TEST OPTIONAL

    Colleges and university can use a wide variety of standardized testing in their evaluation process. Included are a list of assessments you may see as you prepare for college. There are some colleges that are “test optional” which means a student can submit a graded essay or other assignment in its place.

    SAT/ACT TEST REGISTRATION

    Students are responsible for registering for all tests through the appropriate website. Go to https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register for the SAT and http://www.act.org/ for the ACT.  The NPHS School Code (CEEB CODE) is 310999 (use when registering for standardized tests).

    FREE TEST PREP

    PRIVATE TEST PREP COMPANIES

    The Counseling Department does not endorse or recommend any particular tutor or organization. The following links are meant to serve as resources only.
Last Modified on September 12, 2019