Standardized Testing

As a response to COVID, many colleges have updated their policy on standardized testing. Some schools are now test-optional or test-blind. Colleges that still review test scores look at both the ACT and SAT without bias toward one or the other.

While AP tests are not required for admission, students are encouraged to submit their scores depending on the results; some colleges will use the results of AP tests to determine course placement. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is typically required for students whose native language is not English. Some schools now also accept the ELTS (International English Language Testing System) and Duolingo exams to demonstrate English proficiency.

If a college is “test-optional,” applicants do not need to submit test scores as part of their application. If a college is “test-flexible,” applicants can submit a nontraditional blend of test scores taken from a range of tests specified by the college. The National Center for Fair and Open Testing has a list of test-optional and test-flexible colleges.

We encourage students to take both the SAT and ACT. The tests differ, and sometimes a student does better on one of the tests. Most colleges “super score” test results, taking the best score from different testing dates in each section of the test to make a single set of scores for evaluation. Some select colleges ask you to submit scores for all exams taken.

Students are responsible for submitting their test scores to colleges. We recommend that students do not elect to have test scores sent automatically to colleges. Waiting allows students to control the submission of official score reports. Many colleges now allow students to self-report their scores in their application. Other colleges will require official reports from the College Board and ACT. Students should read the testing section on the admission page of each college to determine how to proceed.

General information about each of the tests:

 

Test Name	Description	How To Register	When It’s Taken
PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test	A standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It provides early feedback on test-taking for 10th-graders and is the basis for the National Merit Scholarship for juniors. This test is not used for college admission purposes.	NMH automatically signs students up. Families will be billed on the student's account.	In 10th grade as practice for the SAT, and inin 11th grade as practice for the SAT and as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition.
SAT	A standardized college admission test administered by the College Board	The SAT is offered at NMH in two ways:  School day testing: Students sign up for the exam with the school after the school year begins.  Weekend testing: Students must register for the test themselves through the College Board.	Typically in the late fall/winter of junior year and again in the fall of senior year. Many students retake the SAT in spring of junior year.
ACT	A standardized college admission test administered by the ACT.	The ACT is offered at NMH. Students must register for the test themselves directly with ACT. The NMH ACT code is 220730.	Typically in the late fall/winter of junior year, then again in the fall of senior year. Often students retake the ACT in spring of junior year.
Duolingo	Measures one's ability to use and understand English at the university level. Students whose first language is not English should consult with their college counselor to confirm whether they should take Duolingo,  TOEFL, or IELTS.	Students register themselves for the exam, which they take on their personal computer.	Students whose first language is not English typically take Duolingo in the spring of junior year or early fall of senior year.
TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language	Measures one's ability to use and understand English at the university level. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service. Students whose first language is not English should consult with their college counselor to confirm whether they should take Duolingo,  TOEFL, or IELTS.	NMH does not offer the TOEFL. Students should take this exam while home on a break during junior year or in the summer before their senior year.	Students whose first language is not English typically take the TOEFL during junior year (while home on break) or in the summer before senior year.
IELTS International English Language Testing System	IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, the International Development Program, and Cambridge English. Students whose first language is not English should consult with their college counselor to confirm whether they should take Duolingo,  TOEFL, or IELTS.	NMH does not offer the IELTS. Students should take this exam while home on a break during junior year or in the summer before their senior year.	Students whose first language is not English typically take the IELTS during junior year (while home on break) or in the summer before senior year.

 

 

9th Grade

• Students are creating a foundation for future testing via a commitment to their academic studies at NMH. 
• Students who will need accommodations on standardized testing should reach out to the director of NMH’s Center for Academic Strategies and Achievement for further information to ensure their request for accommodations is submitted prior to their upcoming test date(s).
   

10th Grade

• Students take the PSAT in October. NMH registers students; families/students do not register themselves.
• Students who will need accommodations on standardized testing should reach out to the director of NMH’s Center for Academic Strategies and Achievement for further information to ensure their request for accommodations is submitted prior to their upcoming test date(s).
• Begin test preparation during the summer between 10th and 11th grade. Speak with the college counseling office on test-prep options.
   

11th Grade

• Students are not required to take the PSAT in October, but many do. NMH registers students; families/students do not register themselves. To opt out, students must complete a form after speaking with family members/their college counselor.
• Most students take the SAT or ACT in the winter and again in the spring. NMH offers a limited number of test dates. For weekend SATs, students register through the SAT website. For midweek “School Day” SATs, students register through the school. For the ACT, students register themselves and use the NMH code. 
• Students who will need accommodations on standardized testing should reach out to the director of NMH’s Center for Academic Strategies and Achievement for further information to ensure their request for accommodations is submitted prior to their upcoming test date(s).
• Non-native English speakers are encouraged to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. We recommend doing this before the start or just at the start of senior year. NMH does not administer these exams. 
• NMH offers AP exams in May. Students must sign up for AP exams using the AP Classroom code provided by their teacher. Students who wish to take the exam must contact the school’s AP coordinator, Jensi Rovang.
• Continue test preparation during 11th grade and the summer between 11th and 12th grade.
• We recommend that, when registering for tests, you do not have your results sent automatically to colleges. Wait until the fall of senior year to exercise more control over the submission of official score reports to colleges.
   

12th Grade and Postgraduates

• Most seniors and some postgraduates retake the SAT and ACT in the fall. NMH offers a limited number of test dates. For weekend SATs, students register through the SAT website. For midweek “School Day” SATs, students register through the school. For the ACT, students register themselves and use the NMH code. 
• Students who will need accommodations on standardized testing should reach out to the director of NMH’s Center for Academic Strategies and Achievement for further information to ensure their request for accommodations is able to be submitted prior to their upcoming test date(s).
• Non-native English speakers are encouraged to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. We recommend doing this before the start or just at the start of senior year. NMH does not administer these exams. 
• NMH offers AP exams in May. Students must sign up for AP exams using the AP Classroom code provided by their teacher. Students who wish to take the exam must contact the school’s AP coordinator.
• We recommend that, when registering for tests, you do not have your results sent automatically to colleges. Wait until the fall of senior year and exercise more control over the submission of official score reports to colleges.

Tenth-grade PSAT results or 11th-grade winter SAT and ACT results can help students analyze which test best suits them and then focus on preparing for that test. Options include self-study, tutoring, online prep, and prep courses. NMH partners with Revolution Prep to offer optional SAT and ACT (and AP) preparation courses over the summer and throughout the academic year. Our college counselors are available to advise students on standardized-test preparation plans.

We encourage students to begin preparing for the SAT and ACT as early as the summer between 10th and 11th grade.  Free online SAT preparation options include:

• SAT College Board
• Khan Academy
• ACT