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. AP tests are not required for admission; however, 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 Duolingo exam 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. Many schools became test-optional in response to the limited testing opportunities during the pandemic.
 
We encourage students to take both the SAT and ACT in the winter or spring of junior year. The tests differ, though not as much as they once did, and sometimes a student does significantly better on one of the tests. Students whose native language is not English are also encouraged to take the TOEFL or Duolingo in their junior year.
 
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.
 
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 or with a screenshot of the score report. Other colleges will require official reports from the College Board and ACT websites. Students should read the testing section on the admission page of each college to determine how to proceed. 

Here is general information about each of the tests.

 

Test Name	What it is	How To Register	When 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 (NMSQC). 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.	Taken in 10th grade as practice for the SAT. Taken in 11th grade as practice for the SAT and as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition.
SAT Sometimes referred to as SAT I or SAT Reasoning Test	A standardized college admission test administered by the College Board	The SAT is offered at NMH in two ways, through both weekend and school day administrations.  School day: Students sign up for the exam with the school after the school year begins.  Weekend: Students must register for the test themselves through the College Board.	Typically late fall/winter of junior year and again fall of senior year. Many students also 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 CEEB/ACT Code can be found in NMH Connect, under "Resources."	Typically late fall/winter of junior year, then again fall of senior year. Often students also 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 must take either Duolingo or the TOEFL. Students should consult with their college counselor to confirm whether they should take Duolingo or TOEFL.	Students register themselves for the exam. They take this exam 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 must take either Duolingo or the TOEFL. Students should consult with their college counselor to confirm whether they should take Duolingo or TOEFL.	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.

 

 

9th Grade

• Students are creating a foundation for future testing. 
• Those who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the academic dean’s office well in advance of testing. Parents must sign the form for students under 18.

 
10th Grade

• Students take the PSAT in October. NMH registers students; parents/students do not register themselves.
• Those who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the academic dean’s office well in advance of testing. Parents must sign the form for students under 18.
• Begin test preparation during the summer between 10th and 11th grade.

 
11th Grade

• Students are required to take the PSAT in October. NMH registers students; parents/students do not register themselves.
• Most students take the SAT and ACT in the winter and again in spring. NMH offers a limited number of test dates. For weekend SAT tests, students register through the SAT website. For midweek “School Day” SAT tests, students register through the school. For the ACT, students register themselves and use the NMH code. 
• Students who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the academic dean’s office well in advance of testing. Parents must sign the form for students under 18.
• Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL or Duolingo. We recommend doing this before the start of senior year. NMH does not administer either exam. If students take the TOEFL, they should do so during the summer before senior year. The Duolingo exam can be done on a personal computer. 
• 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.
• 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 and 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 SAT tests, students register through the SAT website. For midweek “School Day” SAT tests, students register through the school. For the ACT, students register themselves and use the NMH code. 
• Those who qualify for accommodations should complete the required form with the academic dean’s office well in advance of testing. Parents must sign the form for students under 18.
• Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL or Duolingo. We recommend doing this before the school year begins. NMH does not administer either exam. If students take the TOEFL, they should do so during the summer before arriving at NMH. The Duolingo test can be done on a personal computer.
• 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.

SAT Subject Test	Math Course Equivalent
Math Level 1	Algebra II (only if you are not going to take Math Level 2)
Math Level 2	Precalculus or higher
Biology E/M	Advanced Biology
Chemistry	Advanced Chemistry
Physics	Advanced Physics 1 or higher
English	Advanced English (juniors should consult with their teachers)
US History	Advanced US History
Spanish	Spanish IV or higher
French	French IV or higher
Chinese	Chinese IV or higher
Latin	Latin IV or higher

It is helpful to use 10th-grade PSAT results or 11th-grade winter SAT and ACT results to help students analyze which test best suits them. When a student decides which test to concentrate on, they can prepare. Options include self-study, tutoring, online prep, and prep courses. NMH partners with Summit Test Prep to offer optional SAT and ACT preparation courses on campus in the fall and spring. 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. Here are are free online SAT preparation options:

SAT College Board
Khan Academy
ACT